Supervised drug consumption room simulation organised by the A-Clinic Foundation, the Deaconess Foundation, and Tukikohta in Helsinki on 24 October 2023. The image shows an injection room where a client can self-administer their drug dose. LEHTIKUVA
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New data from Statistics Finland paints a grim picture of rising drug-related deaths in Finland, particularly among young people. In 2023, drug overdoses claimed the lives of 310 individuals, including 91 under the age of 25. Among 15–24-year-olds, drugs were the cause of death in one out of every four cases, marking a near doubling of fatalities in this age group compared to the previous year.
“The time to act is now,” write Robert Koski and Jarmo Kantonen, experts in substance abuse prevention.
“We have the tools to address this growing crisis among young people, but decisive action is needed.”
Drug-related issues among young people have worsened rapidly in recent years, with the situation particularly dire in urban areas like Helsinki. Outreach workers report encountering increasingly younger and unhealthier individuals, a trend now corroborated by official statistics. Experts warn that the crisis will only deepen without effective interventions.
“Substance dependency is a medical condition and must be treated as such,” Koski and Kantonen emphasise. “Modern medicine and the expertise of professionals in substance abuse treatment provide effective solutions if the will exists to implement them.”
To combat the alarming rise in drug-related fatalities, Koski and Kantonen propose a five-point action plan:
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Mandatory collaboration among professionals:
Substance abuse and mental health professionals must work together under a legally mandated framework. Current coordination relies too heavily on informal connections, resulting in uneven access to care and wasted re spaces would provide a controlled environment for the most vulnerable users, reducing fatal overdoses and health complications. While supported by experts, Finnish law currently prohibits even pilot programmes for such facilities. -
Targeted outreach services for youth:
Interventions must meet young people where they are—in streets, malls, and transit hubs. Services should be anonymous and tailored to the individual needs of each young person, addressing the specific challenges they face. -
Breaking the cycle of generational exclusion:
Many young people facing addiction come from difficult home environments or struggle with intergenerational issues. Early interventions, such as providing access to safe recreational activities or programmes like Vamos, which offers tailored coaching for disengaged youth, have proven effective.
“Children and young people do not start their lives on equal footing,” say Koski and Kantonen. “The earlier they receive support, role models, and opportunities for meaningful engagement, the better their chances of avoiding substance abuse.”
By investing in these evidence-based solutions, Finland can address the root causes of youth addiction and prevent further tragedies. Experts urge policymakers to prioritise collaboration, swift access to care, and tailored support to turn the tide in this escalating crisis.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
