A. EPIDEMIC RESEARCH Greece took part via ΕΚΤΕPN: I. In 2002 in a European survey of student population (HBSC-WHO) II. In 2003 in a world wide survey of student population for the use of alcohol and other drug substances

All data gathered was compared to data from the 1999 survey that is referred in the alcohol consumption: a) excessive consumption (≥ 5 drinks per occasion) and drunkenness. b) understanding of students of the harms caused by consumption of alcohol.

RESULTS

Use of alcohol 40 or more times during life the last 12 the last 30 months days

Use of alcohol 40 or more times in the life per sex boys girls

Consumption of beer, wine and strong alcohol drink during the last 30 days Consumption of beer of wine of strong alcohol drink 3 or more times

Consumption of more than 5 drinks for at least twice during the last 30 days Total Boys Girls

At least 3 personal experiences of being drunk During life time The last 12 month The last 30 days

At least 3 personal experiences of being drunk during life time per sex Boys Girls

Adolescents who recognize “moderate” or “major” harm caused by frequent consumption of alcohol 1-2 drinks almost every day 4-5 drinks almost every day 5 drinks or more during week-ends

Reasons for refraining from alcohol Can probably cause serious accidents Can probably cause family problems Cause health problems High cost Weight gain Religious reasons

PREVENTION OF USE OF ALCOHOL 1. Student Community Every year primary and secondary schools run projects of Health Education. In primary schools and secondary schools participated in such programs.

2. Other Institutions There are other institutions that implement actions focused on the prevention of alcohol drinking in the school community. Three such projects were implemented through Health Education programs with 11 specialized teachers.

3.Therapeutic interventions The therapeutic interventions are implemented by specialized services to offer help to students with problems caused by the use of alcohol. There are:

 Detoxification for alcoholics “18 ANO” (Psychiatric hospital of Athens)  Intensive care unit “18 ANO” (Psychiatric hospital of Athens)  Detoxification unit of alcohol, drugs and gambling (Psychiatric hospital of Thessaloniki)

 Therapeutic programs “ATHINA” and “OKANA” (Organization against the drugs)  Therapeutic program “ALFA” (KETHEA, center therapy of addicted persons). - They offer services to those who suffer from constant use of alcohol and to those who are occasional users, their families and friends.

- They also offer 3 alternative approaches a short term, a medium term and an intensive one. They last from 3 to 8 months and they offer cure to alcohol and drug addicted people.  Another program is run by the “Alcoholic Anonymous”

In 2003 all therapeutic programs for addictions and particularly on alcohol addiction, were systematically written down.

 3 programs of external accommodation → Therapeutic Unit A  1 program of internal accommodation → Department for the therapy of alcohol addiction (18 Ano)  1 flexible program with either internal or external stay according to the needs of the addicts → Short term therapy “18 ANO”

During therapy from alcohol addiction special care is taken to prevent addicts from relapsing:  personal support and counseling (4 programs)  personal psychotherapy (4 programs)  family psychotherapy (4 programs)  group therapy

During all therapy interventions, addicts are given psychiatry and medical help. -They are also offered accommodation and career counseling. - Upon finishing the two therapy programs of “18 ANO”, special services are rendered in persons with co-morbidity and to immigrant or refuges. - A special program is addressed to adolescents with drinking problems.

AIMS OF THERAPY PROGRAMS to abstain from alcohol and other substances to reduce the harms they have suffered to stop delinquent behavior to acquire life skills to improve quality of life to alcoholics and their families

PERSONNEL In 2003, 64 people worked for these programs. Nurses, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, counselors. Also a small number of volunteers offered help. Part of these programs are organizing seminars for the personnel.

CHARACTERISTICS OF PEOPLE THAT PARTICIPATED IN THE THERAPY PROGRAMS men more than women most participants aged between The percentage of alcohol addicts with a steady job is high (31,7 – 55,7%) The percentage of alcohol addicts with higher education, is more compared to the education level of addicts of other substances.

- WORLDWIDE SURVEY (HBSC-WHO, 2002) - SCHMID H. ET ALL 2003 Comparative data for young people and alcohol, can be found in the above mentioned surveys.