Experts reveal the little-known hack that will ensure you stick to Dry January

Watching short clips on TikTok and Instagram can help you achieve your Dry January goals, according to experts.

Distracting your brain with interesting or entertaining content when you have the urge to drink booze is a psychological trick that eases the temptation.

It is believed around 200,000 people will take part in this year’s event, with participants giving up alcohol for the month of January in a bid to improve their health.

However, polls show that the average person who commits to this will be back to drinking by January 11.

According to Georgia Foster, a Melbourne therapist who runs the Drink Less Mind program, the key to sticking with it is to “trick your brain into thinking different thoughts.”

So when a thought arises about craving an alcoholic drink, encourage another drink by watching a funny video on social media or calling a friend, she suggested.

“In that nanosecond, it will take you away from the thought that you’re going to have a drink right away,” she said. Other experts agree.

Dr. Ryan Wade, an addiction specialist at Silver Hill Hospital in Connecticut, US, said spending quality time with loved ones is often an effective distraction from temptation.

“What often seems to be an effective ‘replacement’ when people are recovering is increasing social contact and connection with others,” says Dr. Wade.

“If you can focus your time and attention on communicating with others, the distraction can be quite effective and reduce the amount of wasted time that could lead to cravings,” he added.

Any form of physical activity can also serve as an effective distraction, experts say.

‘When we drink, our brains release dopamine, so we actually become addicted to the dopamine rather than the alcohol,’ says Ms Foster.

Therefore, another activity that provides a dopamine hit can help with quitting.

The body also releases dopamine in response to exercise, such as listening to music, going outside and meditating.

The NHS recommends that adults drink no more than 14 units per week – that’s 14 individual shots of spirits or six pints of beer or one and a half bottles of wine.

Sobering up can give you healthier skin, sleep better, and even help you lose some weight

Adopting a new exercise routine can serve as motivation to stick to other health-positive goals, such as going alcohol-free, the experts say.

Another important tip is to make sure you have an exit strategy, that is, a way to escape people or an environment that could lead you astray.

Whether that’s an excuse, a set time, or a route to get home, planning ahead can help you avoid difficult scenarios.

Dr. Wade recommends being strategic with your arrival and departure times, which can act as a “protective barrier.”

Arriving a little late can allow you to slip in unnoticed without a drink in your hand, while having a cut-off time can help with leaving an event if alcohol consumption increases, he said.

Dr. Wade said: “The temptation may be greater and you want to avoid potentially awkward situations with those who want you to join the party. Leaving before this phase will help you stay sober.”

Additionally, planning a schedule for how the night will go can act as a “support system” and as a “buffer against temptation,” Dr. Wade said.

Overall, the approach can help “reduce the temptation and potential triggers associated with alcohol consumption at social events,” he added.

It may sound obvious, but not having alcohol in the house will create a physical barrier to accessing it, making it easier to abstain for a month.

Dr. Ryan Wade, an addiction specialist at Silver Hill Hospital in Connecticut, US, previously told MailOnline: ‘If you have to drive to a shop to buy alcohol, this will give you time to reconsider your decision and stay committed to your sobriety goals.

‘Also take your social environment into account outside your home.’

When attending social events where exposure to drinking and smoking is likely, it is best to stay with someone who supports your goals.

He said: ‘If you plan to attend a social event where alcohol is present or people are smoking cigarettes or vaping nicotine, it may be helpful to have a friend with you who will maintain a similar level of sobriety.

‘Staying with them at a social gathering can help alleviate the pressure of feeling like you have to go to the bar.’

Experiments have found a range of potential health benefits that come from giving up alcohol for just one month.

These include lowering blood pressure, reducing the risk of cancer and losing half a stone, according to a 2018 study.