A troubling new report reveals that drug use is starting at increasingly younger ages in the Helsinki metropolitan area. Street outreach workers have encountered children as young as 10 using substances, according to research from the Deaconess Institute.
Researchers documented ten encounters with children under 15 using drugs during October alone. The institute's researcher noted that drug use is becoming more common among younger age groups, and perceptions about drugs have softened significantly.
"Drugs are being used more frequently and at younger ages," the researcher stated. "Attitudes toward drugs have become more permissive."
Street outreach teams now regularly encounter children between 10 and 14 years old using substances. The exact number of young drug users remains unknown because personal information isn't collected during these encounters.
The Deaconess Institute launched its street outreach program in August, with two teams working daily in Helsinki and three in Vantaa. These mobile units consist of social and healthcare professionals who approach young people on their own terms, offering help with issues the youth themselves identify as important.
Mental health challenges appear to be a driving factor behind this troubling trend. Experts suggest that early intervention for psychological issues could help address the root causes of substance abuse among children.
In October, the organization opened a new meeting space called Katutaso in Myyrmäki, Vantaa. This facility aims to support young people through various methods and prevent drug-related deaths. The initiative comes in response to record-high drug fatalities among youth last year.
The assistance provided varies case by case. Outreach workers carry backpacks containing drinks, snacks, first aid supplies, and even wool socks. They help young people navigate available services and, when requested, facilitate connections with social workers or guardians.
Several factors contribute to this alarming development. Drugs have become more accessible, and the threshold for experimenting with smokable substances may have lowered with the increased popularity of e-cigarettes and cannabis. Researchers also point to growing mental health problems among youth as a contributing factor.
The situation highlights challenges within the city's support system. Funding cuts to organizations complicate matters, as the third sector plays a crucial role in preventive work. Drug services remain fragmented, and young people often don't know where to seek help.
Long waiting times for treatment create additional barriers. Young people's situations can change rapidly, and they need immediate assistance when they're ready to accept help.
This trend reflects broader social issues affecting Nordic countries. While Scandinavia typically enjoys strong social safety nets, certain individuals experience concentrated disadvantage. Those struggling often need multi-disciplinary support that current systems struggle to provide efficiently.
The street outreach program operates within legal frameworks. Workers must file child protection reports when they become concerned about minors' situations. The program maintains cooperation with other organizations and authorities while building trust-based relationships with young people.
Researchers question whether municipal services adequately meet current needs. The combination of easier drug access, normalized attitudes toward substance use, and increasing mental health challenges creates a perfect storm affecting ever-younger children in Finland's capital region.