Dry January is more than a trend. It’s a chance to reset our relationship with alcohol and protect our health.
We’re halfway through Dry January, and much of the media conversation has focused on the pressures facing pubs and the drinks industry. But this should not distract us from a wider truth: alcohol remains a major and growing public health issue in the UK.
Dry January isn’t about telling people what not to do. It’s about giving people space to pause, reflect and make informed choices. This year, around 17.5 million adults are expected to take part. That level of engagement shows a growing willingness to question how alcohol fits into our lives.
Alcohol-related deaths are now at record levels, and harm is not shared equally. People already facing inequality are most affected. Alcohol is linked to cancers, heart disease, liver disease, mental ill health, accidents and violence — yet public awareness of these risks remains low.
One of the least understood links is between alcohol and oral cancer. Alcohol is a major risk factor for cancers of the mouth, throat and oesophagus. When combined with smoking, the risk increases dramatically. Despite this, oral cancer is often missing from wider alcohol conversations, even though early detection can save lives.
Drink-driving provides another example of where evidence and perception diverge. Even at the current legal limit in England and Wales, the risk of a fatal collision increases several-fold. Thousands of drink-driving offences are recorded each year, with lasting consequences for individuals, families and communities. Policy measures that reduce alcohol harm protect everyone.
We are also seeing shifts in alcohol marketing. Zero-alcohol products are more visible, including in sport. These options may help some adults cut down, but research suggests that younger audiences don’t always recognise or understand the difference. Clear labelling and responsible marketing remain essential.
From February 2026, alcohol duty will rise with inflation. This is a welcome step after years of freezes. However, alcohol is still more affordable in real terms than it was a decade ago. Evidence shows that pricing and taxation reduce harm and help fund prevention, early diagnosis and treatment — including for oral cancer.
Dry January challenges the idea that alcohol must be part of every social moment or coping strategy. It normalises choosing not to drink, not as a punishment, but as a positive, informed decision. Evidence shows that even a short break can lead to longer-term benefits for sleep, mood, energy and overall health.
Some ask why one month matters. Behaviour change rarely happens overnight. It starts with intention, support and opportunity. Public health is not about blame. It is about creating environments where healthier choices are easier and better supported.
Policy conversations are beginning to catch up. Alcohol is increasingly discussed in relation to cancer risk, inequality and long-term health. Cultural moments like Dry January help push those conversations forward opening the door to earlier diagnosis and prevention.
Dry January should not be about guilt or virtue. It is a practical opportunity to reflect, reset and take control. Talking honestly about alcohol — including its link to oral cancer — helps people make choices that support healthier, longer lives.
What the Oral Health Foundation is calling for
To reduce alcohol-related harm and improve early detection of oral cancer, the Oral Health Foundation calls for:
- Clearer public information
Alcohol should be consistently recognised as a risk factor for oral cancer in public health messaging, alongside smoking. - Better early detection
Greater investment in awareness of oral cancer signs and symptoms, so people know when to seek help early. - Responsible marketing and labelling
Clear, unambiguous labelling of zero-alcohol products and stronger protections for children and young people. - Evidence-based alcohol policy
Pricing, taxation and availability policies that reflect the true cost of alcohol-related harm and fund prevention and treatment services. - Supportive, non-judgmental help
Accessible support for people who want to cut down or stop drinking — without stigma or shame.