Pafos Press 20 December 2024
One hundred and fourteen people have been served from January 2024 until today at the Open Treatment Center for Dependent Persons (A.The.K.E.A.), "I Tolmi", in Paphos, said its President, Annita Taliotou. In the current time period, he said, there are 52 active incidents.
Asked about the problem of drug and alcohol use in Paphos, Mrs. Taliotou noted that this is serious and multidimensional, reflecting national and European trends. According to the Annual Review of the National Addiction Authority of Cyprus (AAEK) for 2023 and the wastewater analysis for 2021, drug use in Paphos is of particular concern, she said.
She pointed out that cannabis is the most prevalent substance, while the detection of amounts of methamphetamine, cocaine, amphetamines and other stimulants in the sewage shows the frequency of use of various substances in the area.
Ms. Taliotou noted that the age analysis shows that people aged 15-34 are more prone to substance use, especially stimulants such as cocaine and amphetamines.
The presence of these trends highlights the need for targeted prevention and treatment interventions aimed at specific age groups, with the aim of education and awareness, she added.
Drug and alcohol use is a serious challenge that requires intensifying prevention, treatment and information efforts to limit health and societal consequences, she said.
It is noted that the Open Therapeutic Center for Addicts (A.The.K.E.A.), "I Tolmi" in Paphos is a non-governmental, non-profit program, approved by the Cyprus Addiction Treatment Authority (AAEK).
