Who are you?
My name is Sara Havuaho, and I’ve been working at CEACG as a research assistant since August 2024. I’m also currently pursuing a degree in Social and Public Policy. I recently completed my bachelor’s thesis, which focused on the shift in Finnish drug policy during the 1990s – now I’m getting started with my master’s studies.
How did you end up at CEACG?
I wasn’t actively looking for a new job at the time, but I happened to come across this position via my student organization’s mailing list. Addictions have always fascinated me, which actually led me to study social sciences in the first place. So, when I was offered my current role, it truly felt like a dream come true!
What is your current research about?
My ongoing research focuses on gambling-related suicidality. The aim is to identify which factors – such as the amount of debts or other personal circumstances – affect the likelihood of suicidal thoughts or actual suicide attempts amongst individuals with problematic gambling behaviors.
Why do you think it is important to examine this topic?
Examining this topic is crucial since effective policy measures are needed to reduce harm – suicidality is probably one of the most tragic consequences of problematic gambling. Understanding the factors that may increase the risk for suicidality can help develop more targeted as well as effective harm-reduction strategies. Additionally, I think that studying gambling-related issues in general is particularly important right now, as the Finnish gambling system is about to undergo significant changes.
If you could switch places with your CEACG colleague for one day, who would you choose and why?
I’d like to switch places Mika Tsupari so I could pick his brain on some of the academic interests that we share, such as the use of psychedelics from a sociological perspective.