alcohol and other drugs - landlaeknir.isfigure 1.3 shows the percentage of total alcohol sales for...

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 Copyright law prohibits the reproduction, storage, or transmission in any form by any means of any portion of this publication without the express written permission by the author. 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

The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002

CCOONNTTEENNTTSS

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

Introduction Statistical information

The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Council 2002 1

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.

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.

Alcohol Sales Statistical information


AALLCCOOHHOOLL SSAALLEESS 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.

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.

Figure 1.1. Annual consumption of alcohol per person, aged 15 and over, measured in litres of pure spirits.

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

197019

7119

7219

7319

7419

7519

7619

7719

7819

7919

8019

8119

8219

8319

8419

8519

8619

8719

8819

8919

9019

9119

9219

9319

9419

9519

9619

9719

9819

9920

0020

01

Lit

res

of

pu

re s

pir

its



Increased alcohol sales

indicate that consumption

is increasing. Figure 1.2

shows how sales from 1990

to 2001 developed by

category of alcohol. Beer

sales decreased from 1990

to 1993 but have been

increasing since then.

Wine sales have been

steady but have increased

from 1996 to 2001. Over

the same period, sales of

hard liquor have decreased.

Source: Statistical Bureau of Iceland

Table 1.1 Alcohol sales 1970-2000, measured in litres of pure spirits per person, aged 15 and over

Year Litres Year Litres Year Litres1970 3,82 1980 4,33 1990 5,241971 4,08 1981 4,36 1991 5,141972 4,15 1982 4,25 1992 4,731973 4,13 1983 4,39 1993 4,451974 4,30 1984 4,51 1994 4,611975 4,04 1985 4,41 1995 4,761976 4,06 1986 4,58 1996 4,891977 4,32 1987 4,73 1997 5,091978 4,11 1988 4,53 1998 5,561979 4,46 1989 5,52 1999 5,91

2000 6,142001 6,32


Figure 1.2. Annual consumption of alcohol per person, aged 15 and over, measured in litres of pure spirits

0,00

1,00

2,00

3,00

4,00

5,00

6,00

7,00

1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001

Lit

res o

f p

ure

sp

irit

s

Spirits Wine Beer Total

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




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.


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.

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001

Figure 1.3. Annual alcohol sales 1990-2000 per person, aged 15 and over, measured in pure spirits. In percentages by types.

Spirits Wine Beer

Table 1.3 Alcohol sales in the Nordic countries 1990-2000

Denmark FinlandFaroe

Islands Greenland Iceland Norway Sweden1990 11,6 9,5 6,7 15,5 5,2 4,9 6,41991 11,5 9,2 6,7 15,0 5,1 4,8 6,31992 11,9 8,9 8,8 14,0 4,7 4,6 6,31993 11,7 8,4 6,3 12,8 4,5 4,5 6,21994 12,0 8,2 6,4 13,2 4,6 4,6 6,31995 12,1 8,3 6,3 12,6 4,8 4,8 6,21996 12,2 8,2 6,7 12,6 4,9 5,0 6,01997 12,1 8,6 6,6 12,8 5,1 5,3 5,91998 11,6 8,7 6,6 13,3 5,6 5,81999 11,5 8,7 6,6 13,2 5,9 5,5 6,12000 6,8 6,1 5,6 6,2

Source: Rusmidler in Norway and the Statistical Bureau of Iceland



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.

0 kr.

10.000 kr.

20.000 kr.

30.000 kr.

40.000 kr.

50.000 kr.

60.000 kr.

Alcohol Coffee, tee and chocolate Sodas, juice and water

ISK

The Capital area Another dence population Rural area Average


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 Otherarea urban Rural Average

Alcohol ISK 47,835 ISK 29,363 ISK 27,773 ISK 40,516Coffee, tea and cocoa ISK 11,053 ISK 12,515 ISK 16,219 ISK 12,017Soft drinks, juice and water ISK 40,215 ISK 37,073 ISK 31,805 ISK 38,467Source: Statistical Bureau of Iceland



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).

Source: Ministry of Justice and Ecclesiastical Affairs, municipalities in Iceland

An amendment to the Alcohol

Act in 1998 transferred the issue

of licences from the district

commissioners to the

municipalities. After the change,

it is difficult to obtain

information about the number of

liquor licences since no one

compiles these figures centrally.

The Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Prevention Council therefore

undertook investigation of the

number of liquor licences in the

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

Figure 1.5. Number of liquor licences in Iceland 1990-2001.

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001

Nu

mb

er

The whole country

Reykjavik

Table 1.5 Number of liquor licences 1990-2000

YearThroughout

Iceland Reykjavik1990 134 921991 152 1031992 179 1151993 235 1321994 252 1441995 297 1561996 341 163

1997*** 444 164 1998** 461 155 1999** 478 170 2000** 495 182

2001* 512 177Source: Use of alcohol and other intoxicants in Iceland and

the municipalities in Iceland. Status as of the end of each year

*Based on the summer of 2001. **Estimate

***Based on November 1997



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.

The number of retail outlets for the State Alcohol and

Tobacco Monopoly of Iceland has increased

substantially in recent years, and at the end of 2001,

there were 39 (Table 1.6). This means that there are

more than 18 stores per 100,000, aged 18 and over in

Iceland. By comparison, it can be mentioned that in

Sweden there are six stores per 100,000, aged 18 and

over. In Iceland, a comparison on the basis of the

legal age for alcohol purchase, i.e., 20 and over,

could be deemed more reasonable, and this is the age

used for the comparison between Iceland and

Sweden. According to information from the State

Alcohol and Tobacco Monopoly of Iceland, the

planned number of retail outlets at the end of 2001

was 40, but that goal was not achieved. However, this

goal will be reached in 2002 since plans call for

opening a sales outlet in Djúpavogur in May 2002.

