MAY 2011

Denmark: New recommendations for families with alcohol problems
The National Board of Health in Denmark has developed new family oriented methods and support for families with alcohol abuse. The methods, publications and best practice have been developed in co operation with a number of municipalities, and have now been published by the National Board of Health (Publication title: Børn i familier med alkoholproblemer – gode eksempler på kommunal praksis)

Finland: Mild alcoholic beverage top the statistics of the most popular alcoholic drinks
The consumption of spirits had decreased steadily during the past decades. During the 1970's and 1980's 40 percent of the annually consumed alcohol consisted of spirits. In 2010 46 percent of all consumed alcoholic drinks consisted of mild alcoholic beverages, mainly beer.

Norway: Counseling that focuses on change may be a fast and efficient intervention method into alcohol abuse
The Norwegian Knowledge Centre for the Health Services has conducted research on the effects of the intervention method Motivational Interview (Motiverande intervju, MI). It was discovered that short-term therapy such as MI appears to be more effective methods for intervening with substance abuse, than for instance long-term therapy.

Sweden: New action plan for the implementation and evaluation of efforts to decrease substance abuse
The strategy for substance abuse prevention and treatment (ANDT-strategi) will be followed by an action plan for the implementation and evaluation of the strategy. The plan will focus mainly on reducing the use of alcohol, illegal substances, doping and tobacco until the year 2015.

International: New research on the link between alcohol and cancer
A new European study indicates a significant link between alcohol consumption and cancer. Alcohol appears to increase the risk for cancer. The study included information on earlier alcohol consumption as well as the participants' present alcohol consumption. The risk for cancer was greater for those who had consumed alcohol during a longer period of time, as well as for those who overstep the recommended upper limits for more healthy alcohol consumption.

FEBRUARY 2011

Denmark: A healthier lifestyle does not include less alcohol
The inhabitants of Copenhagen strive to maintain a healthy lifestyle, especially when it comes to nutrition and exercise. According to a new survey made by the Danish government, reduced alcohol consumption is often not included in the goals for a healthier lifestyle. Approximately half of the male participants in the survey consumed alcohol in amounts that border on an unhealthy alcohol consumption. Only a quarter of these males were however interested in reducing their alcohol consumption. Patterns for alcohol consumption tend to be difficult to alter, as alcohol is often connected with social events and a culture specific social coherence.

Finland: The increasing alcohol consumption has not increased driving under the influence of alcohol
The number of persons drinking and driving has not increased according to a survey conducted by the National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL). Alcohol consumption in Finland has however risen, though the amount of alcohol consumed by those who were found to be under the influence of alcohol whilst driving, is unchanged. Although a greater pattern cannot be distinguished, there is some fluctuation in the number of persons caught drinking and driving. In 1999 the number was at 0, 19 % of all tested drivers at its lowest, whilst in 2003 the number peaked at 0, 28 % of all tested drivers.

Nowary/International: Alcohol related questions receive increased attention in the EU
According to a research report by SIRUS on alcohol policy in the EU, alcohol related questions have received attention increasingly within the union ever since Finland and Sweden entered the union on the mid 1990s. Trygve Ugland, researcher at Bishop’s University, Canada, points out that the attention to alcohol related matters is likely to originate in the traditionally restrictive Scandinavian alcohol policy, and the fact that both Finland and Sweden were upon the time of their entry to the EU compelled to relinquish some national restrictions on alcohol.

Sweden: Hazardous alcohol consumption in every fifth family
According to a mapping study conducted by the Swedish National Institute of Public Health, approximately 350 000 children in Sweden live with a family member who consumes hazardous (bordering on abuse) amounts of alcohol. Severe alcohol problems seem however to be significantly less common in families. The Institute of Public Health has promoted increased attention to alcohol consumptions in families though its theme campaign “Every Fifth Child”. Alcohol consumption patterns seem to transfer from adults to children. The aim of the campaign was to increase awareness of the effects of hazardous alcohol consumption on children.

International: WHO encourages more countries to develop a national alcohol strategy
Alcohol is globally the third most common cause of premature death. Though the Western countries are still on top of the statistics for the greatest alcohol consumption, consumption of alcohol and alcohol related harms have also increased in Southeast Asia and Africa. Increased alcohol consumption in mid- and low income countries is likely to create challenges for the health care system, as well as for the national preventive initiatives that are unable to maintain control over commercial interests originating in from the alcohol industry. The WHO encourages all countries to develop an alcohol strategy.

JANUARY 2010

Denmark: Contradictory and insufficient information on alcohol use during pregnancy
Information on alcohol use during pregnancy is lacking in quality and quantity according to a new survey conducted among midwives in Århus. During a previous survey conducted on the subject in 2000, 61 % of the participating midwives included information on alcohol related issues in their consultation sessions with pregnant women. In 2010 the corresponding rate was 48 %. According to the Danish National Board of Health information on alcohol related risks during pregnancy is a mandatory part of the consultation given to pregnant women by authorised midwives.

Finland: Minister Risikko will not support a law that increases restrictions on alcohol commercials According to YLE news, Paula Risikko, minister of Health and Social Services (the National Coalition Party), will not support a bill prohibiting alcohol commercials that strive to create (attractive) images of alcoholic drinks. The bill would have reduced the content of alcohol commercials to the essentials of product name, product description, price and a picture of the bottle or package. The bill was supported by a majority of MPs in Finnish parliament.

