🇪🇺 Heroin Addiction Treatment · Greece

Heroin use places a heavy burden on individuals, families, and communities. Across Europe, including Greece, an estimated 1.3 million people used opioids in the past year, with heroin accounting for the majority of opioid-related treatment admissions (EMCDDA, 2024). At European Addiction Centers (EAC), we connect you with accredited, private clinics providing specialist heroin addiction treatment in Greece. Our network offers medically supervised detox, evidence-based therapy, and structured aftercare—all delivered in safe, confidential settings. Whether you live in Athens, Thessaloniki, or elsewhere, we can help you find the right support. Learn more about our approach on our dedicated Heroin Addiction Treatment page.

Greece faces a persistent heroin problem, particularly in urban centres. In 2023, opioids—primarily heroin—were involved in approximately 70% of all drug-related deaths in the country, according to the Greek National Documentation and Monitoring Centre for Drugs. The Athens and Piraeus regions account for the highest concentration of opioid users, many of whom are long-term, poly-drug users. Heroin is often injected, raising risks of blood-borne viruses such as HIV and Hepatitis C.

Legally, Greece operates a public health approach: drug use is decriminalised for personal possession, while trafficking remains a criminal offence. The national health system (ESY) provides substitution therapy (methadone and buprenorphine) through state-run programmes, but waiting lists can be long, and privacy is limited. Cultural stigma around addiction remains strong, especially in rural areas and among older generations, which discourages many from seeking help.

Private care offers an alternative: faster access, greater confidentiality, and integrated treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions. EAC works with partner clinics across Greece, including in Crete and the Peloponnese, to provide high-quality care. For a full list of options, visit our page on rehab centres in Greece.

Heroin addiction is a chronic condition characterised by strong cravings, compulsive use, and physical dependence. Common signs include constricted pupils, drowsiness, weight loss, and neglect of personal hygiene. Withdrawal symptoms—such as nausea, muscle aches, sweating, and severe anxiety—can begin within hours of the last dose, driving continued use.

Psychologically, heroin alters the brain’s reward system, leading to an inability to feel pleasure from normal activities. Many individuals also experience co-occurring mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This is known as dual diagnosis and requires integrated treatment.

The impact extends beyond the individual. Family relationships often suffer due to secrecy, financial strain, and emotional exhaustion. At work, absenteeism and reduced performance are common. Left untreated, heroin addiction carries a high risk of fatal overdose. However, with structured medical care, recovery is achievable.

EAC connects clients with private, accredited clinics throughout Greece offering a range of treatment levels. These include:

Evidence-based therapies used in partner clinics include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Contingency Management, and 12-step facilitation. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) is also available. All clinics employ multilingual staff (English, Greek, and often German or French) and operate under strict GDPR-compliant confidentiality protocols.

EAC ensures that each client is matched to a clinic suited to their clinical needs and personal preferences, including location and language.

1. 1. Free confidential assessment: Contact us by phone or online. A specialist will speak with you the same day to understand your situation, substance use history, and any co-occurring conditions.
2. 2. Personalised treatment plan: Based on the assessment, we develop a tailored plan—detox, therapy, and aftercare—with a dedicated case manager.
3. 3. Placement and admission: We arrange admission at one of our partner clinics in Greece, coordinating travel if needed.
4. 4. Treatment programme: Most heroin programmes last 4 to 12 weeks, starting with detox and progressing to intensive therapy addressing underlying causes.
5. 5. Aftercare and relapse prevention: Before discharge, a relapse prevention plan is created, including ongoing therapy, peer support groups, and family involvement.