The Problem of the Spread and Abuse of Psychoactive Addicted Substances in Cyprus and the Role of the NGO Center for Education about Drugs and Treatment of Drug Addicted Persons (KENTHEA) in Aid of Prevention
The problem of use and abuse of psychoactive addicted substances started becoming obvious in Cyprus, soon after the Turkish invasion of 1974. It has since developed radically, especially during 1980s.
At the beginning of the 1990s the public reluctantly accepted this new situation. The existence of the problem, however, was by that time an unfortunate fact which in spite the defensive attitude of many government officials became clearly obvious. At this time we see the creation of organizations and societies and the beginning of an initiative regarding national policy for prevention.
The statistics of arrests and cases that have been taken to court clearly show a steady increase to the development of the problem (see table). The problem was further exacerbated by series of facts which took place such as:
A. Exterior
1. Regional events (The Lebanese civil war).
2. Expansion of tourism (Over 1.500.000 tourists yearly).
3. Cypriots studying abroad (over 10.000 students studying in Europe and USA).
4. Repatriation of Cypriots (Over 20.000 for ten years).
5. Availability of illegal supply of substances from the occupied territories.
B. Interior
1. Psychological problems, anxiety, permanent traumatic stress.
2. Less social control.
3. Consumerism.
One of the most serious external factors was the civil war in Lebanon. Around 40,000 Lebanese moved to Cyprus as refugees and Cyprus remained the only country through which Lebanon could communicate with the rest of the world.
Since the drug routes were interrupted, Cyprus began to be used as a transit station. Part of the shipment that was transferred through Cyprus remained on the island. This is proven by the increased number of people of Lebanese origin who were arrested during the period from 1978 to 1992. These people stopped being arrested after 1992 when the war ended and Beirut airport re- opened. The sea routes could be used now for direct exports from Lebanon and Cyprus seized to be used for this trade.
Due to the internal situation in Cyprus a demand was created for drugs and to cover the needs of the local consumers who could no longer be supplied from overseas cannabis plantations were formed which the police began to discover during and after 1993. The relevant table show the differences.
The increase of these incidents made public opinion more sensitive to these issues and so in 1989 the Cyprus Government decided to form the National Committee for the prevention of spread and use of drugs in Cyprus. Five sub-committees worked and prepared their findings and suggestions for this.
In many towns Committees and Organizations were formed which had as the aim to inform and make people more aware of the problem. These efforts were admirable because they activated in an effective way powers which could more flexibly be use in prevention, than the government bureaucratic machine. On the other hand there was also the danger of giving wrong and different messages, which could confuse common opinion.
Despite the honest intention of the members of these organizations to help, their initiatives were not rendered under a specialized scientific philosophy, program and coordination. The need for a pancyprian organization that needed to gather the initiatives and coordinate the struggle of the non-governmental organizations against drugs, was not only essential but imperative as well. Therefore, in 1994 the Center for Drug Prevention and Rehabilitation for Substance Dependent Person (KENTHEA) was established. (See the following figure).
CENTER FOR EDUCATION ABOUT DRUGS AND TREATMENT OF DRUG ADDICTED PERSONS (KENTHEA)
Address of Headquarters: Mitropolis Kitiou, Larnaca, Cyprus
Chairman of the Council: Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Kition
Name and title of Chief Executive and Scientific officer: Dr. Kyriacos Veresies, Neurologist, MD. Psychiatrist, MD. PhD.
Date of establishment: 3rd of September 1994.
GENERAL OBJECTIVES
The Center' s targets are:
- To study the peculiarities of the problem in Cyprus by contacting research and by establishing a monitoring system which will record everything that connected to the spread and use of addictive substances in the island.
- To offer services towards the primary and secondary prevention in all levels of the society by providing education for individuals, groups and organizations.
- To provide therapy and rehabilitation for addicts in the unifies and other specialized centers by using the volunteer work and involving the local communities and authorities.
