Behavioural addictions linked to gambling, sports betting, video games, and the compulsive use of mobile phones have experienced a 10% growth in the Canary Islands in the first half of 2023 compared to the same period last year, according to the latest Adsis Foundation report on these addictions.
The study shows that 77% of the people treated were addicted to gambling, both in casinos and online, with video game addiction in second place with 10%, and compulsive use of mobile phones for the internet or social media, in third (5%).
The rest of the addictions treated were for online shopping addictions and sexual based addictions, among others.
These figures are the result of almost 400 people treated for behavioural addictions who have been assisted in the outpatient treatment program promoted by the Adsis Foundation in the Canary Islands.
The study also shows that the number of youngsters addicted to video games and teenagers who gamble are increasing. Adsis say that all gamblers fit the same profile as their addiction is “having a direct negative effect on their families."
