**Substance Abuse and Gambling on the Rise Among Youth in Cyprus, Warns NGO Director**
In a concerning statement made on the International Day Against Drug Abuse, Elena Zarouna, the director of Kenthea, the Centre for Information and Treatment of Addictions, highlighted a significant increase in substance abuse and gambling among young people in Cyprus. Her comments come in the wake of recent high-profile drug seizures that have drawn attention to the escalating drug problem in the country.
Zarouna spoke to the Cyprus News Agency about the troubling trends, noting that the police drug squad, Ykan, recently announced the seizure of over 30 kilograms of opiate-based substances linked to an alleged opium ring operating on TikTok. This operation resulted in the remand of five individuals in their 20s, who were connected to a separate seizure of 21 kilograms of dried opium poppy pods.
According to Zarouna, these significant drug seizures reflect a broader issue of increasing drug use among young people in Cyprus. She reported that Kenthea is now witnessing teenagers as young as 14 and 15 entering their treatment programs, a trend that raises alarms among addiction specialists. "For those of us working on the front lines, it is becoming clear that people are starting to use various substances at an increasingly younger age," Zarouna stated.
The data supporting Zarouna's claims is alarming. Urban wastewater testing has revealed a staggering 260% increase in amphetamine levels in Limassol and a 258% increase in Ayia Napa since the last measurement. Additionally, there have been similarly significant increases in methamphetamine levels, as well as a 93% rise in cocaine levels and a 157% increase in MDMA, commonly known as Molly, in Larnaca.
Beyond traditional substance abuse, Zarouna also raised concerns about "behavioral addiction," particularly in relation to gambling and online gaming. She pointed out that many games designed for young children incorporate elements reminiscent of gambling, such as opening boxes for potential prizes and roulette-style mechanisms. Zarouna warned that these activities could lead to a chain reaction of problems, potentially fostering addictive behaviors from an early age.
Another area of concern highlighted by Zarouna is the rising popularity of e-cigarettes, especially among young girls. She emphasized the need for proactive prevention measures to address these issues, stating that Kenthea is committed to promoting awareness and providing care to those in need. The organization has implemented initiatives like the Early Warning and Monitoring System for Drugs to help identify and respond to emerging drug trends swiftly.
Zarouna also discussed the identified risk factors that contribute to addiction susceptibility. These include early school dropout, experiences of abuse, and insufficient parental supervision. By understanding these factors, Kenthea aims to develop targeted interventions that can help mitigate the risks associated with substance abuse and gambling.
The director underscored the importance of early detection of new psychoactive substances, which frequently appear on the market. "The goal is the early detection of new psychoactive substances," Zarouna said, highlighting the organization's commitment to staying ahead of the evolving landscape of drug use.
As Cyprus grapples with these rising challenges, Zarouna's insights serve as a call to action for parents, educators, and policymakers to address the growing issues of substance abuse and gambling among the youth. The need for comprehensive prevention strategies and support systems is more critical than ever to safeguard the well-being of the younger generation in Cyprus.