InfoCons Consumer Protection launches the Campaign “ STOP Addiction ! STOP Dependency ! InfoCons with a new attitude ! ”
In the current context, InfoCons is launching the first UNIQUE project in Romania in the field of addiction prevention, under the umbrella of the campaign “STOP Addiction! STOP Dependency! InfoCons with a new attitude!”.
Within the campaign “STOP Addiction! STOP Dependency! InfoCons with a new attitude!”, unique prevention and awareness programs will be developed for the following types of addictions:
1. Digital addiction
1 in 2 adolescents has a high risk of digital addiction. Girls are more affected by social media (58%), while boys admit they cannot control themselves when it comes to computer games.
InfoCons Informs You : Travelling to Croatia ? Stay informed with InfoCons Consumer Protection about the emergency numbers in Croatia !
2. Alcohol consumption
Over 80% of students aged 15–16 say they have drunk alcohol at least once in their lives, and many of them started at a young age.
3. Gambling
25% of Romanian students have placed bets in the last 12 months, with the percentage rising to 34% among boys.
4. Compulsive eating
Compulsive eating, also known as binge eating, is the most common eating disorder diagnosed worldwide. According to Our World in Data (2024), it affects between 2% and 3% of the population, being three times more common than anorexia and bulimia combined. In Romania, clinical studies show an alarming increase in cases among young people and adult women.
InfoCons Informs You : STOP Addiction! Did you know that streaming platforms have changed the way we consume series and movies? InfoCons informs you
5. Compulsive spending
Compulsive spending (oniomania) is a disorder characterized by an uncontrollable and repetitive urge to purchase goods without real necessity, often to reduce stress or anxiety, leading to serious financial consequences. This shopping addiction, similar to drug addiction, involves buying clothes, jewelry, or cosmetics and affects approximately 4.9% of adults.
6. Drug use and other substances
Romania records 6.2% of students aged 15–16 who have used illicit substances at least once. Although the percentage seems small, the trend is increasing compared to previous years.
7. Work addiction
Studies using psychometric screening tools based on an addiction framework and clinically anchored cut-off scores estimate work addiction rates ranging from 6.6% to 20.6%. A nationally representative sample in Norway showed 8.3% are work-addicted, while in Hungary the proportion was 20.6%.
8. Obesity
Childhood obesity is one of the most serious health problems of the 21st century. In Romania, the incidence of childhood obesity showed a slight increase until 2020, reaching 165.94 per thousand inhabitants, then rose significantly to 196.14 per thousand in 2021, and 173.02 per thousand in 2022.
InfoCons Informs You : Media Monitoring Report – March 15, 2025 – March 15, 2026 – InfoCons – Audience: 116,134,440 people
OBJECTIVES of the Campaign “STOP Addiction! STOP Dependency! InfoCons with a new attitude!”
- Developing the first Guide and Terminology Dictionary “STOP Addiction”
- Creating a vocational course mainly aimed at pre-university teaching staff on addiction prevention
- Establishing Working Groups for each addiction segment with specialists (psychologists, psychiatrists, psychotherapists, nutritionists, representatives of the Romanian Academy, university representatives, etc.)
- Launching a UNIQUE helpline for counseling and awareness in addiction prevention
- Launching the InfoCons Social Hub – the first major UNIQUE prevention project in Romania
- Implementing an education and information campaign through printed materials distributed nationwide via the Inf-EU-RO National Network, as well as creating a portal with dedicated articles, useful information, advice, etc.
- Training mentors to act as Ambassadors of the Project
- Developing interactive educational materials in the field
- Launching a Library of educational materials and an Art Gallery with an educational role
InfoCons, a European Consumer Protection Organization, and the National Agency for Policies and Coordination in the Field of Drugs and Addictions have signed a collaboration protocol, marking an important step in strengthening joint efforts for public information and education.
The partnership aims to develop a common framework for action to prevent and reduce drug use and addictions, as well as to minimize the associated risks.
Signature : InfoCons Communication Department
Call responsibly using the emergency numbers!
The Consumers Protection platform offers quick, centralized access to essential and emergency contacts worldwide, helping users connect with services such as Consumer Protection, Ambulance, Fire Brigade, Police, and Tourist Information across all continents.
The UNIQUE Consumer Protection App – InfoCons App !
The InfoCons App is a free, multilingual tool available in 33 languages, empowering consumers worldwide with fast access to consumer protection resources and useful emergency services.