Cocaine use has increased sharply in Finland, following a wider European trend of higher availability and record seizures. EHYT warns that falling prices may expose more vulnerable groups, and stresses the need for low-threshold, anonymous support, including during holiday periods.

Nearly eight in ten Swedes believe it is common for adults to become intoxicated around children during Christmas. New survey data from Systembolaget, together with rising call volumes to Bris, highlights how adults’ drinking continues to affect children during the holidays.

Piia Koivumäki’s new philosophy dissertation argues that addiction should be understood as a holistic, lived phenomenon shaped by brain chemistry, personal agency, and life situations. Broadening the lens can reduce stigma and support earlier access to help.

A new CAN report shows that drug experience among Swedish school students continues to fall, especially among boys. Tobacco, nicotine and early vaping remain widespread, and gambling among boys is still at a high level despite a small drop this year.

A new Sports Mehiläinen study shows that substance use is common among Finnish athletes, and clubs struggle to identify or address it. One in four athletes use substances to relax, and coaches and athletes hold sharply different views on how widespread the problem is.

A new Nordic health report shows that diets are worsening, physical activity is falling and overweight is rising across the region. The NORMO 2025 data reveal that 56 percent of adults and one in five children now have overweight or obesity, while intake of sugary foods and drinks continues to increase. Alcohol consumption overall remains stable, but clear inequalities persist, with higher use and more binge drinking among people with lower education levels.

A new study led by Aarhus University Hospital shows that people who drink three or more alcoholic drinks a day suffer much larger and more serious brain hemorrhages, and at an average age 11 years younger than other patients. The results, published in Neurology, have already received major international attention.

Europe presents itself as a champion of health and responsibility, yet its alcohol exports tell a different story. This opinion piece argues that while EU countries work to reduce harm at home, they continue exporting high-alcohol products with weak labeling and aggressive marketing to regions with fewer protections.

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.