Adeje Launches New Strategy to Combat Substance and Digital Addictions Through 2030

Adeje has officially launched its Second Municipal Addiction Prevention Plan, a new public health strategy set to run until 2030. The plan marks a significant shift in how the town addresses addiction, moving beyond traditional substance abuse to tackle modern challenges like digital dependency.

A study conducted between 2024 and 2025 by the CESICA-Proyecto Hombre Canarias Foundation highlighted some worrying trends. Nearly 90% of residents feel that obtaining substances is easy, a view fueled by how common consumption has become in local leisure and tourism spots. Furthermore, nearly 70% of the population is unaware of where to turn for professional help.

Coordinated by the Department of Health and Quality of Life, the new strategy addresses these gaps by targeting online gambling, excessive video gaming, social media addiction, and the rising popularity of vaping. The plan is built on five core pillars: health, prevention, care, supply control, and training. These efforts will focus on schools, families, workplaces, and recreational areas.

Key operational changes include stricter monitoring of alcohol and vape sales to minors, as well as tighter oversight of cannabis clubs. The strategy also prioritizes support for vulnerable groups, including young people, families, women struggling with addiction, and service industry workers, who are often at higher risk due to the nature of the local economy.

To ensure the plan remains effective, the council will publish progress reports every six months, leading to a final evaluation at the end of the decade. By modernizing its approach, Adeje aims to better protect its community from both traditional and digital addictions.