- To coordinate and plan the activities of the volunteer organizations- members of KENTHEA all over Cyprus.
- To assist in the provision of government policy and to supplement the governmental services on the issue.
- To collaborate and cooperate with international organizations and other local ones from the neighbouring countries for providing common activities to combat drug abuse.
Structure, Philosophy and Fundamental Principles of the Organizational Structure and Operation of KENTHEA
The organizational structure and operation of KENTHEA is based on the following fundamental principles.
1. Self management, self administration, self funding
Experience has shown that self management and self administrative preventive and therapeutic models that have already succeeded self funding or have set their goals towards self funding, are: note effective since there is no interference from outsiders.
2. Selection for the decentralized intervention model
A centralized model that decides, plans and materializes preventive and therapeutic programs can not be effective. With the decentralized preventive and therapeutic model KENTHEA applies the program and in this way, the Member Associations maintain their autonomy. Therefore the central bodies of KENTHEA limit their function in:
a) Drafting the functioning parameters,
b) Providing guidelines in specific matters such as scientific issues and self funding,
c) Coordinating,
d) Activating the groups/targets that materialize the specific function and maintain the responsibility of the organizations function.
3. Voluntary active participation in the planning and application of the activities
Widened and upgraded participation:
a) increases the representation and contributes to better correspondence of the actions of the institution the and people's needs,
b) functions as an important control to the abuse of power,
c) activates people that tend to individualize and alienate themselves by offering them group mode of thinking and the feeling of cooperation,
d) offers the possibility of change in the priorities, selection of corrective actions and appreciation of the common interest in a dynamic procedure,
e) widens the base of a pluralistic system with direct positive consequences in matters of decision making and transfer of authority,
f) widens the various functions by giving them broader social dimensions.
4. Distribution of power, transfer of responsibilities
The program, in order to be effective, it must preserve the characteristics of an open system which in the framework of power transfers responsibilities and involves all the relevant parties.
5. Irrational Open Communication of Individuals - Groups of the Community
The irrationality of the involved parties contributes in the development of possible communication and in the accomplishment of common expectations.
The Advisory Centre and the Therapeutic Community should function as open systems that locate and accept the positive elements and suggestions. This feedback of the broader society can provide growth and development.
The slogan of the Therapeutic Community. Support the self-support, corresponds to the reality of both the Cypriot and other human communities.
6. Solving of problems, learning techniques on personal and community level
The problem, solving techniques are the instruments that will make the system effective. The learning of those techniques, whether they apply to the members or the staff, must be consummated through an organized educational system.
KENTHEA is on the process of materializing educational programs that apply to the members of the Community like the parents and the members of the school and local community.
7. Self-support, Individual and Social Development
The ultimate target of every activity of KENTHEA is the achievement of individual and social development.
If a social change is considered to be the procedure for prolific and creative interaction between individuals, groups, communities and political system, then the personal growth of individuals and the undertaking of personal responsibility is a prerequisite for a society with less problems.
The development, maturity and undertaking of responsibility are targets that can be achieved without the dependency from therapeutic mechanisms. For these reasons, KENTHEA has consciously chosen the simple group psychotherapy techniques such as encounter groups, social skills etc.
These techniques, are easy to learn and they can be comfortably utilized from the interested persons themselves. In this way, the subjects of preventive measures or therapy do not turn into passive recipients of the experts knowledge.
The staff has now the possibility, to undertake a new, more creative role whereas the individuals involved feel proud and strong because they have the responsibility and possibility to achieve a life target: to confront and solve the problem of the local, school and therapeutic community.
This simple but decisive and defined functioning model will permit the prevention and therapy units of KENTHEA to function with the minimum possible staff and effectiveness and positive results.
ORGANIZATIONAL LIFE CYCLE
A useful way to think about organizational growth and change is provided by the concept of "life cycle" 'which suggests that organizations are born, grow older and eventually die.
