Teen Gambling and Vaping Surge Among Greek Youth, ESPAD Finds

The 2024 European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD) reveals alarming trends among Greek teenagers regarding substance use and risky behaviors. Conducted across 37 countries and involving more than 113,000 students aged 15 and 16, the report highlights that over half of Greek adolescents have experimented with cigarette or e-cigarette smoking, raising serious public health concerns.

The Greek segment of the ESPAD survey, managed by EPIPSY and funded by the Ministry of Health, included nearly 7,000 students from 488 schools nationwide. The findings are corroborated by a separate study from MRB Hellas, commissioned by a tobacco company in collaboration with health authorities, which indicates that 2.9% of teenagers aged 15 to 17 in Greece utilize e-cigarettes.

Widespread Availability of Vaping and Alcohol

The ESPAD report reveals that 54% of Greek teenagers have engaged in smoking, surpassing the European average of 48%. The accessibility of cigarettes and vapes is notably concerning, with many teens reporting they began experimenting with these substances as early as age 13. Although alcohol consumption rates among Greek youth are at their lowest in 25 years, minors still have easy access, leading to higher levels of drinking than the European average across various metrics, including lifetime use and binge drinking. Reports indicate a steady increase in both binge drinking and drunkenness over the past five years.

Illicit drug use also remains prominent, with Greek teenagers reporting levels in line with or slightly above the European average. The data indicates a concerning rise in the use of inhalants and non-prescribed opioid painkillers. Furthermore, a significant number of Greek adolescents now view obtaining cannabis, cocaine, and tranquilizers as easy, reversing the downward trend observed across much of Europe since 2011.

Gambling Trends and Digital Behavior Shifts

Gambling among Greek youth presents another area of worry, with 11% of adolescents admitting to gambling, nearly double the European average of 6%. The study shows a marked increase in participation among girls, challenging previous assumptions that gambling was predominantly a male activity. Online gambling has surged, and reports indicate that harmful gambling behaviors have almost doubled, particularly among female participants.

Despite the rise in gambling participation, perceptions of problematic gaming behaviors have remained steady. Earlier this year, the Council of Europe expressed concerns about the increasing prevalence of gambling among young people across the continent and its potential effects.

Across Europe, traditional substance use, including alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs, has generally declined. Nevertheless, this progress is being overshadowed by the emergence of new addictive behaviors, such as vaping, prescription drug misuse, gambling, and excessive social media and gaming use. The report points to a diminishing gender gap, as risky behaviors are now observed equally among boys and girls.

While the decline in traditional substance use is a positive development, ESPAD warns that the rise of new forms of addiction presents a complex public health challenge that requires urgent attention.