Low admissions reported at youth detox unit in Landspítali, Iceland

The head of mental health services at Landspítali has noted an unusually low number of admissions to the youth detoxification department, despite clear guidelines set up since its inception in 2020. Nanna Briem emphasized that the detox unit is not a residential facility but a health care service. Those eligible for admission are minimal and a broad collaboration was involved in establishing criteria aimed at children and adolescents needing treatment.

Since 2020, the detox unit has experienced only 13 admissions when it first opened, with numbers subsequently dropping to between one and five. The treatment home’s capacity has been significantly surpassed, prompting staff to express surprise at the frequent decisions to refer young people directly to treatment facilities instead of the detox unit.

Briem reiterated that admission processes have been communicated clearly within both mental health and child protection services, with collaboration being vital at every step. The detox unit is intended for only short-term stays, typically lasting one to three days, with limited capacity for two patients, as it is primarily designed for acute health care, not long-term residency.

Critics have highlighted the need for more resources for this vulnerable demographic. Briem acknowledged that a broader shortage of facilities clearly exists, as evidenced in recent discussions. This reflects a pressing issue within the mental health care system for youth struggling with substance use.