3.5 million Brits having a 'dry January'

Around 3.5 million Brits have made a resolution to give up alcohol for the whole of January 2013, according to research by thinkmoney.

Around 2 million more people, however, have decided that they will give up alcohol for at least part of January - but perhaps not for the whole month.

Men seem nearly twice as determined to have a completely sober month than women, as 9% say they will last for the whole of January (compared with 5% of women).

This 'mini' New Year's resolution is most popular among the young, as 14% of 18-34 year-olds plan to quit boozing for the first month of the year at the very least. They're over twice as likely as 35-54 year-olds (6%) and seven times more likely than the over-55s (2%) to want to do this.

Of those determined to make it through the whole of January without drinking, 75% are confident they'll achieve their goal.

Ian Williams of thinkmoney said: "It can be difficult to keep a resolution for a whole year - which is perhaps why many are turning to shorter, 'mini' resolutions like dry January.

"Stopping drinking for a month can give you a good idea of how it might make you feel - as well as how much money you could save in the longer term.

"For example, the recommended maximum alcohol intake for men is 21units (about 10 pints) per week. So if you usually drink an average of ten pints per week in your local pub at £3.00 per pint you could save around £30 per week - or £130 in the whole of January.

"Once you've freed up this extra money in your budget, you could start saving it. If you manage to keep it up for a year you could have enough for the holiday of your dreams - or a substantial emergency savings pot.

"Of course, many will welcome a tipple come February - but it is a good example of how cutting down in certain areas can really make a difference to your budget in the long run."