For more than two decades, the Slovenian campaign “40 days without alcohol” has invited people to pause during the Lent period and reflect on the role alcohol plays in their lives. The 2026 campaign runs from 18 February to 4 April under the message “Korak k človeku” (A step towards people). The idea is simple but powerful. By giving up alcohol for forty days, participants express solidarity with those whose lives are affected by alcohol related harm.

The initiative is built on a striking reality in Slovenia. Alcohol is the most widely used drug in the country, and its effects reach far beyond the individual drinker. According to campaign organisers, every fourth family in Slovenia is affected by alcohol related problems. The campaign therefore encourages people not only to reconsider their own drinking habits, but also to acknowledge the wider social consequences, including violence, health problems and traffic injuries linked to alcohol.

Another concern highlighted by the organisers is how early many young people encounter alcohol. Increasing numbers of children and adolescents come into contact with alcohol before the age of 13, often with permission from parents or within the family environment. Drinking at such an early age can harm both physical and mental development and increases the risk of addiction later in life.

The campaign is coordinated by Slovenska Karitas, together with partners including the National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ), Med.Over.Net, and the Slovenian Traffic Safety Agency. It is supported by a wide range of organisations, health experts and public figures. Through this collective effort, “40 days without alcohol” aims to show that even a symbolic break from alcohol can spark reflection, reduce social pressure to drink, and remind people that change is possible, both individually and as a society.

Find more from 40 dni brez alkohola (Slovenia, March 2026)