The future of young people is the future of the state. Increasing youth problems with addiction and homelessness is not the right way to balance public finances
- Nordic Alcohol and Drug Policy Network
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
27.08.2025 - Homelessness among young Finns, as well as problems with substance use and gambling, are on the rise. Today, on 25 August 2025, the Blue Ribbon Association (Sininauhaliitto ry) and the Blue Ribbon Foundation (Sininauhasäätiö) made an appeal to Minister of Sport and Youth, Mika Poutala, on behalf of young people’s lives.
The core of Tiltti’s work is low-threshold counselling, peer support, and open peer groups accessible to everyone. The appeal was presented during the minister’s visit to Tiltti, the information and support point for people with gambling problems run by the Blue Ribbon Association, and to Nuoli, the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s meeting and support centre for young people who use drugs.
“Young people are known to be particularly vulnerable to alcohol, drugs and gambling products, and to the harms that come with them, such as debt problems and homelessness. This is why in the state budget proposals, and in policy areas such as the Alcohol Act, the gambling system, and housing policy, it is vital to ensure that the wellbeing of young people is given sufficient attention,” says Kimmo Karvonen, CEO of the Blue Ribbon Foundation.
In 2024, more than 500 young people under the age of 25 (555) were homeless, and the number is increasing. In 2023, a total of 310 young people died from drug poisonings, 91 of whom were under 25. The highest number of drug-related deaths was in the 15–24 age group, where the increase was also the steepest.
In 2024, the largest single age group seeking help from Peluuri’s helpline and chat service were 18–24-year-olds, accounting for 36 percent of all players. Despite their young age, their problems had often already become severe. These included mental health challenges, social problems, large debts, and suicidal thoughts.
“We need policies, action, and resources for both the public sector and NGOs so that the conditions for young people’s lives are not destroyed, but all young people are able to take part in society. Legislative reforms must include an assessment of the impact on youth. It is hard to imagine any welfare state so poor that it must pay off its debts by increasing young people’s addiction problems,” says Pekka Lund, Executive Director of the Blue Ribbon Association.
Source: Sininauhaliitto
