Comparative Analysis of Substance Abuse in Students: Northern Cyprus vs. European Union and Southern Cyprus Findings

Abstract

This chapter evaluates findings of self-reported substance use in 15- and 16-year-old students in Northern Cyprus and compares results with those of similarly aged high school students in Europe and Southern Cyprus obtained via the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD). Specifically, the study evaluated recent and lifetime use of cigarettes/e-cigarettes and alcohol; illicit drugs, including amphetamines, cannabis, cocaine/crack, ecstasy, methamphetamines, heroin, and LSD/hallucinogens; and misused therapeutic drugs and chemicals including inhalants, tranquilizers/sedatives, painkillers, and anabolic steroids. Experience with gaming also was compared for the regions, and prevalence of gambling was assessed for the Northern Cyprus cohort. Frequency data were evaluated qualitatively, as individualized data sets were not available. European data included the average results for 37 participating countries. Northern Cyprus students participated in nearly all risky behaviors with considerably less frequency than Southern Cyprus and European students; the only exception was lifetime use of cigarettes. Lifetime use of alcohol was prevalent in Northern Cyprus at 24.7%; however, use in the past year decreased to only 8.6%. The most frequently used drug class by North Cyprus students were painkillers at 2.8%; frequency of use of all other drugs was ≤ 2%. Gambling in Northern Cyprus was infrequent at 6.5%, while students regularly engaged in digital gaming (71.1%). Even with generally low rates of risky behaviors in Northern Cypriot youth, there can be serious consequences for those involved in these activities and steps should be taken at all levels (familial, community, and national policy) to educate and support adolescents to limit these risky behaviors.