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.

A new study from CAN shows that the most common reason young people use alcohol, cannabis, and psychedelics is to enhance positive feelings. While drinking alcohol is often linked to becoming more social, cannabis and psychedelics are more associated with coping with anxiety, low mood, or seeking mind-expanding effects. Understanding these motives can help guide effective preventive measures.

World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September) focuses on Changing the Narrative on Suicide. NordAN highlights a neglected part of that story: alcohol. Acute intoxication impairs judgment and raises the risk of suicidal behaviour, and alcohol use disorder is linked to higher rates of attempts and deaths. Changing the narrative means replacing “drink to cope” with real support, integrating alcohol screening into care, and advancing population policies that reduce harm.

Today, 9 September, is International FASD Day. Across the Nordics and Baltics the signal is clear, alcohol and pregnancy do not mix. Sweden reports new school age prevalence data and hosts the free Fokus FAS 2025 conference. Finland marks 9:09 with a retail delay. Norway rolls out a national diagnostic guideline. Estonia prepares new materials for families. FASD is harm to others and preventable through awareness, evidence based counselling, and strong alcohol policy.

Two out of three students say initiation activities revolve around alcohol, and one in three worry about being humiliated or excluded if they do not join in. IQ’s new survey shows that many feel pressured to drink more than they want, while more than half would prefer less focus on alcohol. Concerns are also evident in high schools, where nearly half report that initiations center on drinking.