Governmental Conceptions of the Drug Problem: A Review of Norwegian Governmental Papers 1965-2012

Abstract

Background It is almost 50 years since the “new” drug problem appeared in Norway. How have central authorities conceived of the drug problem during these 50 years? On what have relevant policymaking and action been based? How has the government's conceptions of the drug problem been expressed over the years? Data White papers, action plans, bills etc. Results A review of the main policy documents shows how Norway adopted strict penal measures from the outset, while recognizing at the same time the need to apply an interdisciplinary approach to drug abuse and initiate various support measures for drug users alongside the penal measures. In recent years, there has been an increasing emphasis on seeing drug abuse as a health-related problem rather than one of control. Substance abuse is today perceived more in terms of dependency or as a disease, and harm reduction is increasingly seen as a pivotal aspect of policy. People with drug problems were known until recently as substance abusers, though the preferred term today is “drug dependents”. Conclusions As such, one could say, Norway seems to have developed a “schizophrenic” view of the drug problem. On the one hand, the health aspects of drug abuse are increasingly central to thinking, while on the other penalties for drug offenses remain high. This health/penalty loop in turn seems to prevent the government from softening its stance on penalties - even if such a move were considered appropriate.

Exploring prison drug use in the context of prison-based drug rehabilitation

“…It is perhaps unsurprising that the staff members perceived the issue of in-prison drug use as primarily caused by the participants' drug addiction and their troubled life trajectories, as precisely these issues are targeted through the rehabilitative interventions. Furthermore, the staff members' emphasis on drug addiction may also reflect the influence of a more medicalised perception of drug problems that have appeared in the Norwegian context the last decades (Skretting, 2014). Second, the highly valued (masculine) norms in the prisoner community, stressing the importance of being strong, independent and capable (see, e.g.…”

Overlap in attitudes to policy measures on alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs

“…Tobacco advertising is illegal, the products are marked with information about health risks, and they are highly taxed so as to make them expensive (Lund, 2009). Norwegian drug policy include harsh punishment for drug crimes, and a high degree of social control in treatment of drug problems such as opioid dependence (Skretting, 2014;Waal, 2007).…”

Sustaining the Development Goals in Drug Approaches in Europe, Norway and Singapore

“…It was this wanting and mindfulness to understand the causes of drug use that spurred Norway to tackle the drug policy at multiple fronts with success. Though the drug issue was primarily then seen as a criminal infraction deserving punishment, obscuring the consideration for treatment of drug users, its punitive drug legislation based on preventative and deterrence principles is mainly aimed at dealers and traffickers (Skretting, 2014). The consumption and possession of drugs for personal use, including that of heroin and cocaine are instead typically sanctioned with a fine and/or a lighter imprisonment term of up to 6 months (Lov om legemidler m v §24; §31).…”

“…The consumption and possession of drugs for personal use, including that of heroin and cocaine are instead typically sanctioned with a fine and/or a lighter imprisonment term of up to 6 months (Lov om legemidler m v §24; §31). Cognizant of the underlying pressures resulting in drug abuse, in 1979, Norway decided to strengthen its social fabric at both the community and family level by increasing funding to the social welfare system (Skretting, 2014). 21 The start of this process was an important catalyst to increasing the provision of harm reduction services in later years.…”

“…With a rise in overdose fatalities, the provision of methadone substitution treatments 22 and supervised injection rooms 23 soon became part of the harm reduction services offered. Low threshold health services for substance abusers were also provided at local level by the municipalities (Skretting, 2014). Even local drug parks started to feature in which drug users 20 During this period, the maximum prison terms for drug related offences rose from 6 months to 21 years.…”