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Anastasia Balezdrova

Members of detoxification centres for drug addicts warn of the emergence of new drugs in Greece. In her presentation to the parliamentary committee on social issues, psychiatrist and researcher in charge of the "Over 18" centre, Katerina Matsa, said that last year, the age of drug users had fallen to 14 years. Even more shocking was the revelation that drugs containing highly toxic substances have entered the Greek "market".

She explained to the readers of GRReporter the composition of the crystal methamphetamine, widely known as meth in many countries, including Greece.

"The main ingredient is methamphetamine, which is mixed with highly toxic materials. Among them are fluids that are contained in car batteries. This means that the danger is twofold. On the one hand, methamphetamines cause psychiatric deviations and on the other, toxic substances destroy vital organs: heart, brain, liver. A girl aged 16-17 who takes meth looks like a 60-year old woman." Other substances found in the drug are alcohol, bleach and the like.

According to Katerina Matsa, the drug is widespread among 14 to 15 year olds. "They can afford it because it is extremely cheap. I would say that the price of a dose is in the range of 1-5 euro. Its use is intra-venous like heroin."

After taking meth, the drug addict is in a state of euphoria, leaves reality and looks at things in a more optimistic and positive way.

"These are substances to which these kids are turning in their desperation. The new generation is forced to live in a world, which it perceives as "hell." These children feel anger and so much more despair. So, they look for substances that will take them out of this "hell".

The psychiatrist described the consequences of taking crystal meth to the human body.

"The damage to the body is huge and people who take meth die very quickly. In Greece, we do not have data on mortality, because the drug appeared in the country a year ago. But I think that we will have some very soon. That is why the people from therapeutic centres are ringing the bell with anxiety in order not to start counting deaths, but to prevent them."

Psychiatrist Katerina Matsa from the centre for detoxification of drug addicts "Over 18"

The National Geographic video presents the consequences of the use of the drug.

According to Katerina Matsa, many different new drugs have appeared recently. "Meth is the most popular one, but there are many other synthetic drugs. They are produced in very primitive laboratories or even at home. Traffickers mix different substances and then distribute them quickly in the market. The most dangerous thing in this process is that the distribution of these drugs takes place via the Internet. "

That the crisis has increased the use of drugs is the firm opinion of the specialist. "Many children are looking for a way to escape from this reality and a cheap one for they have no money. The age of the users is gradually falling and the use of drugs is spreading among all social strata."

In conclusion, she said, "The authorities must take into account these facts and do everything possible to keep the therapeutic centres and prevent them from becoming a victim of the cuts. They are necessary now more than ever. "