Alcohol and other drugs
Statistical information
Þórunn Steindórsdóttir, The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Preventions Council
Reykjavík 2002
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council – Statistical information © The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002
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Voucher: Þorgerður Ragnarsdóttir, Manager of the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council. Convulsion and photos: Þórunn Steindórsdóttir Film work and printing: Svansprent. Bookbinding: Svansprent.
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council Barónstíg 47, 101 Reykjavík Telephone: 585 1470 Fax: 585 1313 E-mail: [email protected] website: www.vimuvarnir.is Contents Statistical information
CONTENTS
Introduction...... 1-2
Alcohol sales...... 3-9
Treatment organizations...... 10-29
Substance use related deaths...... 30-37
Drug offences...... 38-44
Alcohol act violations...... 45-48
Drunken driving...... 49-53
Accidents and deaths due to drunken driving...... 54-59
Sexual violence...... 60-63
Table index...... 64-71
References...... 72-74
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 Introduction Statistical information
INTRODUCTION
This report contains diverse information giving an idea of the use of alcohol and other intoxicants in Iceland and the harm it causes from various perspectives. Collection of the data on which this report is based is part of fulfilling one of the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council’s statutorily defined tasks, which is to see to data collection concerning matters involving intoxicants so that the council always has the latest and most tenable information about the status of these affairs. First, the report contains information from the Statistical Bureau of Iceland on alcohol sales of the State Alcohol and Tobacco Monopoly. The figures of the Statistical Bureau on the turnover of taxed alcohol are usually used as a reference on the total consumption of alcohol in Iceland. Second, the report presents information about alcohol and drug offences from the National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police; such information along with information about other offence categories is found in the Commissioner's annual reports. The Reykjavik Police Chief also publishes an annual report with statistical information about the status of these affairs within its district. Third, there is information about convictions for alcohol and drug offences, obtained from the State Prison Administration, which maintains information about convictions for offences under the penal code. Fourth, the report contains information on the activities of treatment organisations in addition to statistical information about the groups utilising their services. Also undertaken was the collection of information on the number of liquor licences in the country. Under the law, the issue of licences is the responsibility of municipalities. It was therefore necessary to contact all the municipalities in the country to collect information about the total number of liquor licences in Iceland. In addition, the report contains information from the Iceland Traffic Council and The Icelandic Road Accident Analysis Group. Finally, information on the number of reported rapes can be mentioned, where the use of alcohol and other intoxicants is deemed to have been involved. Sexual offences are often related to the use of alcohol or other intoxicants.
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 1
Introduction Statistical information
It proved difficult to obtain sufficient information about accidents and deaths connected with the use of alcohol and/or drugs; however, information from the Pathology Research Laboratory turned out to be helpful. The data on which the report is based are the foundation for evaluation of the harmfulness of the use of alcohol and other intoxicants in society. The collection and scope of data of this kind depend entirely on how well the relevant organisations and companies maintain information relating to their activities. Although there are many sources of information, these matters are still a long way from being satisfactory. The report therefore gives only an idea of the effect and harm caused by the use of alcohol and intoxicants, while the total scope is still hidden. The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council also organizes, with others, various studies on the lifestyle and consumption of various age and social groups. Such studies provide another kind of information on the distribution and consequences of alcohol and drug use. They elucidate the ideas of the respondents and provide some idea of their attitudes on lifestyle, use, prevention, standard of living and other aspects of daily life. In the last several years, a growing emphasis has in addition been placed on preventive projects being evaluated with respect to the implementation of results to improve preventive efforts in Iceland. The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council will continue to gather information that could be useful in clarifying the total picture, having the guiding principle that this work may be utilised to fight the threat stemming from the growing use of intoxicants in Iceland.
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 2
Alcohol Sales Statistical information
ALCOHOL SALES
Alcohol sales are often used to measure the total consumption of alcohol and changes in it. Alcohol sales also provide important information on the correlation between changes in total consumption and changes in alcohol abuse that surface in many kinds of damage caused by alcohol. The Statistical Bureau of Iceland records the annual sales of alcohol. Figure 1.1 and Table 1.1 show the sales trend of taxable alcohol in Iceland over the last 30 years. These figures reflect neither the alcohol imported through the duty-free store at the Keflavik Airport nor homemade or smuggled alcohol. The reference age is 15 and over since this standard has become customary in comparisons between countries. Alcohol sales grew steadily until 1989 when they took a temporary jump following legalisation of the sale of beer in Iceland. Sales then decreased again in the wake of decreasing purchasing power, but since 1993 they have increased substantially, reaching a peak in 2001 of 6,32 litres of pure spirits per capita of those aged 15 and over. There are several possible explanations for this increase, including increased access to alcohol, improved economic circumstances, influence from abroad, changed lifestyle, an increase in the number of tourists, hard-sell marketing, advertising and other discussion.
Figure 1.1. Annual consumption of alcohol per person, aged 15 and over, measured in litres of pure spirits.
7
6
5
4
3
2 Litres of pureLitresof spirits
1
0
6 6 3 0 7 8 9 0 9 9 9 0 1970197119721973197419751 1977197819791980198119821983198419851 1987198819891990199119921 1994199519961997199819992 2001
Source: Statistical Bureau of Iceland Notes: The sale of beer stronger than 2,5% began on 1 March 1989. As of 1 December 1995, the State Alcohol and Tobacco Monopoly’s (ÁTVR) exclusive right to import alcohol and sell it to resellers was abolished, and importers, producers and wholesalers having a special permit were authorised to sell it to resellers. Since 1995, figures therefore include the sales of ÁTVR and other permit holders. Not included is the alcohol that tourists or the crews of ships and aeroplanes bring with them into the country.
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 3 Alcohol Sales Statistical information
Table 1.1 Alcohol sales 1970-2000, measured in Increased alcohol sales litres of pure spirits per person, aged 15 and over indicate that consumption is increasing. Figure 1.2 Year Litres Year Litres Year Litres 1970 3,82 1980 4,33 1990 5,24 shows how sales from 1990 1971 4,08 1981 4,36 1991 5,14 to 2001 developed by 1972 4,15 1982 4,25 1992 4,73 1973 4,13 1983 4,39 1993 4,45 category of alcohol. Beer 1974 4,30 1984 4,51 1994 4,61 1975 4,04 1985 4,41 1995 4,76 sales decreased from 1990 1976 4,06 1986 4,58 1996 4,89 to 1993 but have been 1977 4,32 1987 4,73 1997 5,09 1978 4,11 1988 4,53 1998 5,56 increasing since then. 1979 4,46 1989 5,52 1999 5,91 Wine sales have been 2000 6,14 2001 6,32 steady but have increased Source: Statistical Bureau of Iceland from 1996 to 2001. Over the same period, sales of hard liquor have decreased.
Figure 1.2. Annual consumption of alcohol per person, aged 15 and over, measured in litres of pure spirits
7,00 Spirits Wine Beer Total 6,00
5,00
4,00
3,00
2,00 Litres of pure spirits of pure Litres 1,00
0,00 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
Source: Statistical Bureau of Iceland
Table 1.2 Alcohol sales 1990-2000 per person, age 15 and over, measured in litres of pure spirits
1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 Total consumption 5,24 5,14 4,73 4,45 4,61 4,76 4,89 5,09 5,56 5,91 6,14 6,32 Strong alcohol 2,75 2,76 2,49 2,20 2,02 1,93 1,79 1,72 1,74 1,76 1,73 1,68 Wine 0,76 0,80 0,79 0,76 0,78 0,71 0,91 0,97 1,18 1,25 1,38 1,52 Beer 1,73 1,58 1,45 1,49 1,81 2,02 2,20 2,41 2,64 2,89 3,03 3,12 Source: Statistical Bureau of Iceland
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 4 Alcohol Sales Statistical information
Figure 1.3 shows the percentage of total alcohol sales for hard liquor, wine and beer. Proportionally, wine sales over this 10-year period have increased more than the sale of beer, or by 81.6% versus 75.1%, respectively. This supports the idea that Icelanders’ lifestyle is changing since more beer and wine is consumed but less hard liquor. Although the consumption of hard liquor is decreasing, this decrease is less than the increase in the sales of wine and beer. Total consumption is therefore increasing, according to these figures.
Figure 1.3. Annual alcohol sales 1990-2000 per person, aged 15 and over, measured in pure spirits. In percentages by types.
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0% 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
Spirits Wine Beer
Source: Statistical Bureau of Iceland
Table 1.3 is a summary of alcohol sales in the Nordic countries. Some figures for the year 2000 have not been obtained. These figures do not include alcohol that was smuggled, homebrewed or brought in through the duty-free stores. Since sales and distribution are done differently in these countries, it is difficult to make a comparison between the countries solely based on these figures. Table 1.3 Alcohol sales in the Nordic countries 1990-2000
Faroe Denmark Finland Islands Greenland Iceland Norway Sweden 1990 11,6 9,5 6,7 15,5 5,2 4,9 6,4 1991 11,5 9,2 6,7 15,0 5,1 4,8 6,3 1992 11,9 8,9 8,8 14,0 4,7 4,6 6,3 1993 11,7 8,4 6,3 12,8 4,5 4,5 6,2 1994 12,0 8,2 6,4 13,2 4,6 4,6 6,3 1995 12,1 8,3 6,3 12,6 4,8 4,8 6,2 1996 12,2 8,2 6,7 12,6 4,9 5,0 6,0 1997 12,1 8,6 6,6 12,8 5,1 5,3 5,9 1998 11,6 8,7 6,6 13,3 5,6 5,8 1999 11,5 8,7 6,6 13,2 5,9 5,5 6,1 2000 6,8 6,1 5,6 6,2 Source: Rusmidler in Norway and the Statistical Bureau of Iceland
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 5 Alcohol Sales Statistical information
According to a survey of consumption done in 1995 by the Statistical Bureau of Iceland, homes, on average, devote more money to alcohol than to coffee, tea, cocoa, soft drinks, juice and water combined. A regional difference surfaced in the survey, showing that those living in the capital city area spend more money, on average, on the purchase of alcohol than those living elsewhere in the country, whether in rural or urban areas (Figure 1.4). Capital city residents also buy more soft drinks, juice and water than people living elsewhere. A possible explanation of this difference is greater access to alcohol and more disposable income in Reykjavik than elsewhere in Iceland.
Figure 1.4. Average expenditure per year of homes for certain beverages, by residence, according to a Statistical Bureau of Iceland survey in 1995. 60.000 kr.
50.000 kr.
40.000 kr.
30.000 kr. ISK
20.000 kr.
10.000 kr.
0 kr. Alcohol Coffee, tee and chocolate Sodas, juice and water
The Capital area Another dence population Rural area Average
Source: Statistical Bureau of Iceland
Table 1.4 Average expenditure of homes for certain beverages per year, according to a 1995 consumption survey of the Statistical Bureau of Iceland, grouped by residence (average price level 1995)
Capital city Other area urban Rural Average Alcohol ISK 47,835 ISK 29,363 ISK 27,773 ISK 40,516 Coffee, tea and cocoa ISK 11,053 ISK 12,515 ISK 16,219 ISK 12,017 Soft drinks, juice and water ISK 40,215 ISK 37,073 ISK 31,805 ISK 38,467 Source: Statistical Bureau of Iceland
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 6 Alcohol Sales Statistical information
From 1990 to 2001, the number of establishments serving alcohol increased rapidly in Iceland. In Reykjavik, the number of establishments serving alcohol has increased by 92.4%, or from 92 to 177, during the period. Elsewhere in Iceland, the number of establishments with liquor licences has increased still more, or by 698%. Thus, the total number of liquor licences in Iceland has increased by 282% (Figure 1.5 and Table 1.4).
Figure 1.5. Number of liquor licences in Iceland 1990-2001.
600 The whole country 500 Reykjavik
400
300
Number 200
100
0 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
Source: Ministry of Justice and Ecclesiastical Affairs, municipalities in Iceland
An amendment to the Alcohol Table 1.5 Number of liquor licences 1990-2000 Act in 1998 transferred the issue of licences from the district Throughout Year Iceland Reykjavik commissioners to the 1990 134 92 1991 152 103 municipalities. After the change, 1992 179 115 it is difficult to obtain 1993 235 132 1994 252 144 information about the number of 1995 297 156 1996 341 163 liquor licences since no one 1997*** 444 164 compiles these figures centrally. 1998** 461 155 1999** 478 170 The Alcohol and Drug Abuse 2000** 495 182 2001* 512 177 Prevention Council therefore Source: Use of alcohol and other intoxicants in Iceland and undertook investigation of the the municipalities in Iceland. Status as of the end of each year *Based on the summer of 2001. **Estimate number of liquor licences in the ***Based on November 1997 country by collecting information in each municipality. The results of the survey are shown in Figure 1.5 (and Table 1.5). The figures for 1998, 1999 and 2000 are estimated. The plan
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 7 Alcohol Sales Statistical information
provides for an average increase in numbers of 3.8% per year. Despite repeated attempts, information was not obtained from the following municipalities: Leirár- and Melahreppur, Saurbæjarhreppur, Bæjarhreppur, Bólstadahlídarhreppur, Vindhælishreppur, Ólafsfjardarkaupstadur, Fljótshlídarhreppur, Skeidahreppur and Gnúpverjahreppur.
