From cannabis to alcohol to problem gambling, here’s the podcast that teaches young people how to protect themselves

The problem of addiction is on the rise and is affecting people at an increasingly young age. It takes many forms, but for the youngest (it now starts as early as secondary school), the most common entry points are cannabis (or mixtures of anti-inflammatories and soft drugs), alcohol and gambling addiction linked to the use of online platforms and social media. The aim is to focus on prevention and raise awareness of the spread of these issues, how to protect oneself and where to turn for help. For this reason, a new podcast series has been launched by Comunità Incontro, one of the leading therapeutic organisations in Italy’s third sector, entitled ‘Sotto pelle, storia di dipendenza e di rinascita’ (Under the Skin: A Story of Addiction and Rebirth): six 30-minute episodes dedicated to raising awareness amongst young people and society at large about the challenges posed by alcohol, drugs and gambling, as well as addiction within the prison system. The launch took place in the Senate on the initiative of Senator Maurizio Gasparri, with the participation of Alfredo Mantovano, Under-Secretary to the Prime Minister’s Office with responsibility for anti-drug policies and other addictions.

‘The work carried out by Comunità Incontro is important because it aims to raise awareness, and thus to provide more accurate information that more closely reflects reality on issues that are normally misrepresented. There are no harmless drugs; the drugs of the past no longer exist; today’s drugs contain much higher doses of active ingredients, which are devastating. There is, however, a common thread running through addiction, and that is the loss of freedom. And this is something one realises only when freedom has already vanished from one’s life. ‘So describing what these substances are and what their effects are is truly the most advanced frontier of any legislative change, even beyond the government’s important actions,’ said Mantovano.

The podcasts are due to be released on the main audio distribution platforms (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music) from 27 September, a symbolic date for the Community founded by Don Pierino Gelmini, as it marks the anniversary of the opening of the historic headquarters at Molino Silla in Amelia (Terni), established on 27 September 1979. The episodes are designed to explore, with precision, empathy and narrative clarity, the main social crises linked to pathological addictions, with each one dedicated to a different topic: Cannabis – Prevention and risk perception amongst young people; Alcohol – Hidden addiction and risky behaviour; Cocaine – Clinical profiles, social impact and the pitfalls of addiction; Heroin – The tragedy of opioid substances and pathways to recovery; Gambling – The phenomenon and its consequences for individuals and families; Addiction in Prison – An issue of great social and institutional significance and impact.

“The work we do as Comunità Incontro,” said Giampaolo Nicolasi, head of the community, in his speech, “is based on a fundamental principle: caring for, welcoming and listening to all young people who ask for help, whether they come to us privately or through the public service. Our commitment is one that, every day, reflects the legacy of values left by Don Pierino Gelmini, our founder: our doors are open to welcome the most vulnerable and enable them to write a new chapter in their lives. As a community, we have a long history of commitment to prevention, and in this endeavour we could not overlook one of the most widespread and popular forms of communication amongst young people today. It is therefore in this context that our podcast initiative fits in. We wish to continue on the path of prevention by adopting modern tools that resonate with young people – who, let us remember, are those most at risk – and that is why we have chosen, within our community, to launch this new channel of communication.”

For Forza Italia Senator Maurizio Gasparri, ‘the podcast is a modern way of telling six real-life stories of rebirth. A journey that leads away from addiction and drugs and back to life. I believe that the work of Comunità Incontro needs to be publicised and made known. And so the podcast, which is a very popular medium today, can also be useful in helping people facing these problems. We must support these communities and bring them into contact with the public and young people. This initiative will help many people to reflect and seek help if they need it.”