They are motivated by the urge to experiment and experience. The Norwegian authorities regard the situation as serious. The use of syringes is closely connected with the spread of HIV and may play a critical role in how and when the HIV epidemic starts in a country, and how it continues to develop. It is absolutely vital that prevention programmes are started at an early stage among drug users. There is no excuse for waiting until the epidemic is widespread.
Drug abuse affects the individual, the family and the whole community.
Apart from human suffering and family disruption, there is the incalculable economic burden imposed on society in terms of loss of manpower, drug-related crimes, and the need to provide treatment and rehabilitation services. Experience shows that drug trafficking is closely linked to other trans-national crimes such as money laundering, corruption and trafficking in women and children. The link to war and conflict is also of great concern to us. Drugs mean money. The circulation of huge amounts of illegal money in small and vulnerable economies may ultimately destabilize an entire country.