Czechia gears up to get sober: 1 million expected to take Dry February challenge

About 1 million people in the Czech Republic are getting ready to participate in the annual Dry February campaign, which aims to promote a healthier lifestyle by abstaining from alcohol for a month. The campaign organizers, with cooperation from the Ministry of Health, announced their plans at a press conference Monday.

According to Health Minister Vlastimil Válek, the main goal of Dry February is to raise awareness about the dangers of alcohol and its impact on the human body. "Alcohol is a dangerous addictive substance that can lead to a variety of diseases, including cancer," Válek stated. "By reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption, individuals can significantly improve their overall health," the health minister added.

One of the organizers, Josef Petr, added that the campaign has had a positive impact in the past, with over half of participants reporting that they continue to drink less even after the month-long challenge ends. Last year, an estimated 900,000 people participated in Dry February, and organizers hope to reach even more individuals this year.

Organizers are offering various incentives to encourage participation. Benefits include online exercise programs, a monthly membership to a weight loss application, and free rides on shared bikes for those who support the campaign financially. 

Dry February offers a 29-day calendar of free teas upon registration, which costs CZK 490 and offers several benefits including exercises with fitness influencers. Alternatively, people can sign up for the dry online backpack (for CZK 290), which includes a smaller range of benefits.

According to data from the Czech Statistical Office, the average Czech citizen consumed 7.1 liters of vodka and 20.8 liters of wine in 2021 Beer consumption – famously the highest in the world per capita – however, saw a slight recent decrease with the average citizen consuming 135.4 liters in 2021. The Ministry of Health estimates that 1.5 million people in the Czech Republic engage in risky alcohol consumption.

The consequences of excessive alcohol consumption are not only detrimental to individual health but also to society and the economy. According to the Ministry of Health, the total cost of these consequences amounts to CZK 56 billion per year.