The Alcohol Act of 1998 shifted the issue of liquor

licences from the Ministry of Justice and

Ecclesiastical Affairs to the municipalities. Could this

conceivably explain, to some extent, the increase in

the number of sales outlet for alcohol in the country?

ÁTVR has aimed at making access to alcohol similar

everywhere in Iceland. Increased tourism in rural

areas has certainly had much to say about the

increase in the number of licences.

Table 1.6 Number of alcohol retail outlets in Iceland 2001

Place NumberReykjavik 6Seltjarnarnes 1Kópavogur 2Gardabær 1Hafnarfjördur 1Keflavik 1Grindavík 1Selfoss 1Hvolsvöllur 1Westman Islands 1Höfn 1Fáskrúdsfjördur 1Neskaupstadur 1Egilsstadir 1Seydisfjördur 1Vopnafjördur 1Thórshöfn 1Húsavík 1Akureyri 1Dalvík 1Siglufjördur 1Saudárkrókur 1Blönduós 1Hvammstangi 1Ísafjördur 1Patreksfjördur 1Búdardalur 1Stykkishólmur 1Ólafsvík 1Borgarnes 1Akranes 1Mosfellsbær 1Grundarfjördur 1Total 39Source: atvr.is



Table 1.7 shows how the number of

ÁTVR retail outlets has increased in

the last decade; in 2001 there were

nearly twice as many as there were in

1990. Also, the number of places

having liquor licences has increased

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 (and Figure 1.8)

contains a summary of the

total number of places

licensed to sell alcohol in the

Nordic countries. These

figures show the places

serving alcohol are

proportionally greatest in

Denmark. The number of

liquor licences had increased

in all the countries, but the

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.

Table 1.7 Number of ÁTVR stores and liquor licences, 1990-2001

ÁTVR stores Liquor licences1990 19 1341993 22 2351997 26 4442001 37 512

Source: ÁTVR and municipalities in Iceland

Table 1.8 Total number of establishments serving alcohol per 100,000, aged 15 and over,in the Nordic countries 1987-1998

Denmark Finland Norway Sweden Iceland

1987 183 94 64

1988 185 100 72

1989 193 106 91

1990 237 141 134 103 104

1991 242 154 135 110 115

1992 252 182 136 117 126

1993 251 203 138 125 152

1994 253 218 148 132 159

1995 256 230 152 142 198

1996 252 228 160 163 187

1997 258 229 169 147 216

1998 250 222 176 126 222*

Source: Rusmidler in Norway and the Statistical Bureau of Iceland

*Calculated from census figures of the Statistical Bureau of 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.

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998

Nu

mb

er

Danmark Finland Norway Sweden Iceland

Treatment organisations Statistical information


TTRREEAATTMMEENNTT OORRGGAANNIISSAATTIIOONNSS

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.



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 Ageof organisation service of beds of patients

Landspitali - Drug Abuse DiviDetoxification/treatment 8 ≥16Landspitali - Teigur outpatient/day clinic/treatment 45 ≥16Landspítali - Gunnarsholt 31

SÁÁ - Vogur Detoxification/outpatient ward/t 74 ≥16SÁÁ – Vík Continuing treatment 34 ≥16SÁÁ - Stadarfell Continuing treatment 30 ≥16

Krýsuvík: treatment and Long-term residence for far- 30 20-35rehabilitation 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 ≥18Byrgid Detoxification 9 ≥18

TOTAL 351

Source: Directors of the relevant organisations, 2001



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 ofof organisation service of beds patients

Takmarkid Support centre for men operated by 17 ≥17association of the same name

Risid Support centre for men operated by 21 ≥17association of the same name

Dyngjan Support centre for women operated by 14 ≥17association of the same name

Krossgötur Halfway house for men operated 35 16-35by association of the same name

Vernd Rehabilitation Support centre for former prisoners who 20 ≥18Centre have completed drug abuse treatmentSÁÁ - Miklabraut Post-treatment support centre 25 ≥18SÁÁ - Eskihlíd Post-treatment support centre 18 ≥18SÁÁ - N Fjólan Post-treatment support centre 16 ≥18Gistiskýlid Emergency shelter for homeless 15 18-20>Thingholtsstræti alcohol patients operated by Social Services

of Reykjavik and the City of Reykjavik 15 ≥18Samhjálp-Hverfisgata Post-treatment support centre 15 ≥18Total 211Source: Directors of the relevant organisations, 2001



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 12State for youths admission and follow-up treatment

Hvítárbakki Long-term treatment 13-18 6rehabilitation centre for youths

Varpholt Drug abuse treatment 13-18 8rehabilitation centre for youths

Torfastadir Long-term treatment 13-18 6rehabilitation centre for youths

Árbót/Berg Long-term treatment 12-18 10rehabilitation centre for children/youths

Háholt Long-term treatment 15-18 6rehabilitation centre for children and youths

Geldingalækur Long-term treatment 11-16 6rehabilitation centre for children and youths

Árvellir Drug abuse treatment 15-18 13rehabilitation centre for children and youths

Jökuldalur Drug abuse treatment 13-18 6rehabilitation centre for children and youths

Total 73Source: Record of Althingi, 18, 1996-1997;

Report of the Government Agency for Child Protection, 2000



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%.

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 2.4 Beds and the number of children staying at rehabilitation centres Government Agency for Child Protection

Rehabilitation centre Number of beds Number of children in residence1996 1997 1998 1999 1996 1997 1998 1999

Árbót/Berg 5 6 6 10 8 9 8 16Bakkaflöt 5 6 6 9 11 13Geldingalækur 6 6 6 6 6 9 7 8Laugamýri 2 2 2 2Sólheimar 5 5 8 4Torfastadir 6 6 6 6 8 11 9 10Varpholt 4 6 8 6 11 13Hvítárbakki 6 6 6 10Háholt 6 17Götusmidjan - Virkid 2 12Total 29 35 36 44 41 52 54 86Source: Child Welfare in Iceland 1996-2000.

