Drug, set, and setting in overdose events among young adults

Background Drug overdoses among younger populations have increased across the world. This study examines the drug use patterns, mindset, and social and physical settings associated with overdose events, drawing on experiences with young adults in Finland.Methods The data consists of interviews with young adults aged 19 to 32 about overdose events (N = 30) and ethnographic observations. The data were collected between November 2023 and October 2024 across Finland. Norman E. Zinberg’s (Citation1984) drug, set, and setting theoretical framework was used to analyze the data.Results Lack of awareness about dosing and drug interactions, as well as the actual content of the drugs, contributed to the overdose events. The set was often characterized by long- or short-term impulsiveness. Through previous experiences, young adults had developed strategies to control the risk of overdose. However, the private apartment as a setting created barriers to calling for help.Conclusion To mitigate the risk of overdoses, harm reduction education should be expanded to include pharmacists and doctors. The threshold for calling for help in private apartments should be lowered by amending the legislation on drug offenses in emergency situations and by limiting the sharing of health information between the authorities.