A new report from Spain's National Drug Plan highlights the prevalence of behavioral addictions, particularly gambling, internet use, and shopping. The report, based on data from the EDADES 2024 and ESTUDES 2023 surveys, indicates that gambling remains the primary driver of behavioral addiction treatment, accounting for 82% of admissions in 2022.
Key findings include:
A decline in the prevalence of in-person gambling in the past year, with online gambling remaining relatively stable.
A decrease in the prevalence of potential problematic gambling, with men showing higher rates than women.
Stable rates of problematic internet use, with higher rates among younger individuals (15-24 years old).
A significant difference in the likelihood of developing problematic gambling based on the type of gambling activity, with those engaging in games like sports betting and slot machines having a much higher risk.
A high prevalence of pornography consumption, with men reporting significantly higher rates than women.
A slight increase in online gambling among students aged 14-18, with a potential problematic gambling rate of 4%.
A reduction in problematic internet use among students, with girls showing higher rates than boys.
A decrease in the estimated prevalence of video game use disorder among students.
The report emphasizes the need for continued efforts to address behavioral addictions, particularly among young people, and to raise awareness about emerging forms of addiction, such as those related to cryptocurrencies and trading.