Slovenia has kicked off the 21st edition of its nationwide ‘40 Days without Alcohol’ campaign, inviting citizens across the country to take part in a collective pause from February 18 to April 4, 2026, and reflect on the role of alcohol in their lives.

Led by Caritas Slovenia alongside partners such as the Ministry of Health and the National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ), the campaign under the slogan “Step toward the human” continues to challenge one of the country’s most deeply rooted social habits.

This year’s ambassador is Dr. David Zupancic, and while the message remains familiar, the urgency has not diminished. Alcohol remains one of Slovenia’s biggest public health challenges, contributing to disease, premature death, broken relationships and long-term social costs.

For Caritas Slovenia, a Catholic charity organisation, which initiated the campaign more than two decades ago, the motivation has always been grounded in everyday reality.

“Excessive alcohol use in Slovenia is a problem for all of us because it affects everyone and brings harmful consequences. But we have many better choices,” Caritas Slovenia told bne IntelliNews in a written statement.

“Sadly, even today, on average every fourth family or household faces serious problems because of alcohol.”

Solidarity, not judgement

Unlike campaigns that focus solely on individual responsibility, 40 Days without Alcohol deliberately speaks to society as a whole. Caritas stresses that the initiative is not only for people with addiction problems, but also for those who drink occasionally or consider their consumption moderate.

“We invite everyone to show solidarity with those who suffer because of alcohol. Most of all, we want society to speak openly about this problem and about the suffering caused by alcohol, and to choose better options,” the organisation said.

Caritas’ work places it in daily contact with families affected by alcohol dependency — whether the person drinking is the one seeking help, or someone close to them.

“Many of the people who receive our help struggle with alcohol addiction, either themselves or someone in their family. Because of this, we wanted to do more,” Caritas said, adding that the campaign also aims to reach people who may be developing a dependency and have not yet recognised it.

Alcohol’s heavy toll in Slovenia

The broader context underscores why the campaign remains necessary. According to NIJZ, adults in Slovenia consume an average of 10.4 litres of pure alcohol per year, while 44% of people aged 18 to 74 drink at risky or harmful levels. Alcohol is linked to more than 200 diseases, injuries and poisonings, and there is no scientifically established safe level of consumption.

“In Slovenia in 2024, there were 842 deaths directly caused by alcohol (from traffic accidents, work accidents, health problems, suicides, and other causes). This means that on average 2.3 people died every day because of alcohol,” the organisation said.

Alcohol also plays a major role in road safety. Caritas Slovenia said that, according to data from the police, 93 people were killed in road accidents in Slovenia in 2025, with alcohol identified as one of the leading causes of the most serious crashes.

Drivers under the influence were responsible for 1,538 traffic accidents during the year. Drivers under the influence of alcohol were responsible for 15.76% of all fatal road crashes. When including accidents resulting in serious injuries, alcohol was a factor in 28.4% of the most severe traffic incidents.

Children and adolescents are especially vulnerable. Brain development continues until around the age of 25, yet alcohol exposure starts early. According to the 2024 HBSC survey, more than 20% of 11-year-olds and 46% of 13-year-olds in Slovenia have already consumed alcohol, the Ministry of Health said in a statement at the launch of the campaign.

Relationships at the centre of the 2026 message

What sets this year’s campaign apart is its focus on interpersonal relationships. Caritas Slovenia says relationships can either deepen vulnerability or provide protection — depending on whether they are marked by absence or connection.

“Relationships can be a risk factor when connections are absent or weakened, but they can also be a powerful source of strength and support when they provide safety and connection,” the organisation said.

“This is why this year’s campaign slogan is ‘Step toward the human’.”

The message encourages people to slow down, choose presence over routine drinking, and rediscover connection without alcohol acting as a social crutch.

By abstaining for a limited time, participants are also sending a broader signal. As Caritas explains, the decision “sends a message that there is too much alcohol at social events, in our communities and in our families — and that change is possible.”

Lived experience behind the message

Personal testimonies remain a central part of the campaign. One supporter from Drustvo UP described sobriety as an ongoing commitment rather than a final achievement.

“Almost five years have passed since I drank my last glass… I managed to get this far, but the real journey is only now opening,” he said, according to Caritas Slovenia's statement.

“There is only the journey and the daily decision to choose the sober path — for myself, for my loved ones, for my dreams, and for a better life.”

A participant in the Vrtnica programme at Karitas Samarijan echoed the long-term nature of change.

“I realized that I am the only one responsible for my actions and decisions. I can express and control my emotions much better now,” he said.

“My relationships with my loved ones have improved because I am more present and understanding… life without alcohol is worth the effort.”

After 21 years, 40 Days without Alcohol is no longer just a seasonal challenge. For Caritas Slovenia, it remains a call for openness, cooperation and shared responsibility.

“Our goal is also to connect government institutions, non-government organisations and civil society,” the organisation said. “If we deal with this problem separately and not as a whole, we always find excuses and say it is someone else’s problem.”