According to a 1978 follow-up analysis, the same hard data show that a repressive drug policy could not prevent a substantial increase in drug use prevalence from 1974 to 1976. This increase under repressive policies was even steeper than the increase from 1965 to 1967. The Swedish data therefore do not give any ground for a causal link between the changes in drug consumption prevalence and the changes in drug policy. In the eyes of Swedish authorities, these data confirm that Swedish drug policy is successful. But by international standards, drug use is limited in Sweden.
Swedish authorities maintain that surveys prove the success of their policy.
In 1992 the estimated number of heavy drug abusers jumped by 6000, from 14,000 to 20,000 people. In addition, the data that mainly concern cannabis consumption were collected very unsystemetically during a period of 24 years. Therefore, these sporadic and contradictory data are not sufficient to answer the main question-does the degree of repression of drug policy influence the prevalence of drug consumption. Conclusion Official sources in Sweden maintain that current Swedish policy is responsible for the country's low drug use. But the soft data available since 1977 can't substantiate that assertion.