Esbjerg Municipality introduces innovative reward system for individuals with developmental disabilities facing addiction

Stig Dzintars Vaupell Jensen, who has developmental disabilities, struggles with his cravings for alcohol and cannabis. “I’m trying not to fall back into old habits,” he says. However, if tempted, Esbjerg Municipality has introduced a new approach to support individuals with addiction issues related to developmental disabilities. The method encourages participants like Jensen to attend treatment sessions by offering rewards, which serve to motivate their continued attendance.

Jeannett Moesgaard, the head of the Center for Socially Vulnerable People in Esbjerg, explains, “They have significant needs and require something to look forward to.” Jensen reflects on what might motivate him to stay away from cannabis: “I think a Coke and cigarettes would help. But it must be the right kind—very cheap Coke.”

The municipality is open to offering cigarettes as part of their reward system, as Moesgaard notes, “If that’s what brings them back, that’s fine.” Historically, this demographic has proven challenging to keep engaged in treatment, so community officials are developing sticker systems to allow clients to “save up” for outings or meals as incentives.

Currently, Jensen is in a positive phase, receiving treatment twice weekly and has gone over three months without smoking cannabis. He acknowledges the struggle, stating, “Once you start smoking hash, your life spirals out of control.”

Esbjerg, along with other municipalities, is part of a three-year project funded with nearly 20 million kroner aimed at identifying effective support for individuals with developmental disabilities facing addiction. Best practices developed in the project will be shared nationwide upon its completion in 2026.