Dry July: Advice on giving up drinking and what alcohol does to your body

Dry July is here again, with Kiwis going alcohol-free for the month to raise money for people affected by cancer. If you’re one of them - or simply looking for inspiration to help change your relationship with drinking, these seven stories are a good place to start. Ten health benefits of giving up alcohol Alcohol increases your risk of developing cancer, heart disease and poor mental health – going dry will improve many aspects of your life.

The charity Drinkaware reported 49% of adults aged 16 or over drank alcohol at least one day a week in 2021. It might be a favoured national pastime, but the health benefits of cutting back both in the short and long term cannot be ignored. “Once you’ve made the decision to reduce your drinking or take a break, you’ve already taken the first step to a healthier lifestyle ,” charity chief executive Karen Tyrell said.

Here’s why...

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