NCJ Number
130792
Date Published
1991
Length
18 pages
Annotation
The report presents statistics and brief discussions on the various aspects of drug abuse in Greece and the effectiveness of the country's drug policy.
Abstract
A description of the situation, trends, and statistics of drug abuse found in Greece begin the report. The discussion shows that there has been an increase in drug related deaths and police arrests and that treatment demand is not a reliable indicator of drug abuse in Greece. The report describes the users in Greece, what type of drugs are being used, and how they are being used. It reviews the governmental structures responsible for the drugs and for the definition and implementation of policy. The basic approach of the legal policy on drugs is that penalties for trafficking offenses, sale, possession of large quantities of narcotics, and cultivation are severe. However, dependence on narcotics is a mitigating factor for all drug offenses. Possession of small quantities of narcotics for personal use or consumption of narcotics by a drug dependent person is not a punishable offense. The State assumes the responsibility of the treatment of drug dependent person. Treatment is obligatory whether the drug dependent offender is punished by imprisonment or not. Areas of the policy needing reform are discussed, and practical law enforcement issues are presented. Greece's policy on drug information, education, and prevention programs are explored briefly including their organization, effectiveness, and areas for improvement. Discussions of treatment programs and international cooperation in drug control conclude the report. 1 table