More and more young people are falling into the trap of addiction, whether to substances like drugs and alcohol, or to compulsive behaviors like gambling and excessive use of digital technologies, the source points out.

This situation not only affects the individual health of young people, but is also having serious repercussions on the public health system, leaving many people without adequate care, the source emphasizes.

The publication states that hospitals and public health centers, which should be havens of hope and recovery, “are overwhelmed by the lack of resources and trained personnel to care for this vulnerable population.”

The shortage of psychiatrists and mental health professionals is critical in many places, resulting in long waits and the inability to provide timely and effective care.

This shortage affects not only young people struggling with addictions, but also impacts their families and communities, creating a cycle of neglect and suffering that is difficult to break and perpetuates the problem, the text states.

A 2024 study by the Uruguayan Drug Observatory detailed the use of alcohol, cannabis, and psychotropic drugs among the university population.

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