Nine out of ten Canary Islanders addicted to psychotropic drugs are women

The consumption of psychotropic drugs is higher in women compared to men, in a proportion of 9 to 1, according to a study called "Hidden Addictions" conducted in 705 Health Centers in Las Palmas, which investigates the private consumption of this type of medication and which the Ministry of Health has re-edited again, along with two other studies related to drug addiction in women, entitled "Addictions women" and "Substance use in adolescent girls".

The conclusions of this study, prepared by the College of Psychologists of Las Palmas, reveal that "they are women between 36 and 55 years old, mostly housewives or with unskilled jobs, and who privately consume anxiolytics and antidepressants for more than a year, which indicates a dependence on the drug", according to the coordinator of these studies, Professor Eugenio Egea.

Anguish for no reason and insomnia are the reasons that lead women to seek treatment with this type of drug. However, after the treatment, most of these women highlighted that their life had changed negatively, they spend less time with their families and friends, and abandon those activities that they used to do normally. In addition, they had mood swings, lack of concentration and memory.

In those women who already have a drug addiction, a preference for tobacco, alcohol and psychotropic drugs was detected compared to men who prefer illegal drugs, according to a qualitative study called "Addictions in women". It states that the causes range from group pressure to family problems, to the reinforcing effects of these drugs.

The consumption of alcohol, tobacco and cannabis begins at age 16 among adolescents since these are accessible substances whose consumption occurs preferably during weekends and in large quantities and is influenced by friendships and family structure, according to the third study that addresses drug use among adolescents. For the Minister of Health, Mercedes Roldós, this means that women are increasingly "assimilating masculine patterns of behavior".

These three investigations, which are now coming to light again, have the objective of providing materials and investigations to professionals throughout the Drug Addiction Care Network.

ACN Press