Tobacco, Cannabis and Technology Addictions on the Increase

According to the latest study, addiction to tobacco and cannabis is on the increase in Spain, as is a new addition to the addiction list, new technology.

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Smoking has seen an increase, according to the latest figures published by XII Encuesta sobre Alcohol y otras Drogas en España (EDADES) 2017 – 2018, seeing similar levels to those recorded in 1997, prior to the now well established no smoking law.

The survey also reveals that alcohol consumption is stable, and, in general, other drugs are too, with the notable exception of the rise in consumption of cannabis among the population aged between 15 and 64.

According to the figures, 34% of people surveyed said that they had smoked tobacco daily in the past 30 days, although 45.4% said that they were trying to quit. On the other hand, as far as cannabis is concerned, the figure rose from 9.5% in 2015 to 11% in this latest survey.

However, it is not only the more traditional addictions which have seen an increase. Addictions caused by new technologies have also seen an increase, for which the Esneca Business School claims, “Not only are skilled professionals needed in treating addictions to substances like alcohol or tobacco”, the recent survey highlights, “the need for professionals who can deal with new addictions, usually related to technology and the Internet”.

According to the survey, the number of people using online gambling platforms has increased, as has the addiction to electronic cigarettes, as well as an increase in time dedicated to social media and the use of computers in general, all of which needs closer monitoring before it becomes sociologically damaging, according to the experts who analyse the reports and associated data.