BALANCE , the North-East alcohol office, is challenging adults to start the New Year with a clear head by ditching booze for a month.

Alcohol Concern’s Dry January campaign, regionally partnered by Balance and backed by North-East local authorities, is calling on drinkers to quit alcohol in January.

Now in its third year, Dry January aims to get people thinking and talking about their relationship with alcohol by abstaining for a month. It’s hoped the experience will encourage people to adopt healthier lifestyles during the rest of the year.

People who have gone dry in previous Dry January campaigns have experienced a range of benefits including weight loss, sleeping better, saving money, and learning that they don’t need alcohol to enjoy themselves.

Nationally, more than 17,300 people signed up to take part during January this year – with around one in four coming from the North East.

Balance is now calling on people across the North-East to help the region achieve similar success during January 2015.

Colin Shevills, director of Balance, said: “Alcohol is linked to more than 60 medical conditions and diseases including liver disease, various cancers, stomach ulcers, raised blood pressure, stroke and dementia.

“It’s important to remember that most people who suffer alcohol-related health problems are not alcoholics or binge drinkers. They are people who have been drinking at or above the recommended limits on a daily or almost daily basis over a number of years.

Lucy Hovvels, Durham County Council’s cabinet member healthier communities, said: “Taking a break from drinking or reducing your intake is good for your long term health – but there are also immediate benefits such as feeling better in the mornings.”

To join up visit dryjanuary.org.uk