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 2001Total number of beds 41 47 48 56 73 73Beds for alcohol and drug abuse treatment 4 13 17 35 35Source: Government Agency for Child Protection



Table 2.6 shows how many spaces in

rehabilitation facilities in 2001 were

specifically intended for children and

youths with problems due to the use of

alcohol and other intoxicants. The Háholt

and Hvítárbakki Rehabilitation facilities

are not specifically intended for children

and youths with problems involving

intoxicants although about 90-95% of them staying there have such problems, in addition to

other kinds of problems.

Table 2.6 Rehabilitation centres that are intended specifically for youths who have alcohol and drug abuse problems Rehabilitation Number of beds centre in 2001Jökuldalur 6Varpholt 8Árvellir 13Háholt 6Hvítárbakki 6Total 39Source: Government Agency for Child Protection



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.

The number of bed days in the Studlar

closed ward increased somewhat in

1999 when there were 168 days more

than the year before (Figure 2.8). This

corresponds to a 31% increase. On

average, more than 60 children have

stayed in the Studlar closed ward each

of the last three years.

Table 2.9 shows the proportion of those

seeking treatment at Studlar for abuse of

alcohol and drugs. Focusing on the

average for these three years, we see that

83% of girls and 73% of boys who have

sought assistance there have problems

with alcohol and drug abuse.

Table 2.7 Treatment ward at Studlar

Number of Average number of Total number of Average ageresidence days children per mo. children per yr. of children

1997 2.540 7,0 30 14,81998 2.850 7,8 44 15,31999 2.821 7,7 31 15,4

Source: Child Welfare in Iceland 1996-2000.

Table 2.8 Closed ward at Studlar

Number Average Total of number of number of

residence children children days per mo. per yr.

1997 601 1,6 471998 541 1,5 701999 709 1,9 65

Source: Child Welfare in Iceland 1996-2000.

Table 2.9 Proportion of children who have alcohol and drug abuse problemsvs. the total number of children at Studlar

Girls Boys1997 0,80 0,801998 0,93 0,601999 0,75 0,79

average 0,83 0,73Source: Child Welfare in Iceland 1996-2000.



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

of the number of those seeking

treatment at Vogur from 1991 to

2000. The total number of

patients per year remains fairly

constant, or between 1570 and

1843. On average, 1650 people

seek treatment there for alcohol

and/or drug abuse. The number

of new recruits, who have never

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

has been changing. This can

be seen in Table 2.11 (and in

Figure 2.1). In 1978-1979 the

biggest age group was 30-39,

and the average age was 39. In

1999, the average age had

decreased to 34, and the

biggest age group had become

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.

Table 2.10 Number of individuals at Vogur

Number of individuals Number of first-being treated time admissions

1991 1570 5491992 1678 6251993 1639 6061994 1615 5531995 1608 5701996 1651 6761997 1669 6781998 1612 6081999 1615 6362000 1843 639

Source: Annual publication of SÁÁ 1999-2000 and 2000-2001

Table 2.11 Age distribution at the Vogur Hospital

1978-1979 1989 1999 2000<20 48 80 257 288Age 20-29 387 471 442 507Age 30-39 591 457 352 385Age 40-49 495 365 317 365Age 50-59 290 155 186 211Age 60-69 83 54 44 66>69 11 11 17 21Total 1.905 1.593 1.615 1.843Average age 39.1 36.1 34.2 34.6

Source: Annual publication of SÁÁ 1999-2000 and 2000-2001



A substantial increase

has occurred in the

number of youths

under 20 seeking

treatment at Vogur. In

1989, the proportion of

those aged 20 or under

was 5%, while in 1999

and 2000, the

proportion had become

16%.

There has been a substantial increase in the

numbers of those under 20. This development

has occurred steadily over the past several

years, as can be seen in Table 2.12 (and

Figure 2.2). The number of those having

problems has increased; an increased number

of treatment solutions is important in this

regard; problems are diagnosed earlier than

before, and consciousness and

acknowledgement of the problem have

generally increased.

Figure 2.2. Number of those under 20 in the Vogur Hospital 1993-2000

126 142 137

180206

227257

288

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000

Nu

mber

3

20

31

26

154

1

5

29

29

23

103

1

16

27

22

20

113

1

16

27

21

20

114

1

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

100%

Perc

en

tage

1978-1979

1989 1999 2000

Figure 2.1. Age distribution in Vogur 1978 to 2000.

>69 years60-69 years50-59 years 40-49 years 30-39 years 20-29 years <20 years

Table 2.12 Number of those aged 19 and under at the Vogur Hospital andtheir proportional division by gender

<20 Girls% Boys%1993 126 34,1 65,91994 142 42,3 57,71995 137 37,2 62,81996 180 38,3 61,71997 206 36,4 63,61998 227 31,3 68,71999 257 35,0 65,02000 288 35,1 64,9

average 195,4 36,2 63,8Source: Annual publication of SÁÁ 1999-2000

and 2000-2001.



Men constituted, on average,

about 75% of those receiving

treatment at Vogur for the years

1979 to 1999. Table 2.13 (and

Figure 2.3) gives an overview of

the breakdown between genders

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

coming to Vogur have a problem

with alcohol, the number of those

having mixed problems with

alcohol and drugs (polydueux)

has increased. The number of

heavy users of cannabis and

amphetamines, for example, has

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

year, if aged 20 or older. Those

using these substances daily for six

months are also classified as heavy

users. Figure 2.4 shows a summary

of the number of major users of

cannabis and amphetamine at

Vogur for the period 1997 to 2000.

The number of heavy users of

cannabis and amphetamine has

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.

Table 2.13 Gender breakdown at the Vogur Hospital

Men Women Proportion1979 1.510 395 79.3/20.71989 1.181 412 74.1/25.91999 1.139 476 70.5/29.52000 1.330 513 70.0/30.0

Average 1.290 449 73.5/26.5Source: Annual publication of SÁÁ 1999-2000 and 2000-2001.

