'Bring on the gin' - Gazette readers share their views on health impact of Dry January

In our daily Facebook poll, we asked Gazette readers who had taken part in Dry January if they felt the initiative had made much of a difference to their health.

More than 340 people took part in the vote, with 86% answering no.

On social media, some readers shared their experiences of taking part in Dry January.

Others questioned the value of the initiative and whether or not there was a better alternative to the challenge.

Here is how you reacted on our social media pages:

Valerie Payne: “Pleased it's February 1, bring on the gin!”

Tony Shaw: “If you struggle going without a drink you are an addict. Just happen to be addicted to a substance that the Government can tax.”

Tony Isles: “Worst time of year anyway for pubs. Drink-free days are a better alternative than dry months.”

Trevor Parkin: “Has to my pocket.”

Gary Dunmore: “Being sober for all of January, the darkest, most depressing month of the year, is enough to drive people to alcoholism in February.”

Julie Ann Sparrow: “I have tried many times over the years and finally achieved it. I didn't drink excessively but I do feel like most people I over indulged at Christmas so what better time for a detox.”

Graham Longfils: “For most of us, it is entirely irrelevant to our well being. For some it may be an important action to take.”