A new debate article from the Drug Policy Centre argues that the idea of an inevitable global shift towards drug legalization does not match reality. Instead, it points to a growing number of countries pursuing a different path, keeping drugs illegal while responding to addiction with treatment, care and more targeted support.

A new report from the Alcohol and Society research series finds that more than half of all alcohol consumption takes place in contexts that lead to intoxication. The authors warn that this pattern is not marginal but normalised, and that it drives both acute harms and long-term health risks.

NordAN has submitted comments to the European Commission on Finland’s latest alcohol law reform. The network argues that the proposal is not just a small technical change, but another step in a wider pattern that gradually weakens Alko’s role while Finland still relies on the monopoly’s public health justification.

A long-running dispute over online alcohol sales in Iceland is now moving on two tracks at once. A court case due to be heard on 5 March will test whether the current sales model used by private operators is legal under existing law, while a new bill before Alþingi would change that legal framework by formally allowing licensed online alcohol retail. Together, the two processes could shape the future of Iceland’s alcohol monopoly system.

EHYT calls for the suspension of the current alcohol law proposal, arguing that its preparation has been incomplete, that EU discussions were insufficient, and that the proposed changes could weaken public health and undermine Finland’s retail monopoly system.

NordAN has accepted an invitation to become a collaborating partner of the Barcelona Forum on Drugs 2027. Peter Moilanen and Lauri Beekmann will represent the network on the Advisory Committee.

A new Swedish government inquiry concludes that the retail monopoly and alcohol tax remain central tools for reducing alcohol related harm and protecting public health.

A new report from Folkhälsomyndigheten shows that drug use continues to fall among young people in Sweden, while levels among adults remain stable. Drug-related deaths are decreasing, but drug seizures are rising, pointing to increasing availability.

Everyone can play a role for children and young people growing up with an adult who drinks too much. The awareness week “Play a role” takes place on 9 to 15 February 2026 and includes digital seminars and local activities.

Swedish Customs presented its seizure statistics for 2025 at a press briefing by the Öresund Bridge on 5 February, highlighting a sharp increase in seizures of hard drugs and the scale of smuggling pressure facing Sweden.

State funding for the EPT network, which coordinates NGO cooperation in preventive substance use work, will end in 2026, despite growing substance-related harms and broad opposition from civil society organisations.

Even small amounts of alcohol weaken sleep quality, while binge drinking can disturb sleep for several days. Professor Solja Niemelä highlights that alcohol has no safe use limit and is not a health product. She also calls for routine low threshold conversations about alcohol use in health and social services.

Latvia has launched a pilot project to build an integrated care pathway for minors with drug related mental and behavioural disorders. A unique multidisciplinary team at the Children’s Hospital, extended motivation programmes and cooperation with social and law enforcement services aim to ensure continuous support beyond acute treatment. Since the project began, 107 minors have received structured clinical and social assessments.

The third Monday in January is often called “the worst day of the year”, but Av-og-til says the health benefits of White January still matter, even if you slipped for a weekend.

Norway has launched overdosefare.no, a national digital alert system designed to warn when high-risk drugs are circulating and help prevent overdoses through rapid information-sharing and coordinated preparedness.

Latvia plans to remove criminal liability for drug use by minors, while Estonia is preparing penal code reforms to direct users toward treatment instead of prison and strengthen prosecution of dealers. The developments signal a wider Baltic move toward evidence based drug policy focused on health, prevention, and harm reduction.

Icelandic prevention organisations say the current debate on alcohol policy should be grounded in facts, including a long-running police case on online alcohol sales that is now before the courts.

A survey conducted shortly before Christmas found that 29 percent of Danes were considering a “hvid januar” (alcohol-free January) in 2026. Dagrofa also reports a 20 percent year-on-year rise in sales of alcohol-free alternatives in the weeks before Christmas.

More than one third of Norwegians who drink alcohol are considering or planning an alcohol-free month in 2026. A new survey from Blå Kors shows that interest is strongest among younger people, driven mainly by health-related motivations.

A Verian survey commissioned by EHYT ry shows that Tipaton January often carries on beyond January. 81 percent of participants said they drank less alcohol in February as well, and only 15 percent had returned to their previous level of drinking.