Tobacco consumption in the Balearic Islands is on a downward trend, with 32.7% of the population aged 15 to 64 reporting having smoked in the past year, four percentage points below the national average of 36.8%. Daily smoking remains more prevalent among men (25.8%) than women (22.2%).

Alcohol remains the most widely consumed substance in the region. While 94% of the population has consumed alcohol at some point in their lives, 64.3% did so in the last 30 days. Although alcohol use has stabilised in recent years, a slight increase was observed in 2024, with 80% of respondents reporting consumption within the past year.

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Tobacco Use Declines Among Balearic Residents Aged 15 to 64

The most consumed substances in the Balearic Islands over the past 12 months are alcohol (80%), tobacco (32.7%), and cannabis (14.9%). These are followed by prescription and non-prescription sedatives (9.7%), electronic cigarettes (4.4%), and powdered or base cocaine (3.5%).

Compared to previous surveys, cannabis and cocaine use have risen, while the use of sedatives has declined. Cannabis use is notably higher in the Balearic Islands compared to the national average.

The average age of first use remains stable, with alcohol and tobacco being the earliest, at 16.4 and 17 years, respectively. Sedatives and opioid painkillers are typically first consumed later in life, at around 31 years.

Consumption by age group reveals that people over 35 consume more of nearly all substances, except cannabis, which is more popular among individuals aged 15 to 34. Gender differences also persist, with men reporting higher overall consumption, except in the case of sedatives and opioids, which are more commonly used by women.

Regarding electronic cigarettes, 18.3% of the population has tried them, especially among younger individuals. Of those users, 39.8% used nicotine-containing e-cigarettes, and over half were regular tobacco smokers.

Cannabis remains the most commonly used illegal substance, with 52.4% of Balearic residents stating they have tried it at least once. In the past year, 14.9% reported using cannabis, higher than the national figure of 12.6%, with usage concentrated among men and younger age groups.

For the first time, the 2024 survey included questions about pornography consumption. Results show that 72.8% of adults in the Balearic Islands have consumed pornography at some point in their lives, 28.8% within the past year, and 16.7% in the past month. Usage is more common among men and those under 35.

In response to these findings, the Balearic Islands have introduced a new Addiction Strategy for 2025–2032. This comprehensive action plan addresses both substance-based and behavioural addictions, including those related to digital devices and gambling. Special attention is given to prevention, early intervention, and support for young people and minors.

Addictive substance use has been shown to significantly affect mental health, potentially triggering or worsening conditions such as depression, anxiety, psychosis, and suicide. At the same time, mental health issues may increase vulnerability to substance use.

The survey data was collected through 838 in-home interviews conducted across the Balearic Islands, with the goal of shaping and improving public health and addiction prevention strategies.