The ANTOX Association, in collaboration with the University of Navarra and Lares Navarradirects the MAGNA (Older Gender Addictions Navarra) project, whose objective is to study the addictions of older people in the Autonomous Community and respond to their needs, with particular emphasis on the gender perspective. The proposal will be carried out thanks to the collaboration of the Innova program, promoted by Caja Navarra Foundation and “Caixa” Foundation.
In Spain, alcohol, tobacco, sedative-hypnotics and opioid analgesics are, in that order, the most consumed substances according to the “Alcohol, Drugs and Drugs Survey”. other addictions among people over 64 in Spain (ESDAM)” of 2019-2020 based on the National Drug Plan. Loneliness, old habits, lack of motivation, depression, abuse of medications or lack of knowledge about their correct use are the reasons.
The MAGNA project is based on the studies “Elderly people and addictions: a diagnosis of the University of Navarra and LARES with a gender perspective” and the “White paper on addictions among older people“, both reveal the social exclusion and double stigmatization these people suffer due to their age and their addictions, with a particular emphasis on the situation of elderly women.
The objectives are research and analysis, training of professionals and students and social awareness. The project includes qualitative and quantitative studies through focus groups and surveys in the social and health centers of Lares Navarra, to understand in depth the reality of elderly drug addicts in the provincial community.
Patients, family members and professionals from the centers will participate in this process and specific training will be offered to students from Medicine, Nursing and Pharmacy at the University of Navarraas well as professionals from Lares Navarra, to provide them with tools to face this problem more effectively. Likewise, with the aim of breaking stereotypes and promoting greater empathy towards this group, an awareness campaign will be launched aimed at Navarrese society and professionals in the socio-health field.
Innovation, collaborative approach and gender perspective
“MAGNA aims not only to respond to a current problem, but also to anticipate future needs, given the increasing aging of the population. In addition, the project stands out for its innovative approach, which combines the efforts of key sectors such as geriatrics, addictions and the academic world. explains Elisa Arbizu LabartaAntox professional and spokesperson for the project. “The joint work between ANTOX, Lares Navarra and the University of Navarra is essential to offer a comprehensive response to this challenge. Our goal is to create a real change in the way addictions of older people are perceived and treated,” emphasizes -he.
Furthermore, Idoia Pardavila, professor at the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Navarra, emphasizes that the participation of students in the MAGNA project “allows them to become aware of social reality and respond to current demand, the basis of the service learning. » According to him, This approach not only contributes to their academic training, but also promotes sensitivity to the social impact of their future profession.
“In the particular case of health students, this experience will act as a catalyst, allowing them to not only positively influence the care provided to their patients, but also to inspire their peers and promote healthy public health policies. So, he becomes a tool for social change, strengthen the professional and civic engagement of future health workers.
THE National Strategy for the Fight against Addictions 2017-2024 of the Ministry of Health devotes a section to the gender perspective, in which the problem that unites women with hypnosedatives stands out. He speaks of “hidden consumption” and points out as an aggravating factor the fact “that there are no generalized prevention and awareness campaigns, as is the case for other substances”. The MAGNA project takes this reality into account, in addition to the triple discrimination faced by older women, made invisible because of their age, gender and addictions. This is why activities and training will be designed taking into account the specific needs of this group, ensuring that care is inclusive and comprehensive.
