THE Dry January Challenge - a chance to take stock, mentally and physically reset and start anew by abstaining from alcohol for an entire month.
Started in 2013 by Alcohol Change UK’s Emily Robinson, the first year of the national awareness month saw just 4,000 people take part.
By 2023, however, more than 175,000 people were opting to give up the booze in the days after Christmas, eager to benefit from a healthier lifestyle.
Now in its 11th year, even more drinkers are expected to go alcohol-free for 31 days this month - including those in Colchester and the surrounding areas.
Brightlingsea resident Anita Marsh, for example, is participating Dry January because she believes cutting out alcohol can be beneficial for women going through menopause.
READ MORE: Teetotal bar owner says he is 'all for' Dry January but admits it does impact trade
READ MORE: Colchester bar boss urges venues to 'think' more about non-alcoholic alternatives
She said: “I am at a perimenopause stage and alcohol has a big impact on hormones and can agitate your mood.
“I will look at alternative alcohol-free drinks.
“I am an ambassador licensed Menopause Champion and run events and work with people at different stages of their menopause journey.
“Dry January is great to help with hormone symptoms.”
Joni Thompson, clinical and business development director, at Open Road, a drug and alcohol recovery support charity in Colchester, has also highlighted some of the benefits of taking up the challenge.
She said: "Open Road is promoting Dry January.
"31 days without alcohol has amazing health benefits, encompassing both physical and mental well-being.
"Benefits range from reduced blood pressure to a better night’s sleep. It can also help your bank balance too; research has shown that 88 per cent of people will make save money by taking park.
"It is the ideal opportunity for you to undertake some self-care and have a total mind and body reset, what a great way to start the New Year."
The Victoria Inn, in North Station Road, Colchester, is a well-known pub within the city and has long been used to pulling pints only infused with booze.
In recent years, however, the watering hole has adopted a plethora of alcohol-free options - all of which will be available to punters taking part in Dry January.
Landlord Richard Taylor: "Gone are the days when Becks Blue and Kaliber were the only non-alcoholic options in the pub.
"There are various styles available for those who choose to take part in Dry January or just like to be a little more healthy.
"With breweries like Mash Gang, Big Drop, Lucky Saint, & Brulo all producing great beers, and with a wide range of non-alcoholic spirits & wines available on the market, the choices are almost endless.
"During the pandemic, the hospitality sector was hit the hardest, so getting back to normal has been a tough challenge for some pubs, which is why people should still support pubs at the most quiet times of the year.
"Having a good non-alcoholic range means people can still go to pubs/restaurants and see their friends, support local businesses & be part of that community.
"Good luck to all taking part in Dry January, and remember to ask your local pub what they have to offer in the non-alcoholic department."
Dee Johnson, a psychotherapist and senior addiction therapist at Priory Hospital, in Chelmsford, has also discussed how regular breaks between drinking can be healthy.
She said: "In my experience, people tend not to think honestly about their relationship with alcohol until it’s actually problematic.
"So I always encourage this break in drinking habits as a welcome opportunity to take stock, with a clear head.
"It can really help if you do this with friends or your partner too.
"Think of Dry January as something of a collective, self-exploratory project."
Tristan Clarke is the co-owner of Coda, in High Street, having opened the entertainment bar alongside Ollie Ward back in December 2018.
Tristan says the annual event doesn't help the bar industry, not least given it takes place during an already quiet month, meaning there is an increased chance of loss of sales.
However, he has stressed Dry January can be a really helpful experience for many drinkers looking to cut-back or give up entirely.
The teetotal bar owner said: "Sales are definitely impacted by it, however it’s a brilliant initiative to get people to take it easy, or even go completely sober.
"We love what we do at Coda, we see it more as a music venue than a bar, but it’s no secret that we survive on alcohol sales.
"The profit margins for selling soft drinks isn’t a sustainable model sadly but that’s where alcohol free alternatives come in.
"We sell three different types of alcohol free beer and a alcohol free cider.
"The feeling of not waking up hungover and dehydrated and not losing a day of productivity due to the after effects is well worth the potentially slightly less exciting night at the pub.
"So yes, I’m all for Dry January, I encourage everyone to challenge themselves this coming month."
Katie Hailes, the general manager of Three Wise Monkeys, in High Street, claims January is a month where customers “need some rest bite” after the festive period.
Katie said: “Many Dry January participants still want to socialise with others and have a good time, so pubs and venues should think about providing a range of alternatives, like non-alcoholic beer to support people in achieving their goals.
“We will be offering a draught non-alcoholic beer, different craft beer cans and bottles. As well as some non-alcoholic cocktails.
“You’ll find a number of our own staff participate in Dry January as well.
"We see the demand to offer non-alcoholic options all year round now for our customers and that it’s not just for January.
“What we offer here at Three Wise Monkeys is not just a pub but an experience for all our customers and the community.”
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