Table 1.6 Number of alcohol The number of retail outlets for the State Alcohol and retail outlets in Iceland 2001 Tobacco Monopoly of Iceland has increased substantially in recent years, and at the end of 2001, Place Number Reykjavik 6 there were 39 (Table 1.6). This means that there are Seltjarnarnes 1 more than 18 stores per 100,000, aged 18 and over in Kópavogur 2 Gardabær 1 Iceland. By comparison, it can be mentioned that in Hafnarfjördur 1 Keflavik 1 Sweden there are six stores per 100,000, aged 18 and Grindavík 1 over. In Iceland, a comparison on the basis of the Selfoss 1 Hvolsvöllur 1 legal age for alcohol purchase, i.e., 20 and over, Westman Islands 1 Höfn 1 could be deemed more reasonable, and this is the age Fáskrúdsfjördur 1 used for the comparison between Iceland and Neskaupstadur 1 Egilsstadir 1 Sweden. According to information from the State Seydisfjördur 1 Vopnafjördur 1 Alcohol and Tobacco Monopoly of Iceland, the Thórshöfn 1 planned number of retail outlets at the end of 2001 Húsavík 1 Akureyri 1 was 40, but that goal was not achieved. However, this Dalvík 1 Siglufjördur 1 goal will be reached in 2002 since plans call for Saudárkrókur 1 opening a sales outlet in Djúpavogur in May 2002. Blönduós 1 Hvammstangi 1 The Alcohol Act of 1998 shifted the issue of liquor Ísafjördur 1 Patreksfjördur 1 licences from the Ministry of Justice and Búdardalur 1 Ecclesiastical Affairs to the municipalities. Could this Stykkishólmur 1 Ólafsvík 1 conceivably explain, to some extent, the increase in Borgarnes 1 Akranes 1 the number of sales outlet for alcohol in the country? Mosfellsbær 1 ÁTVR has aimed at making access to alcohol similar Grundarfjördur 1 Total 39 everywhere in Iceland. Increased tourism in rural Source: atvr.is areas has certainly had much to say about the increase in the number of licences.
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 8 Alcohol Sales Statistical information
Table 1.7 shows how the number of Table 1.7 Number of ÁTVR stores and liquor licences, 1990-2001 ÁTVR retail outlets has increased in the last decade; in 2001 there were ÁTVR stores Liquor licences nearly twice as many as there were in 1990 19 134 1993 22 235 1990. Also, the number of places 1997 26 444 having liquor licences has increased 2001 37 512 Source: ÁTVR and municipalities in Iceland substantially. This means increased access to alcohol, which is deemed to increase its consumption generally. (Edwards, Griffith. Alcohol Policy and the Public Good, pp. 125- 145). Table 1.8 Total number of establishments Table 1.8 (and Figure 1.8) serving alcohol per 100,000, aged 15 and over, in the Nordic countries 1987-1998 contains a summary of the total number of places Denmark Finland Norway Sweden Iceland 1987 183 94 64 licensed to sell alcohol in the 1988 185 100 72 1989 193 106 91 Nordic countries. These 1990 237 141 134 103 104 figures show the places 1991 242 154 135 110 115 1992 252 182 136 117 126 serving alcohol are 1993 251 203 138 125 152 1994 253 218 148 132 159 proportionally greatest in 1995 256 230 152 142 198 Denmark. The number of 1996 252 228 160 163 187 1997 258 229 169 147 216 liquor licences had increased 1998 250 222 176 126 222* Source: Rusmidler in Norway and the Statistical Bureau of Iceland in all the countries, but the *Calculated from census figures of the Statistical Bureau of Iceland number of them peaked in Denmark and Finland in 1995 and in Sweden in 1996. Proportionally, the number of liquor licences has increased most in Iceland.
Figure 1.8. Total number of establishments with liquor licences per 100,000, aged 15 and older, in the Nordic countries 1990 to 1998. 300 250 200 150
Number 100 50 Danmark Finland Norway Sweden Iceland 0 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 9 Treatment organisations Statistical information
TREATMENT ORGANISATIONS
In collecting this information, sources were sought in many places, but unfortunately it proved difficult to obtain exhaustive information from particular organisations. Also, the information found here varies in how detailed it is, and comparisons are therefore often difficult. For some places, for example, information is only obtainable about the total number of admissions, and there is a risk that each individual is counted more than once because it is not uncommon for people to be admitted more than once a year. One must also be cautious when determining the total number of people admitted to all treatment organisations since recording is not harmonised. Individuals can move between several treatment organisations during each year and be counted in many places. This information is therefore not very reliable as a measure of the scope of problems with intoxicants. In addition, the information is not completely comparable since its structure and the organisation and the education of employees vary, and such factors certainly influence their activities. A more detailed comparison of treatment organisations is a worthwhile research project, but no opportunity for such a detailed analysis is given in this report. In two organisations in Iceland, where there is a doctor on site around the clock, detoxification is offered as a part of treatment for the misuse of alcohol and/or other intoxicants for patients aged 16 and over. This is the case, on the one hand, at the National University Hospital on Hringbraut, where there is a special intoxicant ward, and, on the other, at the Vogur Hospital. Hladgerdarkot offers detoxification is a part of treatment, but there is no doctor there around the clock. Many more organisations offered treatment, either long-term or continuing treatment. Treatment organisations receiving children and youths up to 18 years of age are operated, for the most part, by or in collaboration with the Government Agency for Child Protection. The Government Agency for Child Protection was founded in 1995, and its establishment changed various things in the affairs of children and youths. Among other things, the number of treatment options has increased for children and youths coping with problems because of alcohol and drug use. In addition to formal treatment organisations, halfway houses are operated that are intended as support homes for those seeking treatment for alcohol and/or drug abuse at the above- mentioned organisations. Information on these homes can be obtained from the directors of the relevant homes.
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 10 Treatment organisations Statistical information
Table 2.1 is a summary of a number of facilities available to alcohol and drug patients, aged 16 and over.
Table 2.1 Number of rehabilitation facilities and beds for alcohol and drug users in August 2001
Name Description of Number Age of organisation service of beds of patients Landspitali - Drug Abuse Divi Detoxification/treatment 8 ≥16 Landspitali - Teigur outpatient/day clinic/treatment 45 ≥16 Landspítali - Gunnarsholt 31
SÁÁ - Vogur Detoxification/outpatient ward/t 74 ≥16 SÁÁ – Vík Continuing treatment 34 ≥16 SÁÁ - Stadarfell Continuing treatment 30 ≥16
Krýsuvík: treatment and Long-term residence for far- 30 20-35 rehabilitation centre advanced drug users
Hladgerdarkot Detoxification/treatment 25 ≥18
Götusmidjan - Árvellir Treatment and follow-up treatm 20 16-20
Byrgid - Rockville Halfway house and rehabilitation 45 ≥18 Byrgid Detoxification 9 ≥18
TOTAL 351
Source: Directors of the relevant organisations, 2001
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 11 Treatment organisations Statistical information
Table 2.2 provides a summary of halfway houses operated in Iceland in 2001, which, among other things, are support residences for people coming out of treatment.
Table 2.2 Halfway houses in 2001
Age Name Description of Number of of organisation service of beds patients Takmarkid Support centre for men operated by 17 ≥17 association of the same name Risid Support centre for men operated by 21 ≥17 association of the same name Dyngjan Support centre for women operated by 14 ≥17 association of the same name Krossgötur Halfway house for men operated 35 16-35 by association of the same name Vernd Rehabilitation Support centre for former prisoners who 20 ≥18 Centre have completed drug abuse treatment SÁÁ - Miklabraut Post-treatment support centre 25 ≥18 SÁÁ - Eskihlíd Post-treatment support centre 18 ≥18 SÁÁ - N Fjólan Post-treatment support centre 16 ≥18 Gistiskýlid Emergency shelter for homeless 15 18-20> Thingholtsstræti alcohol patients operated by Social Services of Reykjavik and the City of Reykjavik 15 ≥18 Samhjálp-Hverfisgata Post-treatment support centre 15 ≥18 Total 211 Source: Directors of the relevant organisations, 2001
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 12 Treatment organisations Statistical information
Table 2.3 is a summary of the organisations operated under the auspices of the Government Agency for Child Protection. However, not all residences are solely for children and youths with alcohol and/or drug problems. Children and youths with other kinds of problems, e.g., behavioural problems and psychological difficulties, are also admitted there.
Table 2.3 Treatment facilities under the auspices of the Government Agency for Child Protection in 2001
Organisation Kind of service Age Beds
Studlar - Treatment Centre Diagnosis, emergency 12-18 12 State for youths admission and follow-up treatment
Hvítárbakki Long-term treatment 13-18 6 rehabilitation centre for youths
Varpholt Drug abuse treatment 13-18 8 rehabilitation centre for youths
Torfastadir Long-term treatment 13-18 6 rehabilitation centre for youths
Árbót/Berg Long-term treatment 12-18 10 rehabilitation centre for children/youths
Háholt Long-term treatment 15-18 6 rehabilitation centre for children and youths
Geldingalækur Long-term treatment 11-16 6 rehabilitation centre for children and youths
Árvellir Drug abuse treatment 15-18 13 rehabilitation centre for children and youths
Jökuldalur Drug abuse treatment 13-18 6 rehabilitation centre for children and youths
Total 73 Source: Record of Althingi, 18, 1996-1997; Report of the Government Agency for Child Protection, 2000
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 13 Treatment organisations Statistical information
Table 2.4 contains a summary of rehabilitation facilities under the auspices of the Government Agency for Child Protection, the number of spaces available at each home and the number of children staying there. The number of spaces has more than doubled during this period. The number of children staying in these homes has increased by more than 100%.
Table 2.4 Beds and the number of children staying at rehabilitation centres Government Agency for Child Protection
Rehabilitation centre Number of beds Number of children in residence 1996 1997 1998 1999 1996 1997 1998 1999 Árbót/Berg5661089816 Bakkaflöt 5 6 6 9 11 13 Geldingalækur66666978 Laugamýri 2 2 2 2 Sólheimar 5 5 8 4 Torfastadir 6 6 6 6 811910 Varpholt 468 61113 Hvítárbakki 6 6 6 10 Háholt 6 17 Götusmidjan - Virkid 2 12 Total 2935364441525486 Source: Child Welfare in Iceland 1996-2000.
The breakdown of the total number of spaces and the spaces intended specifically for children and youths with alcohol and drug problems is shown in Table 2.5.
Table 2.5 The Government Agency for Child Protection: Total number of treatment beds and the number of alcohol and drug abuse treatment beds
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 Total number of beds 41 47 48 56 73 73 Beds for alcohol and drug abuse treatment 4 13 17 35 35 Source: Government Agency for Child Protection
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 14 Treatment organisations Statistical information
Table 2.6 Rehabilitation centres that are Table 2.6 shows how many spaces in intended specifically for youths who have alcohol and drug abuse problems rehabilitation facilities in 2001 were specifically intended for children and Rehabilitation Number of beds centre in 2001 youths with problems due to the use of Jökuldalur 6 Varpholt 8 alcohol and other intoxicants. The Háholt Árvellir 13 and Hvítárbakki Rehabilitation facilities Háholt 6 Hvítárbakki 6 are not specifically intended for children Total 39 Source: Government Agency for Child Protection and youths with problems involving intoxicants although about 90-95% of them staying there have such problems, in addition to other kinds of problems.
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 15 Treatment organisations Statistical information
Tables 2.7, 2.8 and 2.9 contain information about the operation of the State Rehabilitation Facility at Studlar. The operations at Studlar fall under three headings: the treatment ward, where specialised diagnosis and treatment go on, post-treatment following one’s stay in the treatment ward and a closed ward with emergency accommodations.
The number of bed days of the Studlar treatment ward increased somewhat between 1997 and 1998, while in 1999 the number decreased (Table 2.7). The average age of the children going there is about 15, and this has increased a little bit since 1997 after the age for majority increased from 16 to 18. On average, 35 children stay in the Studlar treatment ward each year. Most of those applying for admission to the Studlar treatment ward have got into trouble with alcohol and drugs.
Table 2.7 Treatment ward at Studlar
Number of Average number of Total number of Average age residence days children per mo. children per yr. of children 1997 2.540 7,0 30 14,8 1998 2.850 7,8 44 15,3 1999 2.821 7,7 31 15,4
Source: Child Welfare in Iceland 1996-2000.
The number of bed days in the Studlar Table 2.8 Closed ward at Studlar closed ward increased somewhat in Number Average Total 1999 when there were 168 days more of number of number of residence children children than the year before (Figure 2.8). This days per mo. per yr. corresponds to a 31% increase. On 1997 601 1,6 47 1998 541 1,5 70 average, more than 60 children have 1999 709 1,9 65 Source: Child Welfare in Iceland 1996-2000. stayed in the Studlar closed ward each of the last three years. Table 2.9 shows the proportion of those Table 2.9 Proportion of children who seeking treatment at Studlar for abuse of have alcohol and drug abuse problems alcohol and drugs. Focusing on the vs. the total number of children at Studlar average for these three years, we see that Girls Boys 83% of girls and 73% of boys who have 1997 0,80 0,80 1998 0,93 0,60 sought assistance there have problems 1999 0,75 0,79 with alcohol and drug abuse. average 0,83 0,73 Source: Child Welfare in Iceland 1996-2000.
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 16 Treatment organisations Statistical information
The Laymen's Society on Alcoholism in Iceland operates the Vogur Hospital. There, treatment is provided to people who have lost control of their use of alcohol and/or drugs. Detoxification goes on there along with counselling and psychological treatment. At the conclusion of their stay, patients have the option of continuing treatment, e.g., at the rehabilitation facilities at Stadarfell and Vík.
Table 2.10 provides a summary Table 2.10 Number of individuals at Vogur of the number of those seeking
Number of individuals Number of first- treatment at Vogur from 1991 to being treated time admissions 2000. The total number of 1991 1570 549 1992 1678 625 patients per year remains fairly 1993 1639 606 constant, or between 1570 and 1994 1615 553 1995 1608 570 1843. On average, 1650 people 1996 1651 676 1997 1669 678 seek treatment there for alcohol 1998 1612 608 and/or drug abuse. The number 1999 1615 636 2000 1843 639 of new recruits, who have never Source: Annual publication of SÁÁ 1999-2000 and 2000-2001 before received treatment at Vogur, is in the range of 550 to 680, which is about 38% of the total number of patients per year.
