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Spotlight
The social cost of illicit substances in Cyprus
‘The social cost of illicit substances in Cyprus’ is the focus of a recent research study commissioned by the Cyprus Anti-drugs Council under the supervision of the country’s national focal point. The study, covering the year 2007, measures the eco nomic cost of illicit drugs in Cypriot society and determines whether, or to what extent, money is being usefully spent in attempts to reduce drug supply and demand. Undertaken by economist Dr Pierre Kopp (Pan théon-Sorbonne University), it also outlines the framework of national public policy in this field.
Data for the study were collected by rele vant ministries as well as hospitals, NGOs and prevention, treatment and harm-reduc tion services. According to the results, the total social cost of illicit substances in Cy prus, lost every year as a result of the drugs problem, is approximately one fifth of a percentage unit of the GDP (0.22 %) (an average rating compared with other coun tries where similar studies have been undertaken). But it is thought that the total cost would have been much higher if all relevant bodies had been in a position to provide more concise and documented information.
The study found that a relatively low proportion of the social cost of illicit substances (8 %) was assigned to healthcare in the country, suggesting that, in overall health terms, drug users could be cared for better in Cyprus. Some 20 % was linked to research and prevention, reflecting the pa radigm that it is better to prevent than to cure. The indirect cost of the losses of in come and productivity to households and companies was low at 8 %. Finally, the cost of law enforcement suggested that, in the absence of treatment, repression has been over-represented with a figure as high as 64 %.
Elena Demosthenous, Cyprus national focal point
Coming soon at www.ektepn.org.cy
In this issue...
- In aqua veritas? Illicit drugs in wastewater
- New EU drugs action plan: mobilising European citizens
- HIV among IDUs in Europe: increasing trends in the East
- EU-LAC cities collaborate on drug treatment data collection
- Improving access to treatment
- Concerns expressed over Spice
- Towards the better treatment of addiction
- Best practice portal: selective prevention
- Drug use, a growing challenge for EU road safety
- Creating and consolidating national drug observatories
- Identifying Europe’s information needs
- Legal responses to new psychoactive substances in Europe
- Reitox Academy for the Andean Community
- National reporting: new guidelines for 2009
- Scientific Committee members present vision for next three years
- Management Board adopts 2009 work programme and budget
- Farewell to Pompidou Group chief
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Drugnet Europe is the EMCDDA's newsletter launched in September 1996. The newsletter provides regular and succint information on the Centre's projects and activities to a broad readership.
Page last updated: Friday, 20 February 2009