Increase in crack houses in Ticino: 8 people daily seek help from Ingrado
Over 3,200 people followed in 2025 for addictions to alcohol, drugs, video games, and online betting. Ingrado raises alarm on crack houses
Contesto
In brief - 3,200 people followed in 2025 - 8 people per day seek help - 16.4% increase in substance addictions ## Key facts - What: Ingrado Annual Report 2025 - When: 2025 - Where: Canton of Ticino - Who: Ingrado Foundation - Amount: 3,200 people followed Lugano, May 4, 2026 – A concerning picture emerges from Ingrado's 2025 balance sheet, the competence center specializing in addiction issues. Over 3,200 people were followed last year, with a significant increase in clinical services and residential and semi-residential paths. Addictions cover a wide spectrum, from alcohol and drugs to video games and online betting. The Alcohol Consultation Centers recorded 1,227 cases distributed across the five cantonal offices in Bellinzona, Biasca, Locarno, Lugano, and Chiasso. The Substance Consultation Centers followed 620 users, a 16.4% increase compared to the previous year. Addiction Medicine took on 503 patients on an outpatient basis, with 2,086 psychiatric interviews and 560 medical-internist consultations. ### Crack houses and housing precarity Meanwhile, the picture of social problems is worsening. By the end of 2025, there is an increase in people in precarious housing conditions and the spread of so-called “crack houses”. These are often apartments in a state of degradation or abandonment, illegally used for the sale and consumption of crack or cocaine. Ingrado promotes the housing first model, which integrates housing solutions with support in managing addiction. ### Behavioral addictions In the sector of behavioral disorders (GAT-P), there are 87 new reports and 60 in-person consultations, with a growth in requests related to problematic use of the internet, video games, and online betting, alongside traditional pathological gambling. ### News and integration...
Dettagli operativi
Analysis of Dependencies in Ticino The Ingrado report provides a detailed overview of the various forms of dependency affecting the population of the Canton of Ticino. Among the most common dependencies are alcohol, drugs, video games, and online betting. Polyconsumption represents the prevalent mode of substance use, with a growing spread of crack and freebase. ### Impact on Social Fabric The spread of crack houses and the increase in people living in precarious housing conditions represent a significant challenge for local authorities. The housing first model promoted by Ingrado aims to integrate housing solutions with support in managing dependency, offering a more effective approach to addressing these issues. ### Services Offered by Ingrado Ingrado offers a wide range of clinical and residential services to support people with dependencies. The Alcohol and Substance Consulting Centers provide consultations and personalized treatment paths. The Medicine of Dependencies offers psychiatric and medical-internist consultations, while the Bellinzona Laboratories accompany users in their socio-professional reintegration paths. ### Collaborations and Certifications The Foundation has consolidated its collaborations with local realities, such as Libreria Casagrande and Agriturismo Pian Marnino, expanding the range of services and opportunities for users. Furthermore, Ingrado has maintained the quality certifications ISO 9001:2015, QuaTheDA, and Directive 3, ensuring high standards of service. ### Implications for Cross-Border Workers Cross-border workers employed in Ticino should be aware of the services offered by Ingrado and the support opportunities available. The Foundation represents an important point of reference for those facing dependency issues, offering...
Punti chiave
Concrete actions for cross-border workers Cross-border workers employed in Ticino who are facing addiction issues can follow a series of concrete steps to access the services offered by Ingrado. It is important to recognize the signs of addiction and seek help promptly. ### Steps to access Ingrado's services 1. Recognize the signs of addiction: Identify behaviors and habits that may indicate addiction to alcohol, drugs, video games, or online betting. 2. Contact the Alcohol or Substance Consulting Services: Reach out to the Consulting Services located in the cantonal offices of Bellinzona, Biasca, Locarno, Lugano, and Chiasso for an initial assessment. 3. Schedule a psychiatric or internal medicine consultation: Contact the Addiction Medicine department to schedule a consultation with a specialist. 4. Participate in residential or semi-residential programs: Evaluate the opportunity to participate in the programs offered by the Residential Center in Cagiallo or the Laboratories in Bellinzona. 5. Utilize the housing first model: If you are in a precarious housing situation, consider the opportunity to access the housing first model, which offers integrated housing solutions with support for managing addiction. ### Useful tools Cross-border workers can use the salary calculator to evaluate their income and plan their expenses. Additionally, they can consult the practical guides available on the website for more information about the services offered by Ingrado. ### Conclusions The annual report of Ingrado highlights the need for an integrated and multidisciplinary approach to address issues related to addiction. Cross-border workers employed in Ticino can benefit from the services offered by the Foundation, which represent an important point of reference for support...
Punti chiave
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What services does Ingrado offer for alcohol and drug addictions?
- Ingrado provides a range of clinical and residential services to support individuals with alcohol and drug addictions. The Alcohol and Substance Consulting Centers offer consultations and personalized treatment paths. Addiction Medicine provides psychiatric and medical-internist consultations, while the Bellinzona Laboratories assist users in their socio-professional reintegration journeys.
- How can I access Ingrado's services?
- To access Ingrado's services, you can contact the Alcohol or Substance Consulting Centers located at various cantonal sites. You can also book a psychiatric or medical-internist consultation at Addiction Medicine. Additionally, the housing first model offers integrated housing solutions with support for managing addiction.
- What are Ingrado's quality certifications?
- Ingrado has maintained the ISO 9001:2015, QuaTheDA, and Directive 3 quality certifications, ensuring high service standards. The Foundation has also updated its internal regulations and directives to guarantee a quality service.