International - Denmark

Basic Data

(Lifetime Prevalence) "The most recent population survey from 2010 shows a decreasing tendency towards experimental use of illicit drugs - particularly among the young ones under the age of 25 years. As it turns out, 8% of those aged under 25 years in 2008 reported that they had 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 psilocybin mushrooms and ecstasy (SUSY 2010)."

(Lifetime Use Prevalence Among Youth) "As table 2.1.4 indicates, half of the young adults (45 %) aged under 35 years in 2010 have tried cannabis ever, and 14 % are current users – ie reporting having used cannabis within the past year. 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. 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.
"The current use of drugs among the 16-24-year-olds is higher than among the 25-34-year-olds. This means that the use of illicit drugs is most prevalent among the young under 25 years. However, it is also among this age group that the use of illicit drugs from 2008 to 2010 is the highest. In 2010, 19% of the young people under the age of 25 years report having a current use of cannabis (report having used cannabis within the past year), which is more or less the same level as in 2008. However, 4% of the young people under the age of 25 years report in 2010 having a current use of illicit drugs other than cannabis, which is almost a 50% decrease and significantly fewer than in 2008, when 8% reported a current use."

(Prevalence of Cannabis Use) "The results from the population surveys among the 16-44 year-olds completed during the years 1994, 2000, 2005, 2008 and 2010 show increases in the experimental use of cannabis up to 2000. And then the figures stagnate. When considering the current use (used cannabis within the past year), 9% of the 16-44-year-olds in 2008 as well as in 2010 report having used cannabis within the past year. This applied to 7%, 10%, and 8% in 1994, 2000 and 2005, respectively. Among men as well as women, the current use of cannabis was the highest in the younger age groups (16-24 years) and then decreases by increasing age (table 2.1.1 in the Annex)."

(Prevalence of Problem Drug Use) "The current estimate on the number of drug abusers in Denmark is based on figures from 2009 (completed in 2010). The estimate has been made using a capture-recapture method and has been prepared in accordance with guidelines from the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, EMCDDA. The calculations thus adhere to European standards for such estimates.
"The number of drugs abusers in Denmark is estimated to be 33,000, of which almost 11,000 are cannabis users only. Compared to 2001, 2003, and 2005, there appears to be an increase in the estimated number of drug abusers. During the period from 2005 and until 2009, the increase in the estimated number of drug abusers is primarily among cannabis users.
"In 2009, an estimate was made for the first time on the number of injecting drug users in Denmark, which is estimated to be 13,000, one half of which is living east of the Great Belt, the other west of the Belt.
"Apart from these estimates on the number of drug abusers and intravenous drug users, no estimates have been made on the number of drug abusers more specifically and in special groups in the population."

(Prevalence of Injection Drug Use) "Based on these calculations, the estimate is that at present there are 13,000 active intravenous drug users in Denmark (safety interval of 10,066-16,821). Half of them live east of the Great Belt, and the remaining half in the rest of the country. Between half and 2/3 are unknown to the treatment system.
"As shown previously in this chapter, the National Board of Health’s overall estimate of the number of drug abusers is 33,000, of which 11,000 are cannabis abusers. As it is estimated that there are 13,000 intravenous drug users in Denmark, this means that 2/3 of the drug abusers (in which the cannabis users are not included) are addictive to
intravenous drug use.
"The 13,000 intravenous drug abusers equal 3.6/1000 inhabitants between 15 and 64 years in Denmark (95%, safety interval of 2.8-4.6). The proportion of intravenous drug users in the Danish population equals the share of intravenous drug users in the other European countries of 1-5/1000 of the 15-64-year-olds (EMCDDA 2010)."

(Hepatitis and Injection Drug Use) "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 6.3.2 in the Annex). During the past 10 years, the proportion of acute cases of hepatitis, where the infected person has been an intravenous drug user has, been approximately 1% for hepatitis A, varying between 0% and 32% for hepatitis B and from 0% to 85% for hepatitis C. However, the share of persons reported with chronic hepatitis C due to intravenous drug use has been relatively stable at a level between 67-75%. The number of reported acute cases of hepatitis B, however, is so small that these percentages should be considered with some reservation. As hepatitis C is most often asymptomatic in the acute phase, the number of cases of hepatitis C reported is a gross underestimation of the actual incidence of hepatitis C."

(New HIV Infections and Injection Drug Use) "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 abuse. In 2010, 5 % (14 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.
"The proportion of newly diagnosed AIDS cases where the source of infection is considered to be intravenous drug use is relatively stable around 10%. In 2010, 11 % of those diagnosed with AIDS were intravenous drug users, which accounted for 5 out of a total of 44 persons."

(Drug-Related Mortality) "In 2009, the number of recorded drug-related deaths arrives at 222, which is higher than the number of drug-related deaths in 2008. When viewing the entire period 1995-2009, the number of deaths ranges from 200-250. The figures are lowest in 2005 and 2008 with 208 deaths being recorded. In 2009, men accounted for 73 % (161) of all drug-related deaths. During the other years, the share of drug-related deaths among men is between 69% and 74%.
"From the mid-90s (figure 6.1.2), the number of deaths recorded in the National Commissioner’s register is more or less the same, however with annual fluctuations (see table 6.1.1 of the Annex). In 2010, 273 drug-related deaths were recorded, and the number is thus the same as last year. Out of the 273 deaths, 86% were men (234) and 14% were women (39). The average age of death has been increasing for many years. In 1993, the average age was 33 years, whereas in 2009, it had gone up to 39.6 years. In 2010, the average age was 38.7 years and thus slightly lower than last year. The average age of death among men in 2010 was 38.2 years in 2010, whereas for women it was 41.9 years in 2010. Approximately 22% of all drug-related deaths per year occur among the young under 30 years."

