Experimentation and use of illegal drugs has continued to increase in Finland, and the number of young people with problematic drug use has grown.
Drug-related deaths have risen alarmingly in recent years. In 2024, a total of 247 people died from drug overdose, 40 of these individuals were under the age of twenty-five (THL, Forensic chemistry). As part of efforts to strengthen social justice, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health (STM) has launched a programme to prevent drug-related deaths among young people.
Goals
The programme’s overall objectives are:
- Substance use and addiction services for young people function efficiently and promptly across wellbeing services counties, in line with the recommendations issued by Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare's (THL).
- Adoption of treatment methods for substance use and addiction problems among young people improves, in accordance with PALKO recommendations and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health Decree 642/2023.
- Collaboration between healthcare and social services is strengthened to prevent drug-related deaths, ensuring effective coordination of addiction treatment and support services.
- Competence in health and safety counselling is enhanced as part of routine work in more services (including anonymous services).
Through the programme, professionals’ expertise in substance use and addiction will be strengthened, the inclusion of people who use drugs in services will improve, and stigma will be reduced. Young people experimenting with or using drugs will have better access to information about risks and available treatment and service options, and professionals will be better equipped to respond immediately in different settings.
Implementation
The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health provides state grants for several development projects in social and healthcare services in line with the Government Programme, as well as other needs specified in the state budget.
In accordance with Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s Government Programme, a total of €10.9 million has been allocated for preventing drug-related deaths among young people for 2025–2027. Grants can be applied for by wellbeing services counties, the City of Helsinki, and the HUS Group. Projects funded through these grants must focus on improving coordination of support and treatment, strengthening multi-professional collaboration, and enhancing competence.
Part of the programme’s budget will be allocated as grants to NGOs, distributed through STEA in 2026 and 2027. THL coordinates cooperation between projects and is responsible for national development work.
Funding
Ministry of Social Affairs and Health
Partners
The programme is led by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health and implemented in collaboration with THL, wellbeing services counties, and NGOs.
Contact details
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