Promote Healthy Aging in Finland

As resources shrink, it's time to rethink and reshape. In Finland, one sector experiencing a reduction in resources is that of drug and addiction support organizations. 

Many of these organizations provide support to adults struggeling with tough life circumstances and alcohol and other drug problems. Over time, these gathering spots have turned into daily havens for numerous unemployed and/or individuals struggling with addicition problems. Here, they find friendship and peer support to pursue sobriety, assistance in dealing with authorities, and support with food supplies. Moreover, these alcohol-free venues play a crucial role in preventing moderate drinking from turning into heavy alcohol use, curbing the rise of homelessness and foreclosures, reducing the psychological stress of visitors, and connecting people with timely assistance.

As funding cuts reduce the activities of these organizations, social regions in Finland are increasingly burdened with the responsibility of supporting those in need of these services.

Now more than ever, investing in addiction prevention is crucial to stop problems before they start – because untreated problems can grow over time and become costlier to address. Prevention is effective: for every dollar spent on it, we save at least ten dollars in future health, social, and crime costs. Investing in effective and evidence-based prevention, therefore, not only results in better health, less crime, and more societal wellbeing, but also exhibits solid financial benefits for taxpayers and governments. Preventive work to prevent and reduce drug use at an early stage is therefore essential! Additionally, establishing accessible support systems for those aiming to be drug-free is equally important.

When setting priorities and directing financial resources, it's crucial not to overlook investments in the field of drug use and addiction. We must ensure that people in particularly vulnerable situations are not deprived of support, opportunities for social participation, and their basic human rights!

Your donation supports those who are often overlooked yet desperately need our support. Thank you so much for all that you contribute!