Countering the treacherous dangers of prescription drugs

Society is facing a crucial health challenge as it undergoes increasing disruption. A citizen’s ability to cope with adversity is continually tested, with the adverse effects being struggles like pain, insomnia, and anxiety. Prescription drugs offer a quick fix, but they often prolong the root cause of the problem. Working with Helsedirektoratet, we set out to explore potential futures and discover the key insights and understanding to build a foundation for a national strategy to tackle the growing dangers of prescription drugs.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution to complex societal challenges, and several truths need to be explored by including diverse groups of stakeholders to carry the complexity of the challenge. To untangle this complexity, future scenarios proved themselves as effective tools. Through a series of sense-making sessions and expert interviews we identified and visualised recurring problem areas, which laid the groundwork for creating these future scenarios. To validate and refine our ideas, we organised workshops with stakeholders, including doctors, psychologists, former addicts, pharmacists, ethicists, industry professionals, and activists.

Thanks to their invaluable insights, we were able to fuel further iterations of these future scenarios, which are now being applied by Helsedirektoratet as a powerful tool to explore new possibilities and define actionable paths forward in their 2035 strategy.

We share a common goal with Helsedirektoratet – to prevent drug addiction, reduce harmful use of prescription drugs, and ensure safe and effective treatment. By understanding the future scenarios, we can enrich the systemic dialogue necessary to improve national strategies and foster change.