Survey on the use of intoxicating substances 2024: minors’ use of nicotine products causes concern

A total of 2,299 Espoo residents responded to the survey, including 561 young people (aged 13 to 17) and 1,738 adults. For the first time, separate surveys were conducted for young people and adults.

The survey provided valuable information on residents’ experiences and observations concerning things like the visibility of the use of intoxicants in public spaces, the safety of neighbourhoods, and the effectiveness of age limit supervision.

Both young people’s and adults’ survey responses showed that minors are use nicotine products. Over half of the respondents said that they had witnessed minors using electronic cigarettes, and one in two young people reported having seen minors using nicotine pouches. Both groups had also seen minors using alcohol, tobacco and snus.

The survey results show that age limit supervision concerning the sale of tobacco and nicotine products and alcohol seems to work well in Espoo. The majority of both adults and young people had not observed intoxicating substances being sold to minors.   

According to the survey results, intoxicated people reduce people’s sense of safety, especially in on public transport, at stations, and in the vicinity of shopping centres. A third of adults and a quarter of young people reported that they had been afraid of intoxicated individuals they encountered in public places during the past year. Adults expressed concerns about their children’s safety, while young people felt fear, particularly in the dark or when intoxicated individuals approached them.

The majority of respondents had not experienced any kind of harassment caused by intoxicated individuals in Espoo. However, about one in six reported that they had experienced harassment. The most common forms of harassment were shouting, following, asking for money or cigarettes, and behaving in a threatening way. Young people also mentioned catcalling and sexual harassment.

The survey highlighted the need to improve access to information on support services for reducing and quitting substance use. About 38% of young people knew where to seek help, but two thirds felt the information was inadequate. The role of schools, parents, health care, and online services was emphasised as sources of support. In contrast, more than 70% of adults could not say whether it is easy to find information about support services for reducing and quitting substance use within the wellbeing services county.

Both young people and adults suggested various methods for preventing substance abuse and related harm. Adults emphasised early intervention, education, and making treatment more accessible, while young people wanted more information about the harmful effects of substances, restrictions on their availability, stricter supervision, and more recreational opportunities.

Both respondent groups felt that each person can help reduce harm by setting a good example and living a substance-free life. Adults stressed the importance of raising awareness, offering help, and monitoring the situation as a community. Young people emphasised the importance of a substance-free lifestyle, resisting peer pressure, and discussing the harmful effects of substance use.

The survey results will be used in the development of substance abuse prevention and the promotion of health and wellbeing in Espoo. The information will be shared with various city operators, including those working in the promotion of health, wellbeing and participation, those in charge of safety issues, and the staff of the Growth and Learning Sector.

Preventing the use of intoxicating substances is a shared responsibility, and we can all do our part. By setting a positive example and supporting those around us, we can all help improve safety and wellbeing in Espoo.