Grand National Assembly of Turkey Substance Abuse Research Commission: 70 percent of those who have tried it once continue to use it

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The Parliamentary Research Commission, established to investigate drug addiction and new forms of addiction in order to identify the causes of addiction and determine the necessary measures, convened under the chairmanship of Yılmaz Tezcan, AK Party Member of Parliament for Mersin.

At today’s meeting of the commission, Prof. Dr. İlhan, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at Gazi University, gave a presentation on the communication aspect of the fight against drugs.

İlhan said that presenting the drug problem to the public by linking it to terrorism would contribute to the fight against drugs.

Noting that the fight against drugs begins with supply reduction and that law enforcement agencies are working diligently on this front, İlhan stated that demand reduction is the issue that deserves the most attention in this fight.

Emphasizing that the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the Presidency of Religious Affairs have a major role to play in reducing demand, İlhan said, “At this very point, communication emerges as the most important factor. “We need to set a goal for ourselves regarding demand reduction. We must recognize that this will require a multi-sectoral effort. We must make excellent use of our communication channels,” he said.

Explaining that the 15–24 age group constitutes the most significant at-risk population for drug addiction, İlhan emphasized that all efforts should be directed toward this group. İlhan stated, “This is the area where cooperation among families, civil society organizations, the government, and the media is most essential.” “Research has shown that 70 percent of people who have tried drugs at least once continue to use them. This highlights the importance of never starting to use drugs in the first place as the primary preventive measure,” he said.

Prof. Dr. Mustafa Necmi İlhan emphasized the need to raise awareness about healthy living and the importance of preparing a guide for the media.

Noting that public service announcements on the fight against drugs could be produced for high-traffic websites, İlhan said, “A unified approach is one of the key components of this fight. We must continue our efforts using a model tailored to Turkey’s specific context, taking these challenges into account. “Shared values and inter-institutional cooperation are crucial in this fight. We need to constantly adapt as drug dealers find new ways to operate,” he said.

– “It is important for the media to come together in a shared sense of responsibility”

Yeşim Sert Karaaslan, a senior correspondent for the Anadolu Agency (AA) and vice president of the Health Communication Association, said that the media, along with society, has a major role to play in the fight against substance abuse.

Karaaslan, noting that ensuring effective communication is crucial and that the media plays a vital role in conveying information to the target audience, “For the accurate transmission of information to individuals and society, the provision of appropriate guidance, and the raising of awareness, it is important for the media to come together with a shared sense of responsibility,” he noted.

In news reports, Karaaslan emphasized that the economic value of the item should not be mentioned so as not to encourage such behavior; instead, he suggested that using terms like “bag,” “package,” or “kilogram” could help prevent those seeking to profit from this illegal activity from being encouraged to do so.

Explaining that the use of a common language in the news could be seen as another important element in the struggle, Karaaslan noted the following:

“A workshop to be held with the participation of provincial media representatives, in the spirit of shared awareness, will contribute to advocacy efforts. In many developed countries, there are journalists who specialize in diplomacy, education, and health. A journalist who is an expert in this field is well-versed in the health literature, knowledgeable about relevant legislation, and much more experienced. The media can conduct training in this area internally, or it can collaborate with relevant professional organizations and civil society organizations to hold workshops.”

– “Concerns about ratings have become alarming”

Aslan Değirmenci, President of the International Media and Information Association, said that government agencies need to develop a common language of communication with media representatives, particularly regarding the fight against drugs.

Değirmenci noted that there is significant conceptual confusion in the media and suggested that reporters in the field could be trained to put an end to this confusion.

Değirmenci, noting that when press and media centers reviewed their news archives, they found that 30,000 news stories related to this field were published each year, said, “That is truly a very high number. In 70 percent of these news stories, users are described with terms such as ‘trapped,’ ‘stuck in a quagmire,’ ‘victim,’ ‘young,’ or ‘child-aged.’ Users are generally portrayed as dangerous lunatics. We must break free from this othering,” he said.

