Drugs
Drugs include illegal substances, preparations and plants as defined in the Narcotic Drugs Regulation. These include cannabis products, central nervous system depressants such as heroin, stimulants such as amphetamine, and strong sensory hallucinogens such as LSD. The Finnish drug policy totally bans illegal drugs, i.e. in addition to the manufacture, trafficking and smuggling of drugs, the use and possession of drugs are also illegal and thus are punishable acts.
There is a lot of discussion about the decriminalization of drug use, especially cannabis, in Finland and around the world. In Norway, the decision to decriminalize drug use means that the purchase, possession and use of drugs is no longer penalised, instead, treatment and support are provided to drug users. Sales, manufacturing and distribution are still illegal activities. The threshold for seeking treatment for substance abuse should be as low as possible, and barriers to seeking treatment should be actively removed. It is also important that appropriate treatment is available for as long as it is needed.
You can call for substance abuse counseling 24/7 if you or your loved one's use of drugs worries you. You can also seek help from your own health center, occupational or student health care, or community drug services. Workplaces and study places should have an Addiction Plan for the prevention of substance abuse and the promotion of well-being. Information on support and substance abuse services in your locality can also be found in the Youth and Health Care Center and the Mental Health Center's place and service search.
Recovering from addiction requires acknowledging the problem and a real desire to give up the addictive substance or activity. If you are concerned for a loved one, see this page on Tuntuu.fi and AddictionLink. Addictions can be treated - help is available. You can get help to a drug problem, support to cessation and reduction, from your local Health Centre, Occupational Health Care and Student Healthcare as well as from voluntary associations. All social and health services are subject to professional confidentiality. Workplaces and study facilities should have a Substance Abuse Plan in place to prevent substance abuse and promote well-being. Local support information, substance abuse services, peer support groups (for example N.A.=Narcotics Anonymous) and helplines can be found from AddictionLink.
Drugs include illegal substances, preparations and plants as defined in the Narcotic Drugs Regulation. These include cannabis products, central nervous system depressants such as heroin, stimulants such as amphetamine, and strong sensory hallucinogens such as LSD. The Finnish drug policy totally bans illegal drugs, i.e. in addition to the manufacture, trafficking and smuggling of drugs, the use and possession of drugs are also illegal and thus are punishable acts.
There is a lot of discussion about the decriminalization of drug use, especially cannabis, in Finland and around the world. In Norway, the decision to decriminalize drug use means that the purchase, possession and use of drugs is no longer penalised, instead, treatment and support are provided to drug users. Sales, manufacturing and distribution are still illegal activities. The threshold for seeking treatment for substance abuse should be as low as possible, and barriers to seeking treatment should be actively removed. It is also important that appropriate treatment is available for as long as it is needed.
You can call for substance abuse counseling 24/7 if you or your loved one's use of drugs worries you. You can also seek help from your own health center, occupational or student health care, or community drug services. Workplaces and study places should have an Addiction Plan for the prevention of substance abuse and the promotion of well-being. Information on support and substance abuse services in your locality can also be found in the Youth and Health Care Center and the Mental Health Center's place and service search.
Recovering from addiction requires acknowledging the problem and a real desire to give up the addictive substance or activity. If you are concerned for a loved one, see this page on Tuntuu.fi and AddictionLink. Addictions can be treated - help is available. You can get help to a drug problem, support to cessation and reduction, from your local Health Centre, Occupational Health Care and Student Healthcare as well as from voluntary associations. All social and health services are subject to professional confidentiality. Workplaces and study facilities should have a Substance Abuse Plan in place to prevent substance abuse and promote well-being. Local support information, substance abuse services, peer support groups (for example N.A.=Narcotics Anonymous) and helplines can be found from AddictionLink.
Cannabis
Cannabis is the most commonly used illegal drug in Finland, although the majority of Finns have not used cannabis. Cannabis use in Finland is mainly experimental or infrequent occasional use, but more regular use has also been increasing in recent years.
