Alcohol and drug related news from Nordic and Baltic area - week 30/2012

DigitalJournal.com (Sweden) - Usage of 'Barbie drug' rising in Sweden

Melanotan, a.k.a. the "Barbie drug," is gaining intense popularity with young adults in Sweden. The substance makes users thin, tan and increases their sex drive, but remains illegal due to unknown side effects.
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YLE News (Finland) - Seniors also get rowdy at summer events

The summer concert season has its fair share of rowdy conduct. Uncouth deportment by senior festival patrons often outstrips that of their younger counterparts.
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The Local.se (Sweden) - Ikea uncaps new beer: no assembly required

Swedish furniture giant Ikea has released a new addition to its global product range - light and dark own-brand beer - though shoppers in Sweden will have to wait before they can have a taste due to the country's liquor laws.
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The Local.se (Sweden) - Police told not to 'waste' bootleg booze

Police in western Sweden have been ordered to cease pouring seized alcoholic drinks down the drain due to the risk of poisoning the local water supply.
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The Local.se (Sweden) - Green light for needle exchange in Stockholm

Swedish health officials have approved a request from Stockholm to launch a needle exchange programme for drug addicts in the Swedish capital.
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Jezebel (Denmark) - About 1 in 13 Pregnant Women Have Trouble Not Hitting the Sauce

Despite vigorous headshaking from healthcare professionals who don't live in Denmark, 1 in 13 women still drink even when they're pregnant.
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Derby Telegraph (Denmark) - Hospitals hail Danish idea as patients get well sooner

HOSPITAL patients are recovering from surgery faster and suffering from fewer complications after being encouraged to take more control of their health.
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European Child and Adolscent Psychiatry (Finland) - Changes in adolescents mental health and use of alcohol and tobacco: a 10-year time-trend study of Finnish adolescents

The present study examines the 10-year time-trend changes of adolescent psychiatric symptoms, smoking and alcohol use. Representative population-based samples with same methods at two time-points, same age range and with 10-year period between the time points were gathered in Finland to investigate secular changes in adolescents’ emotional and behavioral problems.
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