Estonia’s National Institute for Health Development (TAI) and the Estonian Health Insurance Fund are once again inviting people to take part in the “No Alcohol in September” campaign and spend one month without alcohol. This year’s message, “Push alcohol out of the picture”, encourages people to reflect on the role alcohol plays in everyday life and to notice what changes when drinking is removed from the routine for a while.

According to TAI, an alcohol-free month can be a useful way to recognise habits that might otherwise go unnoticed. An evening glass of wine or drinks with friends can easily become part of a regular routine without much thought about why or how often alcohol is being consumed. Taking a longer break can make these patterns more visible and encourage people to explore other ways of relaxing, socialising and enjoying their free time.

A month without alcohol may also bring noticeable benefits to daily life. TAI highlights possible improvements in sleep quality, energy levels, mood and mental wellbeing, while avoiding the calories associated with alcoholic drinks may also support healthier weight management and greater motivation for physical activity. There can be financial benefits too, as money normally spent on alcohol can quickly add up over the course of a month.

The campaign is open to everyone, and organisers encourage people to involve friends, family members and colleagues, as changing established habits can be easier with support from others. Around 60,000 people in Estonia reportedly took part last year. More importantly, the campaign is an opportunity to ask when and why the desire to drink appears, what need alcohol is expected to fulfil, and whether that same need could be met in another way. More information, practical advice and support for an alcohol-free September are available through Estonia’s Alkoinfo public health information service.

Find more from Estonia’s National Institute for Health Development (Estonia, September 2026)