This study aims to identify epidemiological differences between the Greek population and immigrant drug users who seek treatment at official rehabilitation centers. The differences between the populations are examined in terms of: a) their sociodemographic characteristics, b) their treatment demand and treatment history, c) substance abuse behavior, d) their health status and the manifestation of high-risk behavior regarding substance use. The purpose of the study is to identify not only the specific characteristics of each group, but also, on a second level, the specific needs of users, particularly migrant users of toxic substances. The findings of the research can contribute to enriching experts’ knowledge of the specific needs of particular user groups and, in the long term, to improving the substance abuse treatment services provided to these groups.

Duration: 2011 – 2012

Funding: European Integration Fund

Principal Investigator: Dionyssis Balourdos

Research Team: Dina Dimou, Eleni Georgarakou, Katerina Iliou, Roi Kinti, Aliki Mouriki, Natalia Spyropoulou, Angelo Tramountanis, Katerina Tsantila, Maria Tzortzopoulou, Ioanna Tsiganou.