The topic of this bachelor’s thesis was chosen due its topicality and importance. The aim of this thesis was to create a campaign plan to prevent drug caused deaths amongst young people. This thesis discusses drug-related deaths amongst young people, dangerous substance combinations and how drug-related deaths could be prevented. This thesis was carried out in collaboration with the student welfare and public services for youth of Kanta-Häme area. The campaign plan will be used in upcoming project related to mental health and substance abuse work for young people. The aim of the campaign plan is to raise awareness of the risks and harms of substance abuse and increase the conversation about the topic amongst people.

In Europe, Finland has one of the highest numbers of drug-related deaths in people under 25 years old. Substance abuse and drug-related deaths have increased for over 20 years. It is often easier to acquire illegal substances than receiving help for substance abuse and mental health problems. In addition, illegal substance abusers might find it impossible to know what the drugs actually contain. It is important to improve the mental health and substance abuse services and to improve the legislation related to substance abuse.

The background section of this thesis discusses young people’s drug abuse, prevention of drug abuse and dangerous drug combinations. The campaign plan was created on the basis of research related to drug abuse preventing campaigns and their effectiveness. The campaign plan is designed especially for youth and families, and it could be also used in educational institutions and different organizations.