Değirmenci argued that the media’s obsession with ratings has reached alarming levels, leading to highly sensationalized news stories. Emphasizing that this practice—carried out solely to boost viewership—must be abandoned, Değirmenci said:

“Anadolu Agency has not been providing its subscribers with suicide-related news for about three years. This is a positive development. We have observed that the number of suicide-related news stories in the media has dropped by 60 percent as a result of the agency’s decision not to provide such reports to its subscribers. We are also seeing a decrease in suicide incidents following the agency’s assumption of this responsibility. All media organizations must demonstrate the same sensitivity regarding substance abuse. I must point out, however, that the number of news stories aimed at increasing the demand for treatment in the fight against addiction is virtually nonexistent. We need to engage in this self-criticism.”

Meanwhile, representatives from the Prime Ministry’s General Directorate of Press, Publications, and Information, the General Directorate of the Turkish Employment Agency, and the Presidency of the Radio and Television Supreme Council also briefed the commission on their institutions’ operating principles and ongoing projects.

http://www.star.com.tr/guncel/tbmm-madde-bagimliligi-arastirma-komisyonu-haber-1323080/

The Turkish Grand National Assembly’s Commission on Substance Abuse Research convened

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Grand National Assembly of Turkey

Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy, Vice Rector of Üsküdar University and Director of the Institute of Addiction and Forensic Sciences, stated that approximately 450 metric tons of heroin passed through Turkey last year via the route known asthe “Balkan Route” in the drug trade.

The Parliamentary Research Commission, established to investigate drug addiction and new forms of addiction with the aim of identifying the causes of addiction and determining the necessary measures, convened under the chairmanship of Yılmaz Tezcan , AK Party Member of Parliament for Mersin.

In his presentation during the afternoon session of the meeting, Atasoy noted that heroin produced in Afghanistan is shipped to Russia and Europe, adding that the primary route to Europe is the so-called “Balkan Route,” which passes through Turkey.

Sevil Atasoy stated, “Last year, approximately 450 metric tons of heroin passed through Turkey via this route. We were able to seize part of this heroin, but we were unable to seize the rest.”

Noting that heroin production in Afghanistan has increased by 87 percent compared to last year, Atasoy said, “Turkey is a transit country. But if 450 metric tons of heroin pass through a country—no matter how much you seize, given that our seizure rate is around 40 percent—the remainder, even though it’s destined for Europe, its primary market, will inevitably seek out customers right here on our soil. After all, we’re talking about smuggling that generates enormous profits,” he stated.

Atasoy, who emphasized today that drugs are the primary source of income for illegal organizations in Europe, explained that the drug known as “captagon,” which originates in the Balkans, is transported through Turkey to countries such as Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.

Noting that millions of Captagon tablets had been seized in some provinces in the Southeastern Anatolia Region, such as Hatay and Gaziantep, Atasoy reported that hundreds of Captagon tablets had also been seized in plastic bags in some tunnels near Afrin as part of Operation Olive Branch.

Noting that Captagon—a type of amphetamine derivative—has stimulant properties, makes it easier to resist hunger and thirst, is highly addictive, and is used by terrorist groups, Atasoy said, “Wherever there are terrorist groups or civil wars in the world, we always see that a specific amphetamine derivative is being used there,” he said.

Atasoy, noting that Turkey’s efforts to combat drug production have always been met with great appreciation, continued as follows:

“However, we were unable to counter the demand with the same level of success. This is because, 25 to 30 years ago, we could not have foreseen that addiction would reach this point in this country. This is a belated effort. That said, I would also like to point out that efforts to control supply will be of no use whatsoever if efforts to curb demand are not successful. We need to place far greater emphasis on curbing demand. Curbing demand is an indispensable element of international agreements.”

“The fight against drugs should begin in the preschool years”

Noting that only one in every six people with a drug addiction worldwide is able to receive treatment, Atasoy said that in Turkey, even that is not possible.

Atasoy, who stated that the misuse of prescription drugs or various painkillers inevitably leads to addiction, reported that a significant cause of illnesses and disabilities observed in infants in Turkey is factors such as various medications, smoking, and alcohol used during pregnancy.

Atasoy, who stated that the fight against drugs must be extended to the preschool years, noted that this would be possible through a collaborative effort involving several ministries.

Noting that methods for combating substance abuse vary from country to country, Atasoy said, “There are universal principles for preventive measures, but we need to take a local approach. This local focus is so crucial that the country, province, and district levels alone are not enough—we need to tackle the issue differently at the neighborhood level. “That is why we need to understand our country in such detail,” he said.

