HEART Research UK is encouraging residents who started the Dry January challenge to stick with it.
The charity says that drinking too much alcohol can lead to increased blood pressure, some types of cancer and weight gain.
It says that the first step to making a change is knowing your numbers. It is recommended to drink less than 14 units of alcohol per week — the equivalent to approximately seven medium glasses of wine, or six pints of regular strength beer.
Its second tip is to find alternatives to your usual tipple, such as alcohol-free beer or soft drinks.
In recent years, companies have launched alcohol-free spirits to replace gin and whisky.
Heart Research UK says replacing habits can also help people stay dry this month, such as distracting yourself with another activity at the time when you would usually drink.
This could include going for a short walk or catching up with a friend, the charity says.
Anyone that isn’t doing Dry January but is still interested in decreasing their alcohol consumption could try having a soft drink for every other drink, or adding one or more alcohol-free days to the week, the charity says.
Other suggestions include opting for lower strength drinks such as a single spirit mixer instead of a glass of wine. This has around half of the units and calories.
For more tips on how to stay healthy, visit: www.heartresearch.org.uk/healthy-tips