The age distribution at Vogur Table 2.11 Age distribution at the Vogur Hospital has been changing. This can 1978-1979 1989 1999 2000 be seen in Table 2.11 (and in <20 48 80 257 288 Figure 2.1). In 1978-1979 the Age 20-29 387 471 442 507 Age 30-39 591 457 352 385 biggest age group was 30-39, Age 40-49 495 365 317 365 Age 50-59 290 155 186 211 and the average age was 39. In Age 60-69 83 54 44 66 1999, the average age had >69 11 11 17 21 Total 1.905 1.593 1.615 1.843 decreased to 34, and the Average age 39.1 36.1 34.2 34.6 biggest age group had become Source: Annual publication of SÁÁ 1999-2000 and 2000-2001 20-29. The greatest decrease in admissions has been in the age group 30-39, and this, to some extent, can be attributed to the fact the people seek help earlier now than before.
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 17 Treatment organisations Statistical information
A substantial increase Figure 2.1. Age distribution in Vogur has occurred in the 1978 to 2000. number of youths 1 1 1 1 100% 4 3 3 4 10 >69 years under 20 seeking 90% 15 11 11 60-69 years 80% 23 20 20 treatment at Vogur. In 50-59 years 70% 26 60% 40-49 years 1989, the proportion of 22 21 50% 29 30-39 years those aged 20 or under 40% 31 20-29 years 30% 27 27 <20 years Percentage 20% 29 was 5%, while in 1999 20 10% 16 16 3 5 and 2000, the 0% 1978- 1989 1999 2000 proportion had become 1979 16%.
Table 2.12 Number of those aged 19 There has been a substantial increase in the and under at the Vogur Hospital and numbers of those under 20. This development their proportional division by gender has occurred steadily over the past several <20 Girls% Boys% years, as can be seen in Table 2.12 (and 1993 126 34,1 65,9 1994 142 42,3 57,7 Figure 2.2). The number of those having 1995 137 37,2 62,8 1996 180 38,3 61,7 problems has increased; an increased number 1997 206 36,4 63,6 of treatment solutions is important in this 1998 227 31,3 68,7 1999 257 35,0 65,0 regard; problems are diagnosed earlier than 2000 288 35,1 64,9 average 195,4 36,2 63,8 before, and consciousness and Source: Annual publication of SÁÁ 1999-2000 acknowledgement of the problem have and 2000-2001. generally increased.
Figure 2.2. Number of those under 20 in the Vogur Hospital 1993-2000
350 288 300 257 227 250 206 180 200 126 142 150 137 Number 100 50 0 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 18 Treatment organisations Statistical information
Table 2.13 Gender breakdown at Men constituted, on average, the Vogur Hospital about 75% of those receiving
Men Women Proportion treatment at Vogur for the years 1979 1.510 395 79.3/20.7 1979 to 1999. Table 2.13 (and 1989 1.181 412 74.1/25.9 1999 1.139 476 70.5/29.5 Figure 2.3) gives an overview of 2000 1.330 513 70.0/30.0 Average 1.290 449 73.5/26.5 the breakdown between genders Source: Annual publication of SÁÁ 1999-2000 and 2000-2001. at the Vogur Hospital in 1979, 1989 and 1999. However, the number of women being treated has increased, and their proportion has risen from less than 21% in 1979 to nearly 30% in 1999.
Even though the majority of those Figure 2.3. Gender breakdown in Vogur 1979 to 2000. coming to Vogur have a problem Men Women with alcohol, the number of those 2000 395 having mixed problems with 513 1500 412 476 alcohol and drugs (polydueux) 1000 15 10 113 9 1330 has increased. The number of 118 1 Number heavy users of cannabis and 500 amphetamines, for example, has 0 1979 1989 1999 2000 increased during this period. According to information from Vogur Chief Physician Thórarinn Tyrfingsson, heavy users of cannabis and/or amphetamine are those having used these substances weekly for half a year, if aged 19 and under, or for a whole Figure 2.4. Number of major users of cannabis and amphetamine in Vogur year, if aged 20 or older. Those 1997 to 2000. using these substances daily for six
600 months are also classified as heavy 500 566 users. Figure 2.4 shows a summary 400 483 448 467 410 389 300 392 368 of the number of major users of
Number 200 cannabis and amphetamine at 100 Vogur for the period 1997 to 2000. 0 1997 1998 1999 2000 The number of heavy users of Major users of cannabis cannabis and amphetamine has Major users of amphetamine increased by 23% during this period. However, it must be stated that the largest part of this group are heavy users of both cannabis and amphetamine and are thus counted in both categories.
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 19 Treatment organisations Statistical information
The number of heavy users of Figure 2.5. Major users of cocaine, heroin, LSD and ecstasy tablets in the cocaine and ecstasy at Vogur Vogur Hospital 1998-2000. has also increased rapidly 1998 1999 2000 between 1998 and 2000, cf. the
200 162 information in Figure 2.5. The
150 number of heavy users of 102 cocaine has risen by 286% over 100 75
Number 42 these two years, and the number 50 2025 3 3 3 7 5 5 of heavy users of ecstasy has 0 Cocaine Heroine LSD Ecstasy similarly increased by 410%. On the other hand, there seems to have been no increase in the use of heroin and LSD among the patients at Vogur. Heavy users of the substances are those using them at least weekly for six months regardless of age (definition of Thórarinn Tyrfingsson, chief physician at Vogur). Here, one must keep in mind that this information was obtained from the users, and what users say they are using and what they in fact use can differ.
At Vogur, the number of those Figure 2.6. Number of those at Vogur using cocaine, heroin and 1998-2000 who have used cocaine, heroine, LSD and ecstasy tablets. ecstasy has also increased from 392 year to year. Figure 2.6 shows 400 338 1998 1999 2000 347 this development. 350 265 282 300 252 250 219 179 175 200 150 Number 100 31 50 18 9 0 Cocaine Heroine LSD Ecstasy
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 20 Treatment organisations Statistical information
The rehabilitation facility at Árvellir, which is operated by Götusmidjan, was formally opened in January 2000. The facility receives youths, aged 15 to 20, for treatment of alcohol and drug abuse. However, children under 15 have been treated at Árvellir since the Government Agency for Child Protection has a service agreement with Götusmidjan for the use of 13 beds for children under legal age.
Figure 2.7 shows the number Figure 2.7. Number of admissions to the rehabilitation centre at Árvellir. of admissions per month in 18 16 2000 and for six months in 16 2000 2001 2001. The total number of 14 admissions over this 18- 12 11 month period was 107. On 10 9
8 7 7 7 7 7 average, there were about six Number 6 5 admissions per month from 4 4 4 4 6 4 3 2 January 2000 through June 2 2 2 2001. 0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Okt Nov Des
Source: Götusmidjan, statistical summary.
Of those going for treatment at Árvellir, 69% were Figure 2.8. Gender boys, and 31% were girls. This proportion is in breakdown at the rehabilitation center at harmony with the breakdown between genders at Árvöllum from Januar 2000 to June 2001. other rehabilitation facilities. Girls 31%
Boys 69%
Source: Götusmidjan, statistical summary
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 21 Treatment organisations Statistical information
Figure 2.9. Age breakdown at Árvellir It is commonest for youths by gender, January 2000 to June 2001. seeking treatment at Árvellir to 30 Boys Girls 25 be aged 17 to 18. Figure 2.9 25 20 shows the age distribution for 20 15 the previously mentioned 15 period.
Number 9 10 7 6 5 5 3 3 2 3 3 112 2 0 0 0 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Age
Source: Götusmidjan, statistical summary.
Of those receiving Figure 2.10. Division of youths at Árvellir treatment at Árvellir, 65% according to whether they have reached their majority or not. are under 18. Of these, about 82% of the girls and 50 58% of the boys are under 40 Boys legal age. 30 Boys Girls 20
Number 10 Girls 0 Independent Not independent
Source: Götusmidjan, statistical summary.
Figure 2.11. Beginning age of Figure 2.11 shows a summary of the age at use for those seeking which use began. The beginning age is treatment at Árvellir, January 2000 to June 2001. believed to affect use and the pattern of the use later in life. Most of those in treatment 40 35 35 28 during the period being considered debuted at 30 25 21 age 12. One can see from the figure that use 20 15 10 begins, on average, at around 12-13. Number 10 7 4 5 1 1 0 9 10111213141516
Age Source: Götusmidjan, statistical summary.
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 22 Treatment organisations Statistical information
The rehabilitation facility Hladgerdarkot is operated by the social organisation Samhjálp. Hladgerdarkot engages in treatment for alcohol and drug abuse patients. Detoxification/medical treatment goes on there along with counselling. At the conclusion of treatment, patients have the option of support at the Samhjálp halfway house on Hverfisgata in Reykjavik and/or an outpatient ward. Table 2.14 is a summary of admissions to the rehabilitation facility in 2000 and the first six months of 2001.
Table 2.14 Hladgerdarkot in 2000 and 2001: Number of admissions, average number of admissions per month and average period of admission
Number Average number of Average time of admissions admissions per mon. in residence 2000 413 34,4 22 2001* 188 31,3 25** Source: Heidar Gudnason, Director of Samhjálp. *First 6 mo. **Estimate
In 2000, the number of admissions to the rehabilitation facility at Hladgerdarkot was 413, which means that 34 individuals were admitted, on average, each month. By comparison, about 31 individuals were admitted per month the first six months of 2001.
Table 2.15 contains information about the breakdown between genders and the Hladgerdarkot rehabilitation facility. Of those coming for treatment at Hladgerdarkot in 2000, 68.3% were men and about one-third were women. The ratio is similar for the first six months of 2001. Here the gender ratio is about the same as at other rehabilitation facilities discussed in this chapter.
Table 2.15 Hladgerdarkot in 2000 and 2001: Gender division
Average number Average number Men Women %men %women of men per mo. of women per mon. 2000 282 131 68,3 31,7 23,5 10,9 2001* 126 62 67,0 33,0 21,0 10,3 Source: Heidar Gudnason, Director of Samhjálp *First 6 mo. of year
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 23 Treatment organisations Statistical information
Table 2.16 Number of admissions for treatment at Byrgid, a Christian charitable Byrgid from 1 October 1999 to 1 May 2001. organisation, operates a treatment Admissions Number of individuals and rehabilitation facility in 665 316 Source: Byrgid, Christian charity Rockville in the area of the Iceland Defence Force in Midnesheidi. Table 2.16 provides a summary of the number of admissions and patients in Rockville. During the period from 1 October 1999 to 1 June 2001, 316 individuals sought assistance at Byrgid, and there were 665 admissions. From these figures one can infer that each individual was admitted, on average, twice during the period.
Of the 316 individuals seeking Table 2.17 Gender division of individuals in Byrgid from 1 October 1999 to 1 May 2001 help at Byrgid, 74 were women, and 242 were men. The Women % Men % 74 23,0 242 77,0 proportion of women in treatment Source: Byrgid, Christian charity is therefore somewhat lower than at other rehabilitation facilities.
Table 2.18 Age distribution in Byrgid Of those going to Byrgid, 62% were born between from 1 October 1999 to 1 May 2001 1950 and 1970. Nearly one quarter were born Born Number % after 1970 and 15% before 1950. before 1950 47 15,0 1950-1970 195 62,0 after 1970 74 23,0 Source: Byrgid, Christian charity
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 24 Treatment organisations Statistical information
The Krýsuvík Association operates a Table 2.19 Number of individuals in treatment at the rehabilitation centre rehabilitation facility for drug users Krýsuvík Association requiring continuing treatment after 1998 1999 detoxification. Detoxification does not go 47 66 on there, and people still using are not Source: Axid 1st issue 6. yr. 1999 accepted. Table 2.20 shows the number of and Axid 1st issue 7. yr. 2000 those being treated at the association in 1998 and 1999. In 1999 the number of individuals increased by more than 40%.
Table 2.20 Gender division of treatment- Many more women sought help at the at the Krýsuvík Association association in 1999 than the year Men % Women % before (see Table 2.21). In 1998, 1998 44 93,6 3 6,3 1999 55 83,3 11 16,7 women were only 6.3% of those going
Source: Axid 1st issue 6. yr. 1999 and Axid there, while in 1999 they were 16.7%. 1st issue 7. yr. 2000 Nevertheless, the great majority of those looking to the Krýsuvík Association were men.
The average age of those seeking Table 2.21 Average age and average time of stay in months at rehabilitation treatment is similar both years: 35 in 1998 centre Krýsuvík Association and 37 in 1999. The average length of stay Average age Average was 3 months in 1998 (although the time of stay 1998 35 3 individual staying longest was excluded 1999 37 3,4 since this would have distorted the Source: Axid 1st issue . 6. yr. 1999 average unreasonably), and the average and Axid 1st issue 7. yr. 2000 length of stay in 1999 was 3.4 months.
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 25 Treatment organisations Statistical information
Alcohol and Drug Treatment Ward 33A is operated at the National University Hospital on Hringbraut. Detoxification and counselling are provided there. At Teigur there are also two treatment wards (16 and 16D) under the auspices of National University Hospital that offer counselling.
Table 2.22 (and Table 2.22 Number of visits for alcohol and drug abuse treatment in wards 33A, 16 and 16D at Landspitali Figure 2.12) provides a summary 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 620 677 781 636 604 665 609 of admissions and 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 visits to the 706 641 920 841 819 785 791 752 National University Source: Information Technology Division of Landspitali-University Hospital’s alcohol Hospital on Hringbraut. and drug treatment wards. Based on these figures, the average number of admissions per year is about 723. The greatest number of visits occurred in 1996: 920. During this 15-year period, the number of admissions has fluctuated from year to year. During the first five years, the average number of admissions was 664. Over the next five years they were, 708 on average, compared to 798 in the last five years. Therefore, overall, the number of admissions has increased over this 15-year period.
