Lykkepromille started in 2012 as an aim to reduce the consumption of alcohol among Norwegian students. This program is promoted by the Health service and SIB.
The Students’ Health and Welfare Survey from 2010 revealed that the students drinking culture and habits in Bergen tend to be risky and dangerous. As a response to these results, SIB and the Health department decided to create a program to encourage students to have fun with less alcohol by offering them different activities that do not imply high levels of consumption. The project is based on the dialogue with the students, organizations and educational institutions. According to Tine Ø. Blomfels, the project’s coordinator, this initiative is also taking place in other cities like Trondheim and Kristiansand and at least in Bergen it has been very successful.
– We have not measured the reduction of alcohol consumption, but all in all we are happy with the results, she says.
Alcohol as part of Norwegian culture
Traditionally in Norway, alcohol has been an important part of the student culture. It is often related to fun and parties, but also as a facilitator of social interaction, because it works as “social glue”. Badabeam Badaboom, student of fine arts at University of Bergen, thinks that drinking is essential to interact with others and build relations.
– Drinking is the heart and soul of student culture, it is what unite us, what we dance with, what bring us together, he says.
However, the survey also reveals that a majority of students feel that there is too much drinking in the student environment and most of the time without thinking about in future consequences. Djemila Tassin, an exchange student from Belgium believes that more alcohol-free activities would be a good idea to integrate students that do not drink.
– They feel they have to drink to be able to socialize and be comfortable sharing with others. Everytime we do activities, it is alcohol in it, she admits.