1510

395

1181

412

1139

476

1330

513

0

500

1000

1500

2000

Nu

mber

1979 1989 1999 2000

Figure 2.3. Gender breakdown in Vogur 1979 to 2000.

Men Women

392 368410 389

483 448566

467

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

Nu

mber

1997 1998 1999 2000

Figure 2.4. Number of major users of cannabis and amphetamine in Vogur

1997 to 2000.

Major users of cannabis Major users of amphetamine



The number of heavy users of

cocaine and ecstasy at Vogur

has also increased rapidly

between 1998 and 2000, cf. the

information in Figure 2.5. The

number of heavy users of

cocaine has risen by 286% over

these two years, and the number

of heavy users of ecstasy has

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

using cocaine, heroin and

ecstasy has also increased from

year to year. Figure 2.6 shows

this development.

42

75

162

3 3 3 7 5 52025

102

0

50

100

150

200

Nu

mber

Cocaine Heroine LSD Ecstasy

Figure 2.5. Major users of cocaine, heroin, LSD and ecstasy tablets in the

Vogur Hospital 1998-2000.

1998 1999 2000

219

338

392

3118 9

179

252265

175

282

347

050

100150200250300350400

Nu

mb

er

Cocaine Heroine LSD Ecstasy

Figure 2.6. Number of those at Vogur 1998-2000 who have used cocaine, heroine, LSD and ecstasy tablets.

1998 1999 2000



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

of admissions per month in

2000 and for six months in

2001. The total number of

admissions over this 18-

month period was 107. On

average, there were about six

admissions per month from

January 2000 through June

2001.

Source: Götusmidjan, statistical summary. Of those going for treatment at Árvellir, 69% were

boys, and 31% were girls. This proportion is in

harmony with the breakdown between genders at

other rehabilitation facilities.

Source: Götusmidjan, statistical summary

Figure 2.7. Number of admissions to the rehabilitation centre at Árvellir.

11

3

54

7

4

2

4

2

9

4

7

6

2

777

16

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Okt Nov Des

Nu

mb

er

2000 2001

Figure 2.8. Gender breakdown at the

rehabilitation center at Árvöllum from Januar 2000

to June 2001.

Boys69%

Girls31%



It is commonest for youths

seeking treatment at Árvellir to

be aged 17 to 18. Figure 2.9

shows the age distribution for

the previously mentioned

period.

Source: Götusmidjan, statistical summary.

Of those receiving

treatment at Árvellir, 65%

are under 18. Of these,

about 82% of the girls and

58% of the boys are under

legal age.

Source: Götusmidjan, statistical summary.

Figure 2.11 shows a summary of the age at

which use began. The beginning age is

believed to affect use and the pattern of the

use later in life. Most of those in treatment

during the period being considered debuted at

age 12. One can see from the figure that use

begins, on average, at around 12-13. Source: Götusmidjan, statistical summary.

Figure 2.9. Age breakdown at Árvellir by gender, January 2000 to June 2001.

03 2

7

25

20

9

53

1 13

63

15

022

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21Age

Nu

mber

Boys Girls

Figure 2.10. Division of youths at Árvellir according to whether they have reached

their majority or not.

Boys

BoysGirls

Girls0

10

20

30

40

50

Independent Not independent

Nu

mber

Figure 2.11. Beginning age of use for those seeking

treatment at Árvellir, January 2000 to June 2001.

14

7

35

28

21

10

10510152025303540

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Age

Nu

mb

er



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.

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

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



Byrgid, a Christian charitable

organisation, operates a treatment

and rehabilitation facility in

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

help at Byrgid, 74 were women,

and 242 were men. The

proportion of women in treatment

is therefore somewhat lower than at other rehabilitation facilities.

Of those going to Byrgid, 62% were born between

1950 and 1970. Nearly one quarter were born

after 1970 and 15% before 1950.

Table 2.16 Number of admissions for treatment at Byrgid from 1 October 1999 to 1 May 2001.

Admissions Number of individuals665 316

Source: Byrgid, Christian charity

Table 2.17 Gender division of individuals in Byrgid from 1 October 1999 to 1 May 2001

Women % Men %74 23,0 242 77,0

Source: Byrgid, Christian charity

Table 2.18 Age distribution in Byrgidfrom 1 October 1999 to 1 May 2001

Born Number %before 1950 47 15,01950-1970 195 62,0after 1970 74 23,0Source: Byrgid, Christian charity



The Krýsuvík Association operates a

rehabilitation facility for drug users

requiring continuing treatment after

detoxification. Detoxification does not go

on there, and people still using are not

accepted. Table 2.20 shows the number of

those being treated at the association in 1998 and 1999. In 1999 the number of individuals

increased by more than 40%.

Many more women sought help at the

association in 1999 than the year

before (see Table 2.21). In 1998,

women were only 6.3% of those going

there, while in 1999 they were 16.7%.

Nevertheless, the great majority of

those looking to the Krýsuvík

Association were men.

The average age of those seeking

treatment is similar both years: 35 in 1998

and 37 in 1999. The average length of stay

was 3 months in 1998 (although the

individual staying longest was excluded

since this would have distorted the

average unreasonably), and the average

length of stay in 1999 was 3.4 months.

Table 2.19 Number of individuals in treatment at the rehabilitation centre Krýsuvík Association

1998 199947 66

Source: Axid 1st issue 6. yr. 1999

and Axid 1st issue 7. yr. 2000

Table 2.20 Gender division of treatment-at the Krýsuvík Association

Men % Women %1998 44 93,6 3 6,31999 55 83,3 11 16,7

Source: Axid 1st issue 6. yr. 1999 and Axid

1st issue 7. yr. 2000

Table 2.21 Average age and averagetime of stay in months at rehabilitation centre Krýsuvík Association

Average age Averagetime of stay

1998 35 31999 37 3,4

Source: Axid 1st issue . 6. yr. 1999

and Axid 1st issue 7. yr. 2000



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

Figure 2.12)

provides a summary

of admissions and

visits to the

National University

Hospital’s alcohol

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.

