Talk to the young person about intoxicating substances

EHYT ry is a national organisation that supports guardians and educators as well as public administration employees in substance abuse prevention. Additionally, EHYT ry offers direct counselling for people of all ages and publishes various reports and statistics on intoxicating substances. Kim Kannussaari, a specialist from EHYT ry, stated during the event that the majority of young people are doing well.

Over the long term, substance abuse among young people has decreased. However, at the same time, substance abuse problems and the phenomena they bring about have become more polarised. Although no young person wants to have a substance abuse problem, their developing brains are at high-risk for addiction. From a societal perspective, it is in the interest of no one if a portion of our youth get on the wrong track at such an early stage in life.

Helena Sipiläinen, substance abuse prevention worker in Lohja, Sauli Taipale, outreach youth worker in Espoo, Saara Sandelius, service supervisor at Nupoli, and Katariina Mäki-Kokkila, school social worker in Kirkkonummi – all experienced youth workers – encouraged guardians and educators to discuss intoxicating substances with young people in a neutral manner that relies on scientific research and evidence.

Furthermore, guardians should examine their own substance use and the substance use of people close to them, as it sets an example for the young person. They gave guardians seven tips that will go a long way in family life: Listen, be present, discuss, show interest, be loving and caring, be an adult and not a friend, and act in a way that makes you worthy of the young person’s trust.

Hannu Väänänen, the Chief Inspector of preventive special activities in the Western Uusimaa Police Department, says that high-profit drug trade among minors occurs in every municipality of Western Uusimaa. It is difficult to stop this trade, because it is hidden crime that largely takes place on social media. Guardians and educators should keep an eye on the situation. For instance, if the young person suddenly appears to have a lot of expensive designer clothes or extra money, it could be a sign that they are working as a drug dealer.

Some young people are fascinated and attracted by the criminal “gangsta life” and its promises of easy money. Young people do not necessarily understand the risks involved, such as violence and substance abuse problems, before they are sucked into a world of crime. Across all municipalities, the preventive activities of the police and the work of the anchor team cooperate together with the social and health services as well as the youth services so that young people involved in crime can access the help and support they need.

Experimenting with substances and engaging in occasional misbehaviour are often a typical part of being young and growing up. They are by themselves not a cause for excessive concern if there are no other major problems in everyday life. If the challenges grow greater, help and support is available. It is recommended to contact, for example, the pupil and student welfare, youth clinics, family counselling, family social work or the support services of parishes and organisations.

The recording of the webinar contains useful links to resources where guardians, educators and young people can obtain evidence-based information about substances, mental wellbeing and parenthood as well as contact information for different services that can be contacted with a low threshold.

Watch the recording of the event on the YouTube channel of the Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County >>(external link)