Newsroom
Drug use among teenagers and young adults in Cyprus is showing no signs of easing, with the latest figures painting a troubling picture.
According to the Anti-Drug Service (ADS), by September 18 this year, 205 people between the ages of 14 and 24 had already been referred to addiction treatment programs. Of these, 143 were drug users themselves, while another 42 came from their close circle of family and friends seeking support.
That puts 2025 almost on par with last year, when 257 people were referred in total. If the current pace continues, this year’s cases could surpass 2024 levels. Authorities warn the real number of young people using drugs is likely much higher, as many cases never reach official services.
The hidden fight: prevention
Beyond arrests and treatment, the police say much of the work happens quietly, through prevention programs. The Prevention & Social Intervention Office runs school talks, workshops for students and parents, and even sessions for National Guard conscripts.
Each school in Cyprus now has a designated police liaison officer trained to step in quickly if cases of drug use or trafficking appear. Meanwhile, Social Intervention Officers, many of them trained social scientists, work directly with families and handle calls to the 1498 hotline, helping young people transition into rehab programs.
No room for complacency
Officials stress that while prevention efforts are crucial, the numbers speak for themselves: drug use among minors and young adults remains high. “This isn’t just about arrests or statistics,” one officer said. “It’s about closing off the paths that lead young people into addiction before they reach that point.”
The message from authorities is clear: Cyprus cannot afford to let its guard down when it comes to protecting its youth from drugs.
