Iceland has a major drug problem, and it keeps getting worse. Valgerour Runarsdottir, director of the National Center of Addiction Medicine reports that “there is more drug abuse in society, wherever you look. Why Are So Many Addicts From Iceland Seeking Treatment Abroad? This is a major challenge for the whole healthcare and social systems.” Meanwhile, what some customs officials refer to as “The South American Tsunami” of cocaine continues to flood the market, leading to increasing levels of cocaine abuse in Iceland, with alcohol abuse frequently evolving into cocaine addiction.
Icelandic addicts are also not immune to the opioid epidemic. Iceland has one of the highest rates of overdose deaths in Northern Europe. In fact, the small nation’s rates of overdose are almost as high as the US when compared per capita. In comparison to its Nordic neighbours, Iceland’s rates of prescription opioid abuse are 30% higher than average. With drug use becoming increasingly common in Iceland, if you’re hoping to turn your life around, you might be better off looking abroad for treatment.
Why Are Icelandic Addicts Looking To Portugal For Answers?
Portugal was in the midst of an epidemic of heroin addiction when they made the dramatic decision to embrace the principles of harm-reduction and decriminalize the consumption of all drugs. As one of the architects behind Portugal’s new approach explains it: “We realized we were squandering resources. It made much more sense for us to treat drug addicts as patients who needed help, not as criminals.” By removing the threats of prosecution and incarceration, Portugal has reduced the stigma surrounding addiction, and the number of addicts receiving treatment has increased by 60% since 1998. The results the country has achieved simply by treating addicts with dignity and viewing addiction as a health issue has caused countries such as Canada, Switzerland and the Netherlands to embrace harm-reduction. Portugal’s clear-headed, compassionate approach to treating addiction makes it an ideal destination for those attempting to overcome substance-abuse problems.
Iceland has embraced some of the principles of harm-reduction, particularly by implementing needle exchange programs. But the country still maintains a “dual track” approach, where the provision of health services goes hand in hand with police and prosecutors who remain committed to locking up drug users. While the country is debating the decriminalization of drug possession, Icelandic drug laws remain so strict that possession of marijuana can result in criminal prosecution.
Iceland offers some publicly funded drug treatment options to addicts looking to reclaim their lives, and there are also privately run residential treatment facilities in nearby countries such as Sweden and Switzerland. These centers have the benefit of being close to home, but for those without substantial bank accounts, the cost of effective treatment in a comfortable setting can be staggering. Luxury private facilities have rates rising as high as $220,000 US per month! And if you’re looking for a publicly funded facility, you need to be prepared for wait times spanning weeks, or even months, before being placed in an overcrowded and under-funded treatment facility. The rehab dedicated Vogur Hospital admits 2,100-2,200 patients per year, but the wait list is currently at approximately 700. The shortage of treatment beds and affordable facilities has pushed many Icelandic addicts to the brink of despair.
If you’re looking to be treated with dignity and respect, experience compassionate care, and maintain your privacy, going abroad might be your best option. Drug addiction is still viewed harshly in many Icelandic communities, particularly rural areas, and studies have found that addiction carries more stigma than mental illness. In many small towns, the addicted are still seen as criminals who have succumbed to a “moral failing” rather than sick people in need of medical treatment. If you’d prefer to be treated as a person, rather than a junkie, as you begin your recovery journey, you might want to consider seeking treatment in Portugal!
What Are The Benefits Of Treatment Abroad?
1) Environment
Leaving an environment full of familiar stressors and temptations can have a beneficial effect in treatment, and Portugal is a great place to recover from the traumas related to addiction. It’s a picturesque country with a lovely Mediterranean climate. It’s dotted with quaint villages, ancient ruins, majestic castles, and miles of beautiful coastline. And there are few regions better suited to recovering your health than Portugal’s sun-drenched Alentejo region. A land of rolling hills and vast plains, the Alentejo offers visitors the opportunity to recover their health and connections to the natural world by riding horses, watching birds, stargazing, hiking and cycling. Many Icelandic visitors are especially appreciative of the temperate climate, peaceful lifestyle, and delicious regional fare, while feeling at home with a climate, culture and society that is familiar enough to feel welcoming. All this, while enjoying a rehab facility that rivals a luxurious resort or hotel for a fraction of the cost of treatment back home. You’ll disconnect from a toxic environment and share amazing new experiences with people from all around the world!
2) Privacy
While increasing numbers of people are coming to the understanding that addiction is a medical issue, there is still a significant social and professional stigma that comes with seeking treatment for substance abuse. If you head to Portugal, it’s easy to tell friends, family members, and colleagues that you’re off on a much-needed vacation and avoid awkward conversations and prying questions. There’s also no risk that someone will spot you emerging from a clinic or support group meeting and start whispering.
3) Promising Treatments Unavailable At Home
We’ve written a lot about the undeniable power of ayahuasca and ibogaine to combat the addictive properties of opioids and other drugs, and to open the addicted mind to the idea of a positive transformation into sobriety. Because Portugal has decriminalized all drugs, promising treatments that cannot be obtained in a safe medical setting in Iceland (where harsh drug laws can lead to arrest and prosecution) can be accessed here under the supervision of health-care professionals.
4) Easy Intake
When you’ve reached rock bottom, a treatment center that can quickly start the process of detox and recovery can be a life-saver. The prospect of waiting months for the in-patient treatment you need can be a heart-breaking, motivation-sapping roadblock. Iceland’s public drug treatment programs are underfunded, one of the main reasons why many addicts are pushed into less intensive outpatient treatment programs. Treatment centers abroad can immediately start the intake process, allowing you to strike back at your addiction when you’re feeling hopeful and motivated. This can make all the difference in the world!
Tabula Rasa Retreat
At Tabula Rasa Retreat we have a unique ability to accommodate clients from around the world with our welcoming, open-minded, and international staff. You’d also be hard-pressed to find a treatment center more committed to the safety of their clients than Tabula Rasa Retreat. We’re deeply committed to maintaining a supportive and non-judgemental environment for facilitating recovery and personal growth.
In addition to offering ibogaine treatment, we also provide a wide array of holistic treatments, including breathwork, kundalini yoga, equine-assisted therapy, kambo, and more. All of these practices are extremely beneficial for re-energizing both body and spirit to pursue recovery. In combination with our ten-hectares of outdoor space, large terraces, and outdoor swimming pool, we let nature remind our clients to be grateful and receptive for new horizons and second chances. We have many testimonials from people around the globe who’ve benefited immeasurably from experiencing our treatments in beautiful, sunny Portugal. If you’d like to experience treatment abroad, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Tabula Rasa Retreat has rapidly positioned itself as Europe’s premier ibogaine clinic. Located in the Alentejan region of Portugal, its clientele is mainly from the United Kingdom, Northern Europe, UAE and the USA. All treatments undergo medical vetting and are medically monitored and supervised. Our medical staff are ACLS trained. To support ibogaine treatments, expect holistic therapies such as breathwork, bodywork, massage, meditation, kundalini yoga, reiki, gong baths, drumming circles, equine assisted therapy, personal training and nutrition advice. This is further supported by 1:1 counselling and group therapy by our in-house counsellors.
For further information visit www.tabularasaretreat.com or call PT +351 965 751 649 UK +44 7961 355 530