“We took pictures the whole time”

Atasoy, who said he was familiar with the fight against drugs over the past 20 years, continued:

“We’ve always taken photos. It’s now clear that taking photos won’t get us anywhere. Because drugs are being used. The age of first drug use has dropped, and violence and murders have increased. These are all interconnected issues. Because there are certain risks, and we can’t do anything to protect people from them. These risks lead us either to substance use, to violence, to major failures, or ultimately to murder. In other words, the fight against drugs is not just about drugs—it’s also a fight against violence.”

Atasoy, who also addressed the risk factors that lead to substance abuse, noted that substance use within the family, a broken home, having a parent in prison, poverty, academic failure, and domestic violence are significant risk factors.

Officials from the General Directorate of Prisons and Detention Centers of the Ministry of Justice, who attended the meeting, also provided information on initiatives such as the Psychosocial Assistance Services of the Correctional Institution, the Individual Intervention Program for Alcohol and Substance Abuse, and the Tobacco, Alcohol, and Substance Abuse Program.

Reporter: Hüseyin Gazi Kaykı

 

https://aa.com.tr/tr/politika/tbmm-madde-bagimliligi-arastirma-komisyonu-toplandi/1088872

Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy: Our biggest challenge in the fight against drugs…

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What is the greatest challenge countries face in the fight against drugs? Is it the unimaginable methods used in the drug trade, the way the deep web facilitates the work of drug dealers, or the task of developing an appropriate and effective policy? Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy, a member and former chair of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs, provided a telling answer to this question while presenting the commission’s report for this year to the public. Here are the striking details from that report and its section on Turkey…

Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy shared the 2017 report prepared by the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) with the public in Turkey. Atasoy, who served as a member and former chair of the United Nations International Narcotics Control Board during the 2005–2010 and 2015–2022 terms, highlighted that heroin poses the greatest threat to Turkey while discussing the details of the report.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST PROBLEM IN THE FIGHT AGAINST DRUGS?

Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy, emphasizing that heroin poses the greatest threat to Turkey, said, “In a country through which such large quantities of heroin pass—we’re talking about tons—it’s impossible for it to stay here; in other words, no matter what, a transit country will inevitably have users.” Atasoy emphasized that the most significant challenge all countries face in the fight against drugs—and one they struggle to address—is “reducing demand.” Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, Rector of Üsküdar University, also described addiction as a “social cancer” of society and underscored the importance of treatment and the subsequent rehabilitation process. In his remarks, Tarhan likewise emphasized that the real battle lies in reducing demand.

At a press conference held at the Altunizade Campus of Üsküdar University, Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy presented the 2017 Report prepared by the United Nations (UN) International Narcotics Control Board (INCB). According to the report, individuals who use drugs around the world face stigmatization. Globally, only one in six people in need of treatment for drug addiction has access to such treatment programs. The report, which also details regional developments, highlighted that drugs and medications subject to international control are being sold online.

TURKEY’S ROLE IN THE DRUG TRADE WAS DISCUSSED

sevil-atasoy-newsletter

Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy, Vice Rector and former Chair of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs during the 2005–2010 and 2015–2022 terms, stated that Turkey was included in the International Narcotics Control Board’s 2017 report because it lies along the traditional Balkan Route.

Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy said: “Although about 40 percent of heroin originating from Afghanistan is seized by Iran and Turkey, it is known that approximately 350 metric tons of heroin reach Western European markets. However, the report also noted that, thanks to the security measures we have implemented along our borders, Afghan heroin has shifted from the Balkan Route to what is known as the ‘Northern Route,’ reaching Eastern Europe via the Northern Black Sea route through Armenia. Another significant fact is that Turkey lies along the route of Captagon smuggling, which originates in Eastern Europe and extends to Iraq, Syria, and other countries on the Arabian Peninsula. Although Captagon was a prescription drug available on the market years ago, it is no longer manufactured due to its abuse. However, because of its popularity, counterfeit Captagon has been introduced into the market. Counterfeit Captagon contains various amphetamine derivatives and substances such as caffeine instead of fenetylline. It is used primarily by terrorist groups to cope with sleep deprivation and hunger, and large quantities are being seized in our eastern regions, particularly in Hatay.”

