Generalized alarm due to the compulsive use of the mobile phone. Adults warn children that they can’t sit in front of screens all day while they themselves keep looking at theirs. Alarm also due to the massification of online gaming and betting rooms that promise juicy prizes and that attract minors. And in a society marked by excessive consumerism in which products are purchased without first asking if they are needed, there are those who also warn of the psychological problems that this constant impulse to consume brings, which directly threatens the planet. But is it true that these practices create addictions? The answer is clear, yes.
In 2021, there were 4,052 people in treatment for this reason (3,520 men and 528 women), according to the data from the indicator Admissions to Treatment for behavioral or non-substance addictions, a record that was launched for the first time in 2021 by the Delegation of the National Plan on Drugs, of the Ministry of Health, and which has now been made public. This registry, as recognized by this department, is not yet at full capacity, but it will be. Communities are already working to improve data collection, which is more complex than that related to alcohol and drug addictions (almost 70,000 in 2021), given that behavioral addiction treatments are carried out by associations and oenagés.
What is the profile of the people who have undergone treatment? 87% are men. The average age of those admitted to treatment is 36.6 years, but with many differences depending on the disorder. The majority of those admitted for these addictions have secondary education (52.8%), were working (53.2%), on their own initiative (36.7%) or encouraged by family or friends (31.2%). They live with their family of origin (42.9%) in stable accommodation (houses, flats, etc. 95.5%) and 10% are foreigners.
But what is the addiction for which they seek help? In 2021, 80.7% of treatment admissions were due to gambling disorder; 10.2%, due to problematic use of the internet, mobile phones or electronic devices, social networks or video games; 4%, due to shopping addiction, and 2.5%, due to sex-related disorders.
Regarding social or health issues, 23.7% have a dual pathology (mental health diagnosis) other than the disorder for which they are admitted to treatment. And because of their addiction, they have family conflicts (28.1%), financial problems (25.7%) and health problems (16.2%).
The profile, however, varies depending on the disorder for which help is required.
Gambling addiction
In 2021, 3,269 admissions were notified for gambling disorder, the profile of those admitted was male (91.6%), 38 years old, with secondary education and working. The age of onset of addiction is 26.3 years. And because of this situation, he has financial problems, family conflicts and health problems such as headaches, high blood pressure, nervousness, anxiety, insomnia…
43.5% play face-to-face (mainly on slot machines, both in hotels and in gambling halls); 22.1%, online (sports betting, and roulette, Black Jack and other casino games); 14.8%, both ways. When they ask for help, they have a debt that ranges between 14,836 euros (face-to-face game) and 24,293 euros (mixed game). 39.5% of those admitted to treatment for gambling are registered in the general register of gambling bans, and of these, 30.5% have returned to gambling.
Problematic use of the internet, mobile phone or video games
In 2021, a total of 412 admissions to this category were notified. The majority and 21.2% are women. In these treatments there are the youngest people, with an average age of 21. They turn to it in search of help, encouraged by relatives or friends.
The age of onset in this behavioral or substance-free disorder is also the earliest, as it is 16 years old.
Shopping addictions
In 2021, 162 admissions to treatment for purchases were notified. This disorder, along with eating problems, presents a greater percentage of women than men (64.8% women). The average age of those who seek treatment is the highest of all addictions, 45.1 years, having started the addiction at 34.
Most have secondary education (51.9%) and get there by working (53.4%). Only 6.8% of those admitted for this disorder are foreigners. Regarding the type of shopping disorder, 31.5% of those admitted to treatment say they shop in person, 36.4% shop indifferently, online and in person, and 12.3% only online ( 19.8% do not specify).
Treatment for sex addiction
102 admissions to treatment for sex addiction have been notified; the majority, men (96.1%), with an average age of 39.3 years, started the problem with sex at 25.4 years.
