Denmark
Subsections:
1. Lifetime Prevalence of Drug Use in Denmark, 2010
"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. Sundhedsstyrelsen (National Board of Health), "2012 National Report (2011 data) to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point: Denmark: New Development, Trends and in-depth information on selected issues," (Copenhagen, Denmark: Sundhedsstyrelsen, Nov. 2012), p. 5. |
2. Lifetime Drug Use Prevalence Among Young Adults in Denmark "As table 2.2.4 shows, half (45%) of the young adults under the age of 35 in 2010 has tried cannabis ever, and 14% are current users - ie they state having used cannabis within the past years. As far as prevalence of illicit drugs other than cannabis is concerned, 14 % of the young adults under the age of 35 years in 2010 have tried such drugs, and 3 % are current users thereof (table 2.2.5). There is a small, however significant decrease in the current use of drugs other than cannabis among the 16-34-year-olds from 2008 to 2010. Sundhedsstyrelsen (National Board of Health), "2012 National Report (2011 data) to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point: Denmark: New Development, Trends and in-depth information on selected issues," (Copenhagen, Denmark: Sundhedsstyrelsen, Nov. 2012), pp. 15-16. |
3. Prevalence of Drug Use in the School Population in Denmark "Ongoing surveys have been made on the experimental use of illicit drugs among the very young. The ESPAD surveys conducted in 1995, 1999, 2003, 2007 and in 2011 show an increase in the experimental use of cannabis and other illicit drugs among the 15-16-year-olds from 1995 to 1999. From this period, the experimental use stabilizes from 2007, however with minor, but significant increases in the experimental use of cannabis, ecstasy and cocaine from 2003 and onwards. From 2007 to 2011 there is a significant drop in the experimental use of the illicit drugs among the young people aged 15-16 years. For most of these drugs, this decrease is significant. Sundhedsstyrelsen (National Board of Health), "2012 National Report (2011 data) to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point: Denmark: New Development, Trends and in-depth information on selected issues," (Copenhagen, Denmark: Sundhedsstyrelsen, Nov. 2012), p. 18. |
4. Involvement of Heroin in Overdose Deaths in the EU "The data available have limitations in respect to quality and coverage, however, the information available suggests that heroin was only present in the majority of overdose deaths in a relatively small number of EU countries. A significant share of overdose deaths was reported by Austria (67%), Italy (56%), Ireland (46% in 2017), Poland (44% in 2016) and Romania (43%). In 7 other European countries, heroin was found in approximately a quarter to a third of reported overdose deaths: Portugal (37%), Slovenia (33%), Denmark (36%), France (33% in 2020), Türkiye (32%), Spain (28% in 2020) and Norway (23%). In 2021, in the north of Europe, less than 1 in 6 overdose deaths in Finland, Sweden and in the Baltic countries was reported to involve heroin." European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (2023), European Drug Report 2023: Trends and Developments, last accessed July 9, 2023. |
5. Involvement of Benzodiazepines in Overdose Deaths in the EU "In 2021, the proportion of overdose deaths involving benzodiazepines increased in several countries and was present in more than half of the cases in Denmark, Austria, Portugal and Finland (see figure Proportion of drug-induced deaths with benzodiazepines involved in selected countries, 2019–2021 in Drug-induced deaths in Europe)." European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (2023), European Drug Report 2023: Trends and Developments, last accessed July 9, 2023. |
6. Prevalence of Cannabis Use in Denmark "Results from the population surveys among the 16-44-year-olds made in 1994, 2000, 2005, 2008, and 2010 show increases in the experimental use of cannabis up until 2000, and from then on remain on a fairly stable level up until 2010, cf. table 2.2.1. Among both men and women, the current use of cannabis is highest among the young population (16 – 24 years) and then tapers off by increasing age (cf. table 2.2.2 of the annex). Sundhedsstyrelsen (National Board of Health), "2012 National Report (2011 data) to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point: Denmark: New Development, Trends and in-depth information on selected issues," (Copenhagen, Denmark: Sundhedsstyrelsen, Nov. 2012), p. 14. |
7. Prevalence of Problem Drug Use in Denmark "The estimate on the number of drug abusers is associated with some uncertainty. The estimate is dependent, in one respect, on the definition of a drug abuser, and in another, on which methods and data material the estimate is based. Sundhedsstyrelsen (National Board of Health), "2012 National Report (2011 data) to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point: Denmark: New Development, Trends and in-depth information on selected issues," (Copenhagen, Denmark: Sundhedsstyrelsen, Nov. 2012), pp. 30-31. |
