ALCOHOL ALERT PROGRAMME FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
The “Alcohol Alert” programme was organised in Agros between 13-15 May 2022 by the Cyprus Youth Clubs Organisation with the support of the Erasmus+ programme.
The aim of the programme is to inform and raise awareness among young people about alcohol abuse and to identify the harmful factors that affect young people.
50 young people aged 18-30 years old participated voluntarily and were informed by an important group of speakers so that they could become the real influencers on the issue of alcohol abuse and addiction in society, friends, friends, schools, universities.
As mentioned in the programme, in Cyprus, estimates show that at least 4.5% of the population is dependent on alcohol. In the population of Cyprus this amounts to 45-50 thousand people. Students in Cyprus seem to consume alcohol more often than students in Europe, but in smaller quantities. About 1 in 10 students (11%) reported binge drinking in the past month, and of those who had used alcohol in the past month, about 4 in 10 reported excessive drinking.
Cypriot students find it much easier to find alcohol, compared to their other European peers. The access of adolescents and young people to alcohol in Cyprus exceeds the average of other European countries. 8 out of 10 students report that it is easy/very easy to find alcohol.
There were strong reactions from the participants to the fact that there is only one state-run rehabilitation centre in Cyprus, the Therapeutic Unit for Dependent Individuals (THEMEA), which has 6 beds.
The issue of “Alcohol Abuse and Addiction” remains another taboo locked behind attitudes, politics, traditions but mostly indecisiveness to come out into the open and be addressed.
The Cyprus Youth Clubs Organisation through its actions and programmes will continue to actively contribute to the awareness of young people in Cyprus on various issues. In cooperation with its members, governmental bodies, non-governmental organisations, the business world and civil society, KOKEN designs, develops and promotes the implementation of effective measures to empower young people.
