Norway’s regional competence centres for substance-use issues, KORUS, have presented a new educational video series designed to help professionals discuss alcohol and other drugs with the people they encounter in their work. Introduced in an announcement on October 27, 2026, Snakk om rus (Talk about substance use) consists of eight short films offering practical guidance on starting conversations, recognising concerns and building trust. The materials are intended for healthcare workers, teachers, social workers and others who may need to address substance use even when it is not their primary area of expertise.
The series covers a broad range of situations and population groups. Individual films examine how to talk with adolescents, discuss alcohol and medication use with older adults, address substance use during pregnancy and communicate about overdose prevention and harm reduction. Other sections focus on attitudes towards substance use, the influence of power and stigma, and conversations in healthcare and addiction services. Each film provides an introduction to the subject and offers approaches that professionals can use in their everyday work.
According to KORUS, many people hesitate to raise concerns about alcohol or drug use because they fear saying the wrong thing or damaging an existing relationship. Jacob Hystad from KORUS Oslo explains that the new materials aim to make these conversations easier, particularly for professionals who do not work with addiction issues every day. The central advice is to avoid moralising, listen carefully and approach people with curiosity and respect. Professionals do not need to have all the answers before beginning a conversation, but the way they raise the subject can influence whether someone feels comfortable discussing their situation.
The video series offers a practical example of prevention and early support that goes beyond distributing information about substance-related risks. By focusing on communication, trust and the circumstances of different population groups, KORUS aims to help professionals recognise concerns earlier and respond more appropriately. The materials may also be useful for organisations developing staff training, educational programmes or guidance on conversations about alcohol and other drugs. All eight films are available through the KORUS website in Norwegian.
Find more from KORUS (Norway, October 2026)