Figure 2.12. Number admitted for treatment of alcohol and drug abuse in the Alcohol and Drug Treatment Wards 33A, 16 og 16D at the National University Hospital. 1000 900 800
700 600 500 400 Number 300 200 100 0 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
Source: Information Division of National University Hospital on Hringbraut.
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 26 Treatment organisations Statistical information
Table 2.23 contains information about the age of those admitted for treatment to the wards of the National University Hospital. The number of admissions in each age category fluctuates somewhat between the years, and it is therefore difficult to evaluate the trend in age distribution from such a table. If this is grouped into three five-year periods, and the average number in each age group is calculated, it is easier to see the trend.
Table 2.23 Age distribution of those seeking alcohol and drug abuse treatment in wards 33A, 16 and 16D at the National University Hospital
Age 20 21-30 31-40 41-50 51-60 61-70 Age 71 and under years years years years years and over 1987 35 128 117 151 111 54 24 1988 24 178 163 141 115 39 22 1989 36 136 206 173 135 72 23 1990 20 116 198 152 84 54 12 1991 11 82 172 131 116 69 23 1992 26 100 198 166 93 59 23 1993 26 128 154 145 99 51 6 1994 50 139 229 156 81 35 16 1995 53 147 170 136 90 31 14 1996 120 201 209 136 111 45 23 1997 97 164 242 159 105 57 17 1998 99 197 200 169 93 43 18 1999 83 223 170 162 99 37 11 2000 44 224 186 157 104 61 15 2001 78 227 172 137 85 34 19
Source: Information Technology Division of National University Hospital on Hringbraut.
Table 2.24 groups the average number of admissions in each age group in the above-specified periods. It can be seen there that the basic trend is that the number admissions has increased substantially in the three youngest age groups but decreased or remained about the same in the older age groups.
Table 2.24 Average number in each age group in treatment wards at the National University Hospital
Age 20 21-30 31-40 41-50 51-60 61-70 Age 71 and under years years years years years and over 1987-1991 25,2 128,0 171,2 149,6 112,2 57,6 20,8 1992-1996 55,0 143,0 192,0 147,8 94,8 44,2 16,8 1997-2001 80,2 267,0 194,0 156,8 97,5 46,4 16,0
Source: Information Technology Division of Landspitali-University Hospital on Hringbraut.
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 27 Treatment organisations Statistical information
Figure 2.13 shows the trend of admissions in the three youngest age groups. There it can be seen that over the last three years, the number of admissions in the age group 21-30 has increased so much that this age group now weighs heaviest.
Figure 2.13. Number of those receiving treatment at the Alcohol and Drug Wards of the National University Hospital in age groups < 40 ára. 300 20 years og yngri 21-30 years 31-40 years 250
200
150 Number 100
50
0 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
Figure 2.14 contains information about the gender breakdown of admissions for alcohol and drug abuse treatment in the wards of the National University Hospital. It shows that the admissions of women have increased substantially over these 15 years, and the greatest number of admissions for women occurred in 1996: 421. It must be kept in mind that involved here are admissions and not the number of individuals, so that it is possible that the same woman is counted more than once each year.
Figure 2.14. Total number seeking treatment in Wards 33a, 16 og 16D of the National University Hospital, by gender.
700
600 Women Men
500
400
300 Number 200
100
0 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 28 Treatment organisations Statistical information
Figure 2.15 shows the ratio of admissions for men versus women being treated in the wards of the National University Hospital. It is noteworthy that the gender ratio here differs somewhat from that in other treatment organisations because it is commonest that 30% of those seeking treatment for alcohol and/or drug abuse problems are women. On the other hand, at the National University Hospital this ratio rose to 47% in 2001. No clear explanation for this is available. However, one can argue that individuals seek help there whose psychological problems are more diverse than addiction to alcohol or drugs. The women seeking help there have proved to be, among other things, more depressed and anxious than those seeking treatment at other treatment facilities. It is also conceivable that the outpatient arrangement like the one at Teigur suits women better, and they therefore seek treatment at the National University Hospital.
Figure 2.15. Percentage of men and women being treated in Wards 33A, 16 og 16D of the National University Hospital.
0,8 74% 74% 68% 68% 69% 0,7 63% 64% 63% 59% 60% 58% 58% 0,6 54% 56% 53% 0,5 47% 0,4 46% 42% 44% 42% 41% 40% 37% 36% 37%
pecentage 0,3 32% 32% 31% 26% 0,2 26% Men Women 0,1
0 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 29 Substance use related deaths Statistical information
SUBSTANCE USE RELATED DEATHS
Abuse of alcohol and other intoxicants has a harmful effect on the body. This effect is diverse and of varying seriousness. The substances are either stimulating or tranquillising and affect perception and the body's reflexes. When it comes to obtaining information about deaths related to using alcohol and/or other intoxicants, the resources from which to cull are unfortunately not very rich. Information about causes of death related to substance using has not been specifically maintained, and the recording is limited. Thus, a person dying in an automobile accident attributable to drunken driving can be recorded as an accidental death. This makes all comparison insignificant, and the trend is not clear. It can be deemed likely that more deaths may be attributed, in one way or another, to the use of alcohol or other intoxicants than surfaces in government reports where an analysis of the cause of death is difficult, and autopsies are not performed except in a few cases. Likewise, an autopsy can only confirm whether the person involved was under the influence when he or she died, but it is more difficult to determine whether the person had abused alcohol or other intoxicants previously so as to result in health failure or possibly death. Research on single-car accidents has shown that the consumption of alcohol or possible use of other intoxicants is one of the main causes of such accidents. The indirect effects of abuse involved here will unfortunately be very difficult to measure. However, it is possible to do better than is now done, and there is reason to work toward making it possible to evaluate more precisely the damage caused by the use of alcohol and other intoxicants. The data relied on in this chapter are extremely limited, indicating only the number of deaths confirmed by pathological investigation, i.e., an autopsy. This information is found in a research project that a medical student, Gudrún Thórisdóttir, did in 1996 under the supervision of Prof. Gunnlaugur Geirsson at the University of Iceland Medical School.
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 30 Substance use related deaths Statistical information
Table 3.1 and Figure 3.1 show a Table 3.1 Breakdown of deaths due to use of categorisation of deaths in some alcohol and other intoxicants according to cause of death 1986-1995 way attributable to the use of Men Women Total alcohol and/or other intoxicants Diseases 70 24 94 Accidents 172 51 223 during the period 1986-1995. Suicide 122 31 153 Suspicion of suicide 5 2 7 During this period, 223 Manslaughter 8 3 11 individuals died in this way. The Other 2 4 6 Total 379 115 494 next commonest cause of death Source: Gudrún Thórisdóttir Sudden deaths related to habituating and addictive substances 1986-1995 from substance use is suicide; 153 individuals took their own life under the influence of habituating intoxicants, including alcohol. Over this 10-year period, the deaths of 494 individuals may be traced, in one way or another, to the use of alcohol or other intoxicants. According to this information, therefore, 50 individuals per year, on average, died of this cause during the period.
Figure 3.1 Breakdown of deaths due to use of alcohol and other intoxicants according to cause of death 1986-1995.
250 223 Men Women Total 200 172 153 150 122 94 100 70 Number 51
50 24 31 5 2 7 8 3 11 2 4 6 0 Diseases Accidents Suicide Suspicion of Manslaughter Other suicide
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 31 Substance use related deaths Statistical information
Table 3.2 Fatal poisoning accidents due to use Table 3.2 and Figure 3.2 of alcohol and other intoxicants 1986-1995 provide a summary of the
Men Women Total number of accidental poisonings Alcohol 19 4 23 resulting in death over the Drugs 14 18 32 Alcohol and drugs 13 11 24 period 1986-1995. Over these Drugs 1 0 1 Other 1 0 1 10 years, 81 individuals died Total 48 33 81 from poisoning. The most Source: Gudrún Thórisdóttir Sudden deaths related to habituating and addictive substances 1986-1995 common form of poisoning was from drugs, including sleeping pills and tranquillisers. Evaluation of the part played by alcohol reveals that 47 individuals died from alcohol poisoning or the interaction of alcohol with other damaging substances, and this is more than half of those dying from poisoning during the period. It is noteworthy that despite the general belief that deaths caused by drugs are due to overdose, there was only one such instance involved during this period.
Figure 3.2 Fatal poisoning accidents due to use of alcohol and other intoxicants 1986-1995.
35 30 Men Women Total 25 20 15 Number 10 5 0 Alcohol Drugs Alcohol and Drugs Other drugs
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 32 Substance use related deaths Statistical information
Above, poisoning has been discussed as a direct consequence of the excessive use of harmful substances. On the other hand, some fraction of accidental deaths may be traced to the use of alcohol and/or other intoxicants without excessive use having necessarily been involved.
Table 3.3 Fatal accidents due to use of Table 3.3 and Figure 3.3 show a alcohol and other intoxicants, summary of the number of accidental other than poisoning 1986-1995 deaths, other than by poisoning, that Men Women Total may thus be traced to substance use. Traffic accidents 32 5 37 Fire 9 1 10 Traffic accidents are commonest in Falls 25 6 31 Drowning 22 1 23 this regard, with 37 people dying Suffocation 19 4 23 during the period 1986-1995 in traffic Hypothermia 14 1 15 Other 3 0 3 accidents attributable to the use of Total 124 18 142 Source: Gudrún Thórisdóttir Sudden deaths related to such substances. Right after traffic habituating and addictive substances 1986-1995 accidents are accidents involving plunges or falls. During the period, there were generally 14 accidental deaths per year related, in one way or another, to the use of alcohol and/or other intoxicants.
Figure 3.3 Fatal accidents due to use of alcohol and other intoxicants, other than poisoning 1986-1995.
40 35 Men Women Total 30 25 20 15 Number 10 5 0 Fire Falls Other Traffic accidents Drowning Suffocation Hypothermia
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 33 Substance use related deaths Statistical information
Table 3.4 Age of those dying as a result of Table 3.4 (and Figure 3.4) provides a use of alcohol or other drugs 1986-1995 summary of the ages of those dying because of the use of alcohol and Men Women Total <19 years 31 6 37 other intoxicants in the period 1986- 20-29 years 74 10 84 30-39 years 50 11 61 1995. Most of them were 50-59 years 40-49 years 61 22 83 old. Examining age distribution by 50-59 years 79 25 104 60-69 years 59 27 86 gender reveals it is apparently 70-79 years 22 12 34 80 years 3 1 4 commoner for young men than young unknown age 0 1 1 women to die because of the use of Total 379 115 494 Source: Gudrún Thórisdóttir Sudden deaths related to alcohol and other intoxicants. Thus, habituating and addictive substances 1986-1995 8.7% of the women dying were 20-29, while 19.5% of the men dying were in this age group. On the other hand, 23.5% of the women dying were 60-69, while 15.6% of the men dying were in this age group. However, one must keep in mind that many more men than women die from these causes.
Figure 3.4 Age of those dying as a result of use of alcohol or other drugs 1986-1995.
120 Men 100 Women Total 80
60 Number 40
20
0 <19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70-79 80 years years years years years years years years
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 34 Substance use related deaths Statistical information
Table 3.5 Number of use-related suicides According to the information in Table 1986-1995, by gender 3.5 (and Figure 3.5), the average
Men Women Total number of use-related suicides is 1986 13 4 17 1987 6713 about 15 per year. Men are a large 1988 17 1 18 majority there. 1989 12 3 15 1990 17 3 20 1991 14 3 17
1992 9211 1993 10 4 14 1994 11 2 13 1995 13 2 15 Total 122 31 153 Source: Gudrún Thórisdóttir Sudden deaths related to habituating and addictive substances 1986-1995
Figure 3.5 Number of use-related suicides 1986-1995, by gender.
25 Men Women Total 20
15
Number 10
5
0 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 35 Substance use related deaths Statistical information
Table 3.6 shows the percentage of Table 3.6 Proportion of use-related suicides use-related suicides to the total versus total number of suicides 1986-1995 number of suicides for the period Men (%) Women (%) Total (%) 1986-1995. For this period, 50% 1986 52,0 33,3 45,9 1987 27,3 50,0 36,1 of suicides, on average, can be 1988 56,7 20,0 51,4 1989 75,0 50,0 68,2 linked to the use of alcohol and 1990 48,6 60,0 50,0 other intoxicants. 1991 48,3 37,5 45,9 1992 39,1 40,0 39,3 1993 52,6 57,1 53,8 1994 55,0 50,0 54,2 1995 72,2 40,0 66,6 Total 51,5 45,0 49,7 Source: Gudrún Thórisdóttir Sudden deaths related to habituating and addictive substances 1986-1995
Figure 3.6 show the proportion of use-related suicides of total number of suicides from 1986 to 1995. The proportion is a bit higher for men than women although there is no clear difference.
Figure 3.6 Proportion of use-related suicides versus total number of suicides 1986-1995.