THE BIGGEST THREAT TO TURKEY: HEROIN

Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy, emphasizing that heroin poses the greatest threat to Turkey, said, “In a country through which such large quantities of heroin pass—we’re talking about tons—it’s impossible for it to stay here; in other words, no matter what, a transit country will inevitably have users. As soon as the price drops on the market, it spreads. “The spread of drugs is in the hands of the traffickers. They are the ones in control because illegal organizations control the market. Heroin is the most dangerous. In terms of the substances used by those seeking treatment at AMATEM, heroin ranks first,” she said.

“WE’RE FORGETTING ABOUT THE ADDICTS IN PRISONS”

Highlighting the importance of over-the-counter medication use, Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy stated that priority should be given to treatment in prisons, saying:
“Addicts in prisons are a major problem. We shouldn’t view this solely in terms of drugs; the misuse of prescription medications without a prescription is also a form of addiction. This is a serious issue because that person may later turn to heroin, which is much cheaper. A lot of drugs are now available in pill form. Yes, Turks generally don’t like injecting drugs into their veins, but they’ll swallow pills without hesitation. Treatment within prisons is a very important detail, and it’s not done at all in Turkey. In contrast, in the U.S., mandatory treatment is carried out, especially in prisons. When someone says, “I don’t want treatment” while on the outside, you can’t force them to undergo treatment. But within a prison, this is possible. They view this as a method. But we don’t have such a practice here. There are hundreds of thousands of people inside who need treatment.”

“DRUG ADDICTION IS ON THE RISE AMONG WOMEN IN REFUGEE CAMPS”

Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy, who draws attention to drug addiction among women, said, “There are currently various camps where large numbers of Syrian women are being held together. These are located along the border—both here and in other places, such as Lebanon. “Doctors there are forced to prescribe antidepressants to those in extreme distress. Drug dependence is developing among them as well. It’s not Captagon or heroin, but drug dependence is present. For women who are pregnant, there is a risk that their babies could be born with disabilities,” she said.

THE REPORT’S FOCUS: TREATMENT

The INCB 2017 Report emphasized that the need for treatment and rehabilitation far exceeds the availability of such services. It called on governments to place greater emphasis on treatment and rehabilitation rather than focusing solely on prevention.

The report, which calls on governments to invest in treatment and rehabilitation services while paying particular attention to the needs of vulnerable populations, reminded states of their obligation to provide treatment services to those affected by substance use disorders.

ONLY 1 IN EVERY 6 PEOPLE HAS ACCESS TO TREATMENT

In its annual report, the INCB warns that, globally, only one in six people in need of drug addiction treatment has access to such programs. Even where access to treatment is available, the quality of treatment is often low and falls short of international standards.

According to the report, people who use drugs around the world face stigma, which further complicates the situation. This stigma not only hinders their treatment opportunities and access to treatment, but also affects their chances of reintegrating into society.

THE ISSUE OF ONLINE PHARMACIES

The report emphasized that substance use disorder is one of the most stigmatized health issues worldwide. The report, which also detailed regional developments, highlighted that internationally controlled drugs and narcotics are being sold online. The report noted that because some online pharmacies operate without a license, they are able to sell pharmaceutical preparations containing narcotic substances without a prescription.

PROF. DR. NEVZAT TARHAN: ADDICTION IS THE SOCIAL CANCER OF SOCIETY

nevzat-tarhan-newsletter

Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, Rector of Üsküdar University, also described addiction as the “social cancer” of society. Noting that there are key pillars in the fight against addiction, Tarhan said, “One of these is prevention. Raising awareness and fostering understanding among healthy individuals regarding substance use—in other words, ensuring these individuals do not feel the need to use substances. We refer to this as ‘demand reduction’ in the fight against addiction. Preventive mental health services are crucial,” he said.

Tarhan, noting that substance abuse and related deaths are on the rise despite all the measures taken in developed countries, pointed out that demand is a key factor here as well, and that the demand for substance use comes primarily from young people.

