# Youth nicotine addiction and prevention in Denmark

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/youth-nicotine-addiction-and-prevention-in-denmark
> Updated: 2026-10-11T21:39:02.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2.

In Denmark, health organizations have raised concerns regarding youth nicotine addiction and the influence of the tobacco industry. The organization Kræftens Bekæmpelse criticized the think tank Røgfri, alleging it lacks independence because it is funded by Nikotinbranchen, an association representing major tobacco producers. While Røgfri advocates for banning tobacco, it also supports loosening regulations on nicotine pouches through harm reduction principles.

Data from the Statens Institut for Folkesundhed (SIF) indicates that approximately 32% of Danes aged 15–29 use tobacco or nicotine products. Health experts have called for political action to phase out these products, noting that the addictive nature of nicotine makes quitting difficult for young people.

In response to these trends, five Danish municipalities—Faxe, Næstved, Vordingborg, Guldborgsund, and Holbæk—launched the NikoFree project. Supported by the Danish Health Authority, this initiative focuses on nicotine cessation for children and adolescents. Preliminary results from the project show that 23% of participants achieved complete nicotine freedom after six months, while 19% significantly reduced their consumption.

## Claims

- Nicotine consumption is linked to challenges such as concentration difficulties, anxiety, and depression in young people. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- One in three young people between the ages of 15 and 29 use nicotine products. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- 259 young people have participated in the NikoFree nicotine cessation program so far. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- 23 percent of participants in the program became nicotine-free after six months. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- 19 percent of participants reduced their nicotine consumption by more than 50 percent after six months. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The Danish Health Authority provided funding to five municipalities to develop nicotine cessation programs. (corroborated by 5 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-11: Danish municipalities launch youth nicotine cessation project

Five Danish municipalities are launching the NikoFree project to combat rising nicotine and vape use among youth, reporting success in helping participants reduce or quit nicotine consumption.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/danish-municipalities-launch-youth-nicotine-cessation-project

### 2026-09-14: Denmark health debate: Tobacco industry funding and youth nicotine addiction

Kræftens Bekæmpelse criticizes the tobacco-funded think tank Røgfri, while new data shows 250,000 Danish youths want to quit nicotine products.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/denmark-health-debate-tobacco-industry-funding-and-youth-nicotine-addiction

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Cite as: Youth nicotine addiction and prevention in Denmark. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/youth-nicotine-addiction-and-prevention-in-denmark