They fear that the fight for a worthy treatment offer will be overshadowed by the reform proposal. Hanne Langeland Ulvedalen (26) stands among the demonstrators in Kongens gate. With hand on heart and rolling tears. – Rewind a year, I was on the verge of dying before I turned 25, due to addiction, says Hanne Langeland Ulvedalen (26) to news. Hanne Langeland Ulvedalen took part in the demonstrations against the closure of well-known services for drug addicts. Photo: Johanna Hauge / news Several people have to quit The former drug addict feels that the treatment she received at the Trasopp Clinic was crucial to her survival. – Now, one year later, I wake up and want to do something with my life. Today, she fears that others will not make it. That lives will be lost. – People become money, and that hurts me, says Ulvedalen. – It was so wonderful when Edgar had received his certificate and came driving to visit this summer. Then we cried too, says Heidi Beate Sørensen. She now works at Tyrili in Skien, where both she and Edgar Baldishol have received help to get out of addiction. Photo: Johanna Hauge / news On Monday this week, it became clear that seven institutions will not be able to renew their agreements, after losing the tender competition. The Tyril Foundation and several others must close departments, while the Blue Cross will have its offer strengthened. – Trasoppklinikken is one of those who have received an agreement, but they cannot live with the agreement they have received, says Ulvedalen. She explains that the outpatient clinic is disappearing, and that with it the aftercare will be gone. – The fact that I can show up there for two hours every week, and talk to people in my situation, has helped to ensure that I have not fallen out again. Influencer Helene Ekra says that it breaks her heart if the Arken treatment center is to be closed down. Photo: Johanna Hauge / news – Standing firm in her feelings Influencer Helena Ekra is fighting for the only treatment center that is only an offer for women. Arken has helped female drug addicts since 1987, but is losing all support. – The fact that the Ark is going to disappear, it is absolutely terrible. It breaks my heart, says Ekra to news. She explains that many female abusers come from a background of violence and trauma and do not dare to enter treatment where there are also men. Ekra is open about her challenges with substance abuse, and praises the help she has received. – Now I can really stand firm in my own feelings and recognize that it is feelings that drive this addiction, says Ekra. The association for humane drug policy was active in the demonstration against the closure of institutions for drug addicts today. Photo: Johanna Hauge / news Not a topic The closure of treatment facilities was not a topic when Health Minister Jan Christian Vestre presented proposals for drug reform on Friday. – We hoped that he would come up with something extra because the situation is so precarious, but above all we were terrified that the presentation would overshadow the fact that there is now a razing of the drug field. We don’t find ourselves in that. That’s what Arild Knutsen, who is chairman of the Association for humane drug policy, says. Vestre tells news that he takes the commitment seriously and has therefore invited several of the organizations to a meeting over the weekend. Arild Knutsen is chairman of the Norwegian Association for Human Drug Policy. Photo: Johanna Hauge / news Out to tender The Minister of Health cannot promise that there will be any changes, and points out that it is the hospitals that carry out the tender round. – I cannot now say that we will do one or the other. Simply again because it is up to our hospitals to make these purchases, says Vestre. He points out that when the public sector buys services from private parties with taxpayers’ money, it must be put out to tender at regular intervals. – That is how Norwegian law is, and then everyone has the opportunity to take part in the tender competition. There are now 13 who have been awarded contracts. I think 11 or 12 of them are ideal. The rest private. And the deliveries are about the same level as today, says Vestre. Former drug users and employees at several institutions demonstrated today against the closure of several services. Photo: Johanna Hauge / news Want to improve the health situation Knutsen demands that the closures of well-established institutions be halted and warns of more demonstrations. He believes that the new offer will provide 400 fewer overnight places, and that there will be a shorter stay for those receiving drug treatment. At the same time, he is positive that the Minister of Health, in his proposal for a new drug reform, will improve the health situation for drug addicts. – Making the welfare society more of a welfare society for those who have failed is a good proposal. The users’ and relatives’ voice should mean much more in the assessment of the kind of help you get, says Knutsen. In the government’s proposal, drugs are still to be prohibited, but Knutsen believes that this creates more stigmatisation. – I have little doubt that anyone can change that decision, says Pål Sæthre (40). He says that Tyrili is like family to him. Photo: Johanna Hauge / news Published 25.10.2024, at 8.30 p.m
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The government presented proposals for drug reform – was met by protesters – news Norway – Overview of news from different parts of the country
