Cyprus recorded 182 deaths from drug overdose between 2004-2023 figures from the Monitoring Department/National Drug Documentation and Information Center of the Cyprus Νational Addictions Authority (CNAA) show.
Of the 182 deaths, 17 occurred in 2023, the vast majority of which is related to the use of cocaine and methamphetamine, a press release by the Authority said, on the occasion of International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD), August 31.
This year’s message is “Joining Forces for Life”, which highlights the importance of collective action and solidarity in preventing overdose deaths, CNAA said.
According to the EU Agency for Drugs and Drug Abuse at least 6,500 overdose deaths were recorded in the EU in 2023, with the majority associated with the simultaneous use of multiple substances, such as opioids, stimulants, alcohol and benzodiazepines.
The Authority said in its press release that it continues to implement comprehensive strategies to prevent overdose deaths, with a focus on the actions such as substitution treatment, availability of naloxone (nasal spray), harm reduction and awareness for combating stigma and taboos.
The Authority will run an awareness campaign August 31 at Elefheria Square in Nicosia.