Source: Information Division of National University Hospital on Hringbraut.

Table 2.22 Number of visits for alcohol and drug abuse treatment in wards 33A, 16 and 16D at Landspitali

1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993620 677 781 636 604 665 609

1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001706 641 920 841 819 785 791 752

Source: Information Technology Division of Landspitali-University

Hospital on Hringbraut.

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.

01002003004005006007008009001000

1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001

Nu

mb

er



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 2.24 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 2.23 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 241988 24 178 163 141 115 39 221989 36 136 206 173 135 72 231990 20 116 198 152 84 54 121991 11 82 172 131 116 69 231992 26 100 198 166 93 59 231993 26 128 154 145 99 51 61994 50 139 229 156 81 35 161995 53 147 170 136 90 31 141996 120 201 209 136 111 45 231997 97 164 242 159 105 57 171998 99 197 200 169 93 43 181999 83 223 170 162 99 37 112000 44 224 186 157 104 61 152001 78 227 172 137 85 34 19

Source: Information Technology Division of National University Hospital on Hringbraut.

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 20,81992-1996 55,0 143,0 192,0 147,8 94,8 44,2 16,81997-2001 80,2 267,0 194,0 156,8 97,5 46,4 16,0

Source: Information Technology Division of Landspitali-University Hospital on Hringbraut.



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.

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001

Nu

mb

er

20 years og yngri 21-30 years 31-40 years

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.

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001

Nu

mb

er

Women Men



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.

53%56%

60%59%58%54%58%

63%64%69%68%

63%

74%68%

74%

47%44%

40%41%42%46%

42%37%36%

31%32%37%

26%32%

26%

0

0,1

0,2

0,3

0,4

0,5

0,6

0,7

0,8

1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001

pecen

tag

e

Men Women

Substance use related deaths Statistical information


SSUUBBSSTTAANNCCEE UUSSEE RREELLAATTEEDD DDEEAATTHHSS 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.



Table 3.1 and Figure 3.1 show a

categorisation of deaths in some

way attributable to the use of

alcohol and/or other intoxicants

during the period 1986-1995.

During this period, 223

individuals died in this way. The

next commonest cause of death

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.

Table 3.1 Breakdown of deaths due to use of alcohol and other intoxicants according to cause of death 1986-1995

Men Women TotalDiseases 70 24 94Accidents 172 51 223Suicide 122 31 153Suspicion of suicide 5 2 7Manslaughter 8 3 11Other 2 4 6Total 379 115 494Source: Gudrún Thórisdóttir Sudden deaths related to

habituating and addictive substances 1986-1995

Figure 3.1 Breakdown of deaths due to use of alcohol and other intoxicants according to cause of death 1986-1995.

285

122

172

70

43231

51

24

94

223

153

7 11 6

0

50

100

150

200

250

Diseases Accidents Suicide Suspicion ofsuicide

Manslaughter Other

Nu

mb

er

Men Women Total



Table 3.2 and Figure 3.2

provide a summary of the

number of accidental poisonings

resulting in death over the

period 1986-1995. Over these

10 years, 81 individuals died

from poisoning. The most

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.

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

Nu

mber

Alcohol Drugs Alcohol anddrugs

Drugs Other

Figure 3.2 Fatal poisoning accidents due to use of alcohol and other intoxicants 1986-1995.

Men Women Total

Table 3.2 Fatal poisoning accidents due to use of alcohol and other intoxicants 1986-1995

Men Women TotalAlcohol 19 4 23Drugs 14 18 32Alcohol and drugs 13 11 24Drugs 1 0 1Other 1 0 1Total 48 33 81Source: Gudrún Thórisdóttir Sudden deaths related to




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 and Figure 3.3 show a

summary of the number of accidental

deaths, other than by poisoning, that

may thus be traced to substance use.

Traffic accidents are commonest in

this regard, with 37 people dying

during the period 1986-1995 in traffic

accidents attributable to the use of

such substances. Right after traffic

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.

Table 3.3 Fatal accidents due to use of alcohol and other intoxicants, other than poisoning 1986-1995

Men Women Total Traffic accidents 32 5 37Fire 9 1 10Falls 25 6 31Drowning 22 1 23Suffocation 19 4 23Hypothermia 14 1 15Other 3 0 3Total 124 18 142Source: Gudrún Thórisdóttir Sudden deaths related to


Figure 3.3 Fatal accidents due to use of alcohol and other intoxicants, other than poisoning 1986-1995.

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

Tra

ffic

acc

idents

Fire

Falls

Dro

wnin

g

Suff

oca

tion

Hypoth

erm

ia

Oth

er

Nu

mb

er

Men Women Total



Table 3.4 (and Figure 3.4) provides a

summary of the ages of those dying

because of the use of alcohol and

other intoxicants in the period 1986-

1995. Most of them were 50-59 years

old. Examining age distribution by

gender reveals it is apparently

commoner for young men than young

women to die because of the use of

alcohol and other intoxicants. Thus,

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.

Table 3.4 Age of those dying as a result of use of alcohol or other drugs 1986-1995

Men Women Total<19 years 31 6 37

20-29 years 74 10 8430-39 years 50 11 6140-49 years 61 22 8350-59 years 79 25 10460-69 years 59 27 8670-79 years 22 12 34

80 years 3 1 4unknown age 0 1 1Total 379 115 494Source: Gudrún Thórisdóttir Sudden deaths related to


Figure 3.4 Age of those dying as a result of use of alcohol or other drugs 1986-1995.

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

<19years

20-29years

30-39years

40-49years

50-59years

60-69years

70-79years

80 years

Nu

mber

MenWomen Total



According to the information in Table

3.5 (and Figure 3.5), the average

number of use-related suicides is

about 15 per year. Men are a large

majority there.

