Finland’s drug deaths hit record, especially among young people and women

Drug-related deaths in Finland reached a record 333 last year, with the sharpest increases among young people and women, Yle reported, citing Statistics Finland’s cause-of-death data.

The total was 86 higher than in 2024, the largest annual increase on record. Deaths rose across all age groups, but most sharply among the youngest.

There were 64 deaths among people aged 15 to 24, up 60 percent from 2024. Four of those who died were under 18. One in five people who died in this age group had a drug-related cause of death. Statistics Finland said drugs account for a significant share of deaths among young people because deaths from other causes are less common.

The largest number of deaths for the second consecutive year was among people aged 25 to 34, with 85 cases, 12 more than the previous year. The 35 to 44 age group also recorded a high of 83 deaths, an increase of 19.

Deaths were recorded across all wellbeing services counties, but numbers varied considerably. Helsinki had the most, with 58, followed by the Pirkanmaa region with 30, the Varsinais-Suomi region with 28 and the North Ostrobothnia region with 25. Relative to population, the rate was highest in the Päijät-Häme region, at 9.8 deaths per 100,000 residents.

Women accounted for 94 deaths, 44 more than in 2024. That was the highest number recorded.