The study, conducted by the University of La Laguna (ULL) and the Cabildo gomero, reveals that alcohol, tobacco, prescription tranquilizers, in-person gambling, and new technologies are the most widespread addictions in La Gomera. Particularly concerning is the early age of initiation into cocaine use among the school population.
“"Without intending to alarm, the best prevention starts by understanding the situation, and therefore we believe this document should not remain a debate in the plenary, but rather we expect its concretization for subsequent execution."
The socialists emphasize the importance of allocating specific budget items to implement the proposed preventive and corrective measures. They warn that, otherwise, the plan could lack effectiveness.
The plan itself highlights the urgency of implementing preventive policies aimed at various population groups, especially young people. It notes that 60% of the leisure offerings in the island's municipalities take place in high-risk settings for consumption by minors and adolescents.
“"Everything that can be prevented is an investment in future health because we understand that on an island like this, we are in time to stop the trend and even reverse it, and for this, they will have our support in all initiatives aimed at this."
The diagnosis also indicates that San Sebastián shows the highest concentration of risk indicators, covering issues of coexistence and violence, as well as behavioral addictions and substance use. The situation in Valle Gran Rey is also mentioned, although the problem affects the entire island to varying degrees, requiring concentrated effort in the most sensitive areas.
Finally, the document underscores the need for a comprehensive and coordinated approach involving all social actors. This approach must consider both substance use prevention and the promotion of healthy leisure, attention to social determinants, contextual prevention, and regulation of access, sale, and consumption of substances by minors and adolescents at events and parties.
