With the increase of drug abuse, Finnish authorities have started to pay more attention to drug users, preventing the development of addictions and developing drug addiction treatment units and methods. A cornerstone of a successful therapy is a thorough understanding of the basic mechanisms of addiction.
The gratification system of the brain consists of the mesocorticolimbic dopaminergic nerve, which reacts to gratifying experiences. This system is stimulated by addictive substances. The serotonergic nervous system contributes both to the hallucinogenic effects and the pathogenesis of addiction.
Much remains to be learned about the effects and, particularly, the hazards of the new designer drugs modified from “basic drugs”. For example, among the amphetamine compounds, ecstasy is known to cause long-term toxic effects in the serotonergic part of the central nervous system. Studies suggest that various other compounds that either are present as impurities in ecstasy tablets or are used as drugs are toxic to the central nervous system, but so far there is no solid evidence.
An increasing problem is the abuse of anabolic steroids among young men. The “Doping Act”, added to the amended Penal Code in 2002, has increased interest in the health risks and addiction caused by anabolic steroids. It has been found that the long-term use of anabolic steroids causes a number of physical and mental hazards. So far, knowledge about the mechanisms is insufficient, and no standard procedure exists for the treatment of long-term users. A connection has been found between the use of anabolic steroids and, for example, heavy use of mood-altering medicines, drugs and alcohol as well as smoking. Practically no studies have been made about the combined effect of steroids and drugs.
The objective of these studies is to produce information to promote particularly the health and functional capacity of adolescents. Also, it is our goal to contribute to the prevention and treatment of marginalisation and to keep substance abuse under control. Drug research also develops drug analysis methods for the needs of authorities.