8. Estimated Prevalence of Injection Drug Use in Denmark "During the period 2004-2008, the then National Board of Health supported the DEADHEP project, under which, as part of the study on HIV and hepatitis prevalence among drug-related deaths in Denmark, also by means of autopsies, it was examined whether or not the deceased suffered from hepatitis as a sign of intravenous drug abuse (Christensen et al 2006) (read more in chapter 6). Based on the this, the Danish Health and Medicines Authority started to estimate the number of intravenous drug abusers by comparing DEADHEP with the Danish Health and Medicines Authority’s register on drug users enrolled in treatment (SIB = Stofmisbrugere Indskrevet i Behandling) (Christensen et al 2009). "The estimate is based on a capture-recapture estimate made on newly admitted patients in the treatment registry in each of the years 2003 and 2005 and those registered in DEADHEP in 2006 (a total of 5,126 subjects). The estimate was stratified by age, gender and geographic region and calculated by means of a log-linear model. Sundhedsstyrelsen (National Board of Health), "2012 National Report (2011 data) to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point: Denmark: New Development, Trends and in-depth information on selected issues," (Copenhagen, Denmark: Sundhedsstyrelsen, Nov. 2012), pp. 31-32. |
9. New HIV Infections and Injection Drug Use in Denmark "Action taken in Denmark against HIV is based on the principle of voluntarism, anonymity and openness, providing direct and honest information and security for individuals in their contact with the health authorities. HIV testing is voluntary and people who are HIV-infected are reported anonymously. The HIV reporting system includes age, gender, information about any earlier HIV test and risk behaviour, as well as the presumed method of infection. Cases of AIDS are reported by name and personal data. Table 6.2.1 of the annex shows the number of reported newly diagnosed HIV positive and out of them, the number of intravenous drug users the past 10 years12. The number of persons newly diagnosed as HIV positive has varied from year to year, as has the number of infected persons where the source of infection is assumed to be intravenous drug use. In 2011, 4% (10 persons) of those newly diagnosed as HIV positive were registered as intravenous drug users. This percentage has remained more or less the same between 4% and 11% the past 10 years. Sundhedsstyrelsen (National Board of Health), "2012 National Report (2011 data) to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point: Denmark: New Development, Trends and in-depth information on selected issues," (Copenhagen, Denmark: Sundhedsstyrelsen, Nov. 2012), pp. 48-49. |
10. Hepatitis and Injection Drug Use in Denmark "Despite minor fluctuations, there seems to have been a decline in the number of registered acute hepatitis cases in the Danish population as a whole over recent years (Table 6.2.2 of the Annex). During the period, the share of acute hepatitis cases, where the infected person has been an intravenous drug abuser, has been under our around 1% for hepatitis A, varied between 0 and 32% for acute hepatitis B and between 0 to 85% for acute hepatitis C. However, the proportion of persons reported with chronic hepatitis C resulting from intravenous drug abuse is relatively stable at 67-75%. The number of reported cases of acute hepatitis B and C is low in Denmark. Therefore, the major fluctuations in the proportion attributable to intravenous drug abuse should be read with caution. Since hepatitis C is often asymptomatic in the acute phase, the reported cases are most likely underestimated." Sundhedsstyrelsen (National Board of Health), "2012 National Report (2011 data) to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point: Denmark: New Development, Trends and in-depth information on selected issues," (Copenhagen, Denmark: Sundhedsstyrelsen, Nov. 2012), p. 49. |
11. Drug-Related Mortality in Denmark, 2010 "In 2010, the number of recorded drug-related deaths was 204. When considering the whole period, 1995-2010, the number of deaths fluctuate between 200-250. The number of deaths reached a rock bottom low in 2010 with 204 recorded deaths. In 2010, men accounted for 77 % (158) of all drug-related deaths. During the other years, their share of drug-related deaths is between 69% and 74%. Sundhedsstyrelsen (National Board of Health), "2012 National Report (2011 data) to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point: Denmark: New Development, Trends and in-depth information on selected issues," (Copenhagen, Denmark: Sundhedsstyrelsen, Nov. 2012), pp. 54-55. |
12. Clients Entering Treatment in Denmark 2011 "The total number of drug users admitted to treatment during 2011, is slightly under 16,200, which is the second highest number registered drug abusers since the opening of the register. The development in the number of drug abusers receiving treatment has been increasing over recent years, cf figure 5.3.1. Sundhedsstyrelsen (National Board of Health), "2012 National Report (2011 data) to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point: Denmark: New Development, Trends and in-depth information on selected issues," (Copenhagen, Denmark: Sundhedsstyrelsen, Nov. 2012), p. 36. |
