NCJ Number
149167
Date Published
1993
Length
40 pages
Annotation
Because alcohol and drug problems in Norway are complex, many ministries and directorates are involved in prevention; the country has a restrictive alcohol policy and a drug policy designed to achieve a society free from drugs.
Abstract
Because alcohol represents a significant underestimated risk to community health, Norway has accepted the World Health Organization's proposal to reduce alcohol consumption by 25 percent by the year 2000. Norwegian alcohol policy is based on five elements: local government control, state monopoly over alcohol imports and sales, high duties on alcohol that lead to high prices, ban on advertising alcoholic drinks that have an alcohol volume greater than 2.5 percent, and comprehensive public education and information. The legislative framework for Norway's drug policy is that the sale, possession, and use of drugs is illegal. Norwegian penalties for drug crimes are among the strictest in Europe. Drug prevention is based on a number of individual, community, and environmental measures to curtail alcohol and drug abuse. Drug treatment, focused at county and municipal levels, is based on the principle of voluntary treatment. The organization of Norway's Ministry of Health and Social Services and agencies involved in coordinating drug issues are described. The epidemiology of alcohol and illicit drugs is discussed, as well as drug law enforcement in Norway. 4 tables