Cannabis is most commonly used in the form of marijuana by smoking. The intoxicating and medicinal effect of cannabis comes from the cannabinoids it contains. Of these, psychoactive tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is central to the intoxication, while cannabidiol (CBD) is central to the medicinal effects of cannabis. THC is a psychoactive substance, while CBD has antipsychotic effects. There are almost a hundred cannabinoids in cannabis. In addition to its use as a drug, some industrial hemp varieties are used for the production of oil and fiber, among other things. For example, hemp seeds, hemp protein and hemp textiles are made from industrial hemp, which has no intoxicating effect.
Cannabis is the most commonly used illegal drug in Finland, although the majority of Finns have not used cannabis. Cannabis use in Finland is mainly experimental or infrequent occasional use, but more regular use has also been increasing in recent years.
Cannabis is most commonly used in the form of marijuana by smoking. The intoxicating and medicinal effect of cannabis comes from the cannabinoids it contains. Of these, psychoactive tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is central to the intoxication, while cannabidiol (CBD) is central to the medicinal effects of cannabis. THC is a psychoactive substance, while CBD has antipsychotic effects. There are almost a hundred cannabinoids in cannabis. In addition to its use as a drug, some industrial hemp varieties are used for the production of oil and fiber, among other things. For example, hemp seeds, hemp protein and hemp textiles are made from industrial hemp, which has no intoxicating effect.
Risks and impacts
The desirable and undesirable effects of cannabis use vary from individual to individual. Cannabis is often used in the company of other people and has the same social aspects as alcohol use. Among other things, cannabis is often found to soothe, increase the sense of togetherness and creativity, and bring well-being. The risks and harms of cannabis use depend on a number of factors, such as the frequency of use, amount consumed, and age, health and personal factors of the person using the cannabis. In particular, long-term, heavy and frequent cannabis use increases the risk of harm, as does regular, heavy cannabis use starting at a young age. The use of alcohol and drugs in connection with cannabis use poses additional risks.
The desirable and undesirable effects of cannabis use vary from individual to individual. Cannabis is often used in the company of other people and has the same social aspects as alcohol use. Among other things, cannabis is often found to soothe, increase the sense of togetherness and creativity, and bring well-being. The risks and harms of cannabis use depend on a number of factors, such as the frequency of use, amount consumed, and age, health and personal factors of the person using the cannabis. In particular, long-term, heavy and frequent cannabis use increases the risk of harm, as does regular, heavy cannabis use starting at a young age. The use of alcohol and drugs in connection with cannabis use poses additional risks.
There are currently five medicinal cannabis products available for use in Finland, of which only one has received a marketing authorization. Patients need special authorization from the Fimea Pharmacovigilance Center to use the other four medicines.
Medicinal cannabis is prescribed by a doctor and is used to treat an illness or symptom. Medicinal products go through a long and thorough process of product development and research before they are used by patients, and safety is also monitored once a marketing authorization has been obtained. There are no guarantees for the safety and quality of cannabis grown at home or purchased illegally for self-medication purposes. Various extensions or other drugs may be added to the cannabis purchased to counteract the side effects. As with other drugs, medicinal cannabis preparations may have adverse side effects.
Cannabis use can cause immediate harms such as worsening ability to concentrate, memory problems, anxiety, panic, fears, paranoia, deterioration of mental problems and becoming withdrawn. Prolonged and heavy use increases the risk of passivity, addiction, depression, and psychosis. Cannabis can lower libido, fertility, and increase the risk of certain cancers. The physical effects of cannabis include redness of the eyes, increased heart rate, dry mouth, and increased feeling of hunger (especially for sweet foods). Cannabis has been found to weaken both mental and physical performance, such as memory, responsiveness, and coordination. Cannabis can also result in fetal developmental disorders because the cannabis intoxicants cross the placenta. The duration of action of cannabis depends on the quality and quantity of the substance used, the effect usually lasts 3-4 hours. However, it can take weeks for the degradation products of the substance to completely leave the body. The duration of action of synthetic cannabinoids is shorter (less than an hour) but the effects are stronger and more unpredictable.
