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In Greenland, approximately one in two people has experienced alcohol problems in their childhood home. Although, the most recent population survey from 2018 suggests that this number may be decreasing, as slightly fewer of the youngest respondents reported growing up in a home with alcohol problems.

But according to Professor Christina Viskum Lytken Larsen, who heads the Centre for Public Health in Greenland, alcohol problems still affect four out of ten families with children—hitting the most vulnerable the hardest.

"Too many children grow up in environments with alcohol problems, which has serious consequences. It increases the risk of violence, abuse, and an unsafe childhood," she explains, adding that alcohol problems are not equally distributed across all families.

"Among people with the lowest socioeconomic position, six out of ten families have a potential alcohol problem, whereas among the most resourceful families, it is three out of ten. The recommendations we have developed could help break this vicious cycle," she says.

A clear link between

Research shows a clear link between growing up with alcohol problems and an increased risk of suicidal behavior, trauma, and substance abuse later in life. The Greenland Population Health Survey also reveals that young people aged 15-30 who frequently experienced alcohol problems in their childhood home were 26 times more likely to have been exposed to domestic violence than those who grew up without alcohol problems. They are also at a significantly higher risk of having experienced sexual abuse.

Children feel unsafe in homes with alcohol problems

Several reports have documented how children in Greenland experience their parents' use of alcohol and cannabis as something that creates fear and insecurity. Both UNICEF Greenland and the Children’s Rights Institution, MIO, in Greenland have pointed out that many children feel abandoned when adults drink.

As a result, the previous Greenlandic parliament, Inatsisartut, requested the development of recommendations for a National Alcohol Strategy to ensure that fewer children grow up in homes affected by alcohol problems. The Centre for Public Health in Greenland has led this effort in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health in Greenland and WHO/Europe, along with a broad range of organizations and professionals.

Stricter alcohol regulations proposed

The recommendations, which were sent for public consultation before Christmas, propose stricter alcohol regulations, including raising the minimum purchase age to 21 years, restricting sales hours, and banning alcohol marketing. They also suggest introducing a monopoly, increasing taxes, and setting a minimum price per unit to limit consumption.

However, according to Christina Viskum Lytken Larsen, regulation alone is not enough.

"The recommendations must ensure that families with alcohol problems have better access to treatment and support. At the same time, more alcohol-free communities need to be created, providing safe alternatives for children, youth, and families—such as more outdoor activities, which are central to health and well-being in Greenlandic culture. In addition, we propose a broad public awareness campaign, including warning labels on alcohol products and targeted information campaigns," she explains.

New recommendations put on hold

Due to the Greenlandic election on March 11, the recommendations have not yet been submitted to Inatsisartut (Parliament). It is now up to the next Naalakkersuisut (Government) and Inatsisartut to revisit the recommendations and decide whether they should be translated into national policy.

Christina Viskum Lytken Larsen hopes that the work will continue.

"Action is needed now to ensure that future generations are not harmed by alcohol," she says.

Contact:
Professor and Centre Director Christina Viskum Lytken Larsen
Phone: 25328486 or +299 581330
Email: chly@sdu.dk
Centre for Public Health in Greenland, National Institute of Public Health, 糖果派对.