The Consumption of Psychotropic Drugs in Women Doubles That of Men, according to State Studies
State studies have shown a significant increase in the consumption of psychotropic drugs in the last three years, with the number of people using anxiolytics, antidepressants, and hypnotics skyrocketing. As a response to this concerning trend, the preparation of the IV Addiction Prevention Plan of the Irun City Council will now address this issue, a change from previous versions of the document.
Nuria Alzaga, the delegate of Social Welfare and Equality, highlighted the gender perspective of this issue, stating that the majority of people consuming psychotropic drugs are women. She noted that the number of women using these drugs doubles that of men, as evidenced in various studies.
To address this issue, the Irun City Council has organized an Emotional Health Workshop aimed at women over the age of 18 who consume psychotropic drugs. The group sessions, led by psychologist Maider Andonegui, will provide a safe space and tools for participants to manage their circumstances.
The biweekly sessions, scheduled between February 9 and the end of June, will offer support and create a space of trust for participants to share their experiences. The workshop will also provide tools such as breathing and relaxation exercises to help participants manage their emotions beyond the use of psychotropic drugs.
Registration for the workshop is open until this Friday, January 26, and interested individuals can sign up by calling 010 or 943 50 51 52.
The Irun City Council aims to generate awareness about the proper use of psychotropic drugs and their potential side effects while offering additional tools for managing emotional health. Additionally, a visit from a psychiatrist from the Osakidetza Mental Health Center in Irun is planned to provide further support during the sessions.