With strong participation from students and members of the academic community, the scientific workshop titled “Dangerous Equations: Stress, Socialization and Addictions – What Do We Really Know About Cannabinoids and Alcohol?” was held at the University of Piraeus on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in the University’s Orange Amphitheatre. The event was part of the action week “Equality in First Person.”
The workshop was co-organized by the University of Piraeus Counseling Center and the National Organization for the Prevention and Treatment of Addictions (EOPAE), aiming to inform and raise awareness within the academic community about addictive behaviors, their psychosocial dimensions, and the importance of prevention.
In his opening address, the Rector of the University of Piraeus, Professor Michail Sfakianakis, emphasized that the University does not merely transmit knowledge but also shapes values and life attitudes. He highlighted the importance of actively supporting students facing difficulties, noting that the institution provides psychosocial support structures staffed by specialized professionals. He also referred to the challenges of the modern era and the need to address addictions, stressing that seeking help is an act of responsibility.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors of EOPAE and National Coordinator for the Treatment of Addictions Athanasios Theocharis, greeted the participants and referred to the crucial role of prevention and timely information for young people in regarding addictions.
Martha Katsouli, Social Worker at the University of Piraeus Counseling Center, highlighted the need to foster dialogue within the academic community on issues of mental health and the use of psychoactive substances, underlining the importance of early intervention and the strengthening of student support services.
Subsequently, Eleftherios Mellos, Psychiatrist at the Alcohol and Legal Addictions Detoxification Unit in Alimos (EOPAE), presented “When Stress and Vulnerability Meet Psychoactive Substances,” analyzing neurobiological data linking chronic stress to the development and maintenance of addiction.
Styliani Christidi, Psychiatrist and Head of the Directorate of Therapeutic Programs for Physical Detoxification and Rehabilitation at EOPAE, presented contemporary scientific data on alcohol consumption and cannabinoid use, with particular focus on young people. Her presentation also included findings from the nationwide ESPAD 2024 survey, which records trends in substance use among students.
Efi Georgoulopoulou, Psychologist and Head of the Subdirectorate of Prevention and Awareness at EOPAE, discussed modern addiction prevention strategies, emphasizing the importance of interventions in schools, educational institutions, and local communities.
Anna Kiapoka, Psychologist and Head of the Department of Policy Planning, Development and Programming for Prevention Interventions, referred to the operation and current structures of EOPAE, which is the national organization for prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, reintegration, and harm reduction in the field of addictions. EOPAE implements the National Strategy for Addressing Addictions and carries out the National Action Plan against Addictions having integrated all state-recognized bodies providing services in prevention and treatment of addictions.
At the same time, EOPAE’s structures and services in Piraeus were presented by Aikaterini Stamati, Psychologist and Head of the Piraeus Prevention and Awareness Department; Lazaros Galanopoulos, Psychologist and Coordinator of the Attica Mobile Adolescent Information Unit; and Maria Broulidaki, Psychologist and Coordinator of the Piraeus Multidisciplinary Addiction Treatment Center. The speakers presented prevention, awareness, and support initiatives implemented in the wider area.
The workshop concluded with a discussion with the audience, highlighting the importance of prevention, awareness, and cooperation between universities and public health bodies.
Through its Counseling Center, the University of Piraeus reaffirms its active role in promoting mental health and supporting students, making a substantial contribution to addressing issues related to addictions and stress in contemporary academic life.