Public school students aged between 13 and 18 are consuming less alcohol and tobacco. In the opposite direction is the increase in gambling, mainly in the Azores.
These are some of the conclusions of the ECATD-CAD 2024 Regional Report authored by the Institute for Addictive Behaviors and Addictions (ICAD), released this Tuesday morning (December 2).
According to the authors of this report, in 2024 there was a “Reduction in substance use is an encouraging sign, but the increase in online gambling and early initiation into alcohol and tobacco require quick and effective responses”.
The document makes a regional analysis of consumption, highlighting several key points.
With regard to the consumption of alcoholic beverages, this fell by 11% nationally, but 40% of students in Alentejo will have drunk in the last month.
This region is also highlighted in terms of tobacco consumption: 36% of young people in Alentejo smoke traditional or electronic tobacco. In a general analysis of the country, this consumption reduced by 12% in relation to previous data.
A consumption that is decreasing in the age groups involved – 13 and 18 years old – is that of illicit drugs, which has fallen by less than half.
By region, the Algarve and Alentejo continue to have the highest prevalence of cannabis.
Also highlighted is the early start of young people drinking alcoholic beverages: 37% of students in the Algarve and Alentejo started drinking at the age of 13 or younger.
In the opposite direction is gambling, which rose 3% in the country and has tripled in the Azores since 2019.
The Azores also lead in electronic gaming with 38% of students playing four or more hours on days when they are not at school.
The North and Madeira have the lowest values in almost all indicators.