Norway: A positive view on alcohol in the media gives concern for increased alcohol abuse
Researchers at the University of Bergen have concerns that media attention emphasising positive effects of alcohol will encourage alcohol abusers to increase their drinking, rather than seek help. The researchers wish to point out that favouring moderate alcohol consumption might give cause to a generally less restrictive attitude towards alcohol.

Sweden: Contradictory data on private import of alcohol
According to the Swedish Spirits & Wine Suppliers Association (SSWS) Swedes buy an increasing amount of alcohol from German border trade stores that offer considerably lower prices than the Swedish alcohol monopoly, Systembolaget.
The Centre for Social Research on Alcohol and Drugs (SoRAD) also collects data on alcohol sales and import. SoRADs data does however not support SSWS’s information on an increased import from German border stores; SoRAD in fact has information pointing out that alcohol smuggling has declined and the amount of alcohol imported by private persons has not increased. On publishing their data SSWS raises concerns for the intention of the Swedish government to increase alcohol taxes in Sweden.

DECEMBER 2010

NOVEMBER 2010

Denmark: New stricter rules for alcohol commercials
The committee for alcohol commercials has published new, stricter guidelines for alcohol commercials in Denmark. Persons appearing in commercials must both be, and appear to be 25 years or older. Alcohol commercials are completely prohibited in media that have an audience consisting mainly of children and young persons (more than 30 %). The committee aims at pointing out that alcohol may not be directed at minors and that the health and wellbeing of children and adolescents precede commercial and other interests.

Finland: Health organizations demand governmental focus on alcohol preventive work
Social and health organisations accuse the government of running a weak alcohol policy that lacks the capacity to attend to problems such as an increasing number of alcohol related health injuries. Organisations point out that a structurally efficient alcohol policy including both education, information and commercial restrictions, as well as tax adjustments on alcoholic drinks, is needed in order to prevent increased health damage.

Norway: The campaign organisation AV-OG-TIL pays attention to the effects of alcohol consumption on children
The organization has launched a campaign that poses the question ‘How many drinks can your child handle?’. A study conducted prior to the launching of the project shows that most Norwegians consume alcohol within sight of their children. The organization AV-OG-TIL wishes to point out that alcohol, even when consumed in small amounts, is likely to slightly alter the adults’ manners, which is a potential cause for feelings of insecurity in children present.

Sweden: Governmental efforts have supported the development of a structured alcohol prevention
The Swedish National Audit Office states that governmental efforts cannot be directly related to a decreased alcohol consumption among youth. The government has however participated in creating more structured alcohol preventive efforts. The National Audit Office also states that the governmental structures support the co-ordination of preventive measures on local and regional levels as well as on a national level.

International: Increased vodka prices in Russia
The minimum price of a bottle of vodka will be significantly increased in Russia as of January 2011. The exact percentage is not known, but a 10 percent increase has been suggested. The increase has been initiated by the government alcohol regulation which strives to further President Dmitry Medvedev’s goal of decreased alcohol abuse in Russia.

OCTOBER 2010

Denmark: New study material on alcohol for schools
The organisation God Alkoholkultur (Good Alcoholculture) has released a new material that aims to support alcohol education at schools. The new teaching material is interactive; students can participate via sms messages. Youngsters often overestimate the amount of alcohol consumed by their peers. Sms messages enable teachers to compile the information sent by the students and to present and discuss the results with the students, pointing out misunderstandings as well as realities concerning alcohol consumption among the participating students.

Finland: The city of Helsinki proposes a restrictive alcohol policy
A task group appointed by the mayor of Helsinki proposes a prohibition on alcohol commercials on city owned arenas. In addition the task group suggests discontinuing the serving of alcoholic drinks during entertainments arranged by the city. The city should also focus on intervening more actively in alcohol consumption among youth.

Greenland/Denmark: Largest Nordic alcohol consumption rates in Denmark and Greenland
According to the Nordic Statistical Yearbook 2010, Denmark and Greenland have the highest alcohol consumption rates in the Nordic countries. The average Nordic alcohol consumption is however declining; for instance in Greenland alcohol sales have decreased from 12 litres annually per person in 2008 to approximately 10 litres in 2009.

Norway: An EU treaty may compel Norway to permit alcohol commercials on TV
Alcohol commercials on TV are prohibited for television broadcasts within Norway, but broadcasts originating outside Norway may contain alcohol commercials. A new EEA treaty will discontinue the exceptional permit that has allowed Norway not to broadcast alcohol commercials when the broadcast originates outside Norway.

Sweden: Poor reliance on the treatment systems aimed at alcohol abuse
According to a survey conducted by the Karolinska Insititute in Stockholm, 88 % of the 3000 respondents feel that alcohol abuse treatment should be part of health care rather than social care, as is the current form. The survey shows that the social care is not viewed as an attractive treatment option for people requiring care due to alcohol abuse. This applies especially for those clients in need of aid with alcohol related problems alone, rather than alcohol related problems connected with other social problems. Clients suffering from alcohol abuse alone, find seeking help within social care both stigmatizing and degrading.

International: New research results: Small amounts of alcohol during pregnancy do not damage the child
Researchers at University College, London have conducted a study on increased risks for developmental problems that can be related to a moderate alcohol consumption during pregnancy. During a five-year follow-up period the study showed no increased health or development risks that could be related to alcohol consumption in small quantities during pregnancy. The Nordic countries are not likely to change their recommendations that encourage pregnant women to abstain from alcohol during pregnancy, as the definition of a ‘small amount of alcohol’ is, as of yet, unclear.