Cocaine is Dangerous Enough. Don't Exaggerate It.

This opinion piece from Aftenposten, a prominent Norwegian newspaper, offers a nuanced perspective on cocaine use and prevention, challenging common narratives. The author, Andreas Walle, draws on his experience in social work and with addiction to argue for a more realistic approach to drug education.

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The dangerous thing about cocaine is not that everyone is destroyed by one line. The dangerous thing is that it often doesn't look dangerous in the beginning.

Walle contends that the prevalent message – that all regular cocaine users eventually face ruin – is not only an oversimplification but also counterproductive. He points out that many young Norwegians know people who use cocaine socially and seem to function normally. Presenting a black-and-white picture of inevitable destruction can lead these individuals to dismiss the warnings altogether, creating an 'unbreakable argument' where any appearance of normalcy is simply seen as 'hiding the damage.'

From a Norwegian context, where open discussion about social issues is valued, Walle's call for honesty is particularly relevant. He suggests that effective prevention requires acknowledging the allure of cocaine – the temporary feelings of confidence, sociability, and sharpness it can provide. By ignoring this aspect, prevention efforts risk sounding naive or moralistic, failing to connect with the target audience.

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The damage picture is not the whole picture. And if we pretend that it is, we lose the young people who have already seen something else.

The article emphasizes that the real danger lies not in the immediate, dramatic collapse after one use, but in the insidious nature of the drug's initial appeal. It's the 'feeling they would very much like to return to' that ensnares users. Walle's argument is that acknowledging this seductive quality, while simultaneously stressing the devastating potential for addiction and life destruction, provides a more credible and effective foundation for dissuading young people from experimenting.

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We must be careful not to make cocaine bigger than it is. Still, the vast majority of young people do not use cocaine.

Ultimately, Walle's perspective urges a shift from fear-based messaging to one that is grounded in a more complex understanding of addiction. He believes that by presenting both the perceived benefits and the severe risks simultaneously, educators and authorities can foster a more informed and cautious approach among Norway's youth.

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Cocaine can feel good. That is why people use it. Cocaine can destroy lives. That is why one should refrain. Both must be said at the same time.