Italian Prime Minister Meloni unveils €160 million plan to tackle drug and behavioural addictions
The Italian government presented the 2026 annual report on dependencies to Parliament. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, in a video address, announced that the national system against addictions will receive more than €160 million in 2025 – the largest allocation ever – and a new national plan is being drafted to coordinate prevention, treatment and education.
The report shows a sharp rise in substance use among minors: 23 % of students under 18 (about 350 thousand) reported using an illegal drug in 2025, up from 20 % in 2024. Cannabis remains the most common drug but its use has slightly declined, while cocaine, synthetic cannabinoids and new psycho‑active substances are increasing, along with misuse of psychopharmaceuticals, vaping and internet‑related addictions. Emergency department visits linked to drugs rose 15 %.
The government stresses a 360‑degree approach, involving families, schools, health services, police, magistrates and media, and emphasizes the role of community‑based treatment centres and regional pilots such as Umbria’s early‑intervention model.