The following five studies have examined the effects of the ‘harm reduction’ policy in the Netherlands on drug use.
The Dutch Drug Policy: A Physicians Commentary – K F Gunning MD, 1993
Conclusions: The availability and sale of cannabis in Dutch coffee shops has been associated with an increase in its social acceptability and use among adolescents as a soft’ drug. The ‘harm reduction’ Dutch policy of containing heroin addiction through distribution of free needles and syringes and methadone distribution has not prevented the spread of heroin addiction nor has it curtailed drug-related crime.
Drug Reform: The Dutch Experience – Richard H. Schwartz, 1993
Conclusions: The Dutch policy has been associated with a progressive increase in cannabis use among 15 – 19 year olds.  Between 1984 and 1988 the use of cannabis increased by almost 100% among upper high school students in the Netherlands. The policy of ‘harm reduction’ has not prevented a steady and significant rise in drug addiction (cannabis, cocaine and opiates) among 15 – 19 year olds and young adults.
(Source for full reports: Cannabis: Physiopathology, Epidemiology, Detection” Nahas & Latour CRC Press. London 1993)

Survey from Dutch Primary Schools:
Use of drugs by this age group had increased from 7% in 1992 to 11% four years later. 2.5% smoke cannabis more than ten times each month. Alcohol use increased among the 12- 18 year olds, with 52% reporting that they used alcohol regularly – a 10% increase on 1992 figures. Smoking also increased in the same period. 2% of those surveyed reported regular use of Ecstasy, 1% used cocaine. The use of heroin in this age group had not increased – 200 of the 3,000 surveyed had used heroin.
(Source: Trimbos Institute. Netherlands. 1996 – Survey of 10,000 youngsters, 3,000 were pupils from primary schools.
Dutch People Dislike Drugs Policy and are Opposed to Legalization.
A poll carried out by the Erasmus University in Rotterdam found that most Dutch people reject the use of drugs, dislike the liberal drugs policy and oppose any moves toward legalisation.
According to the survey 82% think the use of drugs is fundamentally wrong, 61% said all drugs should be prohibited and over 75% disagreed with the policy of arresting addicts only if they caused public nuisance.
In 1995 ‘Telepanel’, a bureau with close links to the University of Amsterdam, presented results from a poll involving 1,930 people where almost three quarters wanted tougher measures against those who deal in and use drugs. 73% thought that the Netherlands showed too much tolerance towards drug abusers and 56% thought that the country’s reputation abroad was bad due to its drugs policy.(Source: Hassela Nordic Network Press Release Nov. 91995)