19_03_01_EDU_drogodependencia

Gorka Moreno, psychologist and assistant to the director of project Hombre Navarra , said at seminar that "75.9% of the people who go to treatment for drug addiction have problems with more than one substance". Master's Degree in Educational and Psychological Intervention at the University of Navarra.

The psychologist, provided data of the reasons why people ended up going to enquiry: "In 2017, 43% of people demanded treatment motivated by their alcohol consumption. And another 40% did so for the consumption of other substances such as cocaine and amphetamines." If we classify data by gender, we obtain that in the case of men, "the majority access treatment for alcohol and cocaine consumption". While in the case of women, "3 out of 4 do so for alcohol consumption".

The psychologist explained that alcohol consumption is the main challenge facing drug prevention. "We should include alcohol as a drug, and not always talk about alcohol and drugs. Alcohol intake is the main reason for treatment demand. Generally, when you start with its consumption, later on you start consuming other substances: Cannabis, cocaine, amphetamines....

During his speech, the students asked the expert what the criteria are for considering a person to be drug-dependent. According to Moreno, "There is a problem when there are important aspects in a person's life that affect him or her, and substance use is used as a means to stop suffering from this discomfort". He added: "It is important not to label people, but to help them think and decide what their values are and whether they are dealing with them".

After explaining the causes, the psychologist discussed different prevention strategies and the role of the family in promoting a healthy lifestyle in their children:

• Fostering personal resources: Moreno explained that "it has been proven" that working from childhood on aspects such as self-esteem, self-control, decision making and social skills prevent future drug use.

• Likewise, maintain a close climate, establish limits and, without being too authoritarian, develop emotional support for the child,

• Make sure to dedicate quality time to them.

• Create an environment of trust and dialogue between parents and children, get to know their natural friends (invite them to lunch, get to know their parents).

• Get involved and participate in the school, get to know the subject of activities that are organized in the area where they live.