The sale of nicotine pouches was deregulated at the beginning of April. Nicotine pouches, which fall under the scope of the Medicines Act, are now subject to tobacco and chemical regulations. Nicotine pouches with high nicotine concentrations are harmful to health, and young people are particularly at risk. Nicotine pouches should be subjected to stricter regulations promptly.
90% of Finnish youth obtain alcohol through intermediaries. The majority of young people find it easy to access alcohol.
The proportion of sober young people has increased in recent years, and attitudes towards substance use among youth have become more negative. Although alcohol consumption among young people has decreased, according to the School Health Survey, 35% of middle school-aged youth used alcohol in 2021.
A substance abuse hotline saw a 40 percent increase in calls this year.
Woman walks in Helsinki s island district of Lauttasaari, file photo.
Image: Silja Viitala / Yle
Mental Health Finland (Mieli) boosted capacity at its crisis helpline over the Christmas season, enabling the organisation to answer an anticipated increase in callers seeking assistance.
The most common issues people said they were dealing with recently include relationship problems, poor mental health, anxiety, depression, loneliness and suicidal thoughts.
In recent years callers to Mieli s helpline had similar concerns and worries, but this year the ongoing coronavirus crisis also weighed heavily in people s lives.