Initiative to launch preventive substance abuse education for young people in Northern Tuusula 

Drug use, especially alpha-PVP, known colloquially as ‘peukku’, has increased among young people. Users are younger than ever before, even primary school children. The use of alpha-PVP in particular has increased rapidly in the capital region. Alpha-PVP is a powerful and highly addictive drug that can be used in many ways (snorted, smoked, taken orally in capsules and intravenously). The substance can be found as a white or coloured powder, crystal or tablet. Alpha-PVP can make users unpredictable and causes severe withdrawal symptoms. (Preventive Substance Abuse Work EHYT ry, THL, Päihdelinkki) 

According to Statistics Finland, in 2025 there will be 1,751 secondary school pupils and 1,750 upper secondary school pupils in Tuusula. According to the National Institute for Health and Welfare’s School Health Survey 2025, 8% of boys and 5% of girls in grades 8 and 9 of basic education have tried illegal drugs at least once. The corresponding figures for upper secondary school boys are 11% and for girls 8%.  

According to data produced by Statistics Finland, in 2023 the highest number of drug-related deaths was in the 15–24 age group, with a total of 91 young people under the age of 25 dying from drugs. This is more than ever before in Statistics Finland’s measurement history, which began in 2006 (TK). Sadly, this figure is certain to rise with the increase in the use of alpha-PVP unless we begin to focus purposefully on preventive substance abuse education. The National Institute for Health and Welfare’s statistics for 2024 will be published in October.  

Anticipation and direct communication are the best ways to inform young people about the harmful effects of drugs, for example through the use of experts by experience. According to EHYT ry, drug prevention and substance abuse education must be implemented especially in places where young people are, such as educational institutions.  

In spring 2025, the municipality funded lectures by experts with practical experience for upper secondary school pupils in schools in southern Tuusula. Two of these lectures were held at Hyökkälä School and two at Hyrylä School Centre. In addition, two lectures will be held on 7 October 2025 at Rykmentinpuisto School. The cost has been €600 per lecture.  

We, the undersigned representatives, propose to the council that, in the interests of fairness, the Jokela and Kellokoski schools organise similar lectures by experts with personal experience as in Etelä-Tuusula, and that possible further measures be considered to continue preventive substance abuse education.  

This content has been translated using AI