Lifetime Prevalence of Drug Use in Denmark, 2010

Basic Data

"The number of drug users in Denmark is estimated at 33,000, out of which 11,000 are estimated to be cannabis abusers only. This estimate was made by the Danish Health and Medicines Authority in 2010 (former National Board of Health). Compared to previous years, this is an increase in the number of drug users in Denmark. In 2006, the number of drug abusers were estimated to be 27,000, of which more than 7000 were drug users. This increase in the estimated number of drug users is thus dominated by an increase in the estimated number of cannabis users from a little over 7000 in 2006 to 11,000 in 2010. Statistics do not include experimental drug consumption, but estimates the number of individuals with a more constant use of drugs leading to physical, mental and/or social injuries. Actual drug addicts are therefore included in the estimate, as well as stabilised drug addicts (e.g. those being treated with methadone). At present, it is estimated that 13,000 drug users inject the drugs. Injecting drug users are particularly at risk of developing serious injuries and diseases and of dying.
"The most recent population survey from 2010 shows a decreasing tendency towards experimental use of illicit drugs - particularly among those under the age of 25 years. In 2008, 8% of those aged under 25 years reported having used one or several illicit drugs other than cannabis within the past year. This figure had gone down to 4 % in 2010. When viewing the drugs individually, the use of cocaine appears to be falling, which is particularly positive since the use of cocaine - as the only drug - was increasing up through the first years of 2000. Cannabis continues to be the most prevalent drug. Much fewer report taking amphetamine and cocaine and even fewer report using psilocybine mushrooms and ecstasy (SUSY 2010)."