The big changes you're experiencing after completing one week of Dry January

If you're someone who has committed yourself to completing Dry January, give yourself a pat on the back - as the first week is over and done with.

Millions of people have vowed to knock boozing on the head for the first month of the year, and you never know, your hiatus might last even longer than that.

That's the beauty of the annual challenge - it's a chance to revaluate your relationship with alcohol while reaping the benefits of a sober lifestyle.

But as we all know, giving up our vices can be a lot harder than it seemed in our heads.

Even if you don't overindulge in alcohol on a regular basis, abstaining from a glass of wine with your meal or bypassing a beer with the lads for 31 days is tough.

A lot of people reckon the early stages of Dry January are the most difficult, as you might experience some withdrawal symptoms as your body detoxes.

They'll be none of this (Getty stock photo)

So, after the first seven days of Dry Jan, what changes might you see?

According to Alcohol Change UK - the charity behind the Dry January drive - in the first 24 hours, your body would have already been working to eliminate any alcohol from your system.

So, all the remaining liquor lingering in your insides has been flushed out already...but you probably wouldn't have felt any better for it after day one.

In the following few days, Dry Jan participants might have felt a bit under the weather - but don't worry if you're still in the throes of this, as it won't last for too long.

"Dopamine, a mood-enhancing chemical produced in the brain, is still depleted and your body is replacing glycogen and minerals," Alcohol Change UK explained.

"If you’re feeling sluggish and low, and find yourself snapping at everyone, just remember that this will only last a few days at most and the good stuff is just around the corner."

Still, we know it can be hard to keep a smile on your face when you know you can't reward yourself with a stiff drink at the end of a long day.

As well as this, you might have also faced a battle in the bedroom - and not the good kind.

You will soon be reaping all the benefits of going sober now the hard part is out of the way (Getty Stock Photo)

A lot of people experience some trouble while trying to get to sleep after giving up booze, as you can no longer rely on the 'soporific effect' of the hard stuff to knock us out.

The charity recommends maintaining a good sleep hygiene routine, sticking to the same bedtime and going screen-free for an hour before bed to help you nod off if you're struggling.

You could also try milky drinks, warm baths, soothing music or a spot of reading to help you fall asleep.

The good news is, after you've finally got over this lull, you should be feeling a lot better by the end of the first week of Dry January.

"All of your body’s systems are back to their usual working levels," Alcohol Change UK continued. "You may find that you have more energy and better concentration.

"Even if you toss and turn a bit at first, when you do drop off you’ll get better-quality sleep and probably wake feeling more refreshed the next day.

"You may notice that you’re not getting up for the 3.00am wee, too, which is a nice bonus."

Some people experience very vivid dreams at this point in the challenge, which the charity thinks could be down to you getting more rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.

After drinking alcohol, REM sleep - which is the stage where we dream - is suppressed, so we typically still feel extremely tired the next day on top of a raging hangover.

But this soon sorts itself out after a few days off the booze.

So, keep your chin up - there is just another 24 days to go.

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.