Majority of Tipaton participants drink less alcohol in February as well

Maaret Väkinen

29.12.2025 - As many as 81 percent of those who took part in Tipaton January 2025 (an alcohol-free January) also drank less alcohol in February.

“Tipaton seems to continue for many people. 69 percent continued Tipaton in February as well, and 12 percent said they have been drinking less since January,” says Maaret Väkinen, communications specialist at Ehkäisevä päihdetyö EHYT ry.

A survey commissioned by EHYT ry and carried out by Verian shows that only 15 percent of those who had taken part in Tipaton had returned to their previous level of alcohol use afterwards.

In January 2025, Tipaton was observed by a total of 14 percent of citizens who use alcohol.

“Over the past two years, the share of people taking part in Tipaton January has been slightly higher than in the years before. We are still some way from our peak year in the measurement series, 2013, when as many as 18 percent of citizens who use alcohol took part in Tipaton,” Väkinen says.

The results may reflect a trend towards “curious sobriety” and lifestyle choices that emphasise health and wellbeing.

The results show that women took part in Tipaton slightly more eagerly than men.

“The popularity of Tipaton among men and women varies from year to year. Overall, gender does not play a major role in taking part in Tipaton,” Väkinen says.

Young adults aged 25 to 34 and people over 70 were particularly likely to have taken part. Tipaton is especially popular among moderate drinkers.

“Tipaton is a good opportunity to pause and think about why, and in which situations, I use alcohol. What do I need it for? What happens if I leave alcohol out in a situation where I usually drink? If a person has developed dependence or has problems with alcohol, Tipaton is not the solution. In that case, it is better to seek help, for example through healthcare.”

Health-related reasons were the single most important reason for starting Tipaton January. In January 2025, this was the reason for 26 percent of those who took part. During an alcohol-free month, blood pressure can decrease, sleep quality can improve, and weight may drop. Possible stomach problems or heartburn can ease, and mood can improve.

One in five participants said the reason was tradition, Tipaton January has become a tradition. Just as many said that saving money was a significant reason to spend January without alcohol.

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Survey data were collected in a respondent panel from 2 to 10 February 2025. The sample represents Finland’s population aged 18 and over, excluding those living in Åland. A total of 1,013 responses were collected.