Andorra Sees Surge in Young Men Addicted to Crypto Investments

Projecte Vida, the Andorran addiction support association, has already assisted as many people this year as it did throughout 2025, with a notable increase in young men aged 21 to 31 facing issues tied to digital investments and cryptocurrencies.

Association president Eva Tenorio explained that without national statistics, it's impossible to determine whether cases are truly rising or if greater awareness of the service is driving more people to seek help. Among the emerging concerns are "invisible" addictions linked to betting and cryptocurrencies. This year, the group has supported ten young men in this category—a figure matching last year's total. Tenorio described those affected as having been lured by promises of rapid wealth, often in an uncertain economic climate that makes digital spaces appealing. She stressed that the dangers often go unnoticed, lacking risk awareness, and evolve into gambling-like patterns without recognition as addiction.

The trend has spurred a new partnership with Andorra la Vella council and the government's equality department for the fifth annual awareness, prevention, and risk-reduction cycle. Launched on Thursday, it aims to reach professionals, families, and youth through sessions on gender dynamics, online quick-enrichment traps, and trauma's role in risky behaviors.

Cònsol Menor Olalla Losada emphasized equipping communities against escalating threats. "There are more risks every day, so we must provide more tools and information to our young people and families," she said.

Running from October 15 to November 16 at 7pm in Sala Ària at Andorra la Vella's Congress Centre—with youth events at El Rusc—the programme begins October 15 with social educator Patricia Martínez Redondo on gender, diversity, and youth drug use. On November 9, researcher Hibai López-González covers betting, cryptocurrencies, and youth speculation risks, followed by a community dialogue on November 10. It concludes November 16 with activist Claudia Muñoz Campillo on trauma, sexual abuse, and vulnerability factors.

Tenorio highlighted shifts, including more women seeking direct help rather than for relatives, unlike patterns elsewhere such as Spain. Families still report youth cases most often, but these now involve more complex polysubstance issues, moving beyond initial marijuana concerns. Overall demand has already equalled last year's, underscoring the need for concentrated outreach.