Few people who received treatment for drug addiction issues last year were employed or studied, according to the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL).
Just one-fifth of those who were treated for drug abuse problems in 2022 had jobs or studied, according to the agency.
According to THL development manager Minna Kesänen, there is a lot of prejudice and stigma against people who have addiction issues "and they often end up outside of work and study life".
People with addiction issues also often find themselves ostracised from social networks that could support their wellbeing and recovery, she told the news agency STT.
The THL's statistics are based on anonymously collected drug rehabilitation clinic data.
Would you like a roundup of the week's top stories in your inbox every Thursday? Then sign up to receive our weekly email.
Nine percent of clients at such clinics were homeless, while 73 percent of them lived alone. More than half, 53 percent, of those people had only completed nine years of compulsory primary education.
Kesänen said that in terms of work during the drug treatment process, more attention should be paid to building meaningful everyday life as well as social rehabilitation.
Most of the clients treated for drug abuse issues suffered from opioid addictions, while many also abused tranquilisers, stimulants and cannabis.
The 2022 data was drawn from 40 drug treatment clinics and 1,079 of their clients. The statistics do not include all rehabilitation services or concern all people who use illicit drugs in Finland.
Users with an Yle ID can leave comments on our news stories. You can create your Yle ID via this link. Our guidelines on commenting and moderation are explained here.