Organization structure, leadership style and administrative systems follow a fairly predictable pattern through stages in the life cycle. Stages are sequential in nature and follow a natural progression. Four major stages characterize organizational development. These stages are:
1. Entrepreneurial stage
2. Collective stage
3. Formalization stage
4. Elaboration stage
According to these stages if we examine the life cycle of KENTHEA we can define that now it is in the Collective stage. The departments are established along with hierarchy of authority, the regional organizations and educational groups identify with the mission of the organization and they spend long hours helping the organization succeed. Members feel part of a collective group, and communication and control are mostly informal although a new formal systems is starting to appear.
The crisis which appeared in this stage showed the need of delegation. The regional organizations in the other towns of Cyprus gradually found themselves restricted by the strong top-down leadership. In this stage there was the need to provide more responsibility to the regional organizations. KENTHEA needed to find mechanisms to control and coordinate departments without direct supervision from the top. Also KENTHEA ought to find its own place in the whole system of the Cyprus society and to coordinate its activities with the governmental sector in such a way that KENTHEA will not be seen as a threat, but rather as safety.
So, in September 1997 there was a wide restructuring of the Leadership mechanisms. With this way new organizations became members of KENTHEA. Now all these organizations participate with a delegate in the Leadership Board, they participate in the decision making and implementing of the decisions.
FUND RAISING
Being a volunteer organization, KENTHEA is supported financially by the following sources:
1. State funding
Programs run by KENTHEA are considered to be Community Programs and as such they are funded by the Ministry of Labor as Social Security.
2. Donation by "Makrasika Bank Cooperation"
Makrasika bank is an organization that finances many of KENTHEA's projects. The members of its committee have been sensitised and fund KENTHEA with a donation that matches the State fund.
3. Membership Fees
Organizations that are members of KENTHEA pay symbolic fees.
4. Donations of people who attend educational programs
To participate in an educational program, a member has to pay a small amount of money.
5. Program " A POUND PER YEAR FOR KENTHEA"
KENTHEA has established a program to help with its finance, that is directed toward the public. Through a bank order, everyone who wishes can direct their bank to subtract from their account and donate to KENTHEA the amount of one, three, five or ten pounds for the next one, three or five years. (one pound = 2 US$, approx.)
In this way we seek the conscious involvement of plenty of people against drugs. Some can donate their time and knowledge and others with this minimal reinforcement.
It should be noted that KENTHEA starts a correspondence and the establishment of a relationship with whoever donates their money be sending to their house all its printed material and by providing them with a financial statement so that they can see where their money is being used.
MEMBERSHIP AND AFFILIATIONS:
1. EMPASA Euromediterranean Partnership Against Substance Abuse
2. ICAA International Council on Alcohol and Addiction
3. EUTC, European Union of Therapeutic Communities.
The problem of drug spreading and drug use is a psychological problem that does not only concern the user but the society as a whole. The solution to this problem demands the conscious participation of the whole population and especially the organized groups that are related to youth education - parents, nursery school teacher, elementary and secondary school teacher. Enforcing a primary prevention program, KENTHEA has achieved - in the short period of the last three years - to organize all these groups and to offer them education in a unique way - by constantly creating new educators that carry on knowledge to other people. In short, what has been achieved is:
1. Active participation on behalf of the people and the community in the prevention of drug use in Cyprus.
2. For the first time in Cyprus so many volunteer organizations are acting united towards a particular prevention efforts
3. Active involvement of the local authorities. Both as organized unities through the municipalities as well as individuals, people are participating in the organization of primary and secondary prevention events.
4. Low Costs and almost nonexistent expenses (KENTHEA has no paid personal).
5. Through KENTHEA's structure, the production of new educators that can develop different programs and carry on knowledge is ensured.
6. For the first time an intervention is directed toward all social subsystems - children, parents, teachers and others - for the prevention of a social phenomenon.