“THE REAL CHALLENGE IS TO REDUCE DEMAND”

Stating that policies to combat addiction must be implemented correctly, Prof. Dr. Tarhan said, “Some policies focus solely on tackling supply, but that is not enough, of course. Let’s establish narcotics task forces, but what do we need to do to actually reduce demand? In addition to treatment, there is also prevention. In prevention, identifying at-risk groups and creating a risk map are crucial—it’s important to determine which areas on that map are most affected. In the fight against addiction, it is of primary importance to integrate primary care services into those areas and establish rehabilitation teams composed of specialized psychologists and social workers. In these policies, identifying risks is crucial for preventive measures. From a treatment perspective, access to treatment is also a critical issue that requires close attention. There are many people who face difficulties accessing treatment—including those living on the streets, the homeless, and those living alone. Those in broken family environments or with toxic peer groups are also part of the at-risk group. They, too, must be supported in accessing treatment and should be referred to mandatory treatment,” he said.

WHAT ARE OUR SHORTCOMINGS IN REHABILITATION TREATMENT?

Tarhan, noting that the majority of these individuals should be referred to the rehabilitation process following the detoxification (purification) phase and the acute phase of treatment, emphasized that
Turkey is the only country among developed nations that lacks a standalone law on rehabilitation.

Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan said: “Psychological, social, and vocational rehabilitation processes must go hand in hand. Unfortunately, Turkey currently has the fewest rehabilitation centers in the world. It is the only country among developed nations that lacks a dedicated constitution for rehabilitation. Currently, our priority is to return individuals to their former environment after treatment. AMATEM centers have now become institutions that simply repeat the same cycle. However, instead of returning these individuals to their former environments, their rehabilitation should be conducted in structured settings—such as health villages—where rehabilitation takes place. If the government cannot do this, it should delegate the task to the private sector. Otherwise, issues related to addiction will be discussed again in exactly the same way 10 years from now.”

Noting that the active use of primary care services in addiction policies would provide a practical approach for Turkey, Prof. Dr. Tarhan said, “I believe this should be taken into account by those who shape Turkey’s health policy when determining its addiction policies, and that it is important.”

A NEW THREAT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, noting that the illegal chemical industry is pursuing new schemes, said, “They are setting new traps for young people. They’re producing new synthetic substances and selling them at low prices through underground operations. These new psychoactive substances—known as ‘Bonzai’ and ‘Jamaica,’ or ‘bath powder’—create an artificial state of consciousness in the user. The user sees themselves in a false paradise. Later, schizophrenia emerges, and mental illnesses develop. It turns the person into a zombie and leads to sudden deaths. We are losing the new generation. “To prevent the loss of the younger generation, it is essential that policies on this issue be sustainable—and that this issue be addressed not only when a crisis arises in society or the media, but by establishing sustainable policies around it,” he warned.

https://www.sozcu.com.tr/hayatim/yasam-haberleri/prof-dr-sevil-atasoy-uyusturucu-ile-mucadelede-en-buyuk-sorunumuz/

The “2017 Report,” prepared by the United Nations (UN) International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), was shared with the public by Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy

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The UN International Narcotics Control Board’s 2017 World Report has been released to the public. Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy, emphasizing that heroin poses the greatest threat to Turkey, stated, “In a country through which such large quantities of heroin pass, it is impossible for it to remain there; in other words, no matter what, a transit country will inevitably have users.”

The “2017 Report,” prepared by the United Nations (UN) International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), was shared with the public by Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy.

According to the report, people who use drugs around the world face stigmatization. Globally, only one in six people in need of treatment for drug addiction has access to such treatment programs. The report, which also details regional developments, highlights that controlled substances and drugs are being sold online.

Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy noted that Turkey was included in the International Narcotics Control Board’s 2017 report because it lies along the traditional Balkan Route, and said the following:

“Although approximately 40 percent of heroin originating from Afghanistan is seized by Iran and Turkey, it is known that about 350 metric tons of heroin reach Western European markets. However, the report also notes that, thanks to the security measures we have implemented along our borders, Afghan heroin has shifted from the Balkan Route to what is known as the “Northern Route”—a path that passes through Armenia and reaches Eastern Europe via the Northern Black Sea route. Another significant fact is that Turkey lies along the route of Captagon smuggling, which originates in Eastern Europe and extends to Iraq, Syria, and other countries on the Arabian Peninsula. Although Captagon was a prescription drug available on the market years ago, it is no longer manufactured due to its abuse. However, because of its popularity, counterfeit Captagon has been introduced into the market. Counterfeit Captagon contains various amphetamine derivatives and substances such as caffeine instead of fenetylline. It is used primarily by terrorist groups to cope with sleep deprivation and hunger, and large quantities are being seized in our eastern regions, particularly in Hatay.”

