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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

More than half of young Danes are taking breaks from alcohol. A new survey shows that 51% of 17–34-year-olds, and 54.5% of students, chose to go alcohol-free for a period in the past year. Health and wellbeing are the main reasons, reflecting a shift toward more conscious choices. Experts see this as the beginning of a cultural change in Denmark’s drinking habits.

A new analysis from the Danish Cancer Society shows that nearly half of all supermarket flyer offers are for unhealthy products such as sweets, snacks, alcohol, and ready meals. On average, 46 percent of promotions fall into this category, making it harder for consumers to choose healthy foods. The organisation warns this contributes to poor diets and rising overweight rates, and points to England’s new restrictions on multi-buy offers as possible inspiration.

Four out of ten Norwegians have seen intoxicated adults together with children during the summer holidays, according to a new Ipsos survey for Av-og-til. Secretary General Ragnhild Kaski urges adults to notice children who may be struggling and to step in or contact someone responsible if needed. She emphasizes that adults have a shared responsibility to help ensure children have a safe and positive holiday experience.

Three out of ten serious drink driving accidents in Denmark happen during the summer months. From 2020 to 2024, nearly a third of all people killed or seriously injured in such crashes were hurt in June, July, or August. The Danish Road Safety Council urges everyone to leave the car at home if drinking, especially new drivers, and to help prevent others from driving under the influence.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Signs of alcohol harm found in 1 in 20 children in Swedish pilot study—suggesting fetal exposure may be more common than assumed.

Intoxicated drivers caused 37% of fatal crashes in Finland (2014–2023), with two-thirds showing signs of substance dependence.

3 out of 4 Danes believe alcohol consumption is too high, with strong support for banning alcohol marketing on social media and in sports.