Expert reveals one little-known hack to help you get through Dry January

An expert has revealed a pretty unusual hack to help fight off alcohol cravings during Dry January.

After spending the last month of the year indulging a little too much over the Christmas holidays Brits up-and-down the country embark on a month of sobriety in order to give themselves a much needed reset for the new year - and also save some money, too.

Kickstarted by charity Alcohol Change in 2013, Dry January has since become a global movement with recent surveys forecasting that as many as 8.5 million Brits could ditch the booze in the first month of the year.

However, completing Dry January is much easier said than done, with many Brits falling foul to temptation throughout the month.

So if you've got plans to start this year, an expert has issued some advice on how to beat your post-festive cravings.

Your Christmas look like this? If so, it's not too late to jump on the Dry January trend (Getty Stock Images)

How to beat the Dry January cravings

According to research shared by Marie Claire, most people fall off the Dry January wagon after about two weeks, with 16 January being a particularly difficult day. Meanwhile, others will cave in the first week, which means that if you're reading this you may already be thinking about caving.

So, what can you do to starve off cravings for your favourite tipple?

We're all aware of the usual advice such as exercise, mindfulness, working out how much money you're saving and spending time with friends away from the pub - but what about reaching for social media every time you feel a craving?

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If you were to ask one expert, this is exactly what you should do.

Georgia Foster, an Australian therapist who runs The Drink Less Mind programme, the best way to get over a craving is to 'trick' your brain 'into thinking other thoughts'.

Using the example of TikTok videos and Instagram reels, Foster explained this can help refocus your mind away from drinking.

The Dry January campaign has taken off since its inception back in 2013 (Getty Stock Images)

"In that nanosecond it will shift you away from that instant go-to thought to have a drink," she told MailOnline.

So there you go, finally a piece of advice telling you to pick up your phone instead of putting it down.

But what about people who are hoping to spend less time doomscrolling this year? Foster believes that most people who are craving a drink are actually missing the dopamine release caused by consuming alcohol and should look for other ways to get the same outcome.

"When we drink our brains release dopamine, so we are actually getting hooked on the dopamine rather than the alcohol," she added.

Activities which can trigger a dopamine release include exercise, meditation as well as activities considered fun or pleasurable.

The best booze alternatives to try now

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Best for IPA fans: BERO Variety Pack, £27 (approx)

Tom Holland’s new sober drinks range is a pretty good place to start. The variety pack comes with three booze-free tinnies: Kingston Golden Pils, Edge Hill Hazy IPA, and Noon Wheat. It’s gone down a treat with customers too - just take a look at the five-star reviews if you need convincing.

Best imitation stout: Guinness Zero, £2.83 per can

Guinness fans say this is the closest you’ll get to the real deal - and production of Guinness Zero tripled last year, so you’ll be in good company here.

Best ice-cold lager: Peroni, £4.60 per case

Of course, there was only one place to look. Peroni 0.0% claims to have the flavour of the renowned lager without the booze. It’s only £4.60 for a case, so you’re saving pennies too.

Best IPA variety pack: Lucky Saint, £22 (12 pack)

One of the best non-alcoholic beer brands on the market, Lucky Saint proudly uses centuries-old techniques to create modern beers that give maximum flavour (without the hangover). This pack comes with everything you need to survive Dry Jan: a new Superior Hazy IPA and Superior Unfiltered Lager.

Best real-tasting G&T: Tanqueray Alcohol Free Spirit, £15.90

If your go-to order is a good old G&T, then look no further than Tanqueray. Fans recommend mixing with a mediterranean tonic for best results.

Best booze-free cider: Galipette Brut Dry Cider, £30 per litre

If it’s cider you’re after, then Galipette has hundreds of five-star reviews. One shopper raved: “Wow. This is now my number one alcohol-free cider. I love the balance of sharpness and sweetness which, for me, is spot on.” Sold.

Most impressive rum: Caleño Dark and Spicy, £19

The best alternative to spiced rum? Caleño Dark and Spicy. Crafted from tropical pineapple, fiery ginger, and zesty limes, it’s a punchy flavour that feels like summer.

Please drink responsibly. If you want to discuss any issues relating to alcohol in confidence, contact Drinkline on 0300 123 1110, 9am–8pm weekdays and 11am–4pm weekends for advice and support.