Compared to other European countries, Cyprus pursues a consistent and restrictive drug policy. The possession, trafficking and consumption of illegal substances are strictly prosecuted and punished accordingly severely. This clear line clearly distinguishes the island from countries such as Germany, where liberalisation has taken place in recent years, especially when it comes to cannabis. 

From the point of view of many observers – including the MFRadio team – this strict approach is not only understandable, but necessary. Especially in touristy regions with sun, beach and an international audience, there is an increased risk that drug use will establish itself as part of a supposedly "free attitude to life". Experience from other holiday destinations shows that such 
developments can quickly lead to structural problems – from rising crime to growing dependence in younger age groups.

A particularly controversial example is the recent cannabis illegalization in Germany. While proponents point to decriminalization and state control, critics see possible risks – especially for young people.

It is important to classify it objectively:
Currently, there are no reliable, long-term studies that already clearly prove that legalization has caused a significant increase in severe drug addiction among young people. However, data from addiction research show that an early start to the use of psychoactive substances – especially cannabis – can increase the risk of later dependence and mental illness.

The oft-quoted statement that "90% of all addicts start with light drugs" is scientifically untenable in this blanket form. However, it is correct that many addiction careers begin with legal or "less dangerous" substances such as alcohol, nicotine or cannabis.

Drug abuse is not a new phenomenon. As early as the 1920s and 1930s, a massive social problem around opiates and other substances developed, especially in Europe and the USA. Since then, drugs have affected millions of lives worldwide – through addiction, health consequences, social crashes and family tragedies.

To this day, addiction remains one of the greatest challenges for health systems and societies worldwide.

In Cyprus, too, police reports regularly show cases of drug trafficking and consumption. The idea that the problem does not exist would therefore be simply wrong. However, the state is pursuing an approach that combines two elements:

A current example of this second approach is provided by the city of Nicosia:

The municipality has decided to actively integrate graduates of an addiction rehabilitation programme into the labour market. Specifically, this applies to people who have successfully completed their therapy in the therapeutic community Ayia Skepi.

On the initiative of Andreas Constantinou, deputy mayor of Aglandjia, these people will be given a real second chance:
they will be employed in the organization's repair and reuse center in the future.

This measure is part of the EU-co-funded LIFE IP CY Zero Waste project and is implemented within the so-called "Green Points" – facilities that promote recycling, reuse and sustainable environmental awareness.

The logic behind this is clear:
work creates structure, strengthens self-confidence and demonstrably reduces the risk of relapse. At the same time, social added value is created through integration instead of exclusion.

Cyprus' strategy shows a clear principle:
toughness against drug-related crime – but support for people who want to find their way out of addiction.

This balance could be a relevant approach for other European countries. In particular, the discussion about age limits, regulation and prevention remains open. An increase in the minimum age for certain substances to 21 years is already being discussed in various countries in order to better protect young people in particular.

The central question remains the same throughout Europe:
How can individual freedom be reconciled with social stability – without underestimating the risks of addiction and dependence?



here are the central, official contact points for addiction issues. In Cyprus, the issue of addiction (drugs, alcohol, gambling, tobacco) is centrally coordinated by a state authority.

Central authority: Cyprus National Addictions Authority (NAAC)

The NAAC (Greek: Αρχή Αντιμετώπισης Εξαρτήσεων Κύπρου) is the highest state coordinating body of the Republic of Cyprus for all legal and illegal addictive substances as well as pathological gambling.

Important hotlines & counselling numbers

The Republic of Cyprus operates specialised helplines for various forms of addiction:

Service                telephone number     |     DescriptionCentral
Addiction Hotline                      | 1402                       | General information, help with substance dependence and reference to therapy programs.
Perseas (Protection of Minors)    | 1456                       | Especially for young people (up to 24 years) and their families (counselling centre for teenagers).
Gambling Addiction                | 1422                       | Help with problematic gambling behaviour.
Smoking          cessation | 1431                       | Toll-free hotline for smoking cessation.
Drug Investigation (Police)  | 1498                       | Helpline of the Anti-Drug Unit (YKAN) for confidential information.

In addition to the coordinating agency NAAC, there are the Mental Health Services of the Ministry of Health, which provide direct treatment:

In

recent years, the focus in Cyprus has shifted sharply from a purely criminal prosecution to a health policy approach ("treatment instead of imprisonment"). The NAAC acts as a strict guardian of the quality of the programs offered, regardless of whether they are state-run or private.

Do you need more specific data on the current "National Strategy 2021-2028" or information on private rehabilitation centres for your article?





Author: Tom Weyermann for MFRadio.de
Sources: CyprusMail / WHO / EMC for Drugs and Drug Addiction