The alcohol and drug survey charts Finns’ use of illicit drugs and other intoxicants, their attitudes towards these substances, and opinions on drug policy. The survey has been conducted every four years since 1992. The most recent data were collected in autumn 2022. The surveys make it possible to examine changes both in the prevalence of drug use and in attitudes.
Based on the survey, the drug use and attitudes among Finns statistics are produced. This information plays a key role in national monitoring of drug-related issues. The results are also reported in various scientific forums. In addition, data from the survey are reported to the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA).
Goals
The aim of the survey is to examine changes in the prevalence of drug experimentation and use, as well as attitudes, by gender and across different age groups. In addition, the survey seeks to chart the population’s use of nicotine products and alcohol.
The survey aims to gather information on, among other things:
- Cannabis use, home cultivation and attitudes
- Simultaneous use of different substances
- Non-medical use of prescription drugs
- Opinions on drug policy
Implementation
A random sample representing the population aged 15–69 is drawn for the Alcohol and Drug Survey (8 200 individuals in 2022). The data are collected in the autumn of the survey year via a postal/online questionnaire. Each person selected for the sample receives an information leaflet and a letter containing a username and password for completing the online questionnaire. If a person is unable to respond online, a paper questionnaire with a return envelope is sent by post.
Questionnaires are returned anonymously. All information that could enable identification of respondents is removed from the dataset used by researchers. The data compiled from the survey responses are also archived in anonymised form in the Finnish Social Science Data Archive at Tampere University for use in further research.
Results are reported only at an aggregate level, for example in tables or charts.
Funding
Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL)
Contact details
Updated: