The aim of this study was to highlight employees' experiences of interaction about persons who for some reason have come into contact withthe treatment of youth and/or substance abuse care in Sweden and Norway. Differences between ownership and regulation in Sweden andNorway on cooperation in drug treatment are discussed.The study was conducted using a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews with employees in operations involved with adults andadolescents and their families. As the study was small in scope, four respondents in four operations in three counties, it is not possible to draw anygeneral conclusions. However there was found in the interviews, supported from literature, important prerequisites for collaboration concerningyouth with substance abuse problems is to have good understanding of and respect for other professions. The need of having an understanding ofeach other's knowledge, decisions skills, flexibility and the resources available in the operations has also emerged. There is an ambition to getsynergy in work but there are parts of the law preventing cooperating. Another preventing factor is that several actors often are involved aroundthe person who seeks help. Where collaboration works there are often personal relationships involved between collaboration partners. Thismakes collaboration vulnerable since they rely on private networks that are at risk of disappearing as soon as a key person leaves the service.