Andorra Behavioural Addictions Hit 23 Cases in 2025, Up from 5 in 2022

Behavioural addictions in Andorra, including excessive screen use and gambling, reached 23 cases in 2025 at the Addictive Behaviours Unit (UCA), up from five in 2022, the Mental Health and Addictions Observatory shows. The new tool, unveiled at the National Mental Health and Addictions Table with Andorra Recerca + Innovació (AR+I), tracks national indicators to guide policy and ensure transparency.

Health Minister Helena Mas and Secretary of State Cristina Pérez praised the observatory during its launch. The UCA supported 886 patients in 2025, compared to 710 in 2022. Alcohol led cases at 397, or 44.8%, down 11.6% from 449 in 2024. Dual pathology—mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, ADHD or schizophrenia paired with substance use—followed with 170 cases, more than double the 74 from 2024 and nearly four times the 43 in 2022. Cocaine-related assistance rose to 81 patients, up 5.2% from 77 in 2024 and over twice the 35 in 2022. Cannabis cases fell to 126 from 149, while smoking cessation handled 65, down 20.7% from 82.

These patterns mirror a 30% increase in mental health service users, from 3,676 in 2022 to 4,973 in 2025, including 1,208 minors. Service head Joan Soler had previously flagged the rise. Detailed breakdowns remain limited by nomenclature issues, though Mas noted experts could address this.

The session assessed legislative advances. The Comprehensive Mental Health and Addictions Plan (Pisma) stands at 85% execution, with 86% of actions done or underway and nine projects pending, including a mental health doctorate with the University of Andorra. A residential centre for chronic patients has a functional plan, but rollout awaits the next term. Infrastructure gains include the Ròdol facility, Solà d’Enclar homes and the Centre Sant Lluís in La Seu, due next year.

Suicide prevention covers 11 of 49 measures, with the 177 emergency line aiding 170 people and averting five attempts since September 2025. It links to the Tot Bé youth chat, active since November 2024 with over 7,140 messages to 150 users. Stigma reduction features social media drives, school holiday screen alerts and monthly youth risk monitoring. SAAS mental health staff has expanded 62% since 2019, to 86 from 53, adding nurses, psychologists, psychiatrists and assistants. Mas called this a key resilience boost.