Addictions: Alcohol, gambling, and social media

Addiction is one of the most common mental health challenges in Finland, but it often goes undiscussed due to shame. THL estimates that around 9% of Finns have alcohol dependence or harmful use, 0.9–1.3% have problem drug use, and 3% have problem gambling (THL: Substances and addictions). In 2024, total alcohol consumption was 8.3 litres of pure alcohol per person aged 15+ (THL: Alcohol).

This guide covers recognising substance and behavioural addictions, how they develop, why therapy is more effective than "I'll cut down on my own", and where to find help.

What addiction is

Addiction is a brain disease, not a moral failing. The brain's reward system, which normally reinforces survival-supporting behaviour (eating, relationships), has been hijacked by the substance or activity. The dopamine spike from use teaches the brain: this matters most. Long-term use changes brain structure and function so that more is needed for the same effect (tolerance) and stopping causes withdrawal.

Substance addictions include alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, opioids, stimulants, and sedatives. Behavioural addictions include gambling, social media, pornography, sex, food, and work. Behavioural addiction diagnostics is most precise for gambling, an officially recognised disorder.

Signs of recognition

Addiction is not always visible. Practical signs: increased amount needed for the same effect; physical or psychological symptoms when stopping; continued use despite problems at work, in relationships, or with health; significant time or money spent on use; repeated failed attempts to stop.

For alcohol, AUDIT is the screening tool recommended by Käypä hoito. The simplified AUDIT-C asks three questions: how often you drink, how many drinks typically, and how often you drink six or more at one time. A high score suggests possible risky use.

Among Finnish youth (15–16 yrs), there is polarisation: in 2024, more young people had never used alcohol, but the share drinking weekly to drunkenness has slightly increased since 2019 (THL ESPAD 2024).

Treatment in Finland

Addiction treatment in Finland is multi-tiered. Detox is the medical phase where the body is safely cleared. In severe alcohol withdrawal, medication is essential. Then comes rehabilitation, which can be outpatient or residential.

Effective psychotherapeutic methods:

Motivational interviewing (MI) helps work through ambivalence about change. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) identifies triggering situations and builds alternative coping skills. 12-step programmes (AA, NA, GA) are peer-based, free, and available throughout Finland. Therapeutic Community is intensive residential care. Pharmacotherapy (e.g. naltrexone for alcohol, opioid replacement therapy) supports psychosocial treatment.

For gambling harms, Käypä hoito recommends CBT methods, and Peluuri (peluuri.fi) offers free guidance and chat support.

The treatment pathway

After recognising a substance or gambling problem you can seek help from several directions. A-clinics operate around Finland and usually accept walk-ins. Wellbeing services counties' substance services provide outpatient care and assessment. Occupational health can quickly assess if use affects work capacity. Privately, clinics and therapists specialise in addiction.

In acute crises (severe withdrawal, intoxicated and suicidal), emergency services are the right place.

What loved ones can do

Addiction is a family illness. It affects everyone close. Key for loved ones is self-care, holding boundaries, and seeking their own support. Al-Anon and Sininauhaliitto offer peer support to family members. It's important to understand: you cannot force someone to change, but you can create conditions where change is possible.

Where to get help

Your local A-clinic or substance services: walk in or call. Emergency line 116 117 directs as needed. Peluuri (peluuri.fi) helps with gambling. AA (aa.fi) and NA (nasuomi.org) hold peer groups. In emergency, 112.

Sources

• THL: Substances and addictions
• THL: Alcohol: statistics
• THL ESPAD 2024: Youth substance use and gambling
• Peluuri: support for gambling problems

Where to find a therapist

You can look for a therapist in several places:

• Search services run by the Finnish Psychological Association (Psykologiliitto) and professional bodies.
• Kela's service provider search, if you are applying for rehabilitative psychotherapy (only Kela-approved therapists qualify for reimbursement).
• The Valitse Terapia service and other directories.
• Your own health centre, occupational health service or student health service (YTHS), which can refer you onward.

You can contact several therapists and see with whom the collaboration feels natural.

Get help in a crisis now

If you are having thoughts of self-harm or are otherwise in an acute crisis, you do not have to face it alone.

• In an emergency, call 112.
• MIELI Mental Health Finland crisis line: 09 2525 0113 (English and Arabic), 09 2525 0111 (Finnish), 09 2525 0112 (Swedish).
• For under-29s: Sekasin chat (sekasin.fi).

Help is available anonymously, and you do not need to be sure your situation is serious enough.