Theme: DRUGS, AFFLUENCE AND POVERTY

Title:
Social Exclusion of Drug Addicts in an economic crisis environment

Authors:
Papanastasatos G. Head of KETHEA Research Sector
Triantos P. Head of KETHEA Evaluation Dept
Daliani E. Head of KETHEA Documentation Dept

Contact Details:
Petros Triantos, 24 Sorvolou strt, Athens 11636 Greece,
Tel: +302109241993-6 (ext.270) Fax: +302109241986,
triantos@kethea.gr

Objective: Drug addicts is a social group who experiencing severe social exclusion.
This condition is resulted to limited or none access to employment, education, and
physical and mental health care services. Also, delinquency has a significantly high
rate among this particular group. In addition, studies have proven that in a financial
crisis environment conditions of social exclusion are deteriorated. This study is aim to
investigate social exclusion status and aspects in drug addicts who participate in
KETHEAs programme.

Methodology: A combination of both quantitative and qualitative methods will be

used. Quantitative data from the Treatment Demand Indicator (TDI) and EuropASI on
physical and mental health, employment and educational status criminality and legal
issues profile and social conditions will be presented. Qualitative data from in depth
interviews in order to investigate views and beliefs of drug addicts participating in
therapeutic programmes, regarding social exclusion will highlight the severity of the
phenomenon

Significant Results: Drug addicts are experiencing increased health problems (both
physical and mental), poor educational background, high unemployment rate, and
problematic social and family relationships. Their legal problems are significant and a
high percentage has been incarcerated. Theres a high level of uncertainty and fear
between them that this negative condition will be worsened within the context of the
economic crisis, especially in terms of their successful rehabilitation and recovery.