Substance abuse prevention

Substance abuse prevention seeks to prevent and reduce the harmful effects of alcohol use, drug and tobacco use, as well as gambling. The aim is to promote well-being, health and safety and to protect fundamental and human rights.

Law and action plan for substance abuse prevention

The Act of organising alcohol, tobacco, drugs and gambling prevention contains and combines provisions on reducing the harmful effects of alcohol, drugs and gambling as well as smoking. The Action Plan on Alcohol, Tobacco, Drugs and Gambling supports the implementation of the act.

On a national level, the organisation of substance abuse prevention is coordinated by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. In practice, substance abuse prevention is developed and coordinated by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare on a national level and Regional State Administrative Agencies on a regional level, together with other authorities. The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare coordinates, supports and harmonises the substance abuse prevention efforts of six Regional State Administrative Agencies. As part of its coordinating role, the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare produces and compiles information, develops methods for prevention, produces support and learning resources for professionals, and organises seminars and training events in cooperation with other operators.

Substance abuse prevention as a shared responsibility

Substance abuse prevention is based on cooperation. The state and local authorities have a responsibility to create good conditions for substance abuse prevention. Regionally and locally, substance abuse prevention is carried out by different local authority departments, authorities, non-governmental organisations, and congregations. To limit availability, local entrepreneurs are engaged in cooperation to ensure responsible alcohol, tobacco and gambling sales.

The Action Plan on Alcohol, Tobacco, Drugs and Gambling