Corfu number one in Greece for young cannabis users
drugs
20 Jan 2023
/ 10:20
CORFU. Even 9-year-olds are using cannabis and other inhaled drugs and use is increasing in the 20-35 age group.
Corfu continues to have a drug problem with even 9-year-olds going to the Diaplus Rehab Facility for help.
Until recently the use of addictive substances in Corfu was average for the country but there has been an increase in the use of cannabis, due in part to the geographical location of the island, acting as a channel for the import of substances from neighbouring Albania.
Average age 15½
Diaplus scientific director Elias Mihalareas told Enimerosi that according to research by the University Mental Health Research Institute, Corfu is number one in Greece for the use of cannabis by youngsters (9-20 age group) with an average age of 15½. The number of users in the 20-35 age group is average but with an upward trend.
"There is a big increase in the use of cannabis amongst school pupils and young people," said Mr. Mihalareas. "We have even had cases of 9-year-olds at Diaplus using cannabis and inhaling glue and adhesives. There is a connection between the use of cannabis and other addictive substances as 95% of those using opiates had previously used cannabis. The increase in the use by young people is extremely concerning."
Reasons for use
With regard to the reasons he said that serious issues of alienation, loneliness, isolation and failure in social relationships can be seen. "The young people are more withdrawn," he explained. "Unfortunately, there is less collectivity and the physical community space has been replaced by cyberspace and social media, resulting in problems with social identity in adolescence whereby children can express their emotions, thoughts, creativity and dreams."
Rehab and therapy programme full
At the moment the unit attached to Corfu Hospital Psychiatric Clinic is providing care for 140 people and advice and support for their families as well as Corfu Prison inmates. According to data for the period 2013-2018, the rehabilitation percentage is 70-75% of which 15% relapse and returns to the programme,which is 'dry' and doesn't provide substitute substances.
The therapy approach is based on psychotherapy (individual, group and alternative forms) and lasts for 24 months with the vast majority of those taking part at the end or during community reintegration finding work.
Synthetic drugs
According to psychiatrist Petros Argitis, although the use of opiates over the last decade is a third of what it was previously both nationally and locally, the opposite is true for synthetic drugs, the use of which has multiplied.
"In Corfu addiction has turned to synthetic drugs, which are used for pleasure. There is a visible drugs problem in Corfu. We have the tools to deal with it but the services are understaffed," he said, referring to the potential of street work, which aims to identify and provide support for addicts.
Corfu a channel for drug imports
Most drugs, especially cannabis, in Corfu come from Albania and in 2020 200kg of hashish was seized. Cannabis plants, however, are also cultivated in Corfu - there are even cases of individuals cultivated it in pots for their own use.
Last year approximately 50kg of cannabis was seized, over 500g of heroin and less than 1kg cocaine.
Other addictions
The problem of addiction is not limited to drugs. According to Elias Mihalareas, there is high alcohol consumption amongst young people - junior high and high school pupils - and increased addiction especially amongst females. There are also serious concerns about gambling and internet addicitions.
"The increase in gambling addiction seems to be strongly linked to the Covid period," he said. "There has also been an increase in internet addiction, which is also linked with the pandemic when pupils were spending a lot of time in front of their screens with the online lessons."
Until recently the use of addictive substances in Corfu was average for the country but there has been an increase in the use of cannabis, due in part to the geographical location of the island, acting as a channel for the import of substances from neighbouring Albania.
Average age 15½
Diaplus scientific director Elias Mihalareas told Enimerosi that according to research by the University Mental Health Research Institute, Corfu is number one in Greece for the use of cannabis by youngsters (9-20 age group) with an average age of 15½. The number of users in the 20-35 age group is average but with an upward trend.
"There is a big increase in the use of cannabis amongst school pupils and young people," said Mr. Mihalareas. "We have even had cases of 9-year-olds at Diaplus using cannabis and inhaling glue and adhesives. There is a connection between the use of cannabis and other addictive substances as 95% of those using opiates had previously used cannabis. The increase in the use by young people is extremely concerning."
Reasons for use
With regard to the reasons he said that serious issues of alienation, loneliness, isolation and failure in social relationships can be seen. "The young people are more withdrawn," he explained. "Unfortunately, there is less collectivity and the physical community space has been replaced by cyberspace and social media, resulting in problems with social identity in adolescence whereby children can express their emotions, thoughts, creativity and dreams."
Rehab and therapy programme full
At the moment the unit attached to Corfu Hospital Psychiatric Clinic is providing care for 140 people and advice and support for their families as well as Corfu Prison inmates. According to data for the period 2013-2018, the rehabilitation percentage is 70-75% of which 15% relapse and returns to the programme,which is 'dry' and doesn't provide substitute substances.
The therapy approach is based on psychotherapy (individual, group and alternative forms) and lasts for 24 months with the vast majority of those taking part at the end or during community reintegration finding work.
Synthetic drugs
According to psychiatrist Petros Argitis, although the use of opiates over the last decade is a third of what it was previously both nationally and locally, the opposite is true for synthetic drugs, the use of which has multiplied.
"In Corfu addiction has turned to synthetic drugs, which are used for pleasure. There is a visible drugs problem in Corfu. We have the tools to deal with it but the services are understaffed," he said, referring to the potential of street work, which aims to identify and provide support for addicts.
Corfu a channel for drug imports
Most drugs, especially cannabis, in Corfu come from Albania and in 2020 200kg of hashish was seized. Cannabis plants, however, are also cultivated in Corfu - there are even cases of individuals cultivated it in pots for their own use.
Last year approximately 50kg of cannabis was seized, over 500g of heroin and less than 1kg cocaine.
Other addictions
The problem of addiction is not limited to drugs. According to Elias Mihalareas, there is high alcohol consumption amongst young people - junior high and high school pupils - and increased addiction especially amongst females. There are also serious concerns about gambling and internet addicitions.
"The increase in gambling addiction seems to be strongly linked to the Covid period," he said. "There has also been an increase in internet addiction, which is also linked with the pandemic when pupils were spending a lot of time in front of their screens with the online lessons."
