Injecting drug use

The situation in Helsinki in 2025

The 2025 collection was carried out at social and health counselling centres in Helsinki. Buprenorphine remained clearly the most common finding. Of all buprenorphine detected, 44% originated from the buprenorphine–naloxone combination product (Suboxone).

Alpha-PVP was the second most common substance, and its share continued to increase. Its use was clearly less common in eastern parts of Helsinki than in areas closer to the city centre. Injecting use of amphetamine continued to decline relative to the other most common substances.

Among benzodiazepines, alprazolam (e.g. Ksalol, Xanor) was clearly the most common (15%). Cocaine was detected in 2.6% of syringes. Although cocaine use has increased at the population level, injecting use remains limited compared to the most common substances.

The most common compounds detected in drug syringes randomly collected from health counselling centres in Helsinki (%)
Substance	2025
Buprenorphine	44,8
Alpha-PVP	29,9
Naloxone	19,5
Amphetamine	15,6
Alprazolam	14,9
Methadone	3,9
Cocaine (BE)	2,6
MDMA	1,3
Testosterone	0,6
Olanzapine	0,6
Biperiden	0,6
Methylphenidate	0,6
Diazepam	0,6
Gabapentin	0,6
Methamphetamine	0,6
Bupropion	0,6
Tramadol	0,6
Midazolam	0,6

The syringe residue analysis study has been conducted in Finland since 2017. Monitoring data show that there have been long-term changes in the prevalence of substances used by injection.

Buprenorphine and amphetamine have been key substances throughout the observation period, but in recent years the share of synthetic cathinones, particularly alpha-PVP, has increased. Findings of more than one substance are identified annually in some syringes, indicating combined use of substances and repeated use of the same syringe.

Heroin or fentanyl have not been detected in syringes in recent years.

The situation in Finland differs from many European countries

Finland participates in the study as part of the European ESCAPE network. A harmonised study design enables comparisons between European cities.

In Western and Central Europe, heroin and cocaine are typically the most common substances used by injection. In Finland, injecting use is focused on buprenorphine, amphetamine and, in recent years, synthetic cathinones. There are significant differences between countries in the substances used intravenously.

Source

Syringe residue analysis study (ESCAPE)

Description of the statistics

In the syringe residue analysis study, randomly selected used syringes and needles returned to health counselling centres are analysed. The aim is to obtain a sample that is as representative as possible of injecting drug use. Analyses are conducted using highly sensitive chromatographic–mass spectrometric methods at THL’s forensic toxicology laboratory.

The study produces objective data on the prevalence of substances used by injection and changes over time. The collection is anonymous, and no personal data are collected.