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3 clusters · 21 sources · 17 days · First seen · Last updated

Substance use and emerging digital risks in Portugal

Overview

Data from the Institute for Addictive Behaviors and Dependencies (ICAD) reveals contrasting trends in substance use within Portugal. One report indicates that alcohol dependency has nearly quadrupled over the last decade, with only 20% of affected individuals receiving treatment. ICAD president Joana Teixeira noted that the country has struggled to implement measures to control consumption and provide adequate medical responses, prompting efforts to reinforce alcoholology units and improve early detection.

Recent findings from the ECATD-CAD 2024 report confirm a general decline in the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs among adolescents aged 13 to 18 compared to 2019. This trend is linked to improved academic performance and increased parental supervision, resulting in fewer accidents, hospitalizations, and instances of violence.

However, researchers warn of a ‘silent epidemic’ where risks are concentrating within a small, highly vulnerable group of youth facing social and familial challenges. While substance abuse remains a concern for this group, there is a significant rise in non-substance addictions. Specifically, the report notes that girls show higher rates of problematic social media use, while boys are more frequently involved in risky behaviors related to video games and online gambling.

Entities

Portugal · Institute for Addictive Behaviors and Dependencies · Instituto para os Comportamentos Aditivos e as Dependências · Joana Teixeira · Arganil

Timeline

  1. [HEALTH] 4 sources
    Alcohol dependency rates quadruple in Portugal

    Alcohol dependency in Portugal has nearly quadrupled over the last decade. Separately, the remains of a missing 73-year-old woman were found in Arganil.

  2. [HEALTH] 9 sources
    Portugal teen addiction trends show decline in substances but rise in digital risks

    A Portuguese ICAD study shows declining alcohol and drug use among teens, but warns of rising digital addictions and gambling risks among vulnerable youth groups.

  3. [HEALTH] 9 sources
    Portugal alcohol dependency nearly quadruples in a decade

    Alcohol dependency in Portugal has nearly quadrupled in ten years, but only 20% of those affected are receiving treatment, according to ICAD president Joana Teixeira.

Sources

60m.ro · cmjornal.pt · cmjornal.xl.pt · correiodamanha.pt · correiodamanhacanada.com · correiomanha.pt · de.euronews.com · diarioviseu.pt · dinheirovivo.pt · feelgreen.de · fr.euronews.com · jornaleconomico.sapo.pt · kurierverlag.de · leinetal24.de · merkur-online.de · mundialfm.sapo.pt · noticiaslx.pt · pt.euronews.com · rr.pt · sapo.pt · tz.de

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history