In a world where many countries are shifting toward more progressive drug policies, Sweden stands firm in its commitment to a repressive approach aimed at creating a drug-free society. But is this approach working, or is it costing more than it benefits?
A recent study evaluating the criminalization of drug use in Sweden provides critical insights into the efficacy of the country’s strict drug policy. It’s from the researchers Albin Stenström, Felipe Estrada, and Henrik Tham from the Department of Criminology at Stockholm University. This is something that governments and ministers have refused to investigate for many years. The reason is that they are afraid of the rather obvious result.
A look back: Sweden’s criminalization of drug use
In 1988, Sweden criminalized drug use, aiming to curb consumption and reduce drug-related harms. The policy intensified in 1993 with the introduction of imprisonment as a possible penalty for personal use, enabling the police to take compulsory blood and urine samples. The Swedish government’s goal was clear: reduce the number of drug users, limit problematic drug use, and ultimately decrease drug-related mortality.
But despite these efforts, trends in Sweden suggest that the policy has not had the desired effect. In fact, the study shows that not only has drug use not decreased, but drug-related harms have continued to rise.
The unintended consequences of repressive policies
One of the most striking findings from the evaluation is the rise in drug-related deaths over the past three decades. Drug-related mortality, particularly from opioids, has steadily increased in Sweden, reaching some of the highest rates in Europe. Sweden’s focus on criminalizing drug use has done little to reverse this trend, leading many to question the efficacy of its policies.
Moreover, the study reveals that despite the heavy investment of police resources—at one point nearly 10% of police manpower was dedicated to drug enforcement—drug supply has not diminished. Instead, drug prices have dropped, suggesting that the market has adapted to evade law enforcement efforts.
This focus on enforcement has also led to increased social costs, particularly for young people and marginalized groups. Many individuals, especially from low-income backgrounds, have been criminalized for minor drug offenses, leading to stigmatization and difficulties in finding employment. The acquisition of a criminal record for drug use can have long-lasting impacts on an individual’s future, often pushing them further to the edges of society.
How does Sweden compare to its Nordic neighbors?
When we look at Sweden’s drug policy in comparison to its Nordic counterparts, the picture becomes even more concerning. Sweden has the most repressive drug policy among the Nordic nations, yet the results are no better than those in countries with more progressive approaches. For example, Denmark, which has not criminalized personal drug use, has experienced relatively stable drug-related mortality rates, while Sweden’s rates have continued to rise.
Furthermore, youth drug use in Sweden mirrors the trends in Norway and Finland, despite Sweden’s more punitive policies. This raises an important question: Is criminalization the best way to reduce drug use, or does it exacerbate the problem?
Moving forward: Rethinking Sweden’s drug policy
The study concludes that Sweden’s repressive approach to drug control has been largely ineffective. Rather than decreasing drug use and reducing harm, the criminalization of personal use has resulted in high control costs, increased drug-related deaths, and significant social harm. Meanwhile, other countries that have opted for decriminalization or harm-reduction strategies have seen better results without the heavy social and economic burdens of mass criminalization.
As drug policies around the world continue to evolve, Sweden may need to reconsider its stance. Could a shift toward decriminalization, like Portugal’s successful model, provide a better solution for addressing drug-related harms? While the answer remains unclear, the evidence suggests that a change in approach may be overdue.
Sweden’s dream of a drug-free society might seem noble, but achieving it through repressive measures is totally unrealistic—and, as the study shows, potentially counterproductive.