Methods and Tools for Combating Substance Abuse in the United States

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METHODS AND TOOLS FOR COMBATING SUBSTANCE ABUSE IN THE UNITED STATES

Prepared by: Sevgi SUÇİN
Director of the Department for the Prevention and Control of Non-Alcoholic Substance Abuse

The United States, which faces a serious problem of “addictive
substance use and addiction” at the societal level—particularly prevalent among the young population— to address this situation
, supports various
intervention programs at both the government and civil society levels and provides significant financial support
for related efforts. This report provides information on some of the
tools currently used by the United States, as well as the benefits of research in this field, data sources, and
effective treatment systems.

DRUG COURTS
One way to increase access to treatment for substance abuse is through Drug Courts.
Drug Courts aim to create behavioral change and abstain from substance use.
coercive measures by the justice system to encourage drug addicts to stop
It benefits from its power. Drug Courts perform their duties by making decisions compulsory and random.
drug testing, complementary treatment (post-release assistance), and enhanced sanctions
It accomplishes this by using all of them together. The courts have shown great success.
This has been proven by studies. Since its first implementation in Florida in 1989, approximately
2000 drug courts are operating across America.
General Characteristics

  • Drug courts primarily operate at the local level and, unlike other courts,
    promote nonviolent recreation; they divert low-level offenders whose problems stem from
    drug use away from prisons and jails and refer them to supervised
    treatment.
  • The courts provide justice, enforce the law, and, through meticulous case management that addresses the needs of treatment communities and all participants
    , deliver other social and public services, as well as
    education, housing, vocational training, and mental health services.
  • The ultimate goal of the courts is to help offenders overcome their substance abuse,
    while, on the one hand, reducing the burden on American courts, jails, and prisons
    and, on the other hand, preventing future criminal activity.

Drug Tribunals Save Lives
Drug court programs have a real impact on the propensity to commit crimes.
The National Justice Agency’s report on “those who received prison sentences for drug-related crimes”
re-arrest rates of individuals who graduate from drug courts
A “comparative” study found significant differences between the two groups. Drug court
While the probability of arrest and detention for a drug addict who is not a graduate is 43.5%,
drug court graduate re-enters within the first year after graduation
The probability of arrest and detention for a serious crime is 16.4%. (Figures from the last two years)
According to the study, the tendency to commit crimes is 58.6% for those who have not graduated, while it is 27.5% for graduates.
Courts in Numbers
The drug court movement continues to grow rapidly. Since 1989
Drug Tribunals are in operation and are used in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Northern Ireland.
Implemented in the Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, Guam, and all 121 tribal settlements.
It is planned to be passed.

  • In approximately 40% of counties in the United States, drug courts
    are either already in operation or are planned to be established.
  • As of June 2007, 1,927 drug court programs are in operation, and there are 400 programs that have been developed at
    .
  • The $31.8 million Presidential ”
    ” budget for HHS (Health and Human Services) treatment has been increased by $21.7 million to support Drug Courts.

 

SCREENING AND PARTIAL INTERVENTION
Substance abuse is a major public health concern for American citizens.
It is one of the problems. Substance addiction destroys lives, breaks up families, and harms health.
These services, along with legal, business, and other expenses, cost billions of dollars every year.
This is happening in the United States with substance use addiction and poverty.
To reduce the problem, the Federal Government should diagnose substance use before it becomes a serious issue.
and from the national health services system to help treat addiction
They have launched an innovative new initiative that will be beneficial.
Early Detection of Substance Use Saves Lives.

  • Today, there are more than 20 million Americans
    who have received a medical diagnosis of alcohol or substance dependence or misuse. More than 94% of them
    are unaware that they need help and have not sought medical intervention or
    treatment from healthcare professionals.
  • The vast majority of Americans have seen a healthcare provider
    at least once within a year. By encouraging healthcare
    workers to identify at-risk groups and provide early intervention, substance abuse and alcohol
    misuse among Americans have been significantly reduced.
  • Following a substance use screening, healthcare professionals can intervene regarding substance
    use if necessary.
  • These studies, which are based on intervention dialogues, help explain the consequences of substance use to patients
    and provide a reliable strategy for eliminating or reducing substance use
    .
  • Current substance use intervention programs address existing substance use and
    success in reducing other health problems caused by substance use
    He has recorded it.
  • Early detection and intervention in substance use are also highly effective in terms of cost management—
    .

