Qualitative ethnographic study reveals how dosing gaps, impulsivity, and private settings drive overdoses in young adults, highlighting the need for emergency reporting protections.
Key Points
To examine the drug consumption patterns, psychological mindsets, and physical environments associated with overdose events among young adults.
Conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews regarding overdose events with young adults aged 19 to 32 (N = 30) alongside ethnographic observations across Finland between November 2023 and October 2024.
Analyzed qualitative and observational data using Norman E. Zinberg's theoretical framework of drug, set, and setting.
Overdose occurrences were precipitated by limited awareness of proper dosing, drug interactions, and actual substance composition, alongside short- or long-term behavioral impulsiveness.
Although individuals developed personal strategies to reduce overdose risks based on prior experiences, private apartment settings created substantial structural barriers to seeking emergency medical assistance.