Isolation, uncertainty about the future and deprivation of social contacts have led many people to seek 'refuge' and 'satisfaction' in legal and illegal substances in these two pandemic years, with significant medium- and long-term implications not only on their lives but also on public health. 

In particular, there was less interest in drugs normally used in social contexts (MDMA, cocaine) and an increase in the use of drugs related to domestic consumption (cannabis, heroin, new benzodiazepines). [1]
It should also be emphasised that around 96 million people (15-64 years) in Europe use illegal substances and Italy has the highest rate of use: in our country it is estimated that one person per day died of an overdose in 2020 alone. [2]

In such a complex and evolving framework, the activity of therapeutic communities such as Dianova Onlus becomes essential to offer concrete answers and develop paths of rehabilitation and social reintegration.

It is precisely because of the awareness of the impact that the issue of substance addiction generates in society that the collaboration between Mitsubishi Electric and Dianova Onlus began in 2017 and still continues today with various projects, including the Milano Marathon. 

For the fourth year, Mitsubishi Electric is supporting this sporting event, combining its commitment in social responsibility with the sharing of corporate values with its employees, who will be active participants in the marathon. On Sunday, April 3, six teams will take turns in the Relay Marathon run, thus combining sporting challenge and solidarity commitment, inspired by the criteria of social responsibility, human promotion and integration of the most disadvantaged people and those with personal difficulties.

¹ Relazione Europea sulla Droga - L’incidenza del COVID-19 e le nuove minacce per la salute e la sicurezza in Europa 2020-2021

² Relazione al Parlamento sulle Tossicodipendenze in Italia 2021