Danish Drug Policy: Between Repression and Harm Reduction

Abstract

The development of drug policy in Denmark has moved from a relatively liberal position to a stricter policy. The 2020s is marked by both criminalization and harm reduction and the development can be characterized as following a dual track where people with a problematic drug use are being cared for.

“In Sweden you are worthless. In Denmark you get an identity again” – on being perceived and received as a person who uses drugs in different drug policy settings

“…Policymakers in Denmark have taken a different approach to substance use than in Sweden. Faced with a parallel emerging drug problem, Danish policymakers saw rising drug use as emerging from within Danish society -as a response to broad social changes which were occurring, and did not want to risk criminalizing and alienating large segments of the population [16,22]. The Danish government has technically endorsed a zero vision of drug use, however they are clear to remark that harm reduction is not contradictory to this goal and instead is important for those most at risk of harm, as well as the broader community [23].…”

“…The Danish government has technically endorsed a zero vision of drug use, however they are clear to remark that harm reduction is not contradictory to this goal and instead is important for those most at risk of harm, as well as the broader community [23]. While fines for drug possession were reinstated in 2004, re-penalization was intended to send a message particularly to recreational and experimental drug users that drug use is unacceptable [22]. Fines however may be waived for people in vulnerable economic situations who have addictions issues, though this policy is not always implemented universally [24].…”

“…There are a wider variety of services aimed towards drug use, including services seen to be controversial in Sweden -including supervised consumption rooms, and heroin-assisted treatment. Services are low in threshold and built upon the principles of harm reduction -not requiring the cessation of substance use [22]. The differences in approach are exemplified in figures reflecting access to care -where Denmark has approximately twice as many patients per capita enrolled in OST as Sweden [25].…”