In Cyprus since 2004, 184 deaths have been recorded due to a substance overdose, according to data of the Monitoring Department of the Cyprus National Addictions Authority (NAAC).
In his message, on the occasion of the International Overdose Awareness Day, the President of NAAC, Dr. Christos Mina, says that according to the European Union Agency for Drugs, it is estimated that in 2022 there were at least 6,400 overdose deaths in the EU, noting that most deaths are linked to multiple substance use.
According to the data of the Monitoring Department of the Authority, “since 2004 when the index began to be recorded, 184 deaths have been recorded which are due to a substance overdose.”
Dr. Mina points out that “deaths from drug overdose are preventable,” adding that NAAC seeks to create a society that better understands the importance of drug overdose and how it can be prevented.
At the same time, he adds that they aim to reduce the stigma of substance-related deaths and to create a positive climate that pro
motes the reduction of substance-related harm.
To this end, notes Dr. Minas, NAAC is promoting measures such as the inclusion of people who use opioids in substitution treatment, the expansion of harm reduction interventions throughout Cyprus and the provision of harm reduction material through automated machines in all districts of Cyprus.
Furthermore, he states that NAAC is working to ensure the availability of naloxone and provide education on its appropriate use, both to frontline professionals, as well as to people who use opioids and their families.
Source: Cyprus News Agency