Greater addiction to alcohol and internet than to drugs in Corfu
CORFU. Mayor Meropi Ydraiou says the key in the fight against addiction is prevention.
There is still a strong issue of dependencies among young people in Corfu as elsewhere. Alcohol, cigarettes and internet addiction are at the forefront, while drug use seems to be on the decline.
On the occasion of June 26th, which has been established as World Drug Day, the Municipality of Corfu, the DIMOP N. Moros Prevention Centre and the Support Association jointly sent a message about the importance of prevention for all types of addiction. This message was delivered during a press conference held at Marasleio Town Hall on Wednesday afternoon.
Dependencies increasing
The scientific director at DIMOP N. Moros Prevention Centre, psychiatrist Annetta Tselenti, pointed out that addictions are increasingly spreading, not only related to substances but also to a lifestyle that favours their development. "Today we have the internet and a multitude of comforts that we use excessively, creating the foundation for the development of addictions," she said. "What is happening in Corfu is happening throughout Greece. There is, of course, a difference in that there is a greater use of alcohol mainly and an upward trend in smoking among young people. The rates of drug use are very low. There is a perception that drug use is prevalent because there has been an increase compared to the past, but our belief that everyone is using drugs is illusory."
She stressed that we need to intensify efforts for healthy and active lives, avoiding excessive use of the comforts of modern life, which conspire to keep us sedentary and isolated, creating conditions of dependency.
"Prevention focusses on changes in our daily lives, in the way we live, behave and our daily choices," she continued. "It involves cultivating and enhancing life skills and all factors that protect the individual, along with parallel efforts to reduce environmental factors that contribute to addiction."
Special mention was made of the role of the state in the quality of citizens' lives through the strengthening of all healthcare and welfare infrastructures and the reduction of substance availability.
Checks and support
In her statement, Mayor Meropi Ydraiou emphasised that prevention is the key in the fight against addictions, while also addressing the role of the state in this field. "The state should intensify its efforts in the field of prevention through information, reinforcing facilities such as DIMOP N. Moros with personnel," she said. "as well as conducting various intensive checks in all areas, such as underage alcohol consumption, protecting young people from games and electronic games that can have fatal consequences in their lives, and, of course, from drugs and other addictive substances."
The President of the Support Association, Spyros Dolianitis, said that the prevention of all types of addictions concerns the entire society. "There are numerous addictions, not only related to substances and drugs. At the moment, drug addiction is much lower compared to others, such as the internet, alcohol, gambling and others." He added that the Association is striving to mobilise society.
In this regard, he said that various events are expected to take place during the summer, including the screening of the award-winning film "The Painting of God," based on a theatrical play of the same title by director Iakovos Mylonas and aimed at children with special needs. The screening is scheduled to take place on July 27th and 28th.