Regular use of cannabis increases the risk of developing mental and social addiction as well as harming health. Some people are at particularly high risk of harm from cannabis and should therefore avoid cannabis use. This applies to people who are pregnant or have psychotic symptoms, as well as people who, for example because of their family history, are more prone to substance abuse problems and the onset of psychosis or schizophrenia.
Reducing and quitting
The risks and harms associated with cannabis use can be reduced by, among other things, stopping use altogether, using less and less often, and omitting cigarette butts from the cannabis cigarette, or switching to vaporizing cannabis instead of smoking. Frequent use of cannabis increases tolerance and thus the amount used increases rapidly, with more severe effects on the body and psyche. Other intoxicants should not be used at the same time as cannabis, and you should not drive under the influence of cannabis. The use of synthetic cannabinoids carries greater risk to health compared to marijuana and may even result in death.
You can start thinking about and changing your cannabis use on your own. A site (in Finnish and Swedish): Cannabis intervention for young Cannabis users has tools to help both assess and change cannabis use. For example a dose counter can be used to assess the amount and cost of cannabis use, and a CAST-screening test can help assess the level of risk of use and the need to seek support or treatment.
Recovering from addiction requires acknowledging the problem and a real desire to give up the addictive substance or activity. If you are concerned for a loved one, see this page on Tuntuu.fi and AddictionLink. Addictions can be treated - help is available. You can get help to a drug problem, support to cessation and reduction, from your local Health Centre, Occupational Health Care and Student Healthcare as well as from voluntary associations. All social and health services are subject to professional confidentiality. Workplaces and study facilities should have a Substance Abuse Plan in place to prevent substance abuse and promote well-being. Local support information, substance abuse services, peer support groups (for example N.A.=Narcotics Anonymous) and helplines can be found from AddictionLink.
Regular use of cannabis increases the risk of developing mental and social addiction as well as harming health. Some people are at particularly high risk of harm from cannabis and should therefore avoid cannabis use. This applies to people who are pregnant or have psychotic symptoms, as well as people who, for example because of their family history, are more prone to substance abuse problems and the onset of psychosis or schizophrenia.
Reducing and quitting
The risks and harms associated with cannabis use can be reduced by, among other things, stopping use altogether, using less and less often, and omitting cigarette butts from the cannabis cigarette, or switching to vaporizing cannabis instead of smoking. Frequent use of cannabis increases tolerance and thus the amount used increases rapidly, with more severe effects on the body and psyche. Other intoxicants should not be used at the same time as cannabis, and you should not drive under the influence of cannabis. The use of synthetic cannabinoids carries greater risk to health compared to marijuana and may even result in death.
You can start thinking about and changing your cannabis use on your own. A site (in Finnish and Swedish): Cannabis intervention for young Cannabis users has tools to help both assess and change cannabis use. For example a dose counter can be used to assess the amount and cost of cannabis use, and a CAST-screening test can help assess the level of risk of use and the need to seek support or treatment.
Recovering from addiction requires acknowledging the problem and a real desire to give up the addictive substance or activity. If you are concerned for a loved one, see this page on Tuntuu.fi and AddictionLink. Addictions can be treated - help is available. You can get help to a drug problem, support to cessation and reduction, from your local Health Centre, Occupational Health Care and Student Healthcare as well as from voluntary associations. All social and health services are subject to professional confidentiality. Workplaces and study facilities should have a Substance Abuse Plan in place to prevent substance abuse and promote well-being. Local support information, substance abuse services, peer support groups (for example N.A.=Narcotics Anonymous) and helplines can be found from AddictionLink.
