Abstract
The study is based on the results of a questionnaire on the use of narcotics and sleeping pills or tranquillizers by non-institutionalized, 15 to 69 years old Finns in 1992. Altogether 4.6 % of the respondents stated that they had used or tried drugs. The results show that drug use in Finland is a predominantly urban phenomenon, most commonly among those 20 to 30 years old living alone in the capital city area. These drug-users also are heavy drinkers. In other parts of the country, and especially among older persons, people rarely even know anyone who had tried drugs.
The use of minor tranquillizers differs in many ways from the use of drugs. In regard to alcohol, tranquillizers are taken more often by abstainers and heavy drinkers than by moderate drinkers. Difference in use between men and women seems to be less than in other countries.
The use of drugs, minor tranquillizers and alcohol in different combinations was analyzed using regression analysis, with socio-demographic characteristics, health, and three life-style variables as explanatory variables. The results show that it is not worthwhile to study the use of narcotics or minor tranquillizers as a unitary phenomenon. In combination with abstinence or moderate drinking the character of the use differs from that of the use combined with heavy drinking. The capital city differs surprisingly much from the rest of the country, not only in the use of drugs, but also in regards to heavy drinking and poly drug use.
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