Helsinki Metropolitan Area to launch campaign to raise awareness of drug poisoning symptoms and first aid

A sticker campaign on busy train and bus routes in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area will direct people to the Red Cross website for more information on the symptoms of drug poisoning and the related first aid measures. In addition to this, information will be provided in City and wellbeing services county locations and through digital channels.

The campaign will run from 27 April to 24 May 2026 and involve Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa, Kerava, Kauniainen and the wellbeing services counties of Länsi-Uusimaa and Vantaa and Kerava.

Early recognition of symptoms can prevent poisoning deaths

In Finland, drug-related deaths are usually caused by intoxication from the simultaneous use of various narcotic substances, such as medicines and alcohol or drugs. The most common cause of drug-related deaths is the simultaneous use of opiates and benzodiazepines.

The life-threatening symptoms of poisoning range from the obvious, such as convulsions, to the vague, such as severe fatigue. Typically, a life-threatening emergency occurs when a heavily intoxicated person falls asleep and is in danger of dying from respiratory depression or asphyxiation in their sleep. 

“Drug poisoning may look like severe intoxication or fatigue. This is why the seriousness of the situation is not always understood in time. With this campaign, we want to remind the public that you should always call for help in an uncertain situation: acting too early is not a mistake, but acting too late can cost lives. Even a small act of caring and courage can mean the difference between life and death for another person in an emergency," says substance abuse prevention specialist Miia Myyryläinen from the City of Vantaa.

Caring also helps the loved ones of substance users

Substance use is a widespread problem in society, affecting not only the people who use drugs, but also their loved ones, families and the communities in which they live. This will also be highlighted by the celebration of Läheistenpäivä (Loved ones’ day) on 5 May during the campaign.

It is estimated that there are around one million people in Finland who are affected by the substance use of a loved one. The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) has estimated that there are 89,000 underage children in Finland whose biological parent or parents have a serious substance abuse problem at some point before the child reaches adulthood.

By helping people who use substances, we also support their families, friends and loved ones and strengthen wellbeing in society at large.

Rate of drug-related deaths among young people worryingly high

In Finland, an exceptionally high proportion of those who have died of drug-related causes are under 25 years of age – proportionally more than in any other European country. Drugs cause more deaths among young people than road accidents.

Although drug-related deaths among young people have fallen from their peak in 2023, nearly one in five deaths among young people aged 15–24 are still drug-related. Accidental drug-related deaths account for well over half of all drug-related deaths.

According to the latest statistics for 2024, drug-related deaths will occur particularly among young adults and people aged 40–44. Almost one in three victims of drug-related deaths were 25–34 years old.