– Alcohol is the biggest drug problem we have in Norway. There are 300,000 Norwegians who live with alcohol-related challenges, and there is a lot of shame and stigma attached to it, says Health Minister Jan Christian Vestre (Ap) to NTB.
On Friday, he presented the first part of the government’s drug reform. It refers to figures that the population’s use of alcohol costs the state between NOK 80 and 100 billion a year.
It is also mentioned that alcohol use is the most important risk factor for deaths among men in the age group 20–49 years.
– It is somewhat symptomatic that the debate is largely about illegal drugs. It is important to address, and it is worrying, that young people’s use of illegal drugs is increasing. We don’t want that, and we have to do something about it, says Vestre.
Men:
– Then alcohol is and will be the biggest problem, and we forget that a little too often. I am very happy that we are ready for that in the reform, because there we give quite a lot of space for this, he says.
Among other things, he believes that it is important to reduce the shame associated with having an alcohol problem, so that people are more likely to bring it up with their GP. But also with the boss at work or Akan contact.
15 percent have risky consumption
This week the Minister of Health took a trip among the liquor and wine shelves at Vinmonopolet in Bjørvika in Oslo. He was invited by the Akan competence centre.
– The majority of adults and young adults are in work. At the same time, we know that 15 per cent of those who are in work have what is called risky alcohol use, says director Elisabeth Ege in Akan to NTB.
Her message to Vestre is how important working life is to prevent drug addiction.
– We meet there, and there we develop cultures that influence the choices we make, including how much we drink, she says.
Invites conversation
The Akan director says that people who struggle with alcohol often have a particular pattern in their sick leave. Preferably in that they don’t show up in the days after weekends or holidays.
– It may be that you start to behave differently, and it may simply affect the way you work. That you don’t meet deadlines, or become more sloppy or less careful with things, she says.
Akan’s advice to managers is to talk to employees they are concerned about.
– And then it is important not to have too high expectations for this first conversation. Because it is about the employee drinking too much, then it is a shameful topic. Be specific and tell what you have seen, and always arrange another conversation, she says.
Buys half a bottle of vodka for the day
Vinmonopolet is precisely one of the companies that has long worked systematically with prevention among its own employees. They use the methodology from Akan and regularly discuss it in staff meetings.
– I think that we have a special responsibility since we sell the goods we make, says managing director Elisabeth Hunter in Vinmonopolet to NTB.
She says that the employees also get close to the alcohol problems in society.
– There are several customers who perhaps buy half a bottle of vodka every day. After all, you get a relationship with the customers. If they come drunk, they are not allowed to shop. Then they learn that they have to come early in the day, before they start drinking. We are keen to treat everyone with respect, regardless of what they are going to do or what their background is, she says.
Vestre: – Little alcohol consumption and a lot of work
The Minister of Health is clear that the alcohol policy must be restrictive. But he does not want to point the finger when it comes to Norwegians’ alcohol consumption.
– There is something called everything in moderation. We have good knowledge of the health and social consequences of alcohol, which we must inform the population well so that they can make informed choices about their own lives. I trust people to do that, he says.
– Have you ever had a few too many beers the day before you go to work?
– I can’t remember that. It can be imagined once in my youth, but now I feel that there will be terribly little alcohol consumption and a lot of work, he says.
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**Interview with Health Minister Jan Christian Vestre on Alcohol Challenges in Norway**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us today, Minister Vestre. You’ve recently highlighted alcohol as the biggest drug problem in Norway. Can you explain why this issue is so critical?
**Jan Christian Vestre**: Thank you for having me. Alcohol poses a significant challenge, affecting around 300,000 Norwegians who face alcohol-related difficulties. The cost to society is staggering, estimated between NOK 80 and 100 billion annually. We often overlook alcohol while focusing on illegal drugs, which is concerning, especially given its role as the primary risk factor for premature deaths among men aged 20 to 49.
**Interviewer**: You mentioned the stigma associated with discussing alcohol problems. Why is addressing this stigma so essential?
**Jan Christian Vestre**: Reducing shame around alcohol issues is vital. Many people don’t feel comfortable discussing their challenges with their general practitioners or even their employers. By fostering an environment where individuals can seek help without fear of judgment, we can facilitate open discussions and provide the support necessary to tackle these problems effectively.
**Interviewer**: In your recent visit to Vinmonopolet, you learned that 15% of working adults engage in risky alcohol consumption. How can workplaces play a role in preventing alcohol misuse?
**Jan Christian Vestre**: Workplaces can significantly influence individuals’ choices regarding alcohol consumption. They can foster a culture of awareness and support, where employees feel safe discussing their concerns. It is crucial for managers to observe changes in behavior, such as increased absenteeism after weekends, and to approach these situations with empathy and understanding.
**Interviewer**: What steps should managers take when they suspect an employee is struggling with alcohol?
**Jan Christian Vestre**: Managers should engage in open conversations, but it’s essential to set realistic expectations for these discussions. Since alcohol misuse can be a sensitive and shameful topic, Managers should be specific about the behaviors they’ve noticed and encourage employees to share their experiences in a supportive atmosphere.
**Interviewer**: With the government’s drug reform, what future initiatives can we expect to see that will address alcohol-related challenges?
**Jan Christian Vestre**: The reform aims to create more awareness and reduce stigma while promoting prevention strategies. We will be focusing on education, outreach programs, and ensuring that support systems are available for those affected by alcohol. This is about creating a more compassionate society where people feel empowered to seek help.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Minister Vestre, for shedding light on this crucial issue.
**Jan Christian Vestre**: Thank you for having me. It’s essential that we continue this conversation and work together to support individuals struggling with alcohol challenges in Norway.
