This essay investigates the political situation of needle exchange programs in Örebro County, focusing on political parties and the professionals in addiction management. The purpose is to see if the policy process can best be described from the politicians or the professional’s point of view. Three main research questions were formed: How does the political parties in Örebro county council view needle exchange programs? How does Beroendecentrum view needle exchange programs? What opinions do the politicians of the Örebro county council have about Beroendecentrum?
Using qualitative interviews this essay concludes that there is a lot of uncertainty among the politicians. The uncertainty does not end with the politicians’ views on needle exchange programs but also extend to the views on evidence and the need of needle exchange programs in Örebro. The essay also concludes that Beroendecentrum through a number of ways is influential in the policy process of needle exchange programs. The policy process of needle exchange programs in Örebro can’t be understood solely from the politicians or the professional´s point of view but needs both perspectives for an accurate understanding.