Tjagvad has previously worked at addiction centers and done clinical work in hospitals in Denmark. In his experience, drug rehabilitation in Denmark have big differences in the municipal treatment schemes. Generating new knowledge in alcohol and drug research has not been not a high priority. By doing research as a PhD student at SERAF, he hopes to contribute to a positive change on alcohol and drugs research in Denmark.
Norway and Denmark can learn from each other
- I am researching prescription and use of addictive drugs, particularly benzodiazepines and opioids related to addiction and overdose deaths, in both Norway and Denmark, he says.
As a research fellow at SERAF, residing in Denmark, it has been possible for him to examine the circumstances surrounding the use of addictive drugs in both countries.
- Both Denmark and Norway have populations of drug users with many features in common. Therefore, it is convenient to look at the two countries together and potentially learn from each other, he explains.
Tjagvad believes increased knowledge about the extent and effects of prescriptions, and the use of addictive drugs can help patients who are prescribed medicines to use them correctly.
- Medications that have addictive properties can be like a double-edged sword. On the one hand, patients will benefit greatly from these drugs if they are prescribed and used correctly, explains the PhD student.
- On the other hand, they can contribute to increased morbidity and mortality if they are prescribed and used incorrectly, thereby leading to addiction and abuse.
Snowball effect
According to Tjagvad, Denmark is lacking a proper environment on the addiction research field, which Norway has developed. Therefore, as part of his Phd he is also focused on helping to create such an environment and network with other Danish researchers in the addiction field.
- Hopefully, this work will eventually create a "snowball effect" with several people involved and where medical addiction research will be an integral part of drug rehabilitation in Denmark, explains the PhD student.
A Danish addiction research arena
In Denmark, clinicians within the addiction field have requested a more structured knowledgebase, as well as a common platform, where people who working with a particularly difficult patient group can improve their skills and exchange experiences.
- SERAF have contributed to such an arena in Norway, and this can be an inspiration for Denmark, Tjagvad believes.
- It is important that research grow out from clinical environments.
He hopes that a Danish environment in the addiction research field is established within five years. An environment founded on clinical work and solid cooperation with other participants in the field. In addition, he has a desire that Danish researches can be a part of a more comprehensive Nordic research collaboration.
A soccer team on crutches
Tjagvad believes a good researcher must maintain their curiosity and be generous. Although he thrives doing important work in the addiction field, he would gladly follow his childhood dream, if given the opportunity.
- I have never understood why the Danish national football team have not called and offered me the job as the national team doctor, he wonders.
- Sports injuries may not be my expertise, which would possibly lead to whole team on crutches - but everyone, including myself, would have had fun, he concludes with a smile.