Drug use in the Balearic Islands remains a growing problem. In 2023, there were 2,547 admissions to treatment for substance abuse or dependence, representing a 20% increase compared to the previous year and a 43% rise compared to 2020, thus surpassing pre-pandemic figures. This is according to the latest report by the Regional Addiction Observatory.
Of the total number of people admitted, 1,929 were men and 618 women. The substance that led to the most admissions was alcohol, with 1,040 cases, followed by cocaine (797) and cannabis (401).
Profile of people treated for drug use in Balearic Islands
The most common profile is that of a 38.3-year-old man with primary or secondary education, employed, and seeking treatment voluntarily. Almost half of the patients (49%) had received previous treatment. Drug use tends to be daily or several times a week, and is mostly consumed intranasally or by snorting.
In the case of cannabis, the profile shifts: mainly young men (28.5 years) attending treatment for the first time. Most live with their families and consume daily. Access to services is both voluntary and due to legal or police referral. Among women, there is a greater social and family pressure to begin treatment.
As for opioids, there were 221 admissions, mostly older men (44.3 years) with primary education and unemployed. About 26% live alone and 1% are in unstable housing. Consumption is mainly by smoking or inhaling, while women more frequently use the parenteral or injected route.
Other substances accounted for fewer admissions: hypnosedatives (45), non-cocaine stimulants (28), hallucinogens (14), and other psychoactive substances (1).
Increase in hospital emergencies and deaths
The University Hospital Son Espases, collaborating since 2022 in collecting emergency data related to these substances, attended 465 cases in 2023. Of these, 334 were men and 131 women. The most involved substances were cocaine (25.6%), alcohol (21.8%) and cannabis (21.5%).
As for deaths, the mortality indicator reports 30 deaths in 2023 from acute reactions to drug use. The most frequently involved drugs were: cocaine (63.3%), alcohol (53.3%), opioids (50%) and hypnotics (43.3%).
New Integrated Addiction Plan to combat drug use in Balearic Islands
In response to this situation, the Regional Ministry of Health presented in March the new 2025–2032 Integrated Addiction Plan, an updated strategy after 14 years without an official framework. It includes over 130 actions focused on prevention, awareness, healthy leisure, and a coordinated approach to all types of addiction. The 2025 budget exceeds 9 million euros.
CRIDA helpline service
For those seeking information or support, the Ministry provides the CRIDA telephone service (971 17 78 48), offering confidential assistance Monday to Friday, from 9:00 to 14:00. In 2024 it supported 109 people, and so far in 2025, it has helped 67 individuals.
📞 971 17 78 48
🕘 Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
👥 Confidential support for affected individuals and professionals.
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