New figures from Denmark’s National Health Profile 2025 show a continued decline in the share of Danes drinking more than 10 units of alcohol per week. But according to Alkohol & Samfund, Denmark still has a very strong alcohol culture, and among young people binge drinking appears to be increasing.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

IOGT Norge says the football World Cup should not be used as a political tool to push for more liberal alcohol rules. The organisation argues that municipalities can already grant time limited exemptions, without weakening the alcohol law.

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.

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 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.