Substance abuse and addiction prevention

Shortly

  • The goal of substance abuse and addiction prevention is to reduce harm and promote health, wellbeing and safety.
  • The wellbeing services counties organise substance abuse prevention and provide healthcare and social welfare services based on individual needs.
  • Social welfare includes counselling, social work, rehabilitation and housing services – which are available anonymously and to individuals under the influence of substances.
  • Healthcare is responsible for both outpatient and inpatient substance abuse and addiction treatment, while civil society organisations provide peer support for individuals in rehabilitation and their loved ones.
  • The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health provides strategic guidance for this work in cooperation with the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) and the National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health (Valvira).

The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health is responsible for the national planning, guidance and supervision of substance abuse and addiction prevention. 

The aim of substance abuse and addiction prevention is to reduce and eliminate factors related to substance use and addictive behaviour that pose risks to health, wellbeing and safety. 

Substance abuse and addiction prevention includes: 

  • substance abuse prevention; 
  • responding to social welfare support needs arising from harmful substance use or other addictive behaviour; and 
  • substance abuse and addiction prevention in healthcare. 

The Social Welfare Act regulates substance abuse prevention in social welfare and the provision of social services targeted at substance abusers. Regulations related to substance abuse prevention are also found in other laws.

How do wellbeing services counties organise substance abuse and addiction prevention?

Substance abuse and addiction prevention in social welfare refers to social services provided by the wellbeing services counties, as well as other activities directed at individuals and communities that: 

  • reduce and eliminate factors related to substance use and addictive behaviour that pose risks to wellbeing and safety; 
  • responding to support needs arising from harmful substance use or other addictive behaviour; and 
  • support substance-free life and recovery from addictive behaviour. 

Substance abuse and addiction prevention in social welfare includes: 

  • guidance and counselling; and
  • social services responding to support needs in accordance with the Social Welfare Act, which are provided either as general social services or as special substance abuse and addiction services.

Services must be provided based on the support needs of the individual, their family and other loved ones. Pregnant people have the right to immediately receive social services that support a substance-free lifestyle. The child’s right to necessary social services is guaranteed under the Social Welfare Act. 

Substance abuse and addiction prevention in social welfare must be planned and implemented so that it forms a coherent whole with other healthcare and social welfare services, as well as with substance abuse prevention carried out by municipalities and wellbeing services counties. 

Substance abuse and addiction treatment falls under the responsibility of healthcare. Provisions regarding this are laid down in the Health Care Act.

What are special substance abuse and addiction services in social welfare?

Special substance abuse and addiction services in social welfare refer to services targeted at individuals with support needs due to harmful substance use or other addictive behaviour. These services must include at minimum social work, social guidance, social rehabilitation and housing services. Services must be provided on an outpatient or institutional basis as necessary. 

In addition, substance abuse day centres must be provided as targeted services. These centres offer basic needs support and social guidance. Services must also be available to individuals under the influence of substances and anonymously if desired.

The special substance abuse and addiction services provided in social welfare complement other social services needed to support a substance-free life and address harmful substance use. The special services must be coordinated with substance abuse and addiction treatment provided in healthcare.

Individuals can access services independently by contacting their local social welfare office, health and social services centre, or a substance abuse service provider. Institutional treatment and rehabilitation typically require a referral from healthcare. Social welfare provides services such as family rehabilitation or community-based rehabilitation.

What kind of peer support is available for substance abuse rehabilitees and their family members?

Many organisations and associations provide support for people undergoing substance abuse rehabilitation and their families and friends.

For example, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) groups, A-Kilta associations and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) groups provide peer support for substance abuse rehabilitees. Family members of individuals with alcohol problems can receive support through Al-Anon and Alateen groups.

Which other authorities are involved in substance abuse and addiction prevention?

The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) conducts research and development related to substance abuse and addiction prevention.

The National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health (Valvira) and the Regional State Administrative Agencies supervise the services.

How are substance abuse and addiction services developed as a whole?

The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health published the National Mental Health Strategy in early 2020. The strategy, which extends to 2030, aims to ensure continuity and a goal-oriented approach in mental health services. The strategy also guides substance abuse and addiction services. The Substance Abuse and Addiction Strategy published in 2021 covers not only services but also substance abuse and addiction prevention.

Further information

Helena Vorma, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Medical Affairs 
Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, Department for Clients and Services in Healthcare and Social Welfare / APO, Service System Unit / PAL Telephone:0295163388   Email Address: