More young people die from drugs in Finland

The number of drug-related deaths is increasing in Finland, and the increase is particularly evident among people under 25.

In 2023, 310 people died in Finland because of drugs, according to statistics from Statistics Finland. This is 60 more than the year before.

– This is more than ever before in the entire measurement history dating back to 2006, says Kati Taskinen of Statistics Finland, according to the state broadcaster Yle.

Drug-related deaths have increased mainly among people aged 15 to 24. Almost every third person who died from drugs was under the age of 25, and of all deaths in this age group, every fourth person died because of drugs.

In addition, 1 727 people died last year as a result of alcohol poisoning or alcohol-related diseases. This is 63 more people than the year before.