Addiction is a pervasive issue across the world, including Europe, affecting millions of individuals and their families. It comes in many forms, from substance dependencies like alcohol, nicotine, and opioids to behavioural addictions such as overeating and compulsive behaviours. Each type presents unique challenges and requires tailored approaches for successful treatment.
According to Statista, Cannabis is by far the most used drug across the population of the European Union, with almost 30% using it at some point during their lifetime. This is followed by cocaine, which 5% have used in their life, and then MDMA, with 4% of individuals having used it.
But addiction isn’t always about the obvious stuff. It can sneak into everyday life through things we might not even think about, like our phones, social media, caffeine or even sugar. These might be perceived as harmless or socially accepted, but they can be severe health issues too. Recognizing this is key to promoting a healthier lifestyle.
In recent years, the recognition of addiction as a serious health condition has grown, leading to increased investment in innovative solutions aimed at prevention, treatment, and long-term recovery. On that note, we dove deep to find 10 pioneering European startups developing innovative solutions to help individuals overcome various addictions, promoting healthier and more balanced lives. Their work spans a wide range of needs, from smoking cessation and alcohol moderation to opioid addiction and eating disorder treatments.
Biomia: Based in Denmark, Biomia is a synthetic biology company developing plant-derived products for unmet medical needs in pain, mental health disorders, and addiction using synthetic biology and data science. Their technology integrates machine learning for efficient drug discovery and optimization. Founded in 2022, Biomia has raised €2.8 million to support its mission of harnessing nature’s power to provide effective treatments for addiction.
CleanCo: Headquartered in London, CleanCo specializes in producing low-calorie and alcohol-free spirits, catering to consumers who want to delete or moderate their alcohol consumption without compromising taste. Founded in 2019, CleanCo offers a range of alternatives to whiskey, tequila, gin, and rum. With an impressive funding amount of over €10.6 million, CleanCo is committed to providing delightful beverage options that embrace a mindful approach to drinking.
Holi: Based in Warszawa, Holi is a digital metabolic wellness clinic that helps treat obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and heart diseases. In collaboration with experienced nutritionists, scientists and a dedicated medical board overseeing the methodology, Holi stands out not only as a technology startup but also as a registered medical entity. Founded in 2023, Holi has raised €3 million to support its mission of providing effective metabolic health solutions.
Klava Innovation: Headquartered in Paris Klava Innovation developed “Quitoxil” a digital treatment for tobacco addiction in France, offering personalized and scientifically validated therapies for smoking cessation. The app helps users change their smoking behaviour, track health progress, and receive support from former smokers. It includes interactive exercises, health assessments, and resources on smoking. Founded in 2021, they have raised €1 million aiming to revolutionise addiction treatment through technology.
Kwit: Based in Alsace, Kwit is a mobile app designed to help people quit smoking, used by over 3 million users. It tracks progress, offers strategies to manage cravings, and supports users from deciding to quit to becoming smoke-free. The app also helps monitor and reduce nicotine consumption and includes breathing exercises and motivational tools. Founded in 2016, Kwit has raised €1.3 million to support individuals in their journey to quit smoking.
Oneleaf: Headquartered in Paris, Ile-de-France, France, Oneleaf uses self-hypnosis to help users quit smoking, reduce stress, build confidence, lose weight, sleep better, manage pain, improve focus, and enhance relationships. The app offers tailored programs for various needs, guiding users through relaxation and focused attention techniques. Founded in 2022, Oneleaf has raised €4.8 million to empower personal change through scientifically-backed self-hypnosis methods.
Prescriby: Based in Iceland, Prescriby is a digital treatment system developer combatting the opioid crisis by improving prescription safety and monitoring. Unlike conventional strategies that emphasize addiction treatment, Prescriby focuses on early intervention. Their approach aims to prevent addiction before it starts, fundamentally altering how addictive medications are prescribed and managed. Founded in 2020, Prescriby has raised €2 million to provide individualized, data-driven therapies and safer monitoring for patients.
Progress Me: Headquartered in Sweden, Progress Me supports individuals with eating disorders through a digital platform that includes an app and web forum. The app offers meal tracking, self-esteem exercises, and an emotion diary. Resources are available for relatives and healthcare providers to aid in understanding and treatment. Their mission focuses on enhancing self-esteem and self-confidence to combat eating disorders. Founded in 2018, Progress Me has raised €500,000 to offer evidence-based methods and tools in digital format, helping caregivers manage eating disorder problems.
Nuumi: Based in Berlin, Nuumi offers a smoking cessation program combining a vaporizer and an AI-based app. The program includes real-time nicotine tracking, gradual reduction, and behavioural training. Developed by psychologists, it targets both physical and psychological addiction. The process involves three steps: transferring to Nuumi hardware, reducing nicotine intake over 2-4 months, and quitting smoking. Founded in 2020, Numi has raised €250,000 to combine nicotine replacement technology with behavioural therapy for higher therapy engagement and success rates.
Yazen: Headquartered in Lund, Sweden, Yazen Health is a digital caregiver focused on weight loss management via medical treatment and lifestyle changes. Their team of specialists, including a personal doctor, YazenCoach, dietitian, psychologist, and personal trainer, supports individuals in losing and maintaining a healthy weight. Operating under strict regulatory compliance, their services are available in Sweden, Norway, Spain, the UK, the Netherlands, and Germany. Founded in 2021, Yazen Health has raised €4.1 million to support individuals in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight with the help of a dedicated team of specialists.
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Read the orginal article: https://www.eu-startups.com/2024/07/tackling-addiction-10-startups-revolutionising-recovery-and-wellness/
