NordAN responds to Danish consultation on opioid treatment
- Nordic Alcohol and Drug Policy Network
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
20.08.2026 - NordAN has submitted a response to the Danish Health Authority’s consultation on revised guidance for substitution treatment for people with opioid dependence. The guidance sets out how treatment should be organised in Denmark, including access to medication, individual treatment plans, take-home medication, cooperation between health and social services, and support during hospital stays, imprisonment and moves between municipalities.
NordAN welcomes the draft’s emphasis on free access to treatment, individual goals, patient involvement, continuity of care and access to naloxone. These are important foundations. At the same time, our response calls for a clearer focus on recovery, reduced drug use and social reintegration. Substitution treatment can be an important tool, but it should be part of a wider plan that helps people build stable, healthy lives and move forward in recovery.
We also raise concerns about situations where people risk losing treatment because they have difficulties following the treatment plan or continue using drugs. These situations should lead to a new assessment and more support, rather than automatic discharge from treatment. Decisions on take-home medication should be based on an individual and regular assessment of safety, including overdose risk, continued drug use, possible diversion and the presence of children in the household. At the same time, stable patients should be able to receive medication at home where this is safe and supports work, education and family life.
Our contribution also asks for stronger support for families and children affected by drug dependence, clear responsibility when a person moves between services, and a clear drug-free objective for young people. The response is based on the principles in NordAN’s updated drug policy platform, which will be presented at our General Assembly in the Faroe Islands. The platform gives NordAN a shared basis for work on prevention, treatment, recovery and advocacy across the Nordic and Baltic region.
