Substance Addiction Was Discussed at IZU

Risk factors for substance addiction and ways of prevention were discussed at the Narko-Youth Training organized by the Addiction Prevention Commission.

At the Narko-Youth Training organized by the IZU Addiction Prevention Commission, presentations were delivered by police officer Fatih Kara from the Küçükçekmece District Police Department and Specialist Psychologist Şilan Zelal Harmankaya from IZU. The program, held at the Abdullah Tivnikli Conference Hall, was attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences Prof. Dr. Ayşe Nefise Bahçecik, Director of the Continuing Education Application and Research Center Prof. Dr. Hayrettin Akkaya, academics, and students.

“SUBSTANCE USE BEGINS IN ADOLESCENCE”
In her opening speech, Dean Bahçecik emphasized that addiction has many forms. Stating that “Substance addiction is among the most important problems in the world and in Türkiye,” Bahçecik drew attention to the role of the family in combating addiction. The approach of law enforcement in the fight against drugs was explained with the following remarks: “We have a survey consisting of 77 questions conducted with substance users. The results show that 73 percent of addicts start using substances between the ages of 15 and 24. For this reason, we attach great importance to awareness trainings for young people.” It was also emphasized that the tendency toward crime increases among addicts and that substance use is often accompanied by crimes such as theft, robbery, and pickpocketing.

“NOT FREEDOM, BUT CAPTIVITY”
In her presentation titled “A Psychological Perspective on Substance Addiction,” Specialist Psychologist Şilan Zelal Harmankaya addressed the risk factors that lead to substance use and ways of prevention. Stating that “Substance use is not freedom but captivity,” Harmankaya warned that factors such as identity search, curiosity, and the desire to push boundaries during youth can lead young people to harmful habits. Harmankaya listed the measures that can be taken to prevent addiction as follows: “Strengthening social bonds, setting meaningful goals, learning emotional regulation, and seeking psychological support when needed.”