7. For the first time the collection of donations is done through a bank order- without the used of any lottery or street collections. Through this, the conscious participation of more people is achieved.
8. In a unique way through the structure KENTHEA has, it achieves coordination and planning on a pancyprian basis, on activities that mishandled.
9. For the first time ever so much printed material has been available and reached so many people in order to inform and enlighten them.
10. Through the involvement of the "Union of Cypriot Journalists" at KENTHEA, there is an active involvement of the Media in the fight against drugs.
11. For the first time, there is a collaboration with the Ministry of Health and thus a reinforcement for the already existing prevention programs.
MAIN ACTIVITIES
1. Contacting research in the field of use and abuse of addictive substances
a) Research among 3000 adolescence of the secondary Schools about Knowledge, Attitudes, Believes and Practices towards AIDS (1992). (A WHO study).
b)Research among 3000 adolescence, in Secondary Schools about Knowledge, Attitudes, Believes and Practices towards Drugs (1992).
c) Research concerning Leisure time among 1350 students in Gymnasiums of the Famagusta District(1994).
d) Research concerning Leisure time among 3300 students in Cyprus Gymnasiums (1995).
e) Research for the habits of alcohol use among 450 students and their families of INTERCOLLEGE, Larnaca (1995).
f) European Study for Drugs and Alcohol (ESPAD) among 2500 students of the Lyceums of Cyprus (1995).
g) Research about the Attitudes of 224 teachers of the Secondary Schools of Larnaca about their Attitudes toward drugs and Drug Addicted Persons (1995).
h) Research about the habits of 450 primary school children and their parents concerning smoking (1997).
i) Research among 31 prisoners of the General Prisons in Nicosia concerning the risk factors that lead to the prisons.
2. Organization of Educational Programs (National and Local Conferences Local Conferences, Seminars, Workshops) among organized groups of people-teachers, social workers, psychologists, priests, journalists, parents, advocates, pharmacists, youth leaders, women organizations leaders, children organizations etc.
a) National yearly Congress of KENTHEA volunteers. Provided every January in the Cyprus University in collaboration with the Cyprus University and the local society against drugs.
b) Pancyprian Conference of the Teachers Educators of KENTHEA organized every October in the Pedagogical Institute of the Ministry of Education and Culture in collaboration with the Pedagogical Institute, the Municipality of Latsia and the local anti-drug society.
c) Panhellenic Congress for Alcohol Use-Abuse Problems- organized every year in September in the town of Larnaca, in collaboration with the Athens University, Thessaloniki University, Crete University, Center for Treatment of Drug Addicted Persons (KETHEA) Greece, the Open Therapeutic Community in Larnaca and the local anti-drug society.
d) Pancyprian yearly Children Forum against nicotine addiction - organized every May in the town of Ayia Napa, in collaboration with the Municipality of Ayia Napa and the Local Anti-drug Society.
e) Pancyprian workshop of the women's organizations, organized every June in the town of Dherynia in collaboration of the Municipality of Dherynia and the local anti-drug society.
f) Pancyprian yearly Conference of the Parents associations against drugs- organize every February in the town of Paphos in collaboration with the Municipality of Paphos and the local anti-drug society.
g) Pancyprian yearly Conference of the students of the Secondary schools - organized every March in the town of Limassol, in collaboration with the Municipality of Limassol and the local anti-drug society.
h) Pancyprian yearly Conference of the Youth Organizations-organized in collaboration with the Youth Organization of Cyprus every June in Nicosia.
i) Pancyprian yearly Conference of the Youth Centers-organized in collaboration with the Youth Organization of Cyprus every June in the capital Nicosia.
j) Yearly conference of the Open Therapeutic Community for Drug Addicted Persons "TOLMI" - provided every year on September in the town of Larnaca.
k) Picnic for alcoholics and their families-organized every May by TOLMI in a small forest near Larnaca.
l) Pancyprian Sport Day Against Drugs- yearly sport activity provided every July in Larnaca in collaboration with the Municipality of Larnaca and the local associations and includes, swimming, running, motor and bicycles rallies. About 250 people participate every year.
