Sweden’s drug problem has been getting worse over the past few years. In spite of its progressive reputation on social and environmental issues, the country has stubbornly clung to an outdated and ineffective method of dealing with addiction and the addicted. Unlike many of its neighbors, who have followed Portugal in adopting an approach based on the principles of harm reduction, Sweden still takes a zero-tolerance approach to drug use. As the government acknowledges, Sweden makes no distinction between “hard” and “soft” drugs, and police have the power to detain and demand a urine test from anyone who appears to be under the influence, followed by criminal charges and possible jail time.
As a result, Sweden has come under criticism from the World Health Organization and the UN for failing to embrace advances in drug treatment. The Swedish government has failed to implement programs that are proven to improve public health and remains stubbornly resistant to needle exchanges and other innovations that have been proven to save lives and public money. As Malmo University researcher Torkel Richert notes: “The bigger picture is that Sweden has for a long time had a big increase in overdoses. And if you compare it to Europe in general, we’re doing badly.”
Why Are Swedish Addicts Looking To Portugal For Answers?
Portugal was in the midst of an epidemic of heroin addiction when they made the dramatic decision to embrace the principles of harm reduction and decriminalize the consumption of all drugs. As one of the architects behind Portugal’s new approach explains it: “We realized we were squandering resources. It made much more sense for us to treat drug addicts as patients who needed help, not as criminals.” By removing the threats of prosecution and incarceration, Portugal has reduced the stigma surrounding addiction, and the number of addicts receiving treatment has increased by 60% since 1998. The results the country has achieved simply by treating addicts with dignity and viewing addiction as a health issue has caused countries such as Canada, France, Switzerland and Germany to embrace harm-reduction. Portugal’s clear-headed, compassionate approach to treating addiction makes it an ideal destination for those attempting to overcome substance abuse problems.
Sweden offers some publicly funded drug treatment options, and there are privately run residential treatment facilities. In theory, seeking treatment in these centers will not put you at risk of increased attention from the police or the stigma of being an addict in a society that views drug use very harshly, but if you’re living in a small community, word might still spread. If you’re looking to be treated with dignity and respect, experience compassionate treatment, and maintain your privacy, going abroad might be your best option. As Richert notes, the “attitude towards drug addicts in Sweden has been embarrassing in many ways. They’re a very stigmatized group. The phrase here in Sweden was ‘it should be difficult to be a junkie’. And politically the idea is that if it is tough, more will want to stop.” If you’d like to be treated as a person, rather than a junkie, as you begin your recovery journey, you might want to consider seeking treatment in Portugal!
What Are The Benefits Of Treatment Outside of Sweden?
1) Environment
Leaving an environment full of familiar stressors and temptations can have a beneficial effect on treatment. Traveling abroad can bring a profound sense of relief and relaxation. Portugal is a picturesque country with a lovely Mediterranean climate. It’s dotted with quaint villages, ancient ruins, majestic castles, and miles of beautiful coastline. And there are few regions better suited to recovering your health than Portugal’s sun-drenched Alentejo region. A land of rolling hills and vast plains, the Alentejo offers visitors the opportunity to recover their health and connections to the natural world by riding horses, watching birds, stargazing, hiking and cycling. Swedish visitors are especially appreciative of the temperate climate, peaceful lifestyle, and delicious regional fare. All while enjoying a rehab facility that rivals a luxurious resort or hotel for a fraction of the cost of treatment back home. You’ll disconnect from a toxic environment and share amazing new experiences with people from all around the world!
2) Privacy
While increasing numbers of people are coming to the understanding that addiction is a medical issue, there is still a significant social and professional stigma that comes with seeking treatment for substance abuse. If you head to Portugal, it’s easy to tell friends, family members, and colleagues that you’re off on a much-needed vacation and avoid awkward conversations and prying questions. There’s also no risk that someone will spot you emerging from a clinic or support group meeting and start whispering.
3) Promising Treatments Unavailable In Sweden
We’ve written a lot about the undeniable power of ayahuasca and ibogaine to combat the addictive properties of opioids and other drugs and to open the addicted mind to the idea of a positive transformation into sobriety. Because Portugal has decriminalized all drugs, promising treatments that cannot be obtained in a safe medical setting in Sweden can be accessed here with the supervision of healthcare professionals. If you think treatment that uses a psychoactive substance is your best option, we’d strongly recommend getting away from Sweden, where strong anti-drug laws put you at risk of prosecution and incarceration. Ibogaine has been considered a “Class 1” drug in Sweden since 1985. Its legal status came up for review in 2007, but the government ultimately decided against allowing medical use. A movement exists in Sweden to legalize the use of the powerful addiction interrupter, but given the track record of the Swedish government, we wouldn’t expect progressive reforms any time soon.
In spite of our belief in ibogaine’s remarkable ability to interrupt addiction, we would strongly advocate against using it in regions where draconian laws force its use underground, creating potentially fatal health risks.
4) Easy Intake
When you’ve reached rock bottom, a treatment center that can quickly start the process of detox and recovery can be a lifesaver. The prospect of waiting six months for the in-patient treatment you need can be a heart-breaking, motivation-sapping roadblock. Sweden’s drug programs are underfunded, one of the main reasons why the majority of Swedish addicts are pushed into outpatient treatment programs. Treatment centers abroad can immediately start the intake process, allowing you to strike back at your addiction when you’re feeling hopeful and motivated. This can make all the difference in the world!
Tabula Rasa Retreat
At Tabula Rasa Retreat we have a unique ability to accommodate clients from around the world with our welcoming, open-minded, and international staff.. You’d be hard-pressed to find a treatment center more committed to the safety of its clients than Tabula Rasa Retreat. We’re also deeply committed to maintaining a supportive and non-judgmental environment for facilitating recovery and personal growth.
In addition to offering ibogaine treatment, we also provide a wide array of holistic treatments, including breathwork, kundalini yoga, equine-assisted therapy, kambo, and more. All of these practices are extremely beneficial for re-energizing both body and spirit to pursue recovery. In combination with our ten hectares of outdoor space, large terraces, and outdoor swimming pool, we let nature remind our clients to be grateful and receptive to new horizons and second chances. We have many testimonials from people around the globe who’ve benefited immeasurably from experiencing our treatments in beautiful, sunny Portugal. If you’d like to experience treatment abroad, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
For further information visit www.tabularasaretreat.com or call PT +351 965 751 649 UK +44 7961 355 530