“HEROIN IS THE BIGGEST THREAT TO TURKEY”

Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy, emphasizing that heroin poses the greatest threat to Turkey, said, “In a country through which such large quantities of heroin pass, it’s impossible for it to stay here—in other words, a transit country will inevitably have users. As soon as the price drops on the market, it spreads. “The spread of drugs is in the hands of the traffickers. They are the ones in control because illegal organizations control the market. Heroin is the most dangerous. In terms of the substances used by those seeking treatment at AMATEM, heroin ranks first,” she said.

“TREATMENT SHOULD BE PROVIDED IN PRISONS”

Highlighting the importance of over-the-counter medication use, Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy stated that priority should be given to treatment in prisons, saying:
“Addicts in prisons are a major problem. We shouldn’t view this solely in terms of drugs; the misuse of prescription medications without a prescription is also a form of addiction. This is a serious issue because that person may later turn to heroin, which is much cheaper. A lot of substances are now available in pill form. Yes, Turks generally don’t like injecting drugs into their veins, but they’ll swallow pills without hesitation. Treatment within prisons is a very important detail, and it’s not done at all in Turkey. Yet in the U.S., mandatory treatment is carried out, especially in prisons. When someone says, “I don’t want treatment” while on the outside, you can’t force them to undergo it. But within a prison, you can. They view this as a method. But we don’t have such a practice here. There are hundreds of thousands of people inside who need treatment.”

“DRUG ADDICTION IS ON THE RISE AMONG WOMEN IN REFUGEE CAMPS”

Atasoy, who drew attention to drug addiction among women, said, “There are currently various camps where large numbers of Syrian women are being held together. These are located along the border—both here and in other places like Lebanon. The doctors there are forced to prescribe antidepressants. to those who are in extreme distress. Drug dependence is developing among them as well. So, it’s not Captagon or heroin, but there is drug dependence. In cases where women are pregnant, there is a risk that their babies could be born with disabilities,” he said.

GREATER EMPHASIS SHOULD BE PLACED ON TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION

The 2017 INCB Report emphasized that the need for treatment and rehabilitation far exceeds the availability of such services. It called on governments to place greater emphasis on treatment and rehabilitation rather than focusing solely on prevention.

The report, which calls on governments to invest in treatment and rehabilitation services while paying particular attention to the needs of vulnerable populations, reminded states of their obligation to provide treatment services to those affected by substance use disorders.

ONE IN EVERY SIX PEOPLE HAS ACCESS TO TREATMENT

In its annual report, the INCB warns that globally, only one in six people in need of drug addiction treatment has access to such programs. Even where access to treatment is available, the quality of care is often low and falls short of international standards.
According to the report, people who use drugs around the world face stigma, which further complicates the situation. This stigma not only hinders their opportunities for treatment and access to care but also affects their chances of reintegrating into society.

ONLINE PHARMACIES ARE OPERATING WITHOUT A LICENSE

The report emphasized that substance use disorder is one of the most stigmatized health issues worldwide. The report, which also detailed regional developments, highlighted that internationally controlled drugs and narcotics are being sold online. The report noted that because some online pharmacies operate without a license, they are able to sell pharmaceutical preparations containing narcotic substances without a prescription.

“ADDICTION IS THE SOCIAL CANCER OF SOCIETY”

Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan also described addiction as the “social cancer” of society. Noting that there are key pillars in the fight against addiction, Tarhan said, “One of these is prevention. Raising awareness and fostering understanding among healthy individuals regarding substance use—in other words, ensuring these individuals do not feel the need to use substances. We refer to this as ‘demand reduction’ in the fight against addiction. Preventive mental health services are crucial,” he said.

Tarhan, noting that substance abuse and related deaths are on the rise despite all the measures taken in developed countries, pointed out that demand is a key factor here as well, and that the demand for substance use comes primarily from young people.

