A nationwide survey of 18-year-olds, carried out by the Institute for Addictive Behaviours and Dependencies (ICAD) as part of the National Defence Day programme in 2024, shows a clear trend: addictive behaviours among teens are falling across Portugal. However, there are clear regional differences, with the Alentejo standing out as the region where alcohol and tobacco addictions are most prominent, while the Algarve leads the way in cannabis.
According to the report, cited by Diário de Notícias and released on Thursday, September 11, risky drinking habits such as binge drinking and severe drunkenness are more common in the Alentejo, while the North and Madeira consistently register the lowest rates.
When it comes to cannabis, the most widely used illicit substance across the country, consumption peaks in the Algarve. Meanwhile, the Azores show higher rates for other illicit drugs and for the use of non-prescribed sedatives or tranquilisers.
Polysubstance use – the combined consumption of multiple substances – is also most frequent in the two southern regions, while the autonomous regions of Madeira and the Azores report much lower figures.
The survey also reveals how digital habits intersect with addiction: online betting is most prevalent in Madeira and the Azores, though it has become widespread across Portugal. Daily social media use is highest in the Azores and Alentejo, while Lisbon leads in reported problems linked to internet use.
Despite these variations, the main headline remains positive: addictive behaviours among 18-year-olds have fallen overall, with the exceptions of polysubstance use and online gambling, both of which increased between 2023 and 2024.
The study notes that in 2024, the declines already seen in the previous edition were confirmed, and some earlier upward trends, such as binge drinking and alcohol-related problems, have been reversed. The steepest year-on-year change was a six-point drop – modest compared to past editions. Crucially, regional differences have narrowed, making the country “more homogeneous” when it comes to youth behaviour.
Looking at the longer term, the researchers say most indicators are now at historic lows since the survey began in 2015. Nationally, consumption of alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs and non-prescribed sedatives has never been lower. Regionally, the picture is less linear, but the trend is still downward. The authors add that the next edition will be key to confirming whether these falls – especially in alcohol, tobacco and drug use – continue, and whether the rises in polysubstance use and online gambling hold steady.
