Increase in the use of psychotropic drugs in Italy: an alarming phenomenon

Over the past five years, Italy has seen a significant increase in the use of antidepressants, with an increase of 4.2%. These data highlight a worrying reality: approximately 15-20% of the adult population has used anxiolytics at least once in their lives. Among young people, the situation is even more serious, with 1 in 100 young people receiving at least one prescription for antidepressants, antipsychotics or gabaergic drugs. Furthermore, it is estimated that approximately 440,000 students have taken psychotropic drugs without a medical prescription. These numbers will be the backdrop to the National Congress of the Sitd (Italian Society of Drug Addiction), which will take place on November 15 and 16 in Milan. The central theme will be the “worrying growth” of drug addiction and the use of so-called smart drugs.

Expert opinion

Augusto Consoli, president of Sitd, stressed the importance of dedicating part of the congress to the correct use and abuse of psychotropic drugs and painkillers. According to Consoli, these phenomena are closely linked to the increase in mood and anxiety disorders, but also to the easy availability of these substances, which encourages self-prescribing behaviors.

“It’s important to be aware of the risks associated with substances like fentanyl,” Consoli said. These drugs can be extremely helpful in controlling pain, but their misuse can lead to serious health consequences.

Towards an integrated approach to health

To address these issues, it is necessary to adopt a comprehensive approach that integrates prevention, awareness-raising and health education measures. In Italy, as many as 960,000 young people between the ages of 15 and 19 have used illegal psychoactive substances in their lifetime. This phenomenon is often related to problematic behaviors such as gambling and excessive use of digital technologies. Consoli concluded by expressing the importance of the congress in presenting new methodologies and tools to address addictions. Experts from different parts of Italy will be present to discuss innovative approaches such as new pharmacological formulations and non-invasive neuromodulation. The growing spread of psychotropic drugs and addictions requires urgent and coordinated intervention by health institutions to ensure adequate and effective health pathways.