(Clients Entering Treatment, by Substance) "In 2010, a total of 5,337 persons were admitted to treatment in Denmark, which is lower than in 2009. The total number of drug users admitted to treatment in 2010 was approximately 14,600 and thus the highest number of recorded drug users admitted to treatment since the start of the register.
"The share of persons who have not previously been admitted to treatment was the same in 2010 compared to 2009 – 35%. A more elaborate description of the “newcomers” to treatment will be provided later in this chapter.
"Type of drug abuse
"For the first time since the treatment register was established in 1996, it appears in 2009 that heroin and other opioids no longer were the most frequently prevailing drugs among the clients admitted to treatment during a treatment year. This trend continues in 2010 with cannabis re-appearing as the drug which is most frequently reported as the primary drug among drug abusers admitted to treatment. By far the majority of drugs abusers seeking treatment, however, use several drugs. 44% report in 2010 having used more than one drug prior to admission. The proportion is thus at the same level as last year.
"The stimulants that are the focus of young people's experimental use of drugs appeared to a lower degree as primary substances for users admitted to treatment in 2009. Only 9% report amphetamine, 5% report cocaine and less than 1% report ecstasy¹⁰ as their primary substance11. These drugs are thus mainly used as a supplement. Cannabis was the primary drug for 49 % of those admitted to treatment, and is also a very prevalent secondary drug as well. Thus, 18% of those admitted to treatment in 2010 report using cannabis as their secondary drug. A total of 67% of those admitted to treatment are thus cannabis users."

(Syringe Availability) "Following a request from the then Ministry of Health and Prevention in the summer of 2009, KL (Local Government Denmark - LCDK) investigated the prevalence of syringe exchange programmes locally in Denmark. In its report, KL concluded that the number of drug abusers with access to clean equipment is high. The reason is that all the major municipalities with a relatively large number of drug abusers provide clean injecting equipment. The study was not categorized by municipals, but KL still believes that the study gave an overall picture of local practice.
"The dispensing of clean injecting equipment is typically carried out via drug abuse centres, the local pharmacies, drop-in centres/shelters or shelter rooms. In a few places, vending machines have been installed where the drug abusers can pick up their syringes and needles.
"The municipalities are not obliged to hand out clean injecting equipment according to the law. Nevertheless, most municipalities have introduced a practice, under which this is possible. Expenses for dispensing clean injecting equipment are financed by the local operating budget. In accordance with the social reserve grant agreement for 2004, the municipalities receive 107,000 EUR annually as compensation for dispensing water ampoules together with the injecting equipment already dispensed."

(1995 & 1999 - Denmark - youth cannabis use) "In 1995, more than 17% of the 15-16 year-olds report ever having tried cannabis. There was a significant increase in 1999 where the share that state having ever tried cannabis is over 24%. 8% had used it within the last month; in 1995 this was 6%. There are great differences in experimental use between boys and girls in 1999 when 30% of boys and 19% of girls state having ever used cannabis. Twice as many boys as girls had used cannabis during the last month."

Laws and Policies

(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.
"Viewed against a relentless fight against drugs and the hope for a drug free society, the existing harm reduction initiatives may appear in conflict. However, the fact is that these initiatives are pragmatic and sensible and launched in consideration of the weakest drug abusers and society. Harm reduction will therefore continue to be a fundamental pillar in drugs policy in Denmark."

(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."

(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.
"Section 191 of the Danish Criminal Code provides for stricter punishment on qualified violations of the Act on Psychoactive Substances. This means that if the transfer of psychoactive substances is made to a large number of people against considerable remuneration or under other particularly incriminating conditions, the punishment for violation of the Act on Psychoactive Substances may be extended to prison for a period of up to 10 years. When selling particularly dangerous or injurious substances, the offender may be further punished with a sentence of prison for a period of up to 16 years."

(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."

(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.
"The social reserve agreements for 2009 and 2010 provide that as of 2010, a total amount of 8.5 million EUR must be set aside for permanent financing of the prescription heroin scheme. Similar to any drug use treatment schemes in Denmark, including social and substitution treatment with methadone and buprenorphine, heroin treatment is provided free of charge.
"The National Board of Health has estimated that approximately 10% of all drug abusers in long-term substitution treatment fulfil the criteria for treatment with heroin. Furthermore, the National Board of Health has assessed that approximately 300 drug abusers will receive heroin treatment in Denmark within the next few years."

(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.
"As mentioned in chapter 5, the group of drug abusers admitted to treatment are characterized by having a relatively remote affiliation to the labour market. Thus, only 12% of them who were in treatment in 2010 were on payroll and as many as 66% were on transfer income. Furthermore, “only” 25% have completed an education beyond “folke-skole” (primary and secondary school) and 8% have left school before the 9th grade.
"Although these figures indicate that we are dealing with a relatively marginalised group, it is also important to point out that the number of drug abusers employed has gone up the last year as has the educational level, which to a high extent is attributable to the change in drug use patterns.
"As regards the housing situation of those who are admitted to treatment, only 59% of them report having a home of their own, whereas 4% report that they are homeless."

(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.
"For the purpose of preventing against infectious diseases, including in particular abscesses, sepsis, hepatitis, HIV and AIDS, the Danish Prison and Probation Service dispenses condoms, chlorine rinse fluid for cleaning of needles and syringes, vaccination against hepatitis B and A and general health assistance, including information about the above diseases and general medical treatment on an equal footing with the rest of the population. Inmates, however, do not have access to free syringes and needles."