Regional Government steps up support for Alternativa Association and highlights progress in fight against new synthetic drugs - Communication

Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social

The Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, visited Alternativa – Association Against Addictions, in Ponta Delgada, where she highlighted the vital role played by civil society organisations in the integrated response to addictive behaviours and dependencies in the Autonomous Region of the Azores.

During the visit, the Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security and the association signed a financial cooperation agreement amounting to €30,000, with a view to establishing the Centre for Health and Wellbeing Promotion.

As of 2025, the Alternativa Association supported about 300 service users, mainly in the area of treatment monitoring following discharge from the detox programme, reinforcing its role in ensuring ongoing care and supporting the reintegration process.

Mónica Seidi emphasised that “this investment reflects the Azorean Government’s commitment to a personalised, accessible and effective response, which prioritises not only treatment but also social reintegration and human dignity."

The government official also highlighted recent legislative progress nationwide, with the enactment of the legislation updating the Drugs Act, paving the way for the criminalisation of new psychoactive substances.

Among these is NEP, one of the most widely consumed synthetic substances in the Azores, whose inclusion in the legal charts represents a significant step in protecting public health and strengthening the tools to combat emerging drugs.

The Regional Secretary commended the work carried out by the Azores Task Force, highlighting the crucial role of this body in timely reporting.

Mónica Seidi concluded by reiterating the Regional Government’s commitment to further strengthening its collaboration with local institutions and promoting responses that are increasingly tailored to the needs of the population.