13. Primary Drug Reported in Drug Treatment in Denmark, 2011 "In 2011, 63% of the drug users reported cannabis as their primary drug when admitted to treatment for drug abuse. The opioids as a primary drug were reported by 17%, stimulants and cocaine by 15% and 6% reported 'other drugs' as the primary drug on admission. Quite a few drug abusers seeking treatment use several drugs, where 45% of the drug users reported having used more than one drug prior to admission in 2011. Sundhedsstyrelsen (National Board of Health), "2012 National Report (2011 data) to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point: Denmark: New Development, Trends and in-depth information on selected issues," (Copenhagen, Denmark: Sundhedsstyrelsen, Nov. 2012), p. 37. |
14. Opioid Substitution Treatment in Denmark "Previously, the Danish Health and Medicines Authority recorded the number of persons in long-term methadone treatment based on data from the prescription register. The most recent records show that 5,700 persons in 2004 were admitted to substitution treatment with methadone. The records provided information about the number of persons admitted to methadone treatment under the Danish Prison and Probation Service and number of persons without a civil registration number (Sundhedsstyrelsen 2008a). Sundhedsstyrelsen (National Board of Health), "2012 National Report (2011 data) to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point: Denmark: New Development, Trends and in-depth information on selected issues," (Copenhagen, Denmark: Sundhedsstyrelsen, Nov. 2012), pp. 40-41. |
15. Syringe Exchange Availability in Denmark "In 2009, as a result of a request from the Ministry of Health, Local Government Denmark looked into the prevalence of syringe exchange schemes in the various municipalities in Denmark. In its report, Local Government Denmark concluded that the number of drug abusers who have access to clean syringes and needles is high. The reason is that all the large municipalities that have a relatively large number of drug abusers hand-out clean "tools". The survey has not been broken down on a local level, but Local Government Denmark has found that it provides a useful picture of local practice. Sundhedsstyrelsen (National Board of Health), "2012 National Report (2011 data) to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point: Denmark: New Development, Trends and in-depth information on selected issues," (Copenhagen, Denmark: Sundhedsstyrelsen, Nov. 2012), p. 61. |
16. Drug Consumption Rooms in Denmark 2012 "After Act no. 606 of 18 June 2012 was passed on the amendment of act on psychoactive substances, it has become possible for the municipalities to establish drug consumption rooms as part of their overall services to drug abusers. If the municipality wishes to establish a drug consumption room, the local Social Services Administration must apply to the Ministry of Health. Sundhedsstyrelsen (National Board of Health), "2012 National Report (2011 data) to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point: Denmark: New Development, Trends and in-depth information on selected issues," (Copenhagen, Denmark: Sundhedsstyrelsen, Nov. 2012), pp. 59-60. |
17. Effectiveness of Buprenorphine Treatment The Danish National Board of Health reported in 2000 that "The Buprenorphine project was initiated in the City of Copenhagen during the autumn of 1998 and was evaluated this year. In conclusion the report points out that this type of substitution therapy is suitable for clients who have not previously been subjected to methadone treatment and which are resourceful. Furthermore, the report concluded that buprenorphine treatment may contribute by a significant percentage to the drug addict becoming drug-free and being able to revert to normal life through work, activation and education rather than any other kind of therapy.20" Report to the European Monitoring Center on Drugs and Drug Addiction by the Reitox National Focal Point of Denmark, Sundhedsstyrelsen (National Board of Health), "Denmark Drug Situation 2000: National Report on the State of the Drugs Problem in Denmark" (Denmark: National Board of Health and EMCDDA, December 2000), p. 73, citing Leif Skauge, "Erfaringer med implementering af buprenorphinbehandling ved Kobenhavns Kommune," handout at the Drugs Council's research conference in March 2000. |
18. Danish National Drugs Policy
"The national action plan against drug abuse from October 2010 indicates that Danish drug policy is based on four basic elements: prevention, treatment, harm reduction and control. Prohibition and control intervention will not solve the problem alone. There is also a need for targeted and persistent intervention in order to prevent, intervene, treat and reduce injury. And even more - to reduce supply of and demand for drugs. "2011 National Report (2010 data) to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point: Denmark: New Development, Trends and in-depth information on selected issues," Prepared by Sundhedsstyrelsen (National Board of Health) (Lisbon, Portugal: EMCDDA, 2012), p. 8. |
