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New survey: One in four Danes say no to alcohol before 18
A new Voxmeter survey shows that one in four Danes believe people should wait until 18 to start drinking alcohol. Blue Cross Denmark sees this as a sign that more Danes want to change the country’s drinking culture. The Danish Health Authority recommends avoiding alcohol before 18 due to health risks, and research links early drinking to later misuse. Blue Cross Denmark supports an 18-year age limit for all alcohol sales.
Nordic Alcohol and Drug Policy Network
Jul 22 min read
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One in three parents have been tipsy in front of their children
A new survey by Av-og-til and Ipsos shows that 32 percent of Norwegian parents have been tipsy or under the influence of alcohol in situations where their own children were present. The figure is highest among fathers (36 percent), compared to 27 percent among mothers. Experts warn that even small amounts of alcohol can make children feel uneasy, especially during holidays when routines are different.
Nordic Alcohol and Drug Policy Network
Jun 303 min read
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Alcohol-related harm in children may be underestimated
Signs of alcohol harm found in 1 in 20 children in Swedish pilot study—suggesting fetal exposure may be more common than assumed.
Nordic Alcohol and Drug Policy Network
Apr 82 min read
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Intoxicated drivers cause over one-third of fatal road traffic accidents in Finland
Intoxicated drivers caused 37% of fatal crashes in Finland (2014–2023), with two-thirds showing signs of substance dependence.
Nordic Alcohol and Drug Policy Network
Mar 63 min read
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Alkohol & Samfund: Danes believe we drink too much
3 out of 4 Danes believe alcohol consumption is too high, with strong support for banning alcohol marketing on social media and in sports.
Nordic Alcohol and Drug Policy Network
Mar 33 min read
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Organizations: Substance abuse is a significant problem for municipalities and wellbeing services counties – see how much alcohol costs your local healthcare system
Substance abuse poses major costs to Finnish municipalities; alcohol alone burdens healthcare. Prevention is key, say organizations.
Nordic Alcohol and Drug Policy Network
Feb 172 min read
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Norwegian band Ballinciaga faces penalty notice for serious violations of the Alcohol Act
Ballinciaga faces a 2.4M NOK fine for illegal alcohol ads targeting youth, violating Norway’s strict Alcohol Act.
Lauri Beekmann
Feb 133 min read
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NordAN Open Day in Stockholm: Examining alcohol availability and Nordic cooperation
NordAN Open Day explored alcohol policy challenges in the Nordics, highlighting risks to monopolies and the need for stronger cooperation.
Lauri Beekmann
Feb 123 min read
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Alcohol and cancer: insights from the EU Country Cancer Profiles Synthesis Report 2025
Alcohol is a major cancer risk in the EU; reducing consumption could prevent 1M cases by 2050, according to the 2025 cancer report.
Nordic Alcohol and Drug Policy Network
Feb 103 min read
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1 in 5 men in Norway have driven under the influence
1 in 5 men in Norway admit to driving under the influence. Every day, 30 are caught—but many more go undetected. #RoadSafety
Nordic Alcohol and Drug Policy Network
Jan 303 min read
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Young people find low-threshold support for substance abuse – the future of the helpline is under threat
More young adults seek help from EHYT's substance abuse helpline, but funding cuts threaten its 24/7 availability.
Nordic Alcohol and Drug Policy Network
Jan 293 min read
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Health and prevention organizations in Iceland believe the State can save billions by preventing private alcohol sales
Health orgs in Iceland urge state to prevent private alcohol sales, citing billions in savings and public health benefits.
Nordic Alcohol and Drug Policy Network
Jan 234 min read
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Only one in five Danes knows that even small amounts of alcohol increase the risk of cancer
Only 1 in 5 Danes knows even small amounts of alcohol increase cancer risk. Awareness is key to making informed choices about drinking.
Nordic Alcohol and Drug Policy Network
Jan 222 min read
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THL published scenarios on the impacts of smoking and alcohol use on public health over the next decade
Reducing smoking and alcohol use can significantly improve public health. THL scenarios show the impact of policies over the next decade.
Nordic Alcohol and Drug Policy Network
Jan 213 min read
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Refusing alcohol can be challenging – the assumption is that everyone drinks
Refusing alcohol often draws attention, but no one owes an explanation. Sobriety can bring clarity, presence, and lifelong change.
Nordic Alcohol and Drug Policy Network
Jan 162 min read
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EU Commission rejects Finland’s alcohol home delivery law, government to revise
EU rejects Finland's alcohol home delivery law, citing EU law violations. Government to revise by January, reports YLE.fi.
Nordic Alcohol and Drug Policy Network
Jan 141 min read
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