Intoxicants and addictions

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Alcohol, tobacco and nicotine products, as well as narcotics are intoxicants that can cause addiction. Also, activities can cause addictions, such as gambling or digital gaming. On this page, you can find information about intoxicants and addictions, self-care, and other forms of help and support available.

Alcohol

Alcohol affects both the physical and mental well-being. Even moderate use can reduce sleep quality, increase the risk of accidents and put a strain on the liver and heart. Heavy or regular use increases the risk of many diseases, such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

In addition to adverse health effects, excessive alcohol consumption can also lead to various social harm, such as relationship difficulties, violence, child neglect, financial difficulties or workplace issues. Furthermore, alcohol consumption can affect mental well-being, as alcohol often worsens symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Drugs

Drugs are intoxicants that are illegal in Finland. Drugs often lead to severe addiction, and their use often begins as an experimentation that is thought to be harmless. Drugs affect well-being and health in many ways. The adverse effects depend on the substance used.

Drugs affect both the mental and physical health. At first, they may give pleasure. Use can often lead to depression, anxiety, insomnia, confusion and other symptoms. Drugs also have an impact on the economy, social relationships and general well-being, and can lead to criminal behaviour.  As well as drugs, the misuse of medicines can also cause addiction. This means, for example, the use of painkillers and sedatives for the purpose of getting high. Sniffing – such as inhaling glues, laughing gas or petrol – is also dangerous and can damage the brain. 

Gambling

Gambling refers to playing games where you can win or lose money. Examples of gambling include betting, slot machines, scratch cards and online gambling. Gambling: playing any game in which money is staked.

People usually gamble with the aim of winning money. People also gamble simply to satisfy their desires and because of the excitement and fun gambling brings. Gambling can become harmful if it starts to put a strain on your finances, relationships, mental health or ability to manage your daily life.

The Lower-Risk Gambling Guidelines use the 2-4-2 rule. The risk limits are based on numbers. To prevent the harmful effects of gambling, you should avoid gambling

• more than 2 per cent of your net monthly income
• more than 4 days a month
• more than 2 game types repeatedly

Support for a loved one

You can recognize when a loved one has an addiction by their behaviour. They will, for example, try to hide the substances that cause addiction, they can be secretive and neglect scheduled appointment or duties.

Substance addictions and gambling addictions are often linked to financial difficulties. In some cases, addiction may be associated with violent or aggressive behaviour. Addictions also affects the addicted person’s loved ones in many ways.

It is common for someone suffering from an addiction to deny the problem and to blame anything but themselves. It is not easy to talk to a loved one about their substance abuse or gambling, but it is important for you to address your concerns. Talking about your concerns and feelings, without making anyone feel guilty, is a good starting point for the conversation. Recovery can only begin once the person suffering from an addiction recognises the problem, wants to change and is ready to accept help.

Your loved one’s addiction or gambling problem can trigger a range of emotions in you, such as fear, anxiety or shame. As a loved one, you can offer the person with an addiction with support, and you can listen to the person and encourage them to seek help. However, it is also important to look after your own well-being, regardless of whether the person with the addiction is ready to make a change.