A Survey of the Abuse of Medicines and Illicit Drugs by Finnish Students

Abstract

The purpose of the investigation was to determine the extent of the abuse of medicines (sedatives, hypnotics, and analgesics) and illicit drugs (cannabis, LSD, and amphetamine) among Finnish students. The information was collected from a sample representing a population of approximately 6,400 Finnish students. The population was divided into three groups: university students, nursing students, and drama students. Abuse of medicines and illicit drugs was highest throughout among drama students. Illicit drugs were less widely abused among Finnish university students than among students in the United States. As in the United States, cannabis is the illicit drug most commonly taken by Finnish students. Five percent of Finnish university students had taken illicit drugs. Among Finnish drama students, the rate was 38%.