Lisbon, Oct. 4, 2026 (Lusa) - The rise in problematic drug use makes drug addiction more visible and creates the impression that more people are using drugs, but the latest Portuguese data do not support this view, according to the Institute for Addictive Behaviours and Dependencies.
The president of the Institute for Addictive Behaviours and Dependencies (ICAD), Joana Teixeira, stated in an interview with the Lusa news agency that «the cases of drug use that do exist are becoming increasingly serious, but there is no increase in the prevalence of drug use, at least according to the latest national data».
She emphasised that the greater severity of cases also makes situations more visible and may create the perception of an increase in substance use and drug addiction problems.
She explained that the profile of drug use has also changed, with a decline in the prevalence of heroin and an increase in the use of cocaine and ‘crack'.
«In the past, there was an increase in heroin use, particularly intravenous use. Nowadays, we are seeing an increase in the use of cocaine and, above all, ‘crack'», which is «more accessible», «cheaper» and has «a very high addictive potential».
«It is very disruptive for users and the negative consequences associated with its use become very visible», she emphasised.
New psychoactive substances are another concern for ICAD, particularly due to their use amongst young people and the difficulty in predicting their effects in advance.
The latest National Survey on the Use of Psychoactive Substances in the General Population, based on data from 2022, does not allow a trend to be established for these substances, as the percentage of users is negligible across the different age groups.
Among 18-year-olds who took part in National Defence Day in 2025, however, the prevalence of recent use of new psychoactive substances was 2.3%, close to the figures recorded for cocaine (2.4%) and hallucinogens (2.3%).
Teixeira warned of the risks posed by these substances, which are often purchased online, and of the consequences they can have on mental health, including psychotic episodes.
When asked about specific cases of young people who had been admitted to hospital with psychotic episodes linked to such substance use, she said that ICAD does not have this information, but confirmed that such situations do occur in clinical practice.
ICAD is also monitoring the link between drug use and psychiatric comorbidities, an area it considers a priority.
When asked about recent statements by the commander of the Lisbon Metropolitan Command of the Public Security Police (PSP), Luís Elias, who called for greater investment in support for drug users and said that combating drug trafficking and use «is not just a matter for the police», but also for health and social security services, Joana Teixeira replied that this requires greater coordination between institutions.
She maintained that there is «a need for the various institutions to work together» and revealed that, on 25 September, the ICAD's executive board met with the PSP commander and representatives from the police divisions in the most problematic areas of Lisbon and Amadora.
«We must involve the various partners, and it is through this concerted action between the various institutions that we will truly be able to provide an effective response to this problem,» she stated.
The work is set to be extended to local authorities and also to social security, in order to seek joint solutions for the most serious cases.
When asked about a possible shortage of staff on outreach teams, she said she had not received any data to corroborate this information, and stated that the projects funded by ICAD and the municipalities are up and running as normal.
She acknowledged, however, that there are staffing difficulties in other areas of the institute's work, stating that the resources available for this area «are currently running low» and that there are difficulties in securing sufficient numbers of staff.
She also announced that ICAD is carrying out a national assessment to identify the most vulnerable areas and those requiring the greatest intervention, the results of which are expected to be available by the end of the year.
According to her, this assessment should provide a better understanding of any differences in consumption patterns linked to demographic trends and immigration.
She also highlighted the positive trend in various consumption indicators in Portugal and stated that the country is «very well positioned» within the European context regarding the consumption of illicit substances.
HN/AYLS // AYLS
Lusa
