The Science Meets Practice symposium brought together research and practical expertise to address current issues in social welfare, health, and wellbeing. Professor Atte Oksanen from Tampere University contributed to the program with a presentation on addictions in contemporary society.
In his talk, Oksanen described addictions as a significant public mental health issue. The presentation focused on both substance addictions and behavioral addictions, particularly in the context of digitalized everyday life. These forms of addiction were approached as problems connected to life situations, meanings, social environments, and broader societal structures.
A central message of the presentation was that addictions should not be understood solely as individual failures or isolated medical conditions. Instead, addictive behaviors are shaped by culture, everyday routines, availability, digital environments, social norms, and policy choices. This perspective highlights the need to consider how society itself can increase or reduce addiction-related risks.
Oksanen also emphasized that responses to addictions must go beyond blaming individuals. While support, treatment, and individual change remain important, effective solutions also require attention to prevention, regulation, social environments, and the structural conditions that shape people’s choices and vulnerabilities.
The symposium also included a presentation by University Lecturer Johanna Ranta, who discussed services for young adults who use drugs. Her talk considered how outreach services outside traditional social and health care settings, such as in urban spaces and online environments, can improve trust, accessibility, and harm reduction.
The event demonstrated the value of bringing scientific research into dialogue with practical work. By connecting academic knowledge with professional experience, the symposium offered new perspectives on how addiction-related harms can be understood and addressed in society.