Norway needs a drug reform – Dagsavisen
On 31 August, we mark World Overdose Day, in Stavanger and many other cities around Norway and the world. What the day marks goes to the heart of why Norway needs a drug reform: we must reduce the number of people who die from overdoses.
The day exists to raise awareness of overdoses and to show respect for those who have died as a result of overdose, and their relatives. For the person who dies is someone’s daughter, brother, nephew or grandchild. They are someone’s friend and someone’s parent. They are young and old.
It was in 2001, in Australia, that International overdose awareness day was marked for the first time, and since then the marking has become an annual feature in many places. In Stavanger, the day has been marked for several years.
The proposal for drug reform, which was put forward by then Minister of Health Bent Høie, could have become one of the major and important reforms that would have brought Norwegian society in a better direction. It would give respect and more dignity to a vulnerable group in society, who for decades have not received the help they need and deserve. We cannot spend too much time cursing the past, but it will remain as a stain on the history of the parties that voted down the drug reform.
My most important argument for supporting the drug reform is that I am confident that it will save lives.
— Eirik Faret Sakariassen
Rather, we must direct the focus forward, and work for change. There are many indications that support for the drug reform is strong, and it also has clear supporters internally in several of the parties that voted it down in the previous round. When the youth party leaders met for a debate during Arendal Week this year, it became clear that of the nine youth party leaders who were present, only two (Senterungdommen and Kristelig Folkepartis Ungdom) were opposed to drug reform. The future in most parties looks bright.
Nationally, last year, 241 people died in drug-related deaths. There were 25 people in Rogaland and 6 people in Stavanger among these. This is a decrease from the previous year, but trends over time have been increasing. In the pandemic year 2020, there was, on the other hand, a very high national high, with 331 deaths. There are – in any case – far too many.
My most important argument for supporting the drug reform is that I am confident that it will save lives. By decriminalizing possession of user doses, more people can safely seek help if they suspect that a friend or themselves has taken an overdose. For some, fear of the punitive reaction can contribute to not taking action and calling for help. A misunderstood moralism cannot stand in the way of us helping fellow human beings, rather than judging and punishing them.
We have to use society’s resources on follow-up and help for those who need it, rather than punishment. Therefore, SV will decriminalize the possession and use of illegal drugs. Many of those who have substance abuse problems also have many other problems, such as poor finances, difficult living conditions and health problems. Having to add punishment on top of all other problems is not the way to go.
[ Styre og stell i Stavanger ]
Punishment can also stand in the way of young people and other vulnerable groups being followed up. They may refrain from seeking help from adults for fear of the consequences any offenses may have. We must strengthen the assistance and aftercare. For treatment to be successful, a good place to live and stability in life are essential.
The UN also recommends decriminalisation. The UN’s senior management group consists of the heads of all UN agencies, including the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the World Health Organization (WHO). In 2019, they unanimously decided to recommend that member states advocate alternatives to punishment in drug policy, including the decriminalization of possession of illegal drugs for personal use.
In Byparken tomorrow afternoon, you can hear speeches from various user and relatives’ organizations and there will be a procession of roses to a service of remembrance and hope in St. Petri church. In Byparken, pairs of shoes will also be displayed to represent those who are no longer with us.
Tomorrow we will remember the 25 Roglanders who are no longer with us. Who they were, what they did and everything that never was. It is said that longing is the price of love. I think that is right every time someone I appreciate passes away. Missing someone who is no longer with us is always painful. If we as a society can prevent more people from dying too soon then we must do it. A drug reform could be one of the most important contributions to just that.