Helsinki surveyed city residents’ views on substance use in their own neighbourhoods with an online survey, which was answered by a record-breaking 10,000 Helsinki residents. The survey was carried out between 23 September and 13 October 2024 using a survey template created and updated by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL). For the first time, this year’s survey also included a separate form for young people aged between 13 and 17. The substance use survey, conducted every two years, is part of the national operating model called Pakka, designed for the prevention of substance abuse harm in a community-based manner.
The questions concerned alcohol, tobacco products, drugs and gambling, as well as observations of substance use by minors. The survey also asked about experiences of raising the issue of substance use in the city’s services.
People hope for more preventive substance use services for young people
Among adult respondents aged 18 years and older, 62% felt that drug use was too widespread in their neighbourhood, and 26% had observed drugs being distributed to young people. When asked which drug Helsinki should tackled the most in minors’ experimentation and use of drugs, respondents clearly identified drugs other than cannabis as the most important group (86%). Nitrous oxide (76%) was cited as the second most common concern. Tobacco, electronic cigarettes and nicotine-free vapours, i.e. vapes, were the substances most observed by adults and adolescents.
The survey also highlighted experiences of insecurity. 56% of adults and 32% of adolescents reported they had been afraid in public places. 40% of adults and 22% of adolescents had experienced harassment and verbal harassment. Respondents hoped that preventive substance abuse services would be targeted especially at young people. Respondents presented a lot of constructive proposals on how to mitigate substance abuse harm, and the results provide valuable information for the development of the city’s services.
37% of young respondents were residents of the Eastern Major District. As many as one in three (N=2,777) respondents aged 18 and over lived in the Central Major District, i.e. in the districts of Kallio, Alppiharju, Vallila, Pasila or Vanhakaupunki. In the Central Major District, an OmaStadi project has been carried out for two years, involving intensified street-based substance abuse services in the area. The final report of the project was published on 5 November 2024.
The survey provides more knowledge for the well-being plan
Up-to-date knowledge facilitates the efforts to reduce the harm from alcohol, tobacco and gambling in Helsinki.
“The results of the substance use survey will guide the planning of preventive substance abuse services and the targeting of measures next year. The results also provide knowledge for the development of the future well-being plan,” says Marjo Poteri, Head of Unit at the Centralised Health and Well-being Promotion Services.
The high number of respondents this year was a particularly positive result. Young people’s voices were also heard better than before.
“Residents’ responses are valuable as they highlight their views and suggestions for reducing substance abuse harm,” says Coordinator Aija Blad.
The substance use survey was carried out in cooperation between the City of Helsinki, the Vantaa and Kerava Wellbeing Services County and the Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County. Each party will report the results of its own area on its website.
