Health care and social welfare messages and letters now in digital format

As of 14 April 2026, you will receive messages and letters from the City of Helsinki’s health and social services digitally not only in Maisa, but also in Suomi.fi Messages. Paper mail from authorities will remain an option for everyone.

Explore the topic

Substance abuse services

If you have concerns about your own or a loved one's substance abuse, many of our services can be accessed without a referral.

To access substance abuse treatment or rehabilitation, call our phone service, visit our clinic without the need for an appointment, or participate in the Startti info sessions.

Työntekijä ja asiakas juttelevat.
Photo: Kaisa Sunimento

How is substance abuse evident in your neighbourhood?

Complete the Helsinki substance abuse survey by 3 May 2026.

The survey can be completed anonymously by all Helsinki residents over the age of 15. The results of the survey will be used in the development of the new substance abuse strategy in Helsinki. Every response counts.

Survey on 15–17-year-olds in Helsinki

Survey on Helsinki residents aged 18 and over

Photo: Lille Santanen

Low-threshold substance abuse services

School health care
If you are a pupil, please contact the health care services of your school first.
Student health care
If you are a student, please contact the health care services of your educational institution first.
Mental health and substance abuse nurse’s appointment
If you are worried about your own or a loved one's substance abuse, you can seek help from our nurses to address your situation.
Pysäkki Substance Abuse Services for Young People
We serve without an appointment young Helsinki residents aged 13-23 who are struggling with serious substance abuse issues and addiction.
Reception at substance abuse services without an appointment
Feel free to visit us at the Kalasatama Health and Well-being Centre without requiring an appointment, especially if you are in need of detoxification treatment or urgent assistance related to substance use concerns. For non-urgent matters, please contact
Startti info sessions in substance abuse services
Startti info sessions provide insights into substance abuse services and addiction and offer guidance towards recovery and commencing substance abuse treatment.
Substance abuse outpatient clinic
Our substance abuse outpatient clinics are dedicated to helping you overcome addictions related to alcohol, drugs, prescription medicine and gaming.
Symppis
Day Activity Centre Symppis provides a safe space, along with health advice and nourishing porridge, for individuals confronting challenges related to substance abuse or mental health.
The Kontula Health Counselling Point
The Kontula Health Counselling Point offers clients health counselling and referrals to other substance abuse services.
Jelppi
Contact Jelppi if you require assistance with your own or a loved one's substance abuse issue but are unsure of what steps to take.
Mobile testing and treatment for hepatitis C
You can get tested for hepatitis C and begin treatment quickly and easily. We will also make arrangements with you regarding your medication and treatment follow-up.
Mental health support services for the elderly
We foster your mental well-being through our peer support groups at service centres such as Kööri, Peesi, Vire, Toivo, and Pilke, as well as through social rehabilitation programs like Tsemppi and Puhti for seniors.

Detoxification treatment

Home detoxification
Home detoxification is a medical treatment for alcohol withdrawal. During your detoxification, you commit to being substance-free.
Detoxification treatment, 24-hour
We help break the cycle of substance abuse with round-the-clock inpatient treatment when outpatient services are insufficient.

Substance abuse rehabilitation

Daytime or round-the-clock substance abuse rehabilitation
Substance abuse rehabilitation supports sobriety and life management. You can enter rehabilitation through the substance abuse outpatient clinic, Youth Substance Abuse Service Pysäkki, Jelppi or follow-up rehabilitation of substance abuse services.

Our services

You can also find this page at hel.fi/substance-abuse-services.