The Valencian Community tops the list for alcohol consumption in Spain, followed by Aragón and Asturias. In contrast, Extremadura records the highest number of regular tobacco and cannabis users. This information comes from the Edades 2024 survey, released as part of the Government’s National Drug Plan.
Alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis remain the most commonly used substances across Spain, with men consuming them more frequently than women.
Alcohol consumption patterns
Three-quarters of Spaniards aged 15 to 64 (76.5%) consumed alcohol in the past year, and 10.5% drank daily. The average age for first alcohol use is 16.4 years. However, this age is lower in the Valencian Community (15.7 years) and Navarre (15.8 years). By contrast, residents of Melilla and Ceuta start later, at 17.7 and 16.9 years, respectively.
Over 90% of Spaniards across most regions have tried alcohol at least once in their lives. Exceptions include Andalucia (88.9%), Melilla (63.9%), Ceuta (73.1%), and Navarre (89.9%). At the top of the list are Asturias (97.5%) and the Valencian Community (97%).
Recent alcohol consumption also varies by region. In the past year, 89.1% of Valencians reported drinking, compared to 83% in Aragón and 82.9% in Asturias. Andalucia recorded the lowest figure among the regions (69%). In monthly consumption, 76.8% of Valencians drank, compared to 56.9% in Andalucia.
Binge drinking and alcohol poisoning
Binge drinking was least common in the Valencian Community (11.9%) and Madrid (9.3%). Conversely, Castilla y León had the highest percentage of acute alcohol poisoning cases in the past year (26.4%), significantly above the national average of 14.3%. The Basque Country followed with 23.8%.
Cannabis use: A growing trend
Cannabis remains a significant substance of use, with 66.6% of Spaniards having tried it by 2024. Daily cannabis use accounts for 25.8% of users. Asturias (81%) and the Valencian Community (78%) lead in lifetime cannabis use.
Extremadura: The cannabis hotspot
Extremadura has the highest rate of cannabis use in the past year (23.1%), almost double the national average of 12.6%. The Canary Islands (16.1%) and Aragón (15.6%) follow. Madrid (9.7%) and Andalucia (10%) report the lowest rates.
The average age of first cannabis use in Spain is 18.4 years. Castile-La Mancha reports the youngest average age at 17.7 years, followed by Extremadura at 17.9 years. In contrast, users in the Balearic Islands and Castile and León start at around 19 years.
Tobacco use: A declining habit
While tobacco use has reached an all-time low, vaping has doubled in popularity. However, Extremadura still records the highest number of regular tobacco users in Spain.
The Edades 2024 survey highlights significant regional differences in alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis use. The Valencian Community leads in alcohol consumption, while Extremadura emerges as the hotspot for both cannabis and tobacco use. These insights underline the importance of tailored public health interventions to address substance use across Spain.