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Initiatives such as Dry January and Damp January gain increasing popularity, with millions of people said to be taking part across Europe.
The decision of France’s health minister to go alcohol-free in January has raised a few eyebrows in the country, the biggest wine producer in Europe with 48 million hectolitres.Nonetheless, 17 million people in France, or one in four, are planning to abstain from drinking this month, according to alcohol-free winemaker Chavin. In neighbouring Belgium, almost the same rate, 23%, said they participated in Dry January in 2023, according research conducted by Eurocare.In Germany, Europe’s leading beer producer, only 13% took up the challenge in 2024, while there was a 52% drop-out rate, showed a CGA/Nielsen report.The same research institute estimated that 22% of Italians planned to stop drinking altogether last year, with 40% pledging to cut alcohol consumption.In the UK, where Dry January was launched, 15.5 million people, or 22.7% of the population, aim to ditch booze in January 2025.The organisation told Euronews that participation in the challenge spanned 184 countries in 2024, with Europe accounting for 33% of signups.The success of Dry January has sparked other sobriety initiatives, such as Damp January, whose aim is to develop a healthier relationship with alcohol by promoting moderation instead of strict abstinence.This is more targeted towards people with actual alcohol disorders, as heavy drinkers might suffer withdrawal symptoms if they stop all alcohol intake abruptly.Video editor • Mert Can Yilmaz
