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Help with substance use problems: for yourself, or as next of kin

Draft, translated: translated from the Norwegian original with the help of a language model, and may contain errors. The Norwegian version is the authoritative one. See the Norwegian original →

You do not have to be drug-free to get help. How to get help in the municipality, from your GP and in the specialist health service, what rights you have, and where next of kin can call.

Norwegian original last checked against official sources: 16 October 2026. Rules and figures change, so always check the official site before you act.

Substance use problems are rarely only about the substance. They are often connected to health, housing, money and family. Help is available, and you can start in several places.

In the municipality

According to Helsenorge, all municipalities and city districts have staff who follow up people with substance use problems who ask for help. They can give advice, guidance and counselling, they have a duty of confidentiality, and they can refer you on. You do not have to be drug-free to get municipal services. The municipality can also help with housing, work and practical support. See also mental health help in the municipality.

With your GP

Your GP can be a good support, and can refer you on if you need more help.

Specialised substance use treatment (TSB)

Your GP, the municipal health and care service and the social services can refer you to interdisciplinary specialised substance use treatment (TSB). According to Helsenorge, you get an answer within 10 days on whether you are entitled to help, and what kind of offer you get. The offer can be detoxification, assessment, outpatient treatment, day treatment, inpatient treatment or follow-up where you live. For opioid dependence there is opioid replacement therapy (LAR).

You pay a co-payment for outpatient treatment, but not for inpatient treatment. See exemption card and co-payments.

Your rights

You have the right to participate in your own treatment.
You have the right to an individual plan and a responsibility group, so the help is coordinated.
If you think you are not getting the help you are entitled to, you can complain. Read complaining about health services.

If you are next of kin

According to Helsenorge, involving next of kin increases the chance that treatment works. You also need help yourself. Many get supportive conversations with their GP, who can refer on if needed. Also read next of kin rights.

Ivareta, the next of kin helpline: 800 40 567 (anonymous)
RUSinfo: 915 08 588 (anonymous phone or chat, for people with substance use problems, family and friends)

In acute danger: call 113. If you need medical help that cannot wait, call the emergency medical service on 116 117.

Tip: If there are children in the family, they may also need someone to talk to. The school's public health nurse is a good place to start.

Sources

Kontaktpunkt24 gives general information, not legal advice. If you need help with your own case, contact a lawyer, a legal aid service, or the relevant authority.

This page is translated from Norwegian with the help of a language model, and may contain errors. The Norwegian version is always the authoritative one.