One in ten Cypriots has used cannabis at least once, according to a report by the Monitoring Center for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EKTPN). Most users belong to the 15-34 age group. However, the percentages of drug use in Cyprus are much lower than those in other European countries. Specifically, the number of drug related deaths in 2013 is very low, with only 13 such deaths reported, three of those caused by overdose. Most others were deaths in traffic accidents where drugs were detected in the drivers’ bodies. The report showed that one in five Europeans has used cannabis. Also, 20% of Europeans said they used cannabis in 2013, while in Cyprus only 3% of the population admitted they used the drug in 2013. EKTPN said that there is a sharp decline in heroin use in Cyprus and since 2009 the number of heroin users seeking treatment has increased. However, the drop in heroin users is a European phenomenon. Figures show that 1,092 users sought help in 2013, compared to 1,132 the previous year. The profile of these users was male, 27 years old, Greek-Cypriot, cannabis user for nine years. Four out of 10 users were unemployed and 35% had not completed compulsory education – up to the age of 15. According to the report, 39 intravenous drug users, out of 82 checked, tested positive for Hepatitis C. There were also six cases of HIV, reported by the individuals but not verified by EKTPN. EKTPN will conduct four new surveys in 2015, two among the general population and pupils, and two focusing on new substances.
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