According to the most recent figures 7,327 people in the UK died as a direct result of their drinking in 2017. This is the equivalent of 20 people per day, and is an increase of 11% since 2006.
But this is only the tip of the iceberg.
If we include every death in which alcohol was a factor, the figure is closer to 24,000.
Despite the health challenges we are all currently facing, alcohol is the biggest risk factor for all early deaths among 15-49 year olds.
The risk is not just to those we tend to think of as dependent drinkers, sometimes referred to as 'alcoholics'. Those who end up on cancer, liver and stroke wards are often 'normal' heavy drinkers who might appear well on the outside but who have been unknowingly harming their bodies.
Behind each death is a personal tragedy, not least because every one of these deaths is avoidable.
Dry January is an initiative designed to encourage us to re-examine our relationship with alcohol. 72% of those who try Dry January are still drinking less riskily six months later (Ref: alcoholchange.org.uk)
Perhaps you might consider doing this as a charity fundraiser?
You can sign up here
