Our alum Hannu Jouhki: A comprehensive understanding of addictive disorders requires both theoretical and practical approaches

Research, social impact and encounters on the streets

Hannu Jouhki describes his current position as CEO of the A-Clinic Foundation as well-suited and tailor-made for him. He is able to combine his expertise in finance and administration with his personal interest in addiction research.

The mission of the A-Clinic Foundation is to promote public debate on important addiction-related issues. 

“We want to improve the understanding of addictive disorders in society. We do this by all means available, together with other addiction and mental health organisations and involved parties,” Hannu says.

We want to improve the understanding of addictive disorders in society. We do this by all means available, together with other addiction and mental health organisations and involved parties."

Hannu Jouhki

In addition to social advocacy, the A-Clinic Foundation provides information for the development of substance abuse and mental health services and offers tools for professionals. The staff also meet people struggling with addiction face-to-face in peer groups, low-threshold meeting places and on the streets, helping them to access services. Another important part of the foundation’s work is online help.

In Hannu’s view, one of the assets of the foundation is that it engages in a great deal of research but also understands real life.

“I also like to maintain my own, living relationship with the subject, even though my job description as CEO covers everything from strategy to HR management and finance. I do research on addiction, and occasionally I also participate in hands-on activities such as outreach work,” Hannu says.

Addictions old and new

Through his work and research, Hannu has observed how addictions have taken on new and increasingly diverse forms. The A-Clinic Foundation, founded in 1955, initially focused on combating alcohol addiction. Although alcohol consumption has recently decreased in Finland, it remains the most harmful substance in the country.

Drugs and multi-addiction disorders are on the rise. In today’s world, addictions have found new platforms, for example, with gambling now occurring at a very fast pace online.

I would argue that the modern age has become narrower, with fewer empty moments in our days. Technology is always with us and feels like an obligation. A better understanding of these phenomena and their origins interests and inspires me in my work. It is all about making society more humane."

Hannu Jouhki

“I would argue that the modern age has become narrower, with fewer empty moments in our days. Technology is always with us and feels like an obligation. A better understanding of these phenomena and their origins interests and inspires me in my work. It is all about making society more humane,” Hannu says.

At the interface between mind and environment

Hannu completed his first degree in economics, and his early career was also focused on business. A few years later, he turned to politics and worked as a special adviser in the Ministry of Finance, for example. From there, Hannu moved to the pharmaceutical industry, where he worked for a decade both in Finland and abroad.

Hannu appreciates his exposure to different working cultures and the opportunity to see different countries and organisations.

“As I reached middle age, I started to think more about topics that interested me – and I discovered social psychology. This interest stems from my curiosity about society and the human psyche. Social psychology studies the interface between the mind and the environment,” Hannu notes.

When Hannu started his studies, his family had just moved back to Tampere, Finland, from Brussels. He found university studies to be versatile and easily accessible. 

“The studies provided a bedrock on which to stand in my work. I found everything I needed at the University, the exam arrangements were flexible and my thesis group was great. The group was led by Professor Atte Oksanen, who is now also the supervisor of my doctoral dissertation at Tampere University. I have been very satisfied with everything,” Hannu concludes.

Text: Tiina Leivo