Drug use and gambling addiction have increased sharply in recent years in southern Cyprus, according to the head of the Cyprus Drug Information and Addicts Treatment Centre (KENTHEA).
Consultant psychologist Elena Zarouna said that the recent seizure of large quantities of cannabis‑type drugs reflects a clear rise in use. She said the age of first‑time users is falling, with more 14‑ and 15‑year‑olds entering treatment programs as serious users.
Zarouna said the share of people who have used cannabis at least once has tripled between 2023 and 2026. Among adults aged 18 to 65, usage rates rose from 6.6% to 18%.
She added that gambling and online gaming addiction are also increasing, noting that gambling‑style mechanisms are now integrated into online platforms easily accessible to young children.