Why is the demand for illegal and risky drugs increasing?

Internet is a growing arena for purchase of medicines. Sweden stands out globally in terms of consumption on the internet. So too in terms of high consumption of drugs. The researchers want to investigate the underlying causes of the demand for illegal drugs and the mechanisms that cause their spread.

In Sweden, it is possible to buy medicines quickly and easily via legally regulated digital pharmacies. At the same time, there is a dramatic increase in illegal sites that meet customers' needs for various medical products. In these medical gray areas, buyers risk receiving ineffective products or falsified and life-threatening medicines. What is the cause of the worrying development and how can it be prevented?

The researchers, led by Susanne Lundin, want to investigate the underlying reasons why people demand certain medicines. Why, for example, do young men buy prescription potency-enhancing drugs like Viagra at an illegal internet pharmacy instead of going to the doctor? How are search engines like Google used by people who want antibiotics? Who are the players on the internet that sell medicines in gray areas and how do they instill confidence in their products?

In Sweden, as in many other countries, there is a shift from patients with a need for care to so-called care-competent individuals. Digital search engines, social media and discussion forums are playing an increasing role. Researchers also wonder what role contemporary neoliberal culture plays where human health has a price tag and where many hope to buy well-being in the form of medicines.

The purpose of the project is to provide knowledge about the mechanisms that cause the spread of illegal drugs. The results may also provide tools to prevent emerging situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic, where more and more virus protection is being sold on illegal and risky websites. Another goal is thus to provide authorities and organizations with a basis for both policy work and active community initiatives.