 

Improving the Healthcare System to Reduce Substance Abuse
Federal Government “Screening, Partial Intervention, Referral and Treatment” – Screening, Brief
An example program called Intervention, Referral and Treatment (SBIRT).
It has created.
To date, the SBIRT program has been implemented in 17 states: Alaska, Arizona,
California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, New
Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Tennessee, Washington and Wisconsin.
As of August 2007, more than 539,000 patients had participated in the SBIRT sample program.
They were screened. 15.5% of them received immediate intervention, and 3% were enrolled in addiction treatment.
And 3.5% were referred for specialist addiction treatment programs.
Following six months of patient follow-up, substance use decreased after “immediate intervention”.
A significant decrease has been observed.
In early January 2007, the Medical Services and Medical Assistance Services Center approved “CMS”.
Medical codes are also used to provide medical information to doctors who screen for substance and alcohol abuse.
A donation invoice can be issued.

RANDOM STUDENT DRUG TEST
What is Random Student Drug Testing?
The Random Student Drug Test is a valid way to say no to substance use in students.
It is a powerful tool that provides a reason. Testing conducted in accordance with privacy regulations is already in place.
It enables the identification of students who have started using substances and provides counseling for these students.
It guides. It also guides students who have developed addiction or are in the process of developing it.
It helps in identifying and getting these students treated.
Why Random Student Testing?

  • More than half of high school students have used an illegal substance. (Monitoring the
    Future 2005)
  • The use of prescription drugs has increased by 40% since 2002. (Monitoring the Future
    2005)
  • More young people are entering treatment programs for marijuana use—
    —than for any other combination of illicit substances.
  • Students with a grade point average of D or lower have used marijuana at least four times in the past year
    .
  • Random testing programs are fostering a culture that does not condone substance use and
    provide young people with a legitimate reason
    to resist peer pressure to use substances.

Drug Testing Is Effective

  • Many schools require students to undergo testing for tuberculosis (TB) and other infectious diseases
    as a condition of enrollment. The substance use screening program expands these tests
    to include substance use disorders
    as part of preventive procedures.
  • Hunterdon Central High School in New Jersey has reported a decline in substance use among its students following the implementation of a random testing program
    .
  • A Ball State University in Indiana tested the substance in Indiana before it was used in the test.
    It reported an 85% increase in use, and 518 students were found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
    suspended from school for a certain period due to incidents related to its use, or
    This number has been reduced to 352 using random student testing programs.
    (McKinney, Ball State University, 2003)
  • School bus drivers, pilots, and employees in many other high-risk occupations
    are required to undergo pre-employment drug and alcohol testing, and the results
    help ensure safer services. According to the federal substance abuse testing model (
    ), 67% of employees tested during unannounced, random screenings tested positive for substance use (
    ).

Random Testing and Privacy: This Is Not a Violation
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that “substance abuse testing must be conducted in a manner that respects privacy principles
.” Schools are required to respect students’ privacy
and are obligated to comply with the Supreme Court’s rulings
. Only those who need to know the test results have the right to view them
. Test results must not be shared with anyone, including teachers. The goal is to
deter substance use, provide early intervention for those who have just started using substances, offer professional support to those who have become
dependent, protect children from being exposed to substance use
, and prevent them from being punished for substance use.

Testing Programs Increase Participation in Extracurricular Activities
Random drug testing creates a culture of trust, fostering a safe environment for students
and encouraging them to participate in club activities and sports.
A study conducted by Oregon Health Science University found that random student
testing led to a 10% increase in participation rates in extracurricular activities at school.
Random Testing Helps Parents and Their Children
More than 1,000 schools in the United States have already begun implementing their own random testing programs
.
Random testing programs complement existing substance abuse education and prevention efforts
.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT PROGRAMS FOR COMMUNITIES
General Features

  • Originally funded by Congress in 1997, the “Drug-Free
    Communities – Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Program,” originally funded by Congress in 1997, is currently spread across the entire United States
    and comprises over 700 drug-free community coalitions focused primarily on solving local problems
  • The White House National Drug Control Policy directs the DFC program to collaborate with Substance-
    -Use, and National Mental Health Counseling Services.
  • In December 2006, President Bush signed legislation extending the DFC program for an additional five years, through 2012, under the ”
    .”
  • DFC provides communities with the necessary financial support to identify substance use problems at the local level and develop solutions
    .
  • As part of their strategic plans, DFC coalitions collect and report on young people’s knowledge of substance use
    at the local level.