Other drugs
The majority of Finns consider drug use to be a moderate to major problem in Finland, but attitudes towards cannabis in particular have eased. Other drugs are still viewed harshly, but more and more people consider drug experiments to be relatively harmless. There are many different subcultures for drug use, for example, “party drugs” are used, as the name implies, to celebrate instead of drinking. Although drugs are used in many different ways, none of these are risk-free. No one decides to get hooked and get into trouble; especially in recreational drug use, a person believes for a long time that he or she controls and chooses to use the drug until, at some point, as the addiction grows, that control disappears.
Risks and impacts
Adverse effects of drug use on the individual may be related to the short- or long-term effects of the substances, patterns of use, or drug-related subculture. For example, cannabis use can lead to some degree of addiction, but treatment is more often required for the variety of mental or psychotic symptoms that it can cause. Typical consequences of opioid use include hallucinations, states of confusion, and impaired motor or cognitive function. Mixed use, i.e. the combined use of drugs and medicines or alcohol, significantly increases the risk of death. Injecting with dirty needles, on the other hand, predisposes to inflammation and infectious diseases, such as HIV and hepatitis.
Drug addiction can be social, psychological, and physiological in nature. Social addiction refers to a social community and circle of friends built around drug use that is difficult to break away from and that keeps drugs present in everyday life. Getting into debt because of drugs and criminal habits can also hold people in their grip. Psychological addiction is based on the substance's ability to produce feelings of well-being or other addictive psychological effects. Physiological addiction results in increased tolerance, compulsion to use, and withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit. Physical dependence intensifies with continued use, which reduces the experience of pleasure with chronic use and is replaced by the need to obtain the substance to safeguard nervous system function. Drug use changes the function and structure of the brain. This makes it harder to stop using drugs.
Drug use can be associated with other problems such as mental disorders and severe social exclusion. Mental health challenges can be the impetus to try drugs to “get away from everyday life,” but mental health problems can also develop as the result of substance use. Losing everyday pleasures combined with an obsession with getting another high, as well as feelings of loneliness, can cause depression and withdrawal symptoms to increase resulting in anxiety and panic and potentially psychoses that can predispose to schizophrenia. Unfortunately, experimentation with recreational drug use often leads to uncontrolled use, so getting the next dose is the only thing on the user’s mind. This can also lead to compulsive criminal activity, when money has to be obtained for drug purchases. Indeed, a drug user often needs a wide range of help in managing the basics of their own lives and daily lives, all of which also contribute to recovery from addiction.
In Finland, there is a law allowing for involuntary treatment for substance abuse and mental health patients, but the concern of loved ones is not yet enough for a compulsory treatment decision, unless the person can be found to be dangerous to themselves or others. People with problem drug addiction more often end up in prison than in treatment. In addition to drunk driving, police also increasingly encounter drivers under the influence of drugs. The use of drugs and medication impairs the driver's ability to pay attention, evaluate, solve, coordinate and act whilst in control of the vehicle.
Reducing and quitting
Drug-related harm is reduced, for example, with clean injection equipment distributed at health counseling centers, health counseling, sexually transmitted disease testing, wound care, vaccinations and medical services. Health counseling centers can also address issues related to rehabilitation and detoxification treatment. In Finland, clean needles are also available from most pharmacies. All social and health services are subject to professional confidentiality.
Recovering from addiction requires acknowledging the problem and a real desire to give up the addictive substance or activity. If you are concerned for a loved one, see this page on Tuntuu.fi and AddictionLink. Addictions can be treated - help is available. You can get help to a drug problem, support to cessation and reduction, from your local Health Centre, Occupational Health Care and Student Healthcare as well as from voluntary associations. Professional social and health service is always bound by confidentiality. Workplaces and study facilities should have a Substance Abuse Plan in place to prevent substance abuse and promote well-being. Local support information, substance abuse services, peer support groups (for example N.A.=Narcotics Anonymous) and helplines can be found from AddictionLink.
