Silent Struggles: Rising Addiction and Mental Health Strain in Andorra

In a small country like Andorra, addictions are often lived out in silence. The mix of stress, loneliness and stigma means many people fall without making a sound. An audiovisual report interviews experts, affected people and frontline organisations to explore why addictions take hold and how recovery can begin.

Addictive behaviours are closely linked with mental health and are seen as a symptom of a broader social malaise. Professionals point to a rise in consumption of alcohol, cannabinoids and psychotropic drugs — particularly anxiolytics and antidepressants — as a quiet indicator of growing distress in the community.

Those working in treatment and prevention say demand for help has been steadily increasing, with notable growth among young people and adults exhausted by pressure at work and in daily life. Services report more requests for support, but capacity and resources remain strained.

Stigma continues to be a major barrier. Organisations describe how shame and fear of judgment delay help-seeking and isolate those affected. At the same time, they note a slow cultural shift: more people are speaking openly about problems with substance use and mental health, and some are willing to break the taboo and ask for assistance.

Personal stories collected in the report show recovery is possible. With timely access to support, compassionate care and understanding from family and community, individuals can reverse harmful patterns and rebuild their lives. Practitioners stress the importance of early intervention, continuity of care and integrated services that address both addiction and underlying mental health issues.

The report concludes that tackling addiction in a small, close-knit society requires reducing stigma, expanding accessible services and strengthening prevention efforts aimed at young people and those under chronic pressure. Continued public awareness and investment in mental health and addiction services are presented as key steps to help more people get up after they fall.