Table 3.5 Number of use-related suicides 1986-1995, by gender

Men Women Total1986 13 4 171987 6 7 131988 17 1 181989 12 3 151990 17 3 201991 14 3 171992 9 2 111993 10 4 141994 11 2 131995 13 2 15Total 122 31 153

Source: Gudrún Thórisdóttir Sudden deaths related to


Figure 3.5 Number of use-related suicides 1986-1995, by gender.

0

5

10

15

20

25

1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995

Nu

mber

Men Women Total



Table 3.6 shows the percentage of

use-related suicides to the total

number of suicides for the period

1986-1995. For this period, 50%

of suicides, on average, can be

linked to the use of alcohol and

other intoxicants.

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.

49,7

66,6

54,253,8

39,345,950,0

68,2

51,4

36,1

45,9

0,0

10,0

20,0

30,0

40,0

50,0

60,0

70,0

80,0

1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 Total

Pro

port

ion

Men (%) Women (%) Total (%)

Table 3.6 Proportion of use-related suicidesversus total number of suicides 1986-1995

Men (%) Women (%) Total (%)1986 52,0 33,3 45,91987 27,3 50,0 36,11988 56,7 20,0 51,41989 75,0 50,0 68,21990 48,6 60,0 50,01991 48,3 37,5 45,91992 39,1 40,0 39,31993 52,6 57,1 53,81994 55,0 50,0 54,21995 72,2 40,0 66,6Total 51,5 45,0 49,7

Source: Gudrún Thórisdóttir Sudden deaths related to




Alcohol and other intoxicants have a

biological impact on the body's

functioning and can cause numerous

diseases or influence their progress.

Table 3.7 is a summary of the deaths

attributable to the interaction of

substance use and diseases, 1986-1995.

It must be kept in mind that these

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

from diseases possibly related to

use of alcohol or other intoxicants.

This corresponds to nine people

dying per year because of use-

related diseases. Of these nine,

seven were men, and two were

women.

Table 3.8 (and Figure 3.7) provides

information on the age distribution

of those dying because of use-

related diseases in the period 1986-

1995. Most of those dying were 50-

69 years old.

Table 3.7 Deaths due to diseases related to the use of alcohol and other intoxicants 1986-1995

Total numberHeart diseases 52Pulmonary diseases 25Brain diseases 5Intestinal diseases 10Other diseases 4Total 94Source: Gudrún Thórisdóttir Sudden deaths related to


Table 3.8 Age distribution of people dying from diseases related to the use of alcohol and other intoxicants 1986-1995

Men Women Total30-39 years 0 1 140-49 years 10 2 1250-59 years 28 8 3660-69 years 22 10 3270-79 years 8 4 1280-89 years 1 0 1Total 69 25 94Source: Gudrún Thórisdóttir Sudden deaths related to


Figure 3.7 Age distribution of people dying from diseases related to the

use of alcohol and other intoxicants 1986-1995.

0

10

28

22

8

11 2

8 10

40

05

1015202530

30-39years

40-49years

50-59years

60-69years

70-79years

80-89years

Nu

mb

er

Men Women

Drug offences Statistical information


DDRRUUGG OOFFFFEENNCCEESS

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.



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 9 41 266 0 33 349

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.

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

1996 1997 1998 1999 2000

Nu

mber

Distribution/ salesDistribution/ ImportationDistribution/ Possession/useDistribution/ ProductionVarious drug offences



Table 4.2 contains information

about the number of drug

offences in Iceland in 1998, 1999

and 2000. The number of

offences involving importation of

drugs increased from 1998 to

2000. Importation has probably

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.

Table 4.2 Drug violations in Iceland

1998 1999 2000

Distribution/sales 57 69 46

Importation 45 74 103

Possession/use 493 692 507

Production 8 7 8

Various drug offences 110 119 117

713 961 781

Source: National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police

Figure 4.2 Drug violations in Iceland.

57 45

493

869 74

692

7

119

46103

507

8

110 117

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

Distribution/sales Importation Possession/use Production Various drugoffences

Nu

mber

199819992000



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 0,561 and over 0,5 0,4 0,0 0,4 0,0


*These years are not comparable with 1999 and 2000 because different

assumptions underlie the processing.



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 Total1991 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 1171999 55 24 43 122

Source: Annual Reports of the State Prison Administration

Figure 4.3 Number of convictions for drug offences.

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999

Nu

mber

Prison sentences Probationary sentences Sentences for fines



Table 4.5 shows a summary of the average number of

prisoners convicted for drug offences during the five-

year period 1981-1999. Congruent with the increase in

the number of convictions for drug offences, the number

of prisoners serving terms for drug offences has

increased during this period. During the period 1981 to

1985, 25 prisoners were generally serving time in prison

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

of the number of those

serving prison terms for

drug offences from 1992

to 2000. The reasons for

imprisonment are

categorised by the

seriousness of offences.

Many were guilty of

violating more than one

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.

Table 4.5 Average numberof drug violation prisoners 1981-1999

Year Number

1981-85 25

1986-90 29

1991-95 32

1996-99 55

Average 35

Source: State Prison Administration

Table 4.6 Number of imprisonments for drug offences

Drug violation Proportion of all prisonersprisoners (%)

1992 28 8,3

1993 24 7,9

1994 34 10,7

1995 51 13,8

1996 54 13,0

1997 57 18,3

1998 54 20,11999 55 23,5

2000 55 24,8




Table 4.7 shows the number of

prisoners accepting an offer for

alcohol and drug treatment while

serving their sentences as well as the

number completing treatment. During

these 10 years, 73.4% of those

accepting treatment usually completed

it.

