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.

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.

Hundreds of thousands of children in Sweden grow up in families affected by addiction or harmful substance use, but only a fraction receive help from municipalities. According to Junis’s new report, over 260,000 children may need support, yet just one percent received any assistance in 2024. The organization urges stronger collaboration and political responsibility to ensure vulnerable children get timely help.

The Finnish *Pidä kiinni®* treatment model helps parents with substance use disorders and their babies build safer, healthier lives together. A nationwide study shows it improves parent-child interaction and family well-being. Despite proven effectiveness and major societal savings, the program lost state funding in 2025, putting its future at risk.