Drug Alarmism by Politicians, Media Clashes with Stats

Examining the Realities Behind Drug Alarmism

In the realm of public discourse, drug alarmism has long been a tool wielded by both politicians and the media to shape perceptions about drug use. Historically, terms like ‘white death’ were liberally applied to substances such as marijuana, painting a grim picture of inevitable demise for those who dared to partake. This approach not only fed on a lack of public knowledge but also bolstered policies of zero tolerance, resulting in harsh penalties for minor drug offenses and sensationalist labeling of users as ‘merchants of death.’

Despite a more informed public today, echoes of past paranoia linger as officials continue to amplify concerns around drug-related issues. A recent example unfolded when Pavlos Mylonas, president of the House education committee, highlighted what he described as a serious drug issue within schools—a sentiment echoed by Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis. The latter pointed to the Drug Squad’s school presence and their insights into drug peddler operations as evidence of the problem.

However, a closer look at Hartsiotis’s statistics paints a less alarming picture. Over three years, 420 youths were referred to detox programs, averaging about 140 students annually across approximately 125 secondary schools. This suggests that on average, only one student per school undergoes detox each year—a figure that includes both public and private institutions and accounts for non-student cases as well.

The distribution of these cases is uneven, with many schools reporting no instances and a few reporting multiple. Yet, these numbers hardly support claims of a widespread drug crisis in schools. It’s worth noting that the use of soft drugs is a common teenage experience in Western cultures, often viewed as a rite of passage rather than an epidemic.

In Cyprus, the situation mirrors international trends, but local politicians seem unable to resist the pull of drug alarmism. The referral of youths to detox programs is often less an indicator of addiction and more a legal strategy to avoid charges. Despite evidence suggesting that alarmist tactics are ineffective—with reports indicating a steady rise in soft drug use—politicians and media outlets persist with this narrative.

Addressing drug use among youth requires a balanced and honest approach. Society bears the duty to educate young people on the risks associated with drugs, but the message is only as credible as its delivery. To resonate with its intended audience, it must steer clear of fear-based tactics and instead rely on factual, measured communication.