A new survey shows that 6 in 10 Norwegians have experienced colleagues becoming too drunk at workplace Christmas parties. Av-og-til urges leaders to address alcohol expectations in advance and reminds employees that inappropriate behaviour at the Christmas party can still lead to consequences at work.

At its General Assembly in Riga, Latvia, on 13 November 2025, NordAN adopted two resolutions on drug policy and alcohol-related health taxes. They call for a prevention-first EU drug strategy and for using alcohol tax revenues to protect prevention and civil society.

Alcohol consumption in Sweden has fallen by more than 20 percent since 2004. A new CAN report shows that young adults drink far less than before, while consumption among older adults has risen sharply. The gap between age groups has almost disappeared, and people in their 70s now drink more than those in their 30s.

NordAN turns 25 as we meet in Riga to look honestly at policy under stress. Budgets are tight, politics shifts, industry pushes, and mental health needs grow. We will compare what holds and what fails, learn from other countries, get ideas, and find contact points. The gap between international promises and national action is real. Our task is to describe it clearly and improve interventions that protect people.

A new survey from Systembolaget shows that six in ten Swedes are unsure about the link between alcohol consumption and dementia. More than a third say they would drink less if they knew about the increased risk. The knowledge gap is most evident among men and older adults.

A new survey from the Danish Cancer Society shows that 8 out of 10 Danes do not know the official alcohol recommendations. The Danish Health Authority advises a maximum of 10 units per week and 4 at one time, but most adults cannot recall these limits. The lack of awareness raises concern about harmful alcohol use and the clear link between alcohol and cancer.

A new survey from the Cancer Society of Finland shows that while Finns want to live healthily, everyday life makes healthy choices difficult. Many expect society to create environments that support better choices, including access to healthy food, opportunities for physical activity, and limits on the availability of tobacco and alcohol. The growing cancer burden makes these investments increasingly important.

MHF marks Week 45, the national alcohol awareness week, with a focus on older adults and alcohol. The campaign highlights rising consumption among older people and the growing need for better conversations, support and knowledge.

New figures from the Norwegian Directorate of Health show a shift in overdose deaths: heroin is no longer among the three most common substances, while prescription opioids and synthetic drugs are on the rise.

A new pilot project in Finland aims to support the well-being of pregnant women and ensure a safe, substance-free environment for fetal development. The project evaluates the use of a new, highly sensitive PEth blood test as a potential routine screening method for alcohol use in early pregnancy.

The Christian Democrats in Denmark have proposed a new pilot program offering free residential treatment for 400 people struggling with alcohol addiction. The initiative, “Glæd dig til at være ædru” (“Look forward to being sober”), aims to help affected families and reduce the social and economic costs linked to alcohol dependence.

The 2024 ESPAD report, marking 30 years of monitoring adolescent substance use in Europe, shows a continued decline in drinking and smoking among teenagers but highlights new concerns such as rising e-cigarette use, misuse of pharmaceuticals, and digital risk behaviours. The findings call for stronger prevention and mental health strategies across Europe.

A new CAN report shows that Swedes are bringing home far less alcohol from abroad than before. Between 2019 and 2024, traveler imports dropped by more than 40 percent, with spirits showing the largest decline.

The Finnish government’s proposal to expand alcohol home delivery and distance selling threatens to increase alcohol consumption and harms while directing profits abroad. EHYT warns that the move undermines proven public health policies and places children and youth at greater risk.

Cocaine use among young people in Norway has more than doubled in the past decade, and many now see the drug as easy to access. Blue Cross is responding with a new national campaign to counteract the normalization of cocaine and strengthen prevention efforts. The campaign, launched in October on TikTok and Snapchat, will share facts, stories, and tools to help young people resist pressure and make safer choices.

The Government of Greenland has just submitted expert recommendations for a multi-year, evidence-based alcohol policy to the Parliament of Greenland. The recommendations are intended to form the basis for a broad political agreement on alcohol policy, which can set the framework for continued work on a long-term and sustainable alcohol policy.

Maternal substance use can disrupt early attachment and child development, but children also show resilience. A new dissertation highlights the need for early, strength-based support.

A University of Helsinki doctoral study shows that Finns exposed to more liberal alcohol policies in their youth have higher rates of alcohol-related illness and mortality later in life. The findings underline how policy decisions can shape public health outcomes decades into the future.

A new CAN report suggests a turning point in Sweden’s drug trends, showing reduced use among young people. The findings are based on health, mortality, crime statistics, and surveys.

A new agreement in Denmark will make alcohol less visible in supermarkets and grocery stores. From October 2025, alcoholic drinks may not be placed near candy, chips, toys, fruit and vegetables, or checkout areas. The aim is to reduce young people’s exposure and temptation to buy alcohol, as part of the government’s prevention plan.