The Estonian National Institute for Health Development (TAI) and the Health Insurance Fund are once again inviting people to take part in the “Don’t Drink in September” initiative and take a month-long break from alcohol. The campaign message, “Put alcohol out of the picture,” encourages people to reflect on the role alcohol plays in their daily lives and notice what changes when they give it up for a while.
“An alcohol-free September is a good opportunity to take a break from our usual habits and notice what role alcohol actually plays in our daily lives. An evening glass of wine or cocktails with friends can become such an unnoticeable part of our routine that we no longer stop to think about why and how often we drink alcohol,” said Anneli Sammel, Head of the Department of Drugs and Addictions at the National Institute for Health Development.
She said that taking a longer break can help people recognise their drinking habits and find alternatives to alcohol. “You can relax and enjoy pleasurable activities without alcohol. Maybe this month is an opportunity to discover new activities,” Sammel added.
What can an alcohol-free month change?
Going alcohol-free for a month can help people notice changes in how they feel and in their daily lives. Giving up alcohol can improve sleep quality, helping people feel fresher in the morning and have more energy throughout the day. A period without alcohol can also support a better mood and mental well-being.
Alcohol is high in calories and is often accompanied by high-calorie snacks, so taking a break from alcohol can also help people maintain a healthy weight. Higher energy levels may, in turn, encourage people to move more and be physically active.
A month without alcohol can also have an impact on your wallet. Avoiding your usual alcohol purchases for a month can result in surprisingly significant savings.
However, the most important thing is not necessarily how many positive changes occur during the month. A break from alcohol gives people an opportunity to look more consciously at their habits: in which situations the desire to drink arises, what they are actually seeking in those situations, and whether the same need could be met in a different way.
Everyone is welcome to participate
Drinking alcohol is often an ingrained habit that can be easier to change with others. Invite your friends, loved ones or colleagues to join you! Last year, nearly 60,000 people gave up alcohol in September.