80,0 70,0 68,2 66,6 60,0 53,8 54,2 49,7 50,0 45,9 50,0 45,9 51,4 39,3 40,0 30,0 36,1 Proportion 20,0 10,0 0,0 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 Total
Men (%) Women (%) Total (%)
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 36 Substance use related deaths Statistical information
Table 3.7 Deaths due to diseases Alcohol and other intoxicants have a related to the use of alcohol and biological impact on the body's other intoxicants 1986-1995 functioning and can cause numerous Total number diseases or influence their progress. Heart diseases 52 Pulmonary diseases 25 Table 3.7 is a summary of the deaths Brain diseases 5 Intestinal diseases 10 attributable to the interaction of Other diseases 4 substance use and diseases, 1986-1995. Total 94 Source: Gudrún Thórisdóttir Sudden deaths related to It must be kept in mind that these habituating and addictive substances 1986-1995 figures show only those instances where an autopsy was performed. Conceivably, more deaths are related to the use of alcohol and other intoxicants than are recorded as such. The most common use-related diseases resulting in people's deaths are heart diseases. This sometimes involves the direct impact of intoxicants on the heart, e.g., addicts injecting themselves are at risk of getting endocarditis, and damage to the heart valves could lead to death. Also, the influence of alcohol and other intoxicants on individuals having some heart disease is sometimes indirect or concurrent.
Over these 10 years, 94 people died Table 3.8 Age distribution of people dying from diseases related to the use of alcohol from diseases possibly related to and other intoxicants 1986-1995 use of alcohol or other intoxicants. Men Women Total This corresponds to nine people 30-39 years 0 1 1 40-49 years 10 2 12 dying per year because of use- 50-59 years 28 8 36 related diseases. Of these nine, 60-69 years 22 10 32 70-79 years 8 4 12 seven were men, and two were 80-89 years 1 0 1 Total692594 women. Source: Gudrún Thórisdóttir Sudden deaths related to habituating and addictive substances 1986-1995
Figure 3.7 Age distribution of people Table 3.8 (and Figure 3.7) provides dying from diseases related to the use of alcohol and other intoxicants information on the age distribution 1986-1995. 28 of those dying because of use- 30 Men Women 25 22 related diseases in the period 1986- 20 15 10 10 1995. Most of those dying were 50- 10 8 8 Number 2 4 5 0 1 1 0 69 years old. 0 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70-79 80-89 years years years years years years
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 37 Drug offences Statistical information
DRUG OFFENCES
Sources of information about the number of drug offences in Iceland include the Annual Reports of the National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police and the annual report of the Reykjavik Police Chief as well as a report of the Drug Offences Department, which can be found on the home page of the National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police. It must be kept firmly in mind that the figures of the National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police on drug violations in Reykjavik are not always the same as those of the Reykjavik Police Chief. This happens because of different premises underlying the figures. The Reykjavik Police Chief counts all cases that it deals with, regardless of any further work, whereas the National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police counts only the cases resulting in charges being brought and certain corrections. The information found in the annual reports on the number of offences covers all police intervention with people suspected of violating the Illegal Drugs Act. It is possible to find more detailed information about the number of arrests and charges at these offices and in the above-mentioned report of the Drug Offences Department. The State Prison Administration maintains information regarding the number of convictions by offence category and presents them in its annual report. There, among other things, one can find information about the number of drug offences, including whether convictions involve prison terms, probation or fines.
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 38 Drug offences Statistical information
Table 4.1 and Figure 4.1 show the number of drug offences in the Reykjavik Police District and the corresponding trends from 1996 to 2000. Most drug offences in which the police intervene involve possession/use of drugs. During the period 1996-2000, 1557 such cases were recorded. The next biggest category is importation of drugs, and the police handled 253 such cases during the above period. All cases involving direct participation in importation come under that category. Altogether 86 cases involved the distribution and sale of drugs. However, here it must be kept in mind that a majority of import cases occur in the Keflavik Police District, or more specifically at the Keflavik Airport, although the duty to investigate rests with the Reykjavik Police.
Figure 4.1 Drug offences in the Reykjavik Police District 1996-2000
Distribution/ Various drug sales Importation Possession/use Production offences Total 1996 18 39 479 4 41 581 1997 941266033349 1998 14 29 266 3 32 344 1999 27 63 357 2 43 492 2000 18 81 209 2 32 342 86 253 1577 11 181 2108 Source: Reykjavik Police
Figure 4.1 Drug offences in the Reykjavik Police District 1996- 2000. 600 Distribution/ sales Distribution/ Importation 500 Distribution/ Possession/use Distribution/ Production 400 Various drug offences
300 Number 200
100
0 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 39 Drug offences Statistical information
Table 4.2 Drug violations in Iceland Table 4.2 contains information about the number of drug 1998 1999 2000 Distribution/sales 57 69 46 offences in Iceland in 1998, 1999 Importation 45 74 103 and 2000. The number of Possession/use 493 692 507 offences involving importation of Production 878 Various drug offences 110 119 117 drugs increased from 1998 to 713 961 781 2000. Importation has probably Source: National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police grown from year to year, and one can likewise assume that the police focus more and more of their efforts on importation. Both in Iceland and abroad, more emphasis is placed on the apprehension of those producing, importing and selling drugs than on the drug users.
Figure 4.2 Drug violations in Iceland.
800 692 700 1998 1999 600 2000 493 507 500
400
Number 300
200 103 110 119 117 74 100 57 69 46 45 8 7 8 0 Distribution/sales Importation Possession/use Production Various drug offences
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 40 Drug offences Statistical information
The proportion of those suspected of drug offences that are aged 20 and under has increased according to the summary found in Table 4.3. In 1996 32% of those arrested were 16 to 20 years of age, while in 2000 the figure was about 44%. In 1999 close to half of those suspected of drug offences were 16 to 20 years of age. It must be stated that the figures in Table 4.3 are not completely comparable between years since coordinated recording procedures have not been employed.
Table 4.3 Age distribution of those arrested by the police in Reykjavik for drug violations 1996-2000 (%)
* * * 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 15 and under 0,7 2,4 0,8 7,9 2,9 16-20 31,4 30,6 38,1 48,3 40,7
21-25 24,6 27,0 21,1 11,3 26,0 26-30 14,8 10,1 11,0 8,2 13,2 31-40 19,4 19,0 19,7 15,1 10,5 41-50 8,2 10,5 9,0 8,4 6,1 51-60 0,5 0,0 0,3 0,4 0,5 61 and over 0,5 0,4 0,0 0,4 0,0 Source: Reykjavik Police
*These years are not comparable with 1999 and 2000 because different assumptions underlie the processing.
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 41 Drug offences Statistical information
The number of convictions for drug offences has increased in the last several years. A summary of the trend is found in Table 4.4 (and Figure 4.3). Overall, the number of convictions has nearly quadrupled. The number of convictions involving imprisonment has increased substantially and the number of convictions involving fines even more so during this nine-year period. Table 5.3 in the section below shows the same kind of summary of convictions for violations of the Alcohol and Customs Acts.
Table 4.4 Number of convictions for drug offences
Prison sentences Probationary sentences Sentences for fines Total 1991 22 10 1 33 1992 28 6 2 36 1993 24 24 4 52 1994 34 7 10 51 1995 51 10 40 101 1996 54 17 38 109 1997 57 19 38 114 1998 54 20 43 117 1999 55 24 43 122 Source: Annual Reports of the State Prison Administration
Figure 4.3 Number of convictions for drug offences.
60
50
40
30 Number 20
10
0 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
Prison sentences Probationary sentences Sentences for fines
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 42 Drug offences Statistical information
Table 4.5 Average number Table 4.5 shows a summary of the average number of of drug violation prisoners prisoners convicted for drug offences during the five- 1981-1999 Year Number year period 1981-1999. Congruent with the increase in 1981-85 25 the number of convictions for drug offences, the number 1986-90 29 of prisoners serving terms for drug offences has 1991-95 32 1996-99 55 increased during this period. During the period 1981 to Average 35 1985, 25 prisoners were generally serving time in prison Source: State Prison Administration because of drug offences, while in the period 1996 to 1999 there were 55. On average, 35 prisoners per year were serving time for drug offences over this 19-year period.
Table 4.6 is a summary Table 4.6 Number of imprisonments for drug offences of the number of those Drug violation Proportion of all prisoners serving prison terms for prisoners (%) drug offences from 1992 1992 28 8,3 to 2000. The reasons for 1993 24 7,9 1994 34 10,7 imprisonment are 1995 51 13,8 categorised by the 1996 54 13,0 1997 57 18,3 seriousness of offences. 1998 54 20,1 Many were guilty of 1999 55 23,5 2000 55 24,8 violating more than one Source: Annual Reports of the State Prison Administration provision of the law, and some classification procedure must therefore be employed. An individual committing both a serious offence involving violence and a drug offence is therefore classified under offences involving violence since they carry more severe punishment. Consequently, the drug offences are probably more numerous than records show. It can be seen in the table that drug offence prisoners as a percentage of the total number of prisoners has increased considerably during this period.
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 43 Drug offences Statistical information
Table 4.7 Number of prisoners accepting Table 4.7 shows the number of alcohol and drug treatment while in prison prisoners accepting an offer for
Number Number of prisoners alcohol and drug treatment while of completing serving their sentences as well as the prisoners treatment number completing treatment. During 1990 13 11 1991 16 10 these 10 years, 73.4% of those 1992 13 7 accepting treatment usually completed 1993 87 1994 14 12 it. 1995 25 20 1996 41 32 1997 30 20 1998 18 13 1999 25 17 Source: Annual Reports of the State Prison Administration
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 44 Alcohol Act violations Statistical information
ALCOHOL ACT VIOLATIONS
The Alcohol Act stipulates how the sale, distribution and handling of alcohol shall be arranged. Generally, about 2400 violations of the Alcohol Act come to the attention of the police each year. Information about the number of Alcohol Act offences is available at the National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police, which collects the information from the records of all of the police commissioners in Iceland. The Office of the Reykjavik Police Chief also maintains information about the number of Alcohol Act offences within its own district. It must be kept firmly in mind that the figures of the National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police on drug violations in Reykjavik are not always the same as those of the Reykjavik Police Chief. This happens because of different premises underlying the figures. The Reykjavik Police Chief counts all cases that it deals with, regardless of any further work, whereas the National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police counts only the cases resulting in charges being brought and certain corrections. The State Prison Administration publishes an annual report, containing, among other things, a summary of the number of convictions by offence category. Below, such information concerning convictions for violations of the Alcohol Act is shown, although it is relatively little. The convictions are divided into probationary convictions and convictions involving fines, and the latter convictions are commoner for Alcohol Act for offences than probationary convictions.
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 45 Alcohol Act violations Statistical information
Table 5.1 (and Table 5.1 Alcohol Act offences in Iceland Figure 5.1) shows a Drunkenness summary of the Production Illegal sales in Various /brewing of alcohol a public place alcohol number of Alcohol 1998 49 42 2199 298 Act offences for all 1999 36 44 1938 279 2000 27 29 2257 352 of Iceland in 1998, Source: National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police 1999 and 2000.
Figure 5.1 Alcohol Act offences in Iceland
2500 2199 2257 1938 2000
1500
1000 Number
298 279 352 500 49 4236 44 27 29 0 1998 1999 2000 Production /brewing Illegal sales of alcohol Drunkenness in a public place Various laws on alcohol
The largest offence category is violations against Article 21 of the Alcohol Act for drunkenness in a public place. Article 21 of the Alcohol Act, no. 78/1998, is as follows: "Any person who, because of drunkenness, causes disturbance, danger or outrage in a public place, at public gatherings, in automobiles or other vehicles or ships shall be held accountable under this Act." According to information from the police, nowhere near all who are recorded under this offence category are charged. Charging depends on the ability to prove undeniably that the person involved has caused disturbance, danger or outrage in a public place by being drunk. Violations of the Alcohol Act are subject to fine or imprisonment. According to directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions, violations of provisions of the Act on drunkenness in a public place are subject only to fines.
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 46 Alcohol Act violations Statistical information
As one can understand, most of the Alcohol Act violations are recorded by the Reykjavik Police because of how numerous the people in the district are. Table 5.2 shows a summary of Alcohol Act violations recorded by the Reykjavik Police. On average, 1600 charges for violations of the Alcohol Act are made per year. This is the same as saying that one-third of the Alcohol Act offences in Iceland occur within the Reykjavik Police District. The number of cases varies from year to year for various reasons, and it is not clear whether the increase occurring between 1999 and 2000 occurred because of the increase in alcohol consumption, increased surveillance or changed police work procedures.
Table 5.2 Alcohol Act offences involving the Reykjavik Police
1997 1998 1999 2000 Laws on alcohol, illegal preparation of alcohol (brewing) 22 19 12 10 Laws on alcohol, illegal sales of alcohol 27 18 18 7 Laws on alcohol, alcohol served to people under 20 2 4 16 42 Laws on alcohol, offences under the rules on alcohol adverti 4 6 9 Laws on alcohol, alcohol brought without permission into alc 211 Laws on alcohol, presence of people under 18 in an alcohol- 1 8 32 37 Drunkenness in a public place (Article 21) 1597 1496 1305 1660 Laws on alcohol, possession of illegal alcohol 8 4 Laws on alcohol, miscellaneous 16 31 15 30 Total 1671 1576 1413 1800 Source: Reykjavik Police
Figure 5.2. Alcohol Act offences, other than drunkenness in a public place, in the Reykjavik Police District 1997-2000. 45 40 35 30 25 20
Number 15 10 5 0 1997 1998 1999 2000
Laws on alcohol, illegal preparation of alcohol (brewing) Laws on alcohol, illegal sales of alcohol Laws on alcohol, alcohol served to people under 20 Laws on alcohol, offences under the rules on alcohol advertisements Laws on alcohol, alcohol brought without permission into alcohol-serving establishment Laws on alcohol, presence of people under 18 in an alcohol-serving establishment Laws on alcohol, possession of illegal alcohol Laws on alcohol, miscellaneous
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 47 Alcohol Act violations Statistical information
Figure 5.2 shows the number of Alcohol Act offences, with the exception of drunkenness in a public place. There seems to have been a substantial change between 1999 and 2000 when the number of those suspected of serving alcohol to people under the age of 20 increased. Also, the number of violations of the statute banning young people under the legal age of 18 from establishments serving alcohol increased. The cause of these changes is unclear, but they could be due to increased surveillance.
