Initiatives such as Dry January and Damp January are growing in popularity, with millions of people reportedly taking part across Europe.
The decision of the French Minister of Health to give up alcohol in January raised eyebrows among some French people, Europe’s leading wine producer with 48 million hectoliters.
Nevertheless, 17 million people in France, or one in four, plan to abstain from drinking this month, according to alcohol-free winemaker Chavin.
In neighboring Belgium, it is almost the same rate, 23%, who declared having participated in Dry January in 2023, according to a study carried out by Eurocare.
In Germany, Europe’s leading beer producer, only 13% took up the challenge in 2024, while the abandonment rate was 52%, according to a CGA/Nielsen report.
The same research institute estimates that 22% of Italians planned to stop drinking completely last year, and 40% pledged to reduce their alcohol consumption.
In the UK, where Dry January was launched, 15.5 million people, or 22.7% of the population, aim to give up alcohol by January 2025.
The organization told L’Observatoire de l’Europe that participation in the challenge spans 184 countries in 2024, with Europe accounting for 33% of registrations.
The success of Dry January has sparked other sobriety initiatives, like Damp January, which aim to develop a healthier relationship with alcohol by promoting moderation rather than strict abstinence.
This is aimed more at people with alcohol use disorders, as heavy drinkers may suffer withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly stop all alcohol consumption.