Table 4.7 Number of prisoners acceptingalcohol and drug treatment while in prison

Number Number of prisoners

of completing

prisoners treatment

1990 13 11

1991 16 10

1992 13 7

1993 8 7

1994 14 121995 25 20

1996 41 32

1997 30 20

1998 18 13

1999 25 17


Alcohol Act violations Statistical information


AALLCCOOHHOOLL AACCTT VVIIOOLLAATTIIOONNSS 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.



Table 5.1 (and

Figure 5.1) shows a

summary of the

number of Alcohol

Act offences for all

of Iceland in 1998,

1999 and 2000.

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.

Table 5.1 Alcohol Act offences in Iceland

Production Illegal salesDrunkenness

in Various/brewing of alcohol a public place alcohol

1998 49 42 2199 2981999 36 44 1938 2792000 27 29 2257 352

Source: National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police

Figure 5.1 Alcohol Act offences in Iceland

49 36 2742 44 29

19382199 2257

352279298

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

1998 1999 2000

Nu

mber

Production /brewing Illegal sales of alcoholDrunkenness in a public place Various laws on alcohol



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 2000Laws on alcohol, illegal preparation of alcohol (brewing) 22 19 12 10

Laws on alcohol, illegal sales of alcohol 27 18 18 7Laws on alcohol, alcohol served to people under 20 2 4 16 42Laws on alcohol, offences under the rules on alcohol adverti 4 6 9Laws on alcohol, alcohol brought without permission into alc 2 1 1Laws on alcohol, presence of people under 18 in an alcohol- 1 8 32 37Drunkenness in a public place (Article 21) 1597 1496 1305 1660Laws on alcohol, possession of illegal alcohol 8 4Laws on alcohol, miscellaneous 16 31 15 30Total 1671 1576 1413 1800Source: Reykjavik Police

Figure 5.2. Alcohol Act offences, other than drunkennessin a public place, in the Reykjavik Police District 1997-2000.

05

1015202530354045

1997 1998 1999 2000

Nu

mb

er

Laws on alcohol, illegal preparation of alcohol (brewing)Laws on alcohol, illegal sales of alcohol

Laws on alcohol, alcohol served to people under 20Laws on alcohol, offences under the rules on alcohol advertisements

Laws on alcohol, alcohol brought without permission into alcohol-serving establishmentLaws on alcohol, presence of people under 18 in an alcohol-serving establishmentLaws on alcohol, possession of illegal alcohol

Laws on alcohol, miscellaneous



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 shows a summary of

the number of convictions for

violations of the Alcohol and

Customs Acts in the period

1995-1999. During the period,

the number of convictions

decreased.

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 shows a summary

of the proportion of those

staying the night in a cell

with the Reykjavik Police for

reasons in some way related

to the use of alcohol or other

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.

Table 5.3 Number of convictions for offences under the Alcohol and Customs Acts

Probationary

sentences imposing fines Total1995 3 28 311996 1 25 261997 4 9 131998 0 19 191999 3 19 22


Table 5.4 Percentage of the total number of thosein police custody for offences related to alcohol or intoxicants

1999 2000Jailing, at individual's own request 10,7 16,9Drugs, possession, use 5,5 3,8Drunkenness in a public place 37,0 45,2Drunken driving 3,0 2,0Source: Reykjavik Police

Drunken driving Statistical information


DDRRUUNNKKEENN DDRRIIVVIINNGG 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.



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.

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

1996 1997 1998 1999 2000

Nu

mb

er

Reykjavikur district The whole country



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)


76,7

23,3

75

25

78,6

21,4

79,8

20,2

79,9

20,1

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

1996 1997* 1998 1999 2000

Figure 6.2. Drunken driving, percentage of those charged by gender.

%men %women



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)


2,9

48,0

23,5

14,2

7,4

3,9

3,7

47,6

14,6

17,7

12,8

3,7

1,4

51,4

22,1

13,9

8,2

2,9

5,5

50,6

17,0

14,6

8,9

3,4

3,5

49,3

19,8

14,6

8,1

4,6

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

%

1996 1997 1998 1999 2000

Figure 6.3. Percentage of those charged by age.

<18 years 18-27 years 28-37 years 38-47 years 48-57 years >57 years



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 milleWithin 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


9,25,99,1

9,1

12,8

5,8

48,3

15,7

5,910,3

8,9

13

4,9

41,3

14,6

8,3

10,3

8,6

11,9

5,1

41,1

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

1998 1999 2000

Promill

Figure 6.4. Volume of alcohol measured in blood. Percentage of drunken driving by severity of fines.

3,01-3,272,51-3,002,01-2,501,51-2,001,01-1,500,51-1,000,00-0,50

Accidents and deaths due to drunken driving Statistical information


AACCCCIIDDEENNTTSS AANNDD DDEEAATTHHSS DDUUEE TTOO DDRRUUNNKKEENN DDRRIIVVIINNGG 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.



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.

The number of traffic accidents caused by drunkenness has increased somewhat after 1997.

This can be seen clearly in Figure 7.1.

Source: The Iceland Traffic Council

Table 7.1 Traffic accidents related to drunken driving 1990-1999

Number of accidents Number of accidents Total no. Number of injurieswithout injury with injuries of accidents in traffic whereattributable attributable to attributable to intoxication was

to intoxication to intoxication to intoxication involved1990 , 50 , 881991 , 46 , 661992 143 46 189 671993 144 52 196 851994 126 64 190 891995 147 58 205 811996 110 61 171 861997 112 55 167 641998 153 61 214 621999 166 58 224 77


Figure 7.1. Number of traffic accidents attributable to drunken driving 1992-1999.

