Juha-Pekka Pääskysaari advocates for drug user awareness in Helsinki

Juha-Pekka Pääskysaari, who struggled with severe drug addiction throughout much of the 1990s, seeks to raise awareness about the realities and needs of drug users. Now a father of two and working in social services, Pääskysaari reflects on his past, where he found that his relationships gradually deteriorated amidst his addiction. He emphasizes that close relatives of an addict do not have to endure everything and understands their decision to walk away as they often feel powerless.

Having been sober for over twenty years, Pääskysaari notes that his journey to recovery was arduous, involving nearly thirty rehabilitation stints. The turning point came when he reached a state of emotional and physical exhaustion, stating, “I quit because 23 hours of the day hurt either spiritually or physically.”

In his current role, Pääskysaari volunteers in various initiatives to support drug users and reduce stigma. One significant step he initiated was the establishment of a supervised injection room in Helsinki, though it was quickly dismantled by police. This project aimed to spark discussion and address health concerns, such as infection risks among users, ultimately reducing the burden on specialized healthcare systems.

Pääskysaari stresses the importance of discussing the stigma surrounding drug users more openly. He believes misconceptions hinder individuals from receiving the help they deserve, fostering the harmful notion that addiction is solely self-inflicted. Advocating for compassion, Pääskysaari reminds society that these individuals are often someone’s family members: “They are all someone’s fathers, mothers, children, brothers, and sisters.”