Insecure society causes drug problems, says Finnish Christian Democrat

Right before Christmas, the Finnish Parliament discussed the growing problems of youth and gang crime. Especially drug use has grown rapidly, the Christian Democrats write on their website.

Christian Democrat Sari Tanus says that substance abuse is a significant issue and that it is crucial to determine the root cause for young people doing badly.

She suspects that the loss of values in society lays at the basis of the problem. “The things that created security before are now gone from the lives of many young people and many families”, Tanus says. She points out that young people may now resort to drugs in times of stress instead of talking to trusted people and finding security in God. “We have more and more families where these things are not even taught”, she says.

ADHD

In addition, Tanus blames family situations and mental disorders for the drug problems in the country. Some young people may not have the proper diagnosis, for example, for ADHD, and therefore lack the right medication. “If they do not receive the right medication, they easily rely on drugs”, Tanus explains.

Therefore, she pleads for an open-minded approach to young people. “Listen to them and respond to their needs. We need housing, work and a livelihood.”

Overdose

The Finnish number of deaths caused by drugs is much higher than the European average, Standard reports. The average age of people who die from drug use is 34. Statistics from the Norwegian Institute of Health and Welfare show that 206 people died of an overdose in Finland last year.

The Finnish Accident Investigation Centre has set itself to identifying the immediate factors that contribute to these deaths, Standard writes.