Ahead of the NordAN 2026 conference in Tórshavn, we reflect on some of the wider questions behind this year’s discussions: how to protect effective policies, respond to changing political and commercial pressures, support young people, and remain open to learning from each other.

A new doctoral study from Norway shows that treatment outcomes for alcohol use disorder are shaped by who the patient is, including cognitive functioning, personality traits and gender-specific challenges. The findings point to a clear need for more tailored treatment approaches.

At Blå Kors Pensionat in Taastrup, two parliamentary candidates spoke openly with residents about addiction, homelessness and the failures of fragmented support systems. According to Blå Kors Danmark, the debate became highly personal as both politicians shared their own experiences of addiction in family and professional life.

The Christian Democrats in Denmark have proposed a new pilot program offering free residential treatment for 400 people struggling with alcohol addiction. The initiative, “Glæd dig til at være ædru” (“Look forward to being sober”), aims to help affected families and reduce the social and economic costs linked to alcohol dependence.