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Helsinki Administrative Court issues decision on excise duty for cross-border alcohol sales
Helsinki Administrative Court ruled that a German company selling alcohol via a Finnish-language web shop must pay Finnish excise duty. By recommending specific carriers, the seller indirectly arranged the shipment, so the sales counted as distance selling under EU law, in line with the CJEU judgment of 19 December 2024.
Nordic Alcohol and Drug Policy Network
2 days ago2 min read
10 views


Pop culture makes alcohol look cool – half of young people want artists to show more responsibility
More than two out of three young people are exposed to alcohol in pop culture every week, often portrayed as something positive. A new IQ survey shows that half believe artists should take more responsibility. To challenge alcohol norms, IQ released the EP Skickat with songs based on young people’s regretted drunk texts, aiming to spark reflection on how alcohol affects relationships.
Nordic Alcohol and Drug Policy Network
4 days ago2 min read
7 views


Wastewater reveals Danes' use of drugs and alcohol
A new report from Aarhus University reveals Danes’ use of drugs and alcohol based on wastewater analysis in six cities. The study found significant differences in opioid consumption between cities and showed that cocaine, MDMA, and alcohol use spike on weekends. Most other substances are used steadily throughout the week. The findings provide a unique insight into actual drug habits and may help guide future public health efforts.
Nordic Alcohol and Drug Policy Network
Jun 113 min read
16 views


New figures: 4 in 10 parents find it difficult to address their teenager’s drinking habits
Nearly 4 out of 10 Danish parents find it harder to talk to their teenager about alcohol once they start upper secondary school, a new study from the Danish Cancer Society and TrygFonden shows. While many parents believe that introducing alcohol at home teaches responsible drinking, research indicates it can actually lead to higher alcohol consumption among young people. Making clear agreements with teenagers remains the most effective approach.
Nordic Alcohol and Drug Policy Network
Jun 93 min read
12 views


Broad political agreement on Norway’s drug treatment reform, reports Actis
Norway’s government has reached a cross-party agreement on the second part of its prevention and treatment reform, keeping drug use illegal while introducing simplified fines for minor offences. Youth under 18 will be referred to advisory units instead. Actis welcomes the move, calling it a step toward more effective and predictable drug policy.
Nordic Alcohol and Drug Policy Network
Jun 42 min read
16 views


New survey: Majority want to raise the age limit for alcohol
A new Voxmeter survey shows that 58.3% of Danes support raising the minimum age for buying all types of alcohol to 18. The results come as Danish youth are again ranked as Europe's heaviest drinkers. Blue Cross Denmark welcomes the strong public backing, seeing it as a sign that Danes are ready for change and increased responsibility to protect young people from alcohol harm.
Nordic Alcohol and Drug Policy Network
Jun 32 min read
43 views


Hundreds of thousands of children in Sweden grow up in families with addiction or harmful substance use – without getting help
Hundreds of thousands of children in Sweden grow up in families affected by addiction or harmful substance use, but only a fraction receive help from municipalities. According to Junis’s new report, over 260,000 children may need support, yet just one percent received any assistance in 2024. The organization urges stronger collaboration and political responsibility to ensure vulnerable children get timely help.
Nordic Alcohol and Drug Policy Network
May 302 min read
15 views


10,800 reported last year: This is what scares drivers the most
Norwegians' greatest fear in traffic is encountering intoxicated drivers, with 10,848 drivers reported for impaired driving in 2024—an average of 30 per day. Intoxication is the cause of one in five fatal accidents on Norwegian roads, and experts warn that the actual numbers are likely much higher due to significant underreporting. Surveys show that 76% of Norwegians rank drunk drivers as their top concern in traffic.
Nordic Alcohol and Drug Policy Network
May 282 min read
17 views


4 in 10 would drink less if they knew about the link between alcohol and cancer
Four in ten Swedes would drink less alcohol if they knew that even small amounts increase the risk of cancer, according to a new survey by Verian. However, only one in ten are aware of this link, and nearly 90% do not know that alcohol raises the risk of breast cancer. Research shows there is no safe threshold—any amount of alcohol can increase cancer risk, and the more you drink, the higher the risk.
Nordic Alcohol and Drug Policy Network
May 273 min read
32 views


Avoidable deaths cost Finland €8.35 billion annually – drugs, alcohol, and suicides are leading causes
Alcohol, drugs, and suicides are the leading causes of premature years of life lost in Finland, resulting in an annual financial loss of €8.35 billion. Alcohol alone is the top cause nationwide and in many regions, while other regions see suicide, drugs, or ischemic heart diseases as the main causes. The latest data highlight significant regional disparities and stress the importance of targeted preventive efforts.
Nordic Alcohol and Drug Policy Network
May 263 min read
12 views


Danish teenagers still drink the most in Europe
A new European study shows that Danish ninth-grade students continue to lead in alcohol consumption, drinking more and starting earlier than their peers in other countries. Nearly 70 percent have consumed alcohol in the past month, and over half have engaged in binge drinking. While there is a slight decline in youth alcohol use, Denmark’s levels remain the highest in Europe, according to the ESPAD survey.
Nordic Alcohol and Drug Policy Network
May 223 min read
171 views


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
May 215 min read
20 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
May 193 min read
19 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
May 151 min read
18 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
May 142 min read
16 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
16 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
14 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
18 views
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