 

Encourages Collaboration

  • DFC coalitions, which work on drug prevention strategies from a multifaceted perspective
    , should include members from different segments of society.
  • Membership includes young people, parents, the business community, the media, schools, youth
    organizations, legal practitioners, religious or fraternal organizations,
    urban groups, healthcare workers, and local or tribal agencies.
  • It hosts activities such as town hall meetings on topics including coalitions, social marketing campaigns, youth leadership training, beverage service
    training, local substance use studies, youth summits, and policy changes, as detailed at
    .
  • There are currently 736 DFC
    coalitions in 49 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.

 

 

Providing Financial Support to Communities

  • In August 2007, 90 new grants totaling $8.9 million were awarded.
  • The prize money will increase to $500,000 over the next five years.
  • In addition, $62.9 million has been allocated to the existing 644 coalition projects.
  • $3 million in 19 new grants through the DCF mentor support program.
    These funds are used for the purposes of anti-drug community programs.
    existing DFC grants to improve their ability to support themselves
    It will expand.
  • Under the mentor program, $1 million has been awarded to
    to support 15 ongoing grants.


FACTS ABOUT ACCESS TO TREATMENT
According to the latest National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than 20 million people are unable to access treatment services even though they need treatment due to alcohol and illicit substance use. To address this gap, President Bush has launched a new, voluntary program that expands existing treatment services in the United States and helps people recover from addiction.
Launched in 2008, the “Access to Recovery (ATR)” program provides vouchers for both recovery support programs and complementary treatment services. First and foremost, Access to Recovery is expanding treatment options to include faith-based and community-based providers. This allows clients to choose the treatment programs that best meet their needs. Congress has approved a $300 million budget for Access to Recovery (ATR) over the past three years.
What Does Access to Treatment Provide?

  • ATR provides customers with the opportunity to choose from high-quality substance abuse treatment clinics and recovery support providers at
    .
  • ATR is expanding access to comprehensive clinical treatment and recovery service providers
    .
  • ATR is increasing its capacity for substance abuse treatment.

ATR: Effective Treatment Process for Substance Abusers
To date, over $300 million in funding has been allocated to 14 states and one tribal organization over the course of three years. Initial data on the program indicate that it has been successful.
As of March 31, 2007, ATR programs:

  • Exceeding its target of serving 125,000 people over three years, the organization has provided treatment to 170,000 people with substance use disorders
    .
  • Two-thirds of voucher recipients (approximately 63%) have benefited from critical treatment support services
    (employment coaching, transportation, family services, mental health support homes, peer
    support, etc.).
  • By allocating 31% of the funds to faith- and community-based organizations, treatment and recovery options have been expanded for those with
    .

 

NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse) Community Epidemiology
s (CEWG) Working Group

  • A public health substance abuse monitoring program that has been in operation since 1976
  • It is a network that represents the vast majority of metropolitan areas in the United States. What Does the ”
    ” Do?
  • It monitors substance use trends using a variety of indicators. In this context,
    identifies newly emerging drugs or new forms of drug use.
  • It provides a local perspective on substance use issues.
  • It provides a network of local contact points for inquiries and up-to-date information.
  • It facilitates the unlimited sharing of new findings through regular publications.
  • It organizes forums that provide an opportunity to discuss new trends and issues related to substance use at the local and national levels
    .
  • It brings together the findings of studies supported by NIDA grants.
  • The topic, which addresses major issues and emerging trends related to substance use, offers panel opportunities focused on
    .

 

 

DATA SOURCES OF THE NIDA COMMUNITY EPIDEMIOLOGY WORKING GROUP (CEWG)

  • Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN)
  • Emergency Department Data
  • Medical examination data
  • Treatment Groups Datasets
  • National Research
  • Internal Monitoring Program
  • National Forensic Laboratory Information System
  • Drug Evidence Information Access System
  • Reports from the National Drug Intelligence Center
  • Potential Local Data Sources
  • Local research studies
  • State- and local-level studies
  • Treatment data at the state and local levels
  • Local arrest data
  • Drug trafficking and drug lab busts
  • Price and purity data
  • Poison control centers
  • Local medical examinations
  • Phone helplines
  • The interpretation of data at the local level is a key component of the national monitoring program.

