Illegal substances

The use of illegal substances during working hours and at the workplace occurs rarely; nevertheless, at Akan Competence Centre we register several enquiries related to concern about use among employees. These enquiries are typically about use at a staff party, finding substances at the workplace, or the employee telling us themselves in a conversation with a manager who has raised a concern.

Use among employees

Among employed people, nearly 4% report having used one or more illegal substances in the last 12 months, according to the report "Use of alcohol, addictive medications and illegal substances among employed people in Norway (2013–2022)" published by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health in 2024. Cannabis was the most used substance, with 3.3% reporting such use. The proportion reporting cocaine use was 1%, and the proportions who had used amphetamine and ecstasy/MDMA were below 0.5%. 

The use of illegal substances is higher among younger employees. This is also the group where the increase has been greatest in recent years. Cannabis use increased significantly among young women (20–40 years) between 2021–2022, from 3% to 7%. Cocaine use increased among young men (20–40 years) between 2020–2022, from 3% to over 6%.

The use of illegal substances is most widespread among male employees, employees with low education, the youngest age groups, and employees who are unmarried and have no children. There is also a clear connection between the use of illegal substances and risky alcohol use. 

Information about illegal substances

Which substances are classified as illegal substances in Norway is defined by the Norwegian Board of Health Supervision and collected in the Narcotics List (lovdata.no). 

More information about the individual substances, their effects, side effects and after-effects can be found at e.g. fhi.no and rustelefonen.no.