Table 5.3 Number of convictions for offences Table 5.3 shows a summary of under the Alcohol and Customs Acts the number of convictions for violations of the Alcohol and Probationary sentences imposing fines Total Customs Acts in the period 1995 328311995-1999. During the period, 1996 12526 1997 4913the number of convictions 1998 01919 1999 31922decreased. Source: Annual Reports of the State Prison Administration
The Reykjavik Police record the reasons that people go to jail at the police station on Hverfisgata. According to the records for 1999 and 2000, the most cases by far can be attributed to the consumption of alcohol or other intoxicants. The commonest reason for people to be jailed there is drunkenness in a public place. Those arrested for drunkenness in a public place have had an altercation with other people or fallen asleep out in the open, or it was not possible to wake them.
Table 5.4 Percentage of the total number of those Table 5.4 shows a summary in police custody for offences related to alcohol or of the proportion of those intoxicants staying the night in a cell
1999 2000 with the Reykjavik Police for Jailing, at individual's own request 10,7 16,9 reasons in some way related Drugs, possession, use 5,5 3,8 Drunkenness in a public place 37,0 45,2 to the use of alcohol or other Drunken driving 3,0 2,0 Source: Reykjavik Police intoxicants. According to these figures, the number of those requesting to be placed in a cell has increased from year to year. It is difficult to say what the explanation for this is.
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 48 Drunken driving Statistical information
DRUNKEN DRIVING
Alcohol affects people's perceptions and responses. Articles 44-47 of the Traffic Act, no. 50/1987, require the driver of a motor vehicle to be "physically and mentally capable of controlling the vehicle that he is driving", and that no one may drive or attempt to drive a vehicle who is incapable of controlling it safely because of having consumed alcohol or other stimulating or tranquillising substances. Article 47 of the same Act further defines the safety limits and measurements to confirm whether the driver of a motor vehicle is under the influence of alcohol. If the volume of alcohol in a driver's exhalation proves to exceed the legal limit (0.25 mg per litre of air), the person involved is sent to have a blood sample taken for more precise measurement. The legal limit for the volume of alcohol in a driver's blood is 0.50‰. Information on the number of drunken driving violations can be obtained at the Reykjavik Chief of Police and the National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police, which has undertaken the collection and collation of information from all of the chiefs of police in Iceland. Since police records contain only the violators who have been caught, they do not provide satisfactory information for assessing the number of drunken driving violations, and the police, on numerous occasions, have stated that their figures only show the tip of the iceberg. It has also proved difficult for the police to charge people with driving while under the influence of drugs since such testing is very expensive. However, police records provide certain clues on the composition of the group that is charged with drunken driving.
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 49 Drunken driving Statistical information
Table 6.1 (Figure 6.1) shows a summary of the number of those suspected of drunken driving, both throughout Iceland and in the police district of Reykjavik for the period 1996- 2000. The police in Reykjavik, according to these figures, arrested 1000 drivers per year suspected of drunken driving, while in the entire country, there are approximately twice as many violations, or 2000. However, after calculating the number of violations per 10,000 people, one sees that the ratio in the entire country is lower than that in Reykjavik. From 1997 to 2000, on average, over 62 per 10,000 in the entire country were arrested on suspicion of drunken driving versus 96 per 10,000 in Reykjavik.
Table 6.1 Suspicion of driving while under the influence of alcohol, total number of violations and number of offences per 10,000
Total offences in the Total offences per offences per Reykjavik offences in 10,000 10,000 Police District Iceland in Reykjavik in Iceland 1996 791 1.487* - - 1997 862 1.851 81 68 1998 1.018 2.111 94 77 1999 937 1.959 85 70 2000 1.381 2.482 124 88 *Here figures are lacking due to recording problems. Source: Reykjavik Police/National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police
Figure 6.1. Drunken driving, number of offences 1996-2000. 3000
2500
2000
1500
Number 1000
500
0 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000
Reykjavikur district The whole country
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 50 Drunken driving Statistical information
Table 6.2 (and Figure 6.2) shows the breakdown by gender of those charged with drunken driving in the Reykjavik police district. A large majority, i.e., 75 to 80%, of those charged with drunken driving in the period 1996-2000 were men. During this period, the share of men increased because the number of men charged with drunken driving increased from year to year, while the number of women so charged decreased.
Table 6.2 Drunken driving: Persons charged, by gender
1996 1997* 1998 1999 2000 % men 76,7 75,0 78,6 79,8 79,9 % of women 23,3 25,0 21,4 20,2 20,1 *Estimated (All included, also those who were not measured)
Source: Reykjavik Police
Figure 6.2. Drunken driving, percentage of those charged by gender.
100% 23,3 25 21,4 20,2 20,1 80%
60% 76,7 75 79,8 79,9 40% 78,6
20%
0% 1996 1997* 1998 1999 2000
%men %women
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 51 Drunken driving Statistical information
Table 6.3 contains a summary of the age distribution of those charged with drunken driving in the period 1996-2000. About 50% of them were aged 18-27. With more detailed analysis, one can see how many there are for a particular age. More than 21% of all those charged with drunken driving in 2000 were aged 20 or under. The single largest age group was age 20 (98 of 1444 or 6.9%). According to this information from the police, it appears that young men are the majority of those driving under the influence of alcohol.
Table 6.3 Drunken driving: Persons charged, by age
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 <18 years 2,9 3,7 1,4 5,5 3,5 18-27 years 48,0 47,6 51,4 50,6 49,3 28-37 years 23,5 14,6 22,1 17,0 19,8
38-47 years 14,2 17,7 13,9 14,6 14,6 48-57 years 7,4 12,8 8,2 8,9 8,1 >57 years 3,9 3,7 2,9 3,4 4,6 (All included, also those who were not measured) Source: Reykjavik Police
Figure 6.3. Percentage of those charged by age.
3,9 3,7 2,9 3,4 4,6
100% 7,4 12,8 8,2 8,9 8,1 90% 14,2 13,9 14,6 14,6 80% 17,7
70% 23,5 22,1 17,0 19,8 14,6 60% % 50% 40% 47,6 50,6 49,3 30% 48,0 51,4 20% 10% 2,9 3,7 1,4 5,5 3,5 0% 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000
<18 years 18-27 years 28-37 years 38-47 years 48-57 years >57 years
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 52 Drunken driving Statistical information
Of those arrested on suspicion of drunken driving in the period 1998-2000, more than 40% were measured with over 3.01 0/00 of alcohol in their blood (see Table 6.4 and Figure 6.4). A driver with such a great quantity of alcohol in his blood is deemed to be dead drunk and completely incapable of controlling a motor vehicle.
Table 6.4 Persons fined for drunken driving, by severity of fine. Severity of fines according to quantity of alcohol measured in blood 1998 1999 2000 per mille Within limits 9,2 15,7 14,6 0.00-0.50 1st fine level 5,9 5,9 8,3 0.51-1.00 2nd fine level 9,1 10,3 10,3 1.01-1.50
3rd fine level 9,1 8,9 8,6 1.51-2.00 4th fine level 12,8 13 11,9 2.01-2.50 5th fine level 5,8 4,9 5,1 2.51-3.00 6th fine level 48,3 41,3 41,1 3.01-3.27 Source: Reykjavik Police
Figure 6.4. Volume of alcohol measured in blood. Percentage of drunken driving by severity of fines.
100% 90% 41,3 41,1 80% 48,3 Promill 70% 3,01-3,27 60% 4,9 5,1 2,51-3,00 5,8 2,01-2,50 50% 13 11,9 1,51-2,00 12,8 8,6 40% 8,9 1,01-1,50 9,1 10,3 30% 10,3 0,51-1,00 9,1 5,9 8,3 20% 0,00-0,50 5,9 15,7 10% 9,2 14,6 0% 1998 1999 2000
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 53 Accidents and deaths due to drunken driving Statistical information
ACCIDENTS AND DEATHS DUE TO DRUNKEN DRIVING
Alcohol blunts the senses and reflexes, and this reduces drivers' ability to control vehicles. Driving under the influence of alcohol therefore substantially increases the risk of accidents. The Iceland Traffic Council and The Icelandic Road Accident Analysis Group maintain and provide information about the number of traffic accidents, and this information is obtained from the reports of Iceland's police departments. The information available from these parties includes the number of accidents and fatal accidents occurring because of drunken driving. However, this information can be limited because not all drivers are sent for blood tests to check the alcohol content of their blood; this is only done in instances where there is a strong suspicion of intoxication. When fatal accidents are involved, the proportion of those sent for blood tests is rather high in Iceland, compared with many places elsewhere. These figures are therefore rather precise although not exhaustive. Driving under the influence of drugs seems to slip by the system, and there are many reasons for this. It is difficult to say with certainty whether a driver is under the influence of drugs and, if so, which drugs even though there is a strong suspicion, based on his behavior and appearance. Testing for drugs to confirm whether the person involved is under such influence is expensive. Such extremely expensive testing is therefore seldom done unless people know what to look for.
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 54 Accidents and deaths due to drunken driving Statistical information
Table 7.1 is a summary for the period 1992 to 1999 of the number of traffic accidents, involving and not involving injury, attributable to drunken driving. Also found there is the number injured in accidents attributable to drunken driving for the period 1990-1999.
Table 7.1 Traffic accidents related to drunken driving 1990-1999
Number of accidents Number of accidents Total no. Number of injuries without injury with injuries of accidents in traffic where attributable attributable to attributable to intoxication was to intoxication to intoxication to intoxication involved 1990 , 50 , 88 1991 , 46 , 66 1992 143 46 189 67 1993 144 52 196 85 1994 126 64 190 89 1995 147 58 205 81 1996 110 61 171 86 1997 112 55 167 64 1998 153 61 214 62 1999 166 58 224 77 Source: The Iceland Traffic Council
The number of traffic accidents caused by drunkenness has increased somewhat after 1997. This can be seen clearly in Figure 7.1.
Figure 7.1. Number of traffic accidents attributable to drunken driving 1992-1999.
250
200
150
100 Number
50
0 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
Number of accidents without injury attributable to intoxication Number of accidents with injuries attributable to to intoxication Total no. of accidents attributable to to intoxication
Source: The Iceland Traffic Council
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 55 Accidents and deaths due to drunken driving Statistical information
Table 7.2 shows the number of injured and dead in drunken accidents from 1993 to 1999. Most accidents involving death occurred in 1995 when six persons died in traffic accidents caused by drunken driving. During this period, 20 individuals per year, on average, sustained severe injuries in traffic accidents due to drunken driving; 60 individuals received minor injuries, and 3 died.
Table 7.2 Number of injuries and deaths in traffic accidents where drunken driving caused the accident 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 Death 2161143 Severe injury 35 23 17 18 15 17 16 Minor injury 50 66 64 68 66 45 61 Total injured87908787826680 Source: The Iceland Traffic Council
Table 7.3 (and figure 7.2) shows those injured in drunken accidents as a percentage of the total number injured in traffic accidents from 1993 to 1999. According to these data, one can say that about 7% of those injured in traffic accidents during the period were injured in accidents due to drunken driving. However, the percentage in 1993 raises this figure rather much since the average for the other six years is about 5%.
Table 7.3 Proportion (%) of injuries and deaths in traffic accidents where drunken driving caused the accident
1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 Death 11,8 8,3 25,0 10,0 6,7 14,8 10,0 Severe injury 14,2 9,5 7,1 7,9 7,4 8,3 7,2 Minor injury 4,2 5,4 4,6 5,1 5,1 3,8 4,1 Total injured 16,7 6,1 5,3 5,6 5,4 4,6 4,7 Source: The Iceland Traffic Council
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 56 Accidents and deaths due to drunken driving Statistical information
Figure 7.2. Injuries and deaths in drunken In 1995, 25% of fatal traffic accidents as a percentage of the total accidents were attributable to number of accidents and deaths in traffic accidents 1993-1999. drunkenness of the driver. In
30 the period 1993 to 1999, an 25 1993 1994 1995 average of 12.4% of fatal 20 1996 1997 1998 accidents occurred because of % 15 1999 drunken driving. According to 10 the latest information from the 5 The Icelandic Road Accident 0 Death Severe injury Minor injury Analysis Group, drunken drivers caused 16% of the fatal accidents in 2000.
Table 7.4 (and Figure 7.3) contains a summary by age group of drunken drivers involved in traffic accidents 1995-1999. There, one can see that a large share of those driving under the influence and causing traffic accidents were 16 to 24 years old, and, generally, 44% of those causing the accidents were in this age group. On average, during this five-year period, 27% were 17-20 years old, and 13% were 21-24 years old. Here, interplay of inexperience and probably a certain careless attitude toward after drinking alcohol, to a certain extent, is involved.
Table 7.4 Age distribution of drunken drivers in traffic accidents 1995-1999
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 Number % Number % Number % Number % Number % 16 and under 4735363500 17-20 13 22 15 25 16 29 19 31 15 26 21-24 5 9 10 16 6 11 4 7 13 22 25-40 21 36 22 36 17 31 19 31 16 28 41-64 11199 15112014231221 65 and over 4723242323 Source: The Iceland Traffic Council
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 57 Accidents and deaths due to drunken driving Statistical information
Figure 7.3. Breakdown by age of drunken drivers causing traffic accidents (percentages).
50
40
30 % 20
10
0 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
24 years and younger 25-40 years 41-64 years 65 years and older
Figure 7.4 shows the Figure 7.4. Gender breakdown in accidents of drivers suffering injuries and death, breakdown by gender of where the cause of the accident was drunken driving. drunken drivers involved
70 in accidents resulting in
60 15 injury and death. Men are a 12 15 16 17 50 10 16 large majority there. This 40 Women is congruent with the fact 30 Men
Number 49 49 46 42 42 41 that more men appear to 20 39 drive while under the 10
0 influence of alcohol (cf. p. 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 29).
Source: The Iceland Traffic Council
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 58 Accidents and deaths due to drunken driving Statistical information
According to Table 7.5, Table 7.5 Percentage (%) of drunken accidents of drunken driving is generally all traffic accidents in Nordic countries 1990-2000 the cause of about 7% of Iceland Denmark Sweden Norway 1990 91757 traffic accidents in Iceland. 1991 61759 In Denmark, drunken 1992 51758 1993 51649 driving is the cause of 1994 61647 1995 5153 15.6% of traffic accidents, 1996 5153 which is the highest 1997 5163 1998 5153 percentage in the Nordic 1999 5123 Sources: Iceland: The Iceland Traffic Council; countries. This is possibly Denmark: Møller, Lars; Sweden: Gottormsson, Ulf; explained by the fact that Norway: Lohiniva, R. J. B. L. Danes drink more than people in other countries; it is more urban there, and the speed of traffic is greater. Danes’ legal limit for the permissible volume of alcohol in the blood has been 0.8‰, which is higher than in the other Nordic countries. About 5 of every 100 traffic accidents in Sweden and 8 of every 100 in Norway are attributed to drunken driving.
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 59 Sexual violence Statistical information
SEXUAL VIOLENCE
It is common for those committing sexual offences to be drunk or under the influence of other intoxicants. Likewise, the victims are often under the influence of such substances. Thus, in many instances there is a correlation between sexual crimes and the consumption of alcohol and other intoxicants. Information about the number of those falling victim to sexual violence is extremely limited since only a very few of them seek assistance at emergency wards. Only a very few of those seeking assistance report the occurrence to the police, and only a few of those doing so take their case to the courts. The National University Hospital in Fossvogur runs an emergency ward for rape, and the victims of sexual crimes are referred to this ward. There, they have the opportunity of medical testing, filing a report, talking with counsellors specialised in working with such cases and receiving support and information about what they can do further. From this information, it is possible to discover whether the victim involved was under the influence of alcohol and/or other intoxicants. At the National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police, one can obtain information about the number of those suspected of rape and other sexual offences. It is also possible to obtain such information from the Reykjavik Chief of Police. The annual report of the State Prison Administration contains a summary of those convicted of sexual offences. However, it must be kept in mind that this record is not transparent because each individual is recorded in only one offence category even though found guilty in more than one offence category. In recording, only the offence category carrying the heaviest punishment is taken into consideration
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 60 Sexual violence Statistical information
Table 8.1 contains a summary of the admissions to the Emergency Ward for Rape along with a situational diagnosis. In the period 1999 to 2000, there were 100 admissions to the emergency ward each year. The number of admissions increased substantially in 2001 when 136 individuals came to the ward. Over this three-year period, one-third of the victims were in an alcoholic coma when the event occurred, and in 1999, 12 woke up during the event. Not much is possible to say about drugging. In five instances in 1999 and 2000, there was a suspicion that drugging was involved. It is therefore obvious that alcohol and extreme drunkenness are more important in the overall findings than drugging.
Table 8.1 Emergency Ward admissions for rape
1999 2000 2001 Admissions at Emergency Ward 103 97 136 Number of those in alcoholic coma 30 30 41 Number of those awakening during the event 12 3 9 Possible drugging 55 More than one rapist 10 10 16 Number of cases charged 47 34 53 *For the period 01.01 to 31.12 2001
Source: Emergency Ward admissions for rape
Figure 8.1 Emergency Ward admissions for rape
136 140 120 103 97 1999 2000 2001 100 80 53 60 47
number 41 40 30 30 34 16 12 9 10 10 20 3 5 5 0 Admissions at Number of Number of Possible More than Number of Emergency those in those drugging one rapist cases Ward alcoholic awakening charged coma during the event
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 61 Sexual violence Statistical information
Figure 8.2 shows the age Figure 8.2. Age of victims at Emergency Ward for Rape 1993-2001. distribution of those
60 admitted to the Emergency 12 - 15 years 16 -18 years Ward for Rape in the period 50 19 - 25 years 26 - 35 years 36 - 45 years 46 - 55 years 1993-2001. The number of 40 > 55 years admissions has increased 30 although the increase has Number 20 occurred in younger age
10 groups, especially in the groups aged 19-25 and 16- 0 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 18.
Source: Emergency Ward for Rape
Figure 8.3 shows a summary of the number of individuals in Figure 8.3. Reasons for imprisonment 1995- 1999. prison for crimes of violence 40 34 33 and sexual offences, 1995- 35 1999. It is conceivable that 30 28 25 25 27 27 22 some people recorded under 26 20 24 offences involving violence are 19 Number 15 Sexual violence Another violence also serving time because of 10 sexual offences since some 5 0 instances involve multiple 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 convictions. Source: State Prison Administration
When a multiple conviction is involved, the State Prison Administration records the individual involved only under the offence category regarded as the most serious one or carrying the longest sentence. From these figures, it is difficult to see the new arrivals since each individual is counted once each year while in prison. Thus, the same individuals are involved from year to year with minor changes.
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 62 Sexual violence Statistical information
Figure 8.4 shows the number Figure 8.4. Number of probationary se nte nce s 1995-1999. of probationary sentences for 140 123 convictions involving sexual 120 offences and offences 91 100 76 involving violence for the 80 66 65 period 1995-1999. The figure 60 Number Sexual violence Another violence shows that between 1996 and 40 1998 the number of such 14 20 10 10 7 6 sentences for offences 0 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 involving violence increased substantially, but decreased again in 1999. On the other hand, the number of probationary sentences stays fairly steady from year to year, though it can be said that each year, on average, nine individuals received probationary sentences for convictions involving sexual offences. Of 47 complaints in 1999, only seven concluded with probationary convictions. The inertia of such cases in the judicial system conceivably reduces the victims' interest in filing complaints about offences because there is no assurance that they will go all the way through the system. It is noteworthy that despite increased discussion of growing violence in the last few years, the number of those in prison for offences involving violence and sexual offences has decreased.
Figure 8.5 shows a summary Figure 8.5. Number of sentences for fines 1995-1999. of the number of those who 35 32 have been fined or convicted 30 30 and fined for sexual offences
25 and offences involving 22 violence. Convictions for 20 17 16 sexual offences are rare, but 15 Number Sexual violence Another violence the number of such 10 convictions for offences 3 5 involving violence increased 1 1 0 1 0 somewhat between 1997 and 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 1998. Source: State Prison Administration
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 63 List of tables and figures Statistical information
LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES
Figure 1.1 3 Annual alcohol sales per resident, aged 15 or over (litres of pure alcohol)
Table 1.1 4 Alcohol sales 1970 to 2000 per resident, aged 15 or over (litres of pure alcohol)
Figure 1.2 4 Annual alcohol sales per resident, aged 15 or over (litres of pure alcohol)
Table 1.2 4 Annual alcohol sales 1990 to 2000 per resident, aged 15 or over (litres of pure alcohol)
Figure 1.3 5 Annual alcohol sales 1990 to 2000 per person, age 15 and over Percentage distribution by type
Table 1.3 5 Alcohol sales in the Nordic countries 1990 to 2000
Figure 1.4 6 Average expenditure of homes for certain beverages per year, by residence consumption survey of the Statistical Bureau of Iceland, 1995
Table 1.4 6 Average expenditure of homes for certain beverages per year, according to Statistical Bureau of Iceland's consumption survey, grouped by residence
Figure 1.5 7 Number of alcohol licences in Iceland 1990 to 2001
Table 1.5 7 Number of alcohol licences in Iceland 1990 to 2001
Table 1.6 8 Number of alcohol sales sites in Iceland at the end of 2001
Table 1.7 9 Number of ÁTVR (state liquor monopoly) stores and alcohol licences during the period 1990 to 2001
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 63 List of tables and figures Statistical information
Table 1.8 9 Total number of sites serving alcohol per 100,000 residents, aged 15 and over, in the Nordic countries 1987-1998
Figure 1.8 9 Total number of sites serving alcohol per 100,000 residents, aged 15 and over, in the Nordic countries 1987-1998
Table 2.1 11 Number of treatment organisations and spaces for alcohol and drug abuse patients in August 2001
Table 2.2 12 Halfway houses 2001
Table 2.3 13 Treatment organizations under the auspices of the Government Organization for Child Protection in 2001
Table 2.4 14 Number of spaces and resident children in halfway houses of the Government Organization for Child Protection
Table 2.5 16 Total number of treatment spaces under the auspices of the Government Organization for Child Protection and the number of treatment spaces for alcohol and drug abuse
Table 2.6 15 Rehabilitation facilities intended specifically for youths with alcohol and drug abuse problems
Table 2.7 16 Treatment ward of Studlar
Table 2.8 16 Closed ward at Studlar
Table 2.9 16 Proportion of children with alcohol and drug abuse problems Total number of children at Studlar
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 64 List of tables and figures Statistical information
Table 2.10 17 Number of individuals at Vogur Table 2.11 17 Age distribution at Vogur hospital
Figure 2.1 18 Age distribution at Vogur hospital
Table 2.12 18 Number of those aged 19 or younger at Vogur hospital and their proportional distribution by gender
Figure 2.2 18 Number of those under 20 at Vogur hospital 1993-2000
Table 2.13 19 Gender distribution at Vogur hospital
Figure 2.3 19 Gender distribution at Vogur 1979 to 2000
Figure 2.4 19 Number of heavy users of cannabis and amphetamine at Vogur 1997 to 2000
Figure 2.5 20 Heavy users of cocaine, heroin, LSD and ecstasy pills at the Vogur hospital 1998 to 2000
Figure 2.6 20 Number of those at Vogur 1998 to 2000 who used cocaine, heroin, LSD and ecstasy pills several times
Figure 2.7 21 Number of admissions to rehabilitation facility at Árvellir
Figure 2.8 21 Proportion by gender at the rehabilitation facility at Árvellir from January 2000 to June 2001
Figure 2.9 22 Age distribution at Árvellir by gender January 2000 to June 2001
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 65 List of tables and figures Statistical information
Figure 2.10 22 Division of youths at Árvellir under and over the age of self-determination
Figure 2.11 22 Age of first use of those seeking treatment at Árvellir from January 2000 to June 2001
Table 2.14 23 Hladgerdarkot 2000 and 2001: Number of admissions, average number of admissions per month and average period of stay
Table 2.15 23 Hladgerdarkot 2000 and 2001: Gender Division
Table 2.16 24 Number of admissions for treatment at Byrgid from 1 October 1999 to 1 May 2001
Table 2.17 24 Gender division of individuals at Byrgid from 1 October 1999 to 1 May 2001
Table 2.18 24 Age distribution at Byrgid from 1 October 1999 to 1 May 2001
Table 2.19 25 Number of individuals in treatment at the Krýsuvík Association's rehabilitation facility
Table 2.20 25 Gender division at the Krýsuvík Association's rehabilitation facility
Table 2.21 25 Average age and average staying time in months at the rehabilitation facility of the Krýsuvík Association
Table 2.22 26 Number of those coming for alcohol and drug abuse treatment in Wards 33A, 16 and 16D at Landspitali-National University Hospital
Figure 2.12 26 Number of those coming for alcohol and drug abuse treatment in Wards 33A, 16 and 16D at Landspitali-National University Hospital
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 66 List of tables and figures Statistical information
Table 2.23 27 Age distribution of those seeking treatment for alcohol and drug abuse in Wards 33A, 16 and 16D at Landspitali-National University Hospital
Table 2.24 27 Average number in each age category in the treatment wards of Landspitali-National University Hospital
Figure 2.13 28 Number of those receiving treatment in alcohol and drug abuse wards at Landspitali-National University Hospital in age groups ≤ 40
Figure 2.14 28 Total number of those seeking treatment in Wards 33A, 16 and 16D at Landspitali-National University Hospital, by gender
Figure 2.15 29 Ratio of men vs. women being treated in Wards 33A, 16 and 16D at Landspitali
Table 3.1 31 Classification of deaths because of alcohol and drug abuse according to Causes of Death 1986 to 1995
Figure 3.1 31 Classification of deaths because of alcohol and drug abuse according to Causes of Death 1986 to 1995, by gender
Table 3.2 32 Fatal poisoning accidents due to use of alcohol and drugs 1986 to 1995
Figure 3.2 32 Fatal poisoning accidents due to use of alcohol and drugs 1986 to 1995, by gender
Table 3.3 33 Accidental deaths because of use of alcohol and drugs, other than from poisoning, 1986 to 1995
Figure 3.3 33 Accidental deaths because of use of alcohol and drugs, other than from poisoning, 1986 to 1995, by gender
Table 3.4 34 Age of those dying because of the use of alcohol or drugs, 1986 to 1995
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 67 List of tables and figures Statistical information
Figure 3.4 34 Age of those dying because of the use of alcohol or drugs, 1986 to 1995
Table 3.5 35 Number of use-related suicides 1986 to 1995, by gender Figure 3.5 35 Number of use-related suicides 1986 to 1995
Table 3.6 36 Proportion of use-related vs. total suicides 1986-1995
Figure 3.6 36 Proportion of use-related vs. total suicides 1986-1995 Division of use-related suicides by gender
Table 3.7 37 Deaths due to diseases related to the use of alcohol or other drugs, 1986-1995
Table 3.8 37 Age distribution of people dying of diseases related to alcohol and drug abuse, 1986-1995
Figure 3.7 37 Age distribution of people dying of diseases related to use 1986 to 1995,
Table 4.1 39 Drug offences in the Reykjavik Police District, 1996 to 2000
Figure 4.1 39 Drug offences in the Reykjavik Police District, 1996 to 2000
Table 4.2 40 Drug offences in Iceland
Figure 4.2 40 Number of drug offences in Iceland, by violation category
Table 4.3 41 Age distribution of those arrested by the police in Reykjavik for Drug offences, 1996 to 2000 (%)
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 68 List of tables and figures Statistical information
Table 4.4 42 Number of convictions for drug offences
Figure 4.3 42 Number of convictions for drug offences
Table 4.5 43 Average number of drug violation prisoners, 1981 to 1999
Table 4.6 43 Number of imprisonments for drug offences
Table 4.7 43 Number of prisoners accepting alcohol on drug abuse treatment during imprisonment
Table 5.1 45 Alcohol Act offences in Iceland
Figure 5.1 45 Alcohol Act offences in Iceland, 1998 to 2000
Table 5.2 46 Alcohol Act offences with involvement of the Reykjavik Police
Figure 5.2 46 Alcohol Act offences, other than drunkenness in a public place, in the Reykjavik Police District 1997 to 2000
Table 5.3 47 Number of convictions for Alcohol Act and Customs Act offences
Table 5.4 47 Proportion (%) of those jailed by the police for offences related to alcohol or drugs vs. the total number in custody
Table 6.1 49 Suspicion of driving while under the influence of alcohol and total number of violations per 10,000
Figure 6.1 49 Drunken driving: number of offences, 1996 to 2000
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 69 List of tables and figures Statistical information
Table 6.2 50 Drunken driving: persons charged, percentage by gender
Figure 6.2 50 Drunken driving: persons charged, percentage by gender
Table 6.3 51 Drunken driving: persons charged, percentage by age
Figure 6.3 51 Drunken driving: persons charged, percentage by age
Table 6.4 52 Persons fined for drunken driving, by severity of fine. The criterion for the severity of fine is the quantity of alcohol measured in the blood.
Figure 6.4 52 Quantity of alcohol measured in the blood. Persons fined for drunken driving, percentage by severity of fine
Table 7.1 54 Traffic accidents related to drunken driving, 1990 to 1999
Figure 7.1 54 Number of traffic accidents traceable to drunken driving, 1992 to 1999
Table 7.2 55 Number of those injured or dying in traffic accidents caused by drunken driving
Table 7.3 55 Proportion (%) of those injured or dying in traffic accidents where drunken driving was the cause
Figure 7.3 55 Proportion (%) of all of those injured or dead in traffic accidents, 1993 to 1999
Table 7.4 56 Age distribution of drunken drivers in traffic accidents 1995 to 1999
Figure 7.4 56 Age distribution of drunken drivers causing traffic accidents (proportion)
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 70 List of tables and figures Statistical information
Figure 7.5 57 Gender distribution of drivers in accidents involving injury or death, where drunken driving was the cause of the accident
Table 7.6 57 Proportion (%) of drunken accidents of the total number of traffic accidents in the Nordic countries 1990 to 2000
Table 8.1 59 Emergency Ward admissions for rape
Figure 8.1 59 Emergency Ward admissions for rape
Figure 8.2 60 Age of victims in Emergency Ward for rape, 1993 to 2001
Figure 8.3 60 Number of those imprisoned for sex offences or other offences involving violence, 1995 to 1999
Figure 8.4 61 Number of probationary sentences, 1995 to 1999
Figure 8.5 61 Number of convictions, 1995 to 1999
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 71 List of tables and figures Statistical information
LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES
Figure 1.1 3 Annual alcohol sales per resident, aged 15 or over (litres of pure alcohol)
Table 1.1 4 Alcohol sales 1970 to 2000 per resident, aged 15 or over (litres of pure alcohol)
Figure 1.2 4 Annual alcohol sales per resident, aged 15 or over (litres of pure alcohol)
Table 1.2 4 Annual alcohol sales 1990 to 2000 per resident, aged 15 or over (litres of pure alcohol)
Figure 1.3 5 Annual alcohol sales 1990 to 2000 per person, age 15 and over Percentage distribution by type
Table 1.3 5 Alcohol sales in the Nordic countries 1990 to 2000
Figure 1.4 6 Average expenditure of homes for certain beverages per year, by residence consumption survey of the Statistical Bureau of Iceland, 1995
Table 1.4 6 Average expenditure of homes for certain beverages per year, according to Statistical Bureau of Iceland's consumption survey, grouped by residence
Figure 1.5 7 Number of alcohol licences in Iceland 1990 to 2001
Table 1.5 7 Number of alcohol licences in Iceland 1990 to 2001
Table 1.6 8 Number of alcohol sales sites in Iceland at the end of 2001
Table 1.7 9 Number of ÁTVR (state liquor monopoly) stores and alcohol licences during the period 1990 to 2001
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 63 List of tables and figures Statistical information
Table 1.8 9 Total number of sites serving alcohol per 100,000 residents, aged 15 and over, in the Nordic countries 1987-1998
Figure 1.8 9 Total number of sites serving alcohol per 100,000 residents, aged 15 and over, in the Nordic countries 1987-1998
Table 2.1 11 Number of treatment organisations and spaces for alcohol and drug abuse patients in August 2001
Table 2.2 12 Halfway houses 2001
Table 2.3 13 Treatment organizations under the auspices of the Government Organization for Child Protection in 2001
Table 2.4 14 Number of spaces and resident children in halfway houses of the Government Organization for Child Protection
Table 2.5 16 Total number of treatment spaces under the auspices of the Government Organization for Child Protection and the number of treatment spaces for alcohol and drug abuse
Table 2.6 15 Rehabilitation facilities intended specifically for youths with alcohol and drug abuse problems
Table 2.7 16 Treatment ward of Studlar
Table 2.8 16 Closed ward at Studlar
Table 2.9 16 Proportion of children with alcohol and drug abuse problems Total number of children at Studlar
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 64 List of tables and figures Statistical information
Table 2.10 17 Number of individuals at Vogur Table 2.11 17 Age distribution at Vogur hospital
Figure 2.1 18 Age distribution at Vogur hospital
Table 2.12 18 Number of those aged 19 or younger at Vogur hospital and their proportional distribution by gender
Figure 2.2 18 Number of those under 20 at Vogur hospital 1993-2000
Table 2.13 19 Gender distribution at Vogur hospital
Figure 2.3 19 Gender distribution at Vogur 1979 to 2000
Figure 2.4 19 Number of heavy users of cannabis and amphetamine at Vogur 1997 to 2000
Figure 2.5 20 Heavy users of cocaine, heroin, LSD and ecstasy pills at the Vogur hospital 1998 to 2000
Figure 2.6 20 Number of those at Vogur 1998 to 2000 who used cocaine, heroin, LSD and ecstasy pills several times
Figure 2.7 21 Number of admissions to rehabilitation facility at Árvellir
Figure 2.8 21 Proportion by gender at the rehabilitation facility at Árvellir from January 2000 to June 2001
Figure 2.9 22 Age distribution at Árvellir by gender January 2000 to June 2001
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 65 List of tables and figures Statistical information
Figure 2.10 22 Division of youths at Árvellir under and over the age of self-determination
Figure 2.11 22 Age of first use of those seeking treatment at Árvellir from January 2000 to June 2001
Table 2.14 23 Hladgerdarkot 2000 and 2001: Number of admissions, average number of admissions per month and average period of stay
Table 2.15 23 Hladgerdarkot 2000 and 2001: Gender Division
Table 2.16 24 Number of admissions for treatment at Byrgid from 1 October 1999 to 1 May 2001
Table 2.17 24 Gender division of individuals at Byrgid from 1 October 1999 to 1 May 2001
Table 2.18 24 Age distribution at Byrgid from 1 October 1999 to 1 May 2001
Table 2.19 25 Number of individuals in treatment at the Krýsuvík Association's rehabilitation facility
Table 2.20 25 Gender division at the Krýsuvík Association's rehabilitation facility
Table 2.21 25 Average age and average staying time in months at the rehabilitation facility of the Krýsuvík Association
Table 2.22 26 Number of those coming for alcohol and drug abuse treatment in Wards 33A, 16 and 16D at Landspitali-National University Hospital
Figure 2.12 26 Number of those coming for alcohol and drug abuse treatment in Wards 33A, 16 and 16D at Landspitali-National University Hospital
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 66 List of tables and figures Statistical information
Table 2.23 27 Age distribution of those seeking treatment for alcohol and drug abuse in Wards 33A, 16 and 16D at Landspitali-National University Hospital
Table 2.24 27 Average number in each age category in the treatment wards of Landspitali-National University Hospital
Figure 2.13 28 Number of those receiving treatment in alcohol and drug abuse wards at Landspitali-National University Hospital in age groups ≤ 40
Figure 2.14 28 Total number of those seeking treatment in Wards 33A, 16 and 16D at Landspitali-National University Hospital, by gender
Figure 2.15 29 Ratio of men vs. women being treated in Wards 33A, 16 and 16D at Landspitali
Table 3.1 31 Classification of deaths because of alcohol and drug abuse according to Causes of Death 1986 to 1995
Figure 3.1 31 Classification of deaths because of alcohol and drug abuse according to Causes of Death 1986 to 1995, by gender
Table 3.2 32 Fatal poisoning accidents due to use of alcohol and drugs 1986 to 1995
Figure 3.2 32 Fatal poisoning accidents due to use of alcohol and drugs 1986 to 1995, by gender
Table 3.3 33 Accidental deaths because of use of alcohol and drugs, other than from poisoning, 1986 to 1995
Figure 3.3 33 Accidental deaths because of use of alcohol and drugs, other than from poisoning, 1986 to 1995, by gender
Table 3.4 34 Age of those dying because of the use of alcohol or drugs, 1986 to 1995
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 67 List of tables and figures Statistical information
Figure 3.4 34 Age of those dying because of the use of alcohol or drugs, 1986 to 1995
Table 3.5 35 Number of use-related suicides 1986 to 1995, by gender Figure 3.5 35 Number of use-related suicides 1986 to 1995
Table 3.6 36 Proportion of use-related vs. total suicides 1986-1995
Figure 3.6 36 Proportion of use-related vs. total suicides 1986-1995 Division of use-related suicides by gender
Table 3.7 37 Deaths due to diseases related to the use of alcohol or other drugs, 1986-1995
Table 3.8 37 Age distribution of people dying of diseases related to alcohol and drug abuse, 1986-1995
Figure 3.7 37 Age distribution of people dying of diseases related to use 1986 to 1995,
Table 4.1 39 Drug offences in the Reykjavik Police District, 1996 to 2000
Figure 4.1 39 Drug offences in the Reykjavik Police District, 1996 to 2000
Table 4.2 40 Drug offences in Iceland
Figure 4.2 40 Number of drug offences in Iceland, by violation category
Table 4.3 41 Age distribution of those arrested by the police in Reykjavik for Drug offences, 1996 to 2000 (%)
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 68 List of tables and figures Statistical information
Table 4.4 42 Number of convictions for drug offences
Figure 4.3 42 Number of convictions for drug offences
Table 4.5 43 Average number of drug violation prisoners, 1981 to 1999
Table 4.6 43 Number of imprisonments for drug offences
Table 4.7 43 Number of prisoners accepting alcohol on drug abuse treatment during imprisonment
Table 5.1 45 Alcohol Act offences in Iceland
Figure 5.1 45 Alcohol Act offences in Iceland, 1998 to 2000
Table 5.2 46 Alcohol Act offences with involvement of the Reykjavik Police
Figure 5.2 46 Alcohol Act offences, other than drunkenness in a public place, in the Reykjavik Police District 1997 to 2000
Table 5.3 47 Number of convictions for Alcohol Act and Customs Act offences
Table 5.4 47 Proportion (%) of those jailed by the police for offences related to alcohol or drugs vs. the total number in custody
Table 6.1 49 Suspicion of driving while under the influence of alcohol and total number of violations per 10,000
Figure 6.1 49 Drunken driving: number of offences, 1996 to 2000
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 69 List of tables and figures Statistical information
Table 6.2 50 Drunken driving: persons charged, percentage by gender
Figure 6.2 50 Drunken driving: persons charged, percentage by gender
Table 6.3 51 Drunken driving: persons charged, percentage by age
Figure 6.3 51 Drunken driving: persons charged, percentage by age
Table 6.4 52 Persons fined for drunken driving, by severity of fine. The criterion for the severity of fine is the quantity of alcohol measured in the blood.
Figure 6.4 52 Quantity of alcohol measured in the blood. Persons fined for drunken driving, percentage by severity of fine
Table 7.1 54 Traffic accidents related to drunken driving, 1990 to 1999
Figure 7.1 54 Number of traffic accidents traceable to drunken driving, 1992 to 1999
Table 7.2 55 Number of those injured or dying in traffic accidents caused by drunken driving
Table 7.3 55 Proportion (%) of those injured or dying in traffic accidents where drunken driving was the cause
Figure 7.3 55 Proportion (%) of all of those injured or dead in traffic accidents, 1993 to 1999
Table 7.4 56 Age distribution of drunken drivers in traffic accidents 1995 to 1999
Figure 7.4 56 Age distribution of drunken drivers causing traffic accidents (proportion)
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 70 List of tables and figures Statistical information
Figure 7.5 57 Gender distribution of drivers in accidents involving injury or death, where drunken driving was the cause of the accident
Table 7.6 57 Proportion (%) of drunken accidents of the total number of traffic accidents in the Nordic countries 1990 to 2000
Table 8.1 59 Emergency Ward admissions for rape
Figure 8.1 59 Emergency Ward admissions for rape
Figure 8.2 60 Age of victims in Emergency Ward for rape, 1993 to 2001
Figure 8.3 60 Number of those imprisoned for sex offences or other offences involving violence, 1995 to 1999
Figure 8.4 61 Number of probationary sentences, 1995 to 1999
Figure 8.5 61 Number of convictions, 1995 to 1999
The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 71