19. Coordination of National Drugs Strategy "The distribution of responsibility on a central level requires coordination. This is handled by the Ministry of Health which acts as the central coordinator of projects carried out by various authorities. This Ministry regularly assesses the overall drugs policy, including the need for adjustment. This also includes the need for interdisciplinary initiatives as a response to current and future challenges. The Ministry is also responsible for the necessary follow-up on the implementation of the interdisciplinary initiatives which are reflected in the national action plan against drug abuse." "2011 National Report (2010 data) to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point: Denmark: New Development, Trends and in-depth information on selected issues," Prepared by Sundhedsstyrelsen (National Board of Health) (Lisbon, Portugal: EMCDDA, 2012), p. 9. |
20. Punishment for Drug Offenses "Drug-related crime is punishable under the law of psychoactive substances and Section 191 of the Danish Criminal Code. Violations of the Act on Psychoactive Substances will be punished by fine or prison for a period of no more than 2 years. In connection with sentencing, it is considered whether or not the drug is intended for own use, or if the drug has been sold or intended for selling. Also, the type and quantity of the drug is considered. Where the possession of the drug is caused by heavy addiction following long-term and persistent use of psychoactive substances, the alternative sentence may be a warning supported by social conditions. "2011 National Report (2010 data) to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point: Denmark: New Development, Trends and in-depth information on selected issues," Prepared by Sundhedsstyrelsen (National Board of Health) (Lisbon, Portugal: EMCDDA, 2012), p. 74. |
21. Rejection of Drug Policy Reforms in 2004-2005 "In the 2004-05 parliamentary year, members of the Opposition tabled a motion for legalisation of cannabis. A large majority voted against the bill at the 1st reading of it. The bill did not reach the 2nd reading, nor did it reach a final vote. Another bill tabled during the parliamentary year of 2004-2005 was the introduction of drug injection rooms. That bill was rejected by a parliamentary majority at the 2nd reading. The government rejects any legalisation of cannabis, establishment of drug injection rooms and medical prescription of heroin, considering such action to be far too lenient and, as far as legalisation of cannabis and the establishment of drug injection rooms are concerned, also in contravention of the international drug conventions as well as with the core of the Danish drugs policy." "2005 National Report to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point: Denmark: New Development, Trends and in-depth information on selected issues," Prepared by Sundhedsstyrelsen (National Board of Health) (Lisbon, Portugal: EMCDDA, 2005), pp. 11-12. |
22. Heroin Assisted Treatment "Treatment with prescription heroin was launched in Denmark in 2010. The rules on the prescription of and treatment with heroin are laid down in the National Board of Health's guidelines from January 2010 together with associated legal framework and executive orders. "2011 National Report (2010 data) to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point: Denmark: New Development, Trends and in-depth information on selected issues," Prepared by Sundhedsstyrelsen (National Board of Health) (Lisbon, Portugal: EMCDDA, 2012), p. 62. |
23. Drug Use and Social Exclusion "In Denmark, there is a clear correlation between drug abuse and problematic social and economic life conditions. The social marginalization of drug abusers is high. When taking a look at the social, residential and educational conditions among the drug abusers in treatment, it is clear that they are a marginalized group compared to the rest of the population. They are more often homeless, they more often have a short educational background and they are more frequently provided for through cash benefits and pensions. "2011 National Report (2010 data) to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point: Denmark: New Development, Trends and in-depth information on selected issues," Prepared by Sundhedsstyrelsen (National Board of Health) (Lisbon, Portugal: EMCDDA, 2012), p. 70. |
24. Prison-Based Harm Reduction "For the purpose of preventing against drug-related diseases, physical withdrawal symptoms, and mental craving for drugs, the Danish Prison and Probation Service provides medical substitution treatment. This temporary treatment may extend over weeks or months. It is very to a wide extent followed by continuous substitution treatment that may last up to several years when deemed necessary by an interdisciplinary panel of people –which is more the rule than the exception. This service is normally received and communicated to the institution expected to take over treatment after the prisoner’s release. "2011 National Report (2010 data) to the EMCDDA by the Reitox National Focal Point: Denmark: New Development, Trends and in-depth information on selected issues," Prepared by Sundhedsstyrelsen (National Board of Health) (Lisbon, Portugal: EMCDDA, 2012), pp. 76-77. |