0

50

100

150

200

250

1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999

Nu

mber

Number of accidents without injury attributable to intoxicationNumber of accidents with injuries attributable to to intoxicationTotal no. of accidents attributable to to intoxication



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 7.3 (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 7.2 Number of injuries and deaths in traffic accidents where drunken driving caused the accident

1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999Death 2 1 6 1 1 4 3Severe injury 35 23 17 18 15 17 16Minor injury 50 66 64 68 66 45 61Total injured 87 90 87 87 82 66 80Source: The Iceland Traffic Council

Table 7.3 Proportion (%) of injuries and deaths in trafficaccidents where drunken driving caused the accident

1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999Death 11,8 8,3 25,0 10,0 6,7 14,8 10,0Severe injury 14,2 9,5 7,1 7,9 7,4 8,3 7,2Minor injury 4,2 5,4 4,6 5,1 5,1 3,8 4,1Total injured 16,7 6,1 5,3 5,6 5,4 4,6 4,7Source: The Iceland Traffic Council



In 1995, 25% of fatal traffic

accidents were attributable to

drunkenness of the driver. In

the period 1993 to 1999, an

average of 12.4% of fatal

accidents occurred because of

drunken driving. According to

the latest information from the

The Icelandic Road Accident

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.

Figure 7.2. Injuries and deaths in drunken accidents as a percentage of the total

number of accidents and deaths in traffic accidents 1993-1999.

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

Death Severe injury Minor injury

%

1993 1994 1995

1996 1997 1998

1999

Table 7.4 Age distribution of drunken drivers in traffic accidents 1995-1999

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999Number % Number % Number % Number % Number %

16 and under 4 7 3 5 3 6 3 5 0 017-20 13 22 15 25 16 29 19 31 15 2621-24 5 9 10 16 6 11 4 7 13 2225-40 21 36 22 36 17 31 19 31 16 2841-64 11 19 9 15 11 20 14 23 12 2165 and over 4 7 2 3 2 4 2 3 2 3Source: The Iceland Traffic Council



Figure 7.4 shows the

breakdown by gender of

drunken drivers involved

in accidents resulting in

injury and death. Men are a

large majority there. This

is congruent with the fact

that more men appear to

drive while under the

influence of alcohol (cf. p.

29).


0

10

20

30

40

50

%

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999

Figure 7.3. Breakdown by age of drunken drivers causing traffic accidents (percentages).

24 years and younger 25-40 years 41-64 years 65 years and older

42

10

49

15

42

16

49

12

39

16

46

15

41

17

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

Nu

mber

1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999

Figure 7.4. Gender breakdown in accidents of drivers suffering injuries and death, where the cause of the accident was

drunken driving.

WomenMen



According to Table 7.5,

drunken driving is generally

the cause of about 7% of

traffic accidents in Iceland.

In Denmark, drunken

driving is the cause of

15.6% of traffic accidents,

which is the highest

percentage in the Nordic

countries. This is possibly

explained by the fact that

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.

Table 7.5 Percentage (%) of drunken accidents of all traffic accidents in Nordic countries 1990-2000

Iceland Denmark Sweden Norway1990 9 17 5 71991 6 17 5 91992 5 17 5 81993 5 16 4 91994 6 16 4 71995 5 15 31996 5 15 31997 5 16 31998 5 15 31999 5 12 3

Sources: Iceland: The Iceland Traffic Council;

Denmark: Møller, Lars; Sweden: Gottormsson, Ulf;

Norway: Lohiniva, R. J. B. L.

Sexual violence Statistical information


SSEEXXUUAALL VVIIOOLLEENNCCEE 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



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 2001Admissions at Emergency Ward 103 97 136Number of those in alcoholic coma 30 30 41Number of those awakening during the event 12 3 9Possible drugging 5 5More than one rapist 10 10 16Number 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

103

30

125 10

47

97

30

3 5 10

34

136

41

916

53

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

Admissions atEmergency

Ward

Number ofthose inalcoholic

coma

Number ofthose

awakeningduring the

event

Possibledrugging

More thanone rapist

Number ofcases

charged

nu

mber

1999 2000 2001



Figure 8.2 shows the age

distribution of those

admitted to the Emergency

Ward for Rape in the period

1993-2001. The number of

admissions has increased

although the increase has

occurred in younger age

groups, especially in the

groups aged 19-25 and 16-

18.

Source: Emergency Ward for Rape Figure 8.3 shows a summary of

the number of individuals in

prison for crimes of violence

and sexual offences, 1995-

1999. It is conceivable that

some people recorded under

offences involving violence are

also serving time because of

sexual offences since some

instances involve multiple

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.

Figure 8.2. Age of victims at Emergency Ward for Rape 1993-2001.

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001

Nu

mber

12 - 15 years 16 -18 years

19 - 25 years 26 - 35 years

36 - 45 years 46 - 55 years

> 55 years

Figure 8.3. Reasons for imprisonment 1995-1999.

25

34

26

28

22

19

27

33

2724

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999

Num

ber

Sexual violence Another violence



Figure 8.4 shows the number

of probationary sentences for

convictions involving sexual

offences and offences

involving violence for the

period 1995-1999. The figure

shows that between 1996 and

1998 the number of such

sentences for offences

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

of the number of those who

have been fined or convicted

and fined for sexual offences

and offences involving

violence. Convictions for

sexual offences are rare, but

the number of such

convictions for offences

involving violence increased

somewhat between 1997 and

1998. Source: State Prison Administration

Figure 8.4. Number of probationary sentences 1995-1999.

614 10 10 7

91

123

766566

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999

Num

ber


Figure 8.5. Number of sentences for fines 1995-1999.

0

3111

22

17 16

3230

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

1995 1996 1997 1998 1999

Num

ber


List of tables and figures Statistical information


LLIISSTT OOFF TTAABBLLEESS AANNDD FFIIGGUURREESS

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 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 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



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



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



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



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



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 (%)



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



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)



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


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



LLIISSTT OOFF TTAABBLLEESS AANNDD FFIIGGUURREESS

Figure 1.1 3


Alcohol sales 1970 to 2000 per resident, aged 15 or over (litres of pure alcohol) Figure 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 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



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



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



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



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



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 (%)



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



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)



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



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

alcohol and other drugs - landlaeknir.isfigure 1.3 shows the percentage of total alcohol sales for...

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