Recently, a number of studies and research results published in scientific journals, helped us realize the level and extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people’s lives, and especially on the lives of vulnerable populations, such as drug addicts. This vulnerability, as a dynamic concept, depended, among other things, on the health policies adopted, reflecting the correlation of forces and social priorities which were finally implemented or imposed, exacerbating the already existing inequalities. These inequalities are mainly related to the right to life, shelter, safe living conditions, having a second chance or other. Drug addicts usually experience unemployment and homelessness, which further deteriorate their standards of living and do not contribute to resolving the dysfunctional schemas that supported /led them to substance dependence at some point in their lives. The papers in the current issue aim at presenting Greek research data relating to these topics, in the hopes that the readers will enrich their knowledge in the field and, if possible, come up with their own answers.
Karamichou, Tsounis and Papakosta-Gaki, conducted a systematic review on the issue of substance use prevention and more particularly in relation to the evaluation of legal and illegal substance use prevention interventions at schools. The majority the studies they reviewed report significant short-term effects, and a small but consistent protective effect in preventing tobacco, alcohol and illicit drug use. The positive effect was greater among those adolescents who had no prior drug use experience.
Basiouri and Tsiboukli, using biographical narrative approach in a qualitative research, aim to investigate adverse childhood life experiences and their association with early school leaving, substance abuse, and homelessness. The analysis of the biographies identified the loss or change of home as a crucial childhood experience. According to the participants’ narratives, this event preceded early school leaving and substance use. The latter seems to have arisen later in life as an attempt at finding relief and “self-medicate”.
Early dysfunctional schemas in students and their connection with the pathological use of the internet, are studied in a quantitative research conducted by Foteinou, Roussou and Harila. The findings highlight a statistically significant correlation between them and in particular between the time of pre-occupation in combination with the early dysfunctional schemas. In other words, with the existence of dysfunctional cognitive structures regarding self and others and in their relationship with the internet.
Finally, two interesting reports complete the content of this issue. Τhe first by Petros Triantos, who briefly presents the evolution of drug policies both on an international and national level, and the second by Fotis Panagiotounis, presenting good practices for the implementation of sports activities and presenting their contribution to the treatment of drug addiction.
We hope you’ll enjoy it.
Remos Armaos
Co-Editor of EXARTISEIS