The majority of Finns consider drug use to be a moderate to major problem in Finland, but attitudes towards cannabis in particular have eased. Other drugs are still viewed harshly, but more and more people consider drug experiments to be relatively harmless. There are many different subcultures for drug use, for example, “party drugs” are used, as the name implies, to celebrate instead of drinking. Although drugs are used in many different ways, none of these are risk-free. No one decides to get hooked and get into trouble; especially in recreational drug use, a person believes for a long time that he or she controls and chooses to use the drug until, at some point, as the addiction grows, that control disappears.
Risks and impacts
Adverse effects of drug use on the individual may be related to the short- or long-term effects of the substances, patterns of use, or drug-related subculture. For example, cannabis use can lead to some degree of addiction, but treatment is more often required for the variety of mental or psychotic symptoms that it can cause. Typical consequences of opioid use include hallucinations, states of confusion, and impaired motor or cognitive function. Mixed use, i.e. the combined use of drugs and medicines or alcohol, significantly increases the risk of death. Injecting with dirty needles, on the other hand, predisposes to inflammation and infectious diseases, such as HIV and hepatitis.
Drug addiction can be social, psychological, and physiological in nature. Social addiction refers to a social community and circle of friends built around drug use that is difficult to break away from and that keeps drugs present in everyday life. Getting into debt because of drugs and criminal habits can also hold people in their grip. Psychological addiction is based on the substance's ability to produce feelings of well-being or other addictive psychological effects. Physiological addiction results in increased tolerance, compulsion to use, and withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit. Physical dependence intensifies with continued use, which reduces the experience of pleasure with chronic use and is replaced by the need to obtain the substance to safeguard nervous system function. Drug use changes the function and structure of the brain. This makes it harder to stop using drugs.
Drug use can be associated with other problems such as mental disorders and severe social exclusion. Mental health challenges can be the impetus to try drugs to “get away from everyday life,” but mental health problems can also develop as the result of substance use. Losing everyday pleasures combined with an obsession with getting another high, as well as feelings of loneliness, can cause depression and withdrawal symptoms to increase resulting in anxiety and panic and potentially psychoses that can predispose to schizophrenia. Unfortunately, experimentation with recreational drug use often leads to uncontrolled use, so getting the next dose is the only thing on the user’s mind. This can also lead to compulsive criminal activity, when money has to be obtained for drug purchases. Indeed, a drug user often needs a wide range of help in managing the basics of their own lives and daily lives, all of which also contribute to recovery from addiction.
In Finland, there is a law allowing for involuntary treatment for substance abuse and mental health patients, but the concern of loved ones is not yet enough for a compulsory treatment decision, unless the person can be found to be dangerous to themselves or others. People with problem drug addiction more often end up in prison than in treatment. In addition to drunk driving, police also increasingly encounter drivers under the influence of drugs. The use of drugs and medication impairs the driver's ability to pay attention, evaluate, solve, coordinate and act whilst in control of the vehicle.
Reducing and quitting
Drug-related harm is reduced, for example, with clean injection equipment distributed at health counseling centers, health counseling, sexually transmitted disease testing, wound care, vaccinations and medical services. Health counseling centers can also address issues related to rehabilitation and detoxification treatment. In Finland, clean needles are also available from most pharmacies. All social and health services are subject to professional confidentiality.
Recovering from addiction requires acknowledging the problem and a real desire to give up the addictive substance or activity. If you are concerned for a loved one, see this page on Tuntuu.fi and AddictionLink. Addictions can be treated - help is available. You can get help to a drug problem, support to cessation and reduction, from your local Health Centre, Occupational Health Care and Student Healthcare as well as from voluntary associations. Professional social and health service is always bound by confidentiality. Workplaces and study facilities should have a Substance Abuse Plan in place to prevent substance abuse and promote well-being. Local support information, substance abuse services, peer support groups (for example N.A.=Narcotics Anonymous) and helplines can be found from AddictionLink.
|
|
