Youth smoking and gaming addiction rising in Eastern Macedonia–Thrace
New data reveal alarming trends in smoking and other addictive behaviours among 16-year-old students in Eastern Macedonia–Thrace. The findings come from the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD), which examines substance use and addiction-related behaviour among students across Europe. The Greek segment of the study was conducted by the “Kostas Stefanis” Institute of Psychiatry, Neuroscience and Precision Medicine (EPIPSY).
A total of 48 schools from Eastern Macedonia–Thrace participated in the research. The study shows that young people in the region exceed the national average in smoking and electronic gaming, while their use of social media and gambling is roughly in line with the national figures. In contrast, rates of alcohol and illegal drug use in the region fall below the Greek average.
According to the study, 53.8% of 16-year-old students in Greece have tried smoking at least once, and 32.9% smoked within the last month. Use of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products has increased significantly over the past five years.
Students in Eastern Macedonia–Thrace tend to experiment with both traditional and electronic cigarettes at an earlier age. The region also records above-average daily and heavy smoking rates compared to the rest of the country.
Alcohol Use
Nationwide, nearly 90% of students have tried alcohol, and 60% consumed it in the past month. Binge drinking reaches 36.6%, while 13.3% report recent intoxication. Mixing alcohol with energy drinks is widespread, approaching 50%.
In Eastern Macedonia–Thrace, alcohol use and intoxication rates are below the national average on most indicators, though binge drinking levels are similar to the rest of Greece.
Illegal Drugs
Across Greece, 86.7% of 16-year-olds have never used illegal drugs. The overall usage rate stands at 13.3%, with cannabis being the most common substance (11.5%). Recent use is reported at 6.2%, and 4.2% of students are considered at high risk.
In Eastern Macedonia–Thrace, most illegal drug indicators are lower than the national average, though the age of first experimentation tends to be slightly lower.
Social Media and Electronic Games
40.5% of 16-year-olds spend more than four hours per day on social media during weekdays, rising to 64.9% on weekends. Problematic social media use affects 48% of students, with girls at greater risk both in daily use and problematic patterns.
In electronic gaming, Eastern Macedonia–Thrace and the North Aegean record the highest usage rates nationwide. Problematic gaming reaches 27% in Eastern Macedonia–Thrace—well above the national figure.
Gambling and Betting
One in three 16-year-old students in Greece gambled or placed bets in the past year. Problematic gambling affects 11%, while 3% are considered at risk of addiction.
Eastern Macedonia–Thrace is close to the national average in most problematic gambling indicators, but the region shows high participation in online draws and lottery-style games.
