The addictions of Greeks are changing, according to figures published by Kethea, therapy center for dependent individuals, on Monday.
The therapy group said that in 2017, it provided 14,588 positions with treatment with cannabis, alcohol and gambling addictions taking up a growing part of its services.
In comparison to Greece's pre-crisis era, people seeking rehabilitation are now older, have more years of abuse, suffer from physical problems and depression and had run-ins with the law.
The main substance Kethea treats addicts for remains heroin and opium related substances. However, in the last ten years, the number of people who suffer from cannabis abuse soared to 35 percent in 2017 from 14 percent in 2006, Kethea said.
At the same time the number of ageing heroin addicts with increased care needs is rising with their profile showing a person above the age of 40, with a long history of drug abuse, health problems and suffering from social exclusion. The age of those needing treatment to handle cannabis addiction, on the other hand, is dropping, added the group.
Kethea said that it is boosting services for alcohol and gambling addicts due to rising demand.