Drug consumption and overdose trends in Finland

A wastewater study by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) indicates a nationwide increase in cocaine use across Finland. While consumption remains highest in Southern Finland and the capital region, the most significant growth is occurring in other parts of the country. The study also noted that while amphetamine use has remained stable and ecstasy use appears to be declining, the synthetic drug alpha-PVP maintains high consumption levels, particularly in Southern and Western Finland.

Subsequent reports from the THL highlight a significant increase in overdose deaths involving the synthetic drug alfa-PVP, also known as ‘peukku’. In a recent year, alfa-PVP was detected in 76 investigated deaths. Total drug-related overdose deaths rose slightly to 224, with many fatalities involving the concurrent use of drugs and medications, such as buprenorphine combined with alcohol or other depressants. Demographic data indicates that nearly a quarter of those dying from overdoses were under the age of 25, a rising trend, while the average age of those who died was 35.