Furthermore, every year, about 200 workshops and lectures are organized for educating the volunteer groups and programs all over Cyprus with the involvement of about 20.000 persons yearly.
3. Organization of therapeutic programs- stations for advice about drugs, hot telephone line, therapeutic communities and rehabilitation centers
a) In Larnaca since 1994 is established an Advisory Center for Parents and Drug Addicted persons.
b) In Larnaca since 1992 an Open Therapeutic Community provides programs of self help groups for Alcoholics and Drug Addicted persons. (For English and Greek speakers). About 500 persons participated in both groups.
c) SOS Line for Psychological support (09-659-659). It works only with volunteer work of 34 professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, sociologists and psychiatric nurses) by using on rotation a mobile telephone. The line gives non-stop services 24 hours daily. More than 10,400 people asked for help.
d) Supporting program for Prisoners of the General Prisons in Nicosia. This includes regular visits of a trained group of students of the Cyprus University in the General Prisons and provision of psychological support to the Prisoners. This year a theatre performance was prepared by both and was presented to the public all over Cyprus, giving messages against drugs and AIDS.
e) Edition of educating material (leaflets, brochures, books, etc.
KENTHEA has published several books with the results of the researches done up-to today and about 250.000 leaflets and other printing materials. Also educators of KENTHEA participated in more than 150 TV and Radio programs for Education. Cyprus newspapers have published more than 200 articles related to the struggle of KENTHEA against drugs.
FURTHER DEVELOPMENT
Bearing in mind the spreading of drugs and drug abuse in Cyprus, one of KENTHEA's basic goals is the creation of programs that will address secondary and tertiary prevention.
These will include:
a) The creation of Counselling Stations in all cities and peripheral communities and their staffing with specialized personnel.
b) The creation of Youth Outreach and Street work programs.
c) The creation of open and closed therapeutic communities for the treatment and rehabilitation of depended people.
d) The continuation of research with the contraction of research that will include all population, in order to examine the development of the problem.
e) Collaboration with international institutions in order to exchange knowledge and experiences.
f) The employment of at least one employee to work as a secretary.
MEMBERSHIP LIST
1. Cyprus Church
2. Youth Organization
3. Cyprus University
4. Union of Mayors of Cyprus
5. Union of Municipalities
6. Women's Organizations
7. Union of Cypriot Journalists
8. Higher Technical Institute
9. Union of Social Workers
10. Union of Psychologists of Cyprus
11.Union of Greek Cypriot Teachers of the Primary Schools (POED)
12.Organization of Teachers of the Secondary Schools of Cyprus(OELMEK)
13. Organization of the Teachers of the Technical Secondary Schools (OLTEK)
14. Scouts of Cyprus
15. Odoiporoi Agapis-Larnaca
16. Union of the Pharmacists of Cyprus
17. Association for prevention of the use of Drugs-Nicosia
18. Anti-Drug Society - Larnaca
19. Anti-Drug Society ASPIS - Limassol
20. Society for Antinarcotic Action - Limassol
21. Anti-Drug Society -Dherynia
22. Anti-Drug Society - Paphos
23. Anti-Drug Society - Ayia Napa
24. Anti-Drug Society - Aradippou
25. Open Therapeutic Community TOLMI - Larnaca
26. Antinarcotic Group - INTERCOLLEGE - Larnaca
27. Antinarcotic Group - INTERCOLLEGE - Limassol
28. Group of Parents against Drugs- Dhali
29. Group of Parents against Drugs- Pervolia
30. Group of Parents against Drugs- Livadhia
31. Group of Parents against Drugs-Kissonerga
32. Group of Parents against Drugs- Liopetri
33. Group of Parents against Drugs- American Academy-Larnaca.