Tenerife Sees Rise in Alcohol, Cocaine Use; Women Increasingly Affected

Cáritas Tenerife has noticed a rise in alcohol and drug use, like cocaine, on the island. This is highlighted by Proyecto Drago, a program celebrating its 27th year. For World No Alcohol Day this Saturday, November 15th, they are focusing on this issue.

Their report shows more people are affected. Men make up the majority (59.4%), but women now account for over 40%, a 6% increase from last year. The largest group of men are aged 56-65 (23.7%), and the largest group of women are aged 46-55 (13.1%). The age when people first start drinking is still between 14 (11.6% of men) and 16 (8.1% of women), making up over half of all cases.

Most people struggling with addiction are unemployed after losing their jobs (30.6%), followed by those with permanent jobs or who are self-employed (30%). Many also use tobacco (51%) and cocaine (11%). Only about half (51%) have family support, and 23.1% live alone. Around 20% experience social exclusion. A significant number, 52%, have what's called "Dual Pathology," meaning they have both addiction and mental health issues. On a positive note, 43% of those who received treatment have successfully completed it.

Rene Monasterio Morell, a social worker and coordinator of Proyecto Drago, has worked there for 21 years. The program focuses solely on alcohol addiction and its effects. The team also includes a doctor and a psychologist. She notes that recently, "we've seen patients coming in who are also using other substances, like cocaine." They use cocaine to feel more energetic and "avoid the usual low mood," allowing them to "combine them all day long."

While people still start drinking between 14 and 16, Monasterio says, "people in their 50s and 60s are now entering the program." She explains that alcoholism, which is an illness, often shows its worst effects later in life, unlike cocaine addiction which can develop more quickly. She also points out that "men are less aware because drinking is more socially accepted."

Monasterio emphasizes how normalized alcohol is: "Alcohol is the number one drug in the world, and the one people see as least risky." She recalls how alcohol is present at events like children's parties, suggesting we "don't know how to have fun without it, when it's quite the opposite."

She explains that "men generally drink in public, in bars," though some with health problems drink at home to cope with loneliness or distress. However, most men drink socially and excessively. After 20 or 30 years of heavy drinking, "all the symptoms of the illness appear." She stresses, "It is an illness, not a lifestyle."

Alcohol also worsens other health problems, "more than 200," according to Monasterio. She notes that "from the moment it enters the mouth, it's already linked to digestive issues and affects almost all organs." Contrary to popular belief, alcohol's primary target isn't the liver, but the brain, as it leads to behavioral problems.

Considering the brain continues to develop until around age 25, Monasterio states that "all the alcohol young people drink, especially at street gatherings, causes horrific damage to their neurons." Young people often come to Proyecto Drago not by choice, but because their families bring them. Besides the physical harm, there are also "legal" consequences, which is why some young people are referred by the justice system. Others are sent by healthcare services, including hospitals, particularly from digestive or mental health departments.

Older individuals often seek help when their liver is severely damaged. Monasterio notes that the liver is resilient and can recover if drinking stops. However, irreversible liver cirrhosis can occur if consumption continues. Most men are referred to Proyecto Drago by family or through these services, and their drinking is typically more social. Women, on the other hand, tend to drink "more privately and intimately, at home and in secret, and they do so as a consequence of their problems."

Addiction affects everyone, regardless of their background. Monasterio states, "there are no social classes in addiction, and alcohol does not respect them either. People with normal jobs, good or not so good, and others who are vulnerable come here. There is a bit of everything."

She highlights that "women have a doubly hard time" for two main reasons. Firstly, alcohol causes more physical harm to women because their bodies "tolerate it less than men's." Secondly, women often juggle multiple responsibilities, such as being a mother and a worker simultaneously, which adds to their burden.

This year's statistics show a significant change: of the 184 people from 94 families helped by the project, "almost 40% are women, a figure that was 20% ten years ago." Monasterio believes women are "braver and are asking for help, thanks also to campaigns in hospitals and other centers." She also observes that "most women come alone, while men are accompanied by a mother, daughter, or son. Women rarely come with company, which makes it even more difficult."

This Saturday, November 15th, is World No Alcohol Day. Cáritas and Proyecto Drago are releasing their report's findings for the island a few days early. On Tuesday the 18th, they will host a small event with patients and their families.