Figures released today by Public Health England to coincide with 'Booze Black Friday' reveal that 40 per cent of Brits who drink more than usual over Christmas feel in need of a break from alcohol.

'Booze Black Friday' is the biggest drinking day of the year, with more alcohol set to be sold tonight than on any other night. But despite feeling ready for a break, social pressures mean many will continue to drink:

• More than half of people drink alcohol over the Christmas period even when they don’t necessarily want to
• Of those who drink more than they usually do over the festive season, 27 per cent feel guilty for drinking more
• Nearly a third feel run down as a result of drinking.

PHE and Alcohol Concern are encouraging people to take a break from drinking and participate in the Dry January campaign. Research has shown that 67 per cent of participants had sustained reduced levels of drinking six months after completing Dry January.

Dr Yvonne Doyle, London regional director of Public Health England, said: “The festive period often sees people drinking much more than usual, which as well as being damaging to our health also sees the NHS and police dealing with more drinking-related accidents and emergencies. It’s not surprising that many of us feel ready to take a break from alcohol. A period of abstinence could help encourage less harmful, better drinking habits in the long term 

Doctor Chris van Tulleken, who has previously taken part in an experiment that demonstrated the detrimental effect of drinking on the body, said: “Taking a month off alcohol is one of the easiest and most effective things you can do for your health in January, it also gives you a real sense of achievement and on top of all that can save you money too.”

People can sign up for Dry January and register for tips and tools to make the most of the month via the Dry January website.