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Too cheap to ignore – WHO helps countries reduce alcohol harm through taxation and pricing policies
In many European countries, alcohol has become increasingly affordable, contributing to high consumption and significant health harms. WHO/Europe has released a report and toolkit to help governments use taxation and pricing policies to reduce alcohol-related harm. With clear evidence showing that even small tax increases can save lives and raise revenues, the tools offer practical guidance for action.
Nordic Alcohol and Drug Policy Network
13 minutes ago5 min read
2 views


MHF demands an end to driving license revocation for high PEth values – calls for mandatory alcohol interlocks
MHF demands an end to driving license revocation for addiction, advocating for prescribed alcohol interlocks instead. They argue this improves road safety, as revoking licenses for those with alcohol abuse often leads to continued unlicensed driving. MHF urges the Swedish Transport Agency and doctors to be able to prescribe interlocks, citing research and a potential EU directive change supporting this for individuals with alcohol dependence if an interlock is used.
Nordic Alcohol and Drug Policy Network
2 days ago3 min read
8 views


Regional overview: intoxicated adults with children on Norway’s national day
A new survey by Ipsos for Av-og-til shows that 4 in 10 Norwegians have seen intoxicated adults with children on May 17 in the past two years. The findings vary across counties, with Oslo at 50%. Av-og-til urges adults to be mindful of their alcohol use on Norway’s national day, which should remain a joyful celebration for children.
Nordic Alcohol and Drug Policy Network
6 days ago1 min read
16 views


Rising trend in Norway: More patients with cocaine addiction
New data from Blå Kors shows a sharp rise in cocaine use among patients, increasing from 28% in 2022 to 37% in 2024. One in four Norwegian youths now consider cocaine as common as alcohol at parties. Blå Kors warns that combining cocaine with alcohol can be highly dangerous and lead to serious health risks.
Nordic Alcohol and Drug Policy Network
7 days ago2 min read
9 views


Mental Health Policy Advisory Board: Mental health impacts of changes to alcohol and gambling monopolies must be assessed
The Finnish Mental Health Policy Advisory Board urges the government to assess the mental health impacts of proposed changes to alcohol and gambling laws. With regulation being eased and harm risks increasing, the board stresses the need for prevention, support services, and earmarked funding to address rising challenges, especially among youth.
Nordic Alcohol and Drug Policy Network
May 122 min read
16 views


IOGT-NTO welcomes lobby register proposal – but warns of loopholes
IOGT-NTO welcomes the proposal for a Swedish lobby register as a step toward greater transparency but warns it risks being ineffective if key meetings are excluded. “Citizens have the right to know who influences our decisions,” says president Lucas Nilsson.
Nordic Alcohol and Drug Policy Network
May 82 min read
11 views


Drug prices in Sweden mapped in new report
Sweden’s new report on drug prices shows that despite global disruptions since 2020, street and wholesale prices for drugs have not increased. Adjusted for inflation, prices have actually declined, indicating high availability and a resilient drug market.
Nordic Alcohol and Drug Policy Network
May 62 min read
7 views


A new opportunity for families with babies through addiction rehabilitation
The Finnish *Pidä kiinni®* treatment model helps parents with substance use disorders and their babies build safer, healthier lives together. A nationwide study shows it improves parent-child interaction and family well-being. Despite proven effectiveness and major societal savings, the program lost state funding in 2025, putting its future at risk.
Nordic Alcohol and Drug Policy Network
May 52 min read
10 views


EHYT: Health taxes increase, but funding cuts threaten public health work
The Finnish government’s mid-term budget increases alcohol and nicotine taxes but imposes severe funding cuts to health organizations. EHYT warns this jeopardizes critical public health and substance abuse prevention, urging targeted investment from tax revenues to protect vulnerable communities.
Nordic Alcohol and Drug Policy Network
Apr 253 min read
15 views


IOGT-NTO: Vote No to farm sales to protect public health
IOGT-NTO urges a no-vote on farm sales of alcohol to protect public health. Introducing farm sales would gamble with people's lives and health, undermining Sweden's strongest protection against alcohol's harmful effects. Systembolaget saves 1,500 lives annually by limiting availability and profit interests.
Nordic Alcohol and Drug Policy Network
Apr 221 min read
24 views


A new Finnish report assesses expanding wine sales beyond Alko's monopoly
A Finnish government report evaluates expanding wine sales beyond Alko’s monopoly, outlining benefits such as consumer choice and risks including increased alcohol harms. Alko emphasizes maintaining the Nordic retail model, citing significant public health impacts and broad public support for its current system.
Lauri Beekmann
Apr 162 min read
93 views


Part II of the Norway government’s prevention and treatment reform in the drug policy field
On April 10, the Norwegian government presented Part II of its prevention and treatment reform in the field of drug policy. The proposed legislation addresses the criminal and procedural aspects of the reform, aiming to ensure that individuals with serious and long-term drug problems are not punished for their illness. At the same time, the government maintains that drug use should remain illegal to prevent initiation, particularly among youth.
Nordic Alcohol and Drug Policy Network
Apr 156 min read
31 views


Risky drinking among young men has halved in 20 years
Risky drinking among young men in Sweden has halved in 20 years, while it’s rising among those over 45—especially older women.
Nordic Alcohol and Drug Policy Network
Apr 103 min read
26 views


Alcohol-related harm in children may be underestimated
Signs of alcohol harm found in 1 in 20 children in Swedish pilot study—suggesting fetal exposure may be more common than assumed.
Nordic Alcohol and Drug Policy Network
Apr 82 min read
14 views


EHYT's corrective package for the government’s mid-term review: four observations on Prime Minister Orpo’s substance use and gambling policy
EHYT urges the Finnish government to rethink substance and gambling policy: more prevention, less availability, and fairer taxation.
Nordic Alcohol and Drug Policy Network
Apr 25 min read
23 views


New figures from TUBA: Addiction runs in families
Addiction runs in families—47% of TUBA’s young clients also have grandparents with alcohol problems. Prevention is key.
Nordic Alcohol and Drug Policy Network
Mar 313 min read
20 views


Survey: Finns believe home delivery of alcohol threatens the wellbeing of children and families
63% of Finns say alcohol home delivery harms children and families—most oppose plans to increase alcohol availability.
Nordic Alcohol and Drug Policy Network
Mar 253 min read
25 views


New age limits for alcohol sales to 16-17-year-olds in Denmark: Enters into force on 1 April 2025
From 1 April 2025, drinks over 6% alcohol can no longer be sold to under-18s in Denmark. New age limits and fines apply.
Nordic Alcohol and Drug Policy Network
Mar 242 min read
270 views


Finland: Assessment highlights impacts of expanding wine sales
KKV warns that expanding wine sales to grocery stores could raise alcohol consumption, with social costs exceeding tax revenue gains.
Nordic Alcohol and Drug Policy Network
Mar 204 min read
51 views


Sweden: Continued decline in alcohol consumption in 2024
Alcohol consumption in Sweden fell by 2.3% in 2024, driven by reduced online and smuggled alcohol purchases, according to CAN.
Nordic Alcohol and Drug Policy Network
Mar 182 min read
73 views
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