Nearly 100 young individuals die from drug-related poisonings in Finland

In Finland, nearly 100 individuals under the age of 25 died from drug-related poisonings last year, according to the Accident Investigation Board. Almost all of these fatalities occurred in urban areas, particularly in large or medium-sized cities. Notably, the city of Kuopio reported a high incidence of drug deaths relative to its population, with five young deaths recorded last year. The rise in drug use among young people in Kuopio has become increasingly apparent, with drugs being sold in and around the city square, although transactions often occur online via the Telegram app.

Joona Pikkarainen, a director of a support and advisory project, noted that many young users face multiple challenges, including neuropsychiatric issues, mental health problems, physical disabilities, and homelessness or the threat of it. Various organizations in Kuopio are engaged in outreach work targeting young adults who might otherwise slip through the cracks. Pikkarainen expressed concern that many young individuals fall out of support networks when they turn 18, particularly if they have previously been involved with child protective services. This often leads them to seek help only as adults, by which time it may be too late.

According to police reports, 96 individuals under 25 died from drug-related causes last year, with 79 of these deaths considered accidental overdoses. The average age of those who died was 20.9 years, with a majority being young men. Current services do not adequately meet the needs of young drug users, highlighting the necessity for a clear and unified pathway for assistance. Pikkarainen emphasized the need for low-threshold meeting places to engage with users and facilitate access to treatment. As drug seizures have increased in Eastern Finland, police are concerned about the rising trend of drug use among youth, lamenting that the experimentation often starts with cannabis before progressing to more dangerous substances.