Drug-related deaths rise in Finland amid increasing youth fatalities

The early 2000s in Finland have seen a troubling rise in drug-related deaths, according to Sanna Rönkä, a specialist from the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL). Rönkä notes that drug use and experimentation have become more common throughout the decade, alongside an increase in drug-related fatalities. While annual statistics fluctuate, the overall trend has been upward.

In 2022, 192 individuals died from drug overdoses, with 53 of those under the age of 25. Rönkä emphasizes the alarming proportion of young people among these deaths and points out that many of these incidents could potentially be prevented.

The issues of drug-related fatalities and possible preventive measures were discussed during a panel organized by the Human Drug Policy Group in Helsinki, coinciding with International Overdose Awareness Day. Rönkä highlighted that a significant number of drug fatalities are accidental overdoses resulting from simultaneous use of substances like prescription opioids, alcohol, and sedatives.

To combat these issues, THL has proposed 12 strategies for preventing drug-related deaths, including improving access to addiction treatment and rehabilitation, particularly opioid substitution therapy. Rönkä advocates for increased health counseling for drug users and fostering trust between this population and authorities to encourage individuals to seek help without fear of stigma.

Moreover, Margareeta Häkkinen, THL’s chief physician, pointed out that budget cuts in welfare regions have adversely affected youth addiction treatment, leading to longer wait times, which can deter young people from seeking help. She calls for enhanced access to residential treatment for minors, with a particular focus on providing medication-assisted detox and psychosocial support to address addiction challenges effectively. She stresses the urgency of implementing measures to reduce youth drug-related deaths, as highlighted in the government’s program.