University of Helsinki
Two studies by CEACG researchers were released recently. Anna Alanko with Sami Outinen authored a study on the Finnish activation policies published in the latest issue of European Societes.
Sanna Rönkä and Anu Katainen’s case study on non-medical use of prescription drugs among illicit drug users is now available in the early online edition of International Journal of Drug Policy.
Alanko and Outinen argue that Finnish activation policies that have aimed to solve issues related to unemployment and disability retirement and those under the risk of mental health-related disability retirement end up practicing dualisation. This happens via targeting providing activation measures, e.g. ‘carrots’ to those close to the labour market, and restricting activation measures, e.g. ‘stics’ to those marginalized from the labour market. This dualisation, although conflicting with the outspoken aims of Finland as a Nordic welfare state, has been justified with characterizing the disadvantaged citizens as ‘unwilling’ or ‘unable’ to work.
Rönkä and Katainen show in their analysis that drug users share online both science- and experience-based information on how to optimise use, avoid adverse health effects and maximise the experience of intoxication. Rönkä and Katainen argue that the online user community’s knowledge sharing practices can generate a shared perception of a sufficient or even superior drug use experience and knowledge. This may lead to overdoses and other risky behaviour, and thereby contribute to increased harms related to non-medical use of prescription drugs.
References:
Alanko, A & Outinen, S: Dualising activation. Responses to unemployment and mental health related disability retirement in Finland at the turn of the millennium’, European Societies 18: 5 (December 2016), 417–437.
Rönkä, S & Katainen A: Non-medical use of prescription drugs among illicit drug users: A case study on an online drug forum. International Journal of Drug Policy 2017. DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2016.08.013.