I've reached the final straight of my Dry January challenge.

There's just six alcohol-free days to go — and to be honest, the month has gone by faster than I expected!

One question I'm being asked a lot at this stage is 'do you feel different?'.

And I have to be honest — I don't. I'm attributing that to the fact that I'm not a heavy, everyday drinker normally, so my body hasn't had that much of a shock going cold turkey for 26 days.

The main result of my booze-free start to the year has been a switch from socialising to hibernating. My weekends have involved some nice home cooking and a film, instead of a cocktails with the girls or a few rounds in the pub with friends.

Luckily, as everyone's a bit skint and reluctant to venture out in the rubbish weather, I'm not missing many social events and have some fun lined up for February instead.

And my boyfriend and I, instead of enjoying a nice bottle of Merlot on a Saturday night in, have been sampling the somewhat limited range of alcohol-free beers on offer in supermarkets, out of pure curiosity.

Erdinger's alcohol-free offering is great, as are Bavaria's booze-free beers, but my favourite has to be Brewdog's 'Nanny State' — the closest in taste to a proper pint in my opinion.

Now I've reached the final week, and as well as harassing friends and family to donate to my JustGiving page, to help me raise money for charity Alcohol Concern, I've been thinking about if going dry for a month will change my future drinking habits.

One thing I have realised is that Monday-Thursday, I'm not that fussed about a beer or a glass of wine. A nice cuppa will do just fine.

Weekends are obviously a different matter — but having tried new things this month (like the ice hockey match), I'd be happy to be the designated driver for weekend pursuits further afield in future.

But I have to admit, I'm looking forward to a beer or two on Sunday.

We've made plans to try a new Cameron's pub in Leeds (as the brewery is based in my boyfriend's hometown of Hartlepool) before staying up to watch the Superbowl with pizza and a few beers (in the proper American tradition, you understand).

We've also got a brew-your-own-ale kit received as a Christmas present on the go so no doubt we'll sample some of our own creation too.

While it's been a personal journey too, my Dry January challenge is a charity endeavour — and any support you can lend is much appreciated.

To donate to Alcohol Concern, visit my my JustGiving page. Thanks!