Substance Abuse and Addictions

Nicotine products include cigarettes, e-cigarettes, snuff, snus and nicotine pouches. Nicotine is highly addictive and can cause withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.

If you want to quit nicotine, try finding alternative coping methods. Chewing gum or drinking water when cravings arise can help.

Alcohol is the most commonly used substance in Finland. Alcoholic drinks are often associated with celebrations and relaxation, which can lead to them becoming a harmful everyday habit.

Alcohol addiction is both physical and psychological, making it difficult to cut down or quit on your own. Withdrawal symptoms can range from sweating and rapid heartbeat to anxiety and insomnia. Withdrawal symptoms from long-term drinking can last for several weeks.

Drugs come in many forms and can be consumed as pills, powders, or liquids; they can be smoked, snorted, or injected. Even old prescription painkillers are considered drugs. Some drugs have a calming effect, while others increase energy and confidence.

Substance abuse increases the risk of both physical and mental health disorders. Drug use can quickly lead to addiction, as many substances trigger unnaturally high dopamine kicks. High dopamine levels in the brain create a powerful euphoric feeling, which users seek to experience repeatedly. Drug use alters the brain in ways that can make it difficult to feel pleasure without substances.

Gambling, including lotteries, slot machines, betting, and scratch cards, is common in Finland. The legal age for all gambling activities is 18. For most people, gambling is a harmless pastime that adds excitement to daily life. However, gambling can have severe consequences for health, finances, and social relationships for those who become addicted.

Tips for Reducing Gambling

• View gambling as entertainment, not a way to make money.
• Set a limit on how much money and time you are willing to spend on gambling and stick to it.
• Find other ways to cope with emotions instead of gambling.

Digital games, including computer, console, and mobile games, can be played anywhere and anytime, either alone or with others, often without financial stakes.

Excessive gaming can cause physical issues such as neck and shoulder pain, headaches, weight changes, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. It can also lead to social and psychological harm, including depression and isolation. In some cases, gaming may worsen sleep problems, increase aggression, or encourage unhealthy behavioural patterns and problem-solving strategies.

Tips for Managing Digital Gaming

• Play in short sessions and set alarms to remind you to take breaks; breaks also improve performance.
• Balance gaming with other activities, such as physical exercise.
• Interact with friends both online and outside the gaming world.

Internet use becomes harmful when it is excessive or compulsive and negatively affects other areas of life. Internet addiction is often linked to specific apps or platforms, such as pornography, gambling, online gaming, or interactive social apps. Aimless browsing or compulsive information gathering can also be problematic. Withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety and restlessness, may occur when reducing internet use.

Tips for Controlling Internet Use

• Change your routines and replace screen time with other activities.
• Limit usage with a timer.
• Avoid high-risk services that trigger compulsive use.
• Manage withdrawal symptoms by listing the disadvantages of excessive use and the benefits of cutting back.
• Consider the consequences: what other activities have you neglected due to Internet overuse?
• Build a support network by engaging in social activities and finding new interests.
• Seek professional help, such as individual or family therapy, for support.

Smartphone or social media addiction can be described as an inability to live without a smartphone or social media apps. Smartphones and especially social media platforms are designed to encourage prolonged use, with notifications, sounds, and game rewards drawing users back repeatedly. Withdrawal symptoms are similar to those of other addictions – increased usage, difficulty regulating emotions, and developing tolerance.

Tips for Reducing Smartphone Use

• Turn off notifications and remove unnecessary apps.
• Set a specific time each day for phone use and use an alarm to limit excessive screen time.
• Establish phone-free times and places, such as during meals and before bedtime.
• Keep your phone in another room at night and use a traditional alarm clock instead.
• Engage in phone-free activities such as exercise, hobbies, and face-to-face socialising.
• Identify triggers for excessive use and find alternative ways to manage them.
• Seek support from family and friends or consult a professional if needed.

Good sexual health means having a positive and respectful attitude toward sexuality and relationships, free from coercion, discrimination, or violence. It also involves access to information and care. Good sexual health includes physical, mental, and emotional security in sexual relationships, as well as the freedom to choose when and how to be sexually active.

Sex addiction, on the other hand, is compulsive sexual behaviour that dominates everyday life in a harmful way. It may involve persistent sexual thoughts and behaviours that cause anxiety and shame. This could include frequent masturbation, constantly seeking new partners, or obsessive thoughts about an unattainable relationship.

If sexual behaviour interferes with daily life or relationships, it’s important to seek help and support. Many people benefit from sexual therapy, cognitive psychotherapy, or self-help groups.

Concern for a loved one’s addiction may be justified if you notice significant changes in their behaviour, emotions, finances, or health.

Warning signs to watch for include:

• Behaviour: Social withdrawal, lying to hide the addiction, neglecting responsibilities and interests.
• Emotions: Increased anxiety, depression, anger, or restlessness.
• Finances: Debts, loans, or secret transactions related to gambling or substance use.
• Health: Stress, headaches, weight changes, or other physical symptoms.

People struggling with addiction often need support from others to overcome their situation. If you’re trying to help a loved one with addiction, keep the following in mind:

• Stay calm and open when talking to them.
• Describe how the situation affects you and your shared life.
• Protect your finances by taking responsibility for bills if you live together.
• Help them find professional help and support them within your personal boundaries.
• Be patient. Change takes time and may require multiple attempts.
• Avoid preaching or blaming them, and do not engage in gambling or substance use with them.
• Let them take responsibility for their behaviour and its consequences.

Help is available through the Wellbeing Services County of Ostrobothnia’s health centres, occupational healthcare services, and addiction services. Various organisations also provide support for individuals struggling with addiction and their loved ones.

Addiction affects not only the person struggling with it but also their close relationships. In addition to financial difficulties, loved ones may experience fatigue, anxiety, fear, anger, depression, and sleep problems.

Tips for Loved Ones

1. Bring up the Topic
   Talk about your concerns regarding your loved one’s substance use without accusations or threats. Share your feelings and worries, even if the problem is not yet severe.
2. It’s Not Your Fault
   You’re not responsible for your loved one’s substance use or choices. Only they can find the motivation for change.
3. Don’t Lie for Them
   Don’t try to hide your loved one’s behaviour from others – this causes unnecessary stress and makes the situation more difficult.
4. Don’t Give Them Money
   Don’t give money to a loved one struggling with addiction. If you want to help, provide practical support, such as food or other essentials.
5. Let Go of Shame
   You’re not responsible for your loved one’s actions. Don’t let shame and secrecy negatively impact your life.
6. Set Boundaries
   Define clear boundaries in your relationship and stick to them to prevent exploitation from taking control of your life.
7. Let Professionals Take Charge
   You’re not responsible for solving your loved one’s problems. If necessary, contact authorities or professionals for help.
8. Put Yourself First
   Take care of your own wellbeing and seek support if you need it. Seek help from support groups or counselling services.
9. Accept and Appreciate Small Progress
   You can support your loved one who wants to change, but remember that the responsibility is theirs. Appreciate good moments, but do not create expectations. Sometimes, the best option is to let go completely.