THE ROLE OF RESEARCH IN THE FIGHT AGAINST SUBSTANCE ABUSE
The Primary Objective of the Research:

  • Evaluating programs and policies
  • Using evidence to inform the development of programs and policies.

The Role of Research in Achieving Public Health Goals

  • The study identifies risk factors for drug use and the risks associated with drug use
  • Research provides evidence-
    -based support for shaping programs, policies, and practices
  • Research contributes to medical advances that support treatment
  • Research helps us understand the brain’s fundamental structure and functions—such as exploration, motivation, memory, learning, reward, adaptation, and willpower—
    .

 

Research Helps Identify Risk Factors for Substance Use:

  • Economic risks: Cost, potency, availability, purity
  • Existing risk factors: Genetics, environment, common (prevalent) diseases
  • Drug Properties: Stimulants, hallucinogens, depressants
  • Route of administration: Oral, inhalation, via the mouth, intravenous, dosage, method, etc.

FINDINGS

 

  • Research shows that the brain is not yet fully developed in adolescents and that
    it may undergo changes if exposed to drugs.
  • Research shows that faster absorption of the drug into the body increases the brain’s level of pleasure derived from the drug
    .
  • Research highlights the risks associated with drug use.
  • Studies have shown that increased marijuana use raises the incidence and risk of acute health problems
    .
  • Studies show that students who use marijuana and cannabis:
    • who experience difficulty concentrating
    • That they were putting themselves in danger
    • that they were driving under the influence of drugs
    • They neglected important activities
    • That they slept too much and missed their classes
    • That they were having problems with their friends and family
    • They are experiencing serious problems at home, at work, and at school
    • that they had trespassed on the property
    • And it often shows that they get into trouble with the law.
  • Research shows that using drugs at an early age (under 15) leads to higher rates of drug use and can lead to addiction.
  • Research shows that young people (ages 15–21) seek treatment more often for the use of non-alcoholic addictive substances and drug addiction than for alcohol use.
  • Research shows that individuals exposed to addictive substances during adolescence are at a higher risk of experiencing the urge to use substances in adulthood.
  • Research shows that the opioid system in the brains of adults who were exposed to THC during adolescence is altered.
  • Research shows that heavy meth use has toxic effects on the brain.

 

 

 

 

For Effective Treatment:

  • The individual should remain in the treatment program for as long as possible
  • Healthcare workers should be trained on the diagnosis and treatment of substance use disorders at
  • A patient-centered treatment program that takes each patient’s individual characteristics into account should be developed at
  • should conduct long-term follow-up to assess whether the treatment is effective and how it can be improved
  • And biometric tests should be repeated frequently.

REFERENCES

Office of National Drug Control Policy, USA (September 2007). Fact Sheet: Access to Recovery.
http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/pdf/A2RFinal0907.pdf (Accessed January 23, 2008)
Office of National Drug Control Policy, USA (June 2007). Drug courts: providing
treatment instead of jail for non-violent offenders.
http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/publications/asp/topics.asp?txtTopicID=1&txtSubTopi
cID=0 (Accessed: January 23, 2008)
Office of National Drug Control Policy, USA (January 2007). Screening & brief intervention.
http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/publications/pdf/screen_brief_intv.pdf (Accessed:
January 23, 2008)
Office of National Drug Control Policy, USA (March 2007). Random student drug testing.
http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/publications/asp/topics.asp?txtTopicID=1&txtSubTopi
cID=0 (Accessed: January 23, 2008)
Office of National Drug Control Policy, USA (January 2007). Drug-free communities support
program
http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/publications/asp/topics.asp?txtTopicID=1&txtSubTopi
cID=0 (Accessed: January 23, 2008)
The White House, USA (February 2007). National Drug Control Strategy

 

A mandatory ‘advertising’ period on the internet to combat substance abuse

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A draft report was prepared as part of the work conducted by the Turkish Grand National Assembly’s Commission on Substance Abuse.

According to a report containing recommendations for implementing measures to prevent substance abusein collaboration with relevant agencies, institutions, and civil society organizations, the internet will also be utