Doctors strongly warn against using drugs like GHB during Norway's russefeiring celebrations. The party period for high school graduates sees increased substance use. Drug consumption can have fatal consequences, medical officials said in a statement.
Oslo Emergency Room recorded a sharp rise in substance-related poisonings over five years. Alcohol caused half of these cases. Cocaine poisonings more than doubled from 2019 to 2023. Ketamine poisonings increased tenfold during this period, according to a new study in the Journal of the Norwegian Medical Association.
Young adults and teenagers show the highest increase in cocaine and ketamine use. More women now receive treatment for drug poisoning, particularly from MDMA (ecstasy).
New data from the Ungdata survey reveals growing substance use among secondary school students in Asker and Bærum. These affluent suburbs near Oslo report more alcohol and marijuana use. E-cigarettes, snus, and tobacco consumption also rises among teens.
Norwegian authorities face mounting challenges as party drugs become normalized among youth. The trend reflects both increased availability and changing social attitudes toward substance use.