“POLICIES TO COMBAT ADDICTION MUST BE IMPLEMENTED PROPERLY”

Stating that policies to combat addiction must be implemented correctly, Prof. Dr. Tarhan said, “Some policies focus solely on tackling supply, but that is not enough, of course. Let’s establish narcotics task forces, but what do we need to do to actually reduce demand? In addition to treatment, there is also prevention. In prevention, identifying at-risk groups and creating a risk map are crucial—it’s important to determine which areas on that map are most affected. In the fight against addiction, it is of primary importance to integrate primary care services into those areas and establish rehabilitation teams composed of specialized psychologists and social workers. In these policies, identifying risks is crucial for preventive measures. From a treatment perspective, access to treatment is also a critical issue that requires close attention. There are many people who face difficulties accessing treatment—including those living on the streets, the homeless, and those living alone. Those in broken family environments or with toxic peer groups are also part of the at-risk group. They, too, must be supported in accessing treatment and should be referred to mandatory treatment,” he said.

“WE DON’T HAVE OUR OWN LAW ON REHABILITATION”

Pointing out that the majority of these individuals should be referred to the rehabilitation process following the detoxification (purification) phase and the acute phase of treatment, Tarhan emphasized that Turkey is the only country among developed nations that does not have a standalone law on rehabilitation, and said the following:

“Psychological, social, and vocational rehabilitation processes must go hand in hand. Unfortunately, Turkey currently has the fewest rehabilitation centers in the world. It is the only country among developed nations that lacks a dedicated legal framework for rehabilitation. Currently, our priority is to return individuals to their former environment after treatment. AMATEM centers have now become institutions that simply repeat the same cycle. However, instead of returning these individuals to their former environments, their rehabilitation should take place in structured settings—such as health villages—where rehabilitation is provided. If the government cannot do this, it should have the private sector do it. Otherwise, issues related to addiction will be on the agenda again in 10 years.”

Noting that the active use of primary care services in addiction policies would provide a practical approach for Turkey, Prof. Tarhan said, “I believe this should be taken into account by those who shape Turkey’s health policy when determining its addiction policies, and that it is important.”

“NEW PSYCHOACTIVE SUBSTANCES ARE A THREAT TO YOUTH”

Tarhan, noting that the illegal chemical industry is hatching new schemes, said, “They’re setting new traps for young people. They’re producing new synthetic substances and selling them at low prices through underground operations. These new psychoactive substances—known as ‘Bonzai’ and ‘Jamaica,’ or ‘bath powder’—create an artificial state of consciousness in the user. The user sees themselves in a false paradise. Later, schizophrenia emerges, and mental illnesses develop. It turns the person into a zombie and leads to sudden deaths. We are losing the new generation. “To prevent the loss of the younger generation, it is essential that policies on this issue be sustainable—and that this issue be addressed not only when a crisis arises in society or the media, but by establishing sustainable policies around it,” he warned.

https://www.ntv.com.tr/saglik/turkiye-icin-en-buyuk-tehlike-eroin,hJEppwSrjkSI2V0toVJnKw

A Message from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on “Yeşilay Week”

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President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated, “I congratulate Yeşilay on its 98th anniversary and those dedicated to this cause on Yeşilay Week, March 1–7, in recognition of their selfless efforts in our fight against addiction. I remember with gratitude and respect all our elders who have contributed to Yeşilay over the years and have since passed away.”

President Erdoğan’s post on social media regarding Yeşilay Week reads as follows:

“To ensure a healthy future for our country, it is our important duty—and our patriotic obligation—to combat addiction and harmful habits that could endanger our children and youth on all fronts.”

@1920Yesilay, one of our country’s most established civil society organizations, aims to be a leading civil society organization that serves as a global model in the fight against addiction; it is consistently, sincerely, and using scientific methods combating addiction to alcohol, tobacco, drugs, technology, and gambling.

I would like to celebrate the 98th anniversary of Yeşilay and Yeşilay Week (March 1–7) for all those dedicated to this cause, in recognition of their selfless efforts in the fight against addiction. I remember with gratitude and respect all our elders who have contributed to Yeşilay over the years and have since passed away.”

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan

✔@RT_Erdogan

To ensure a healthy future for our country, it is our important duty—our patriotic duty—to combat addiction and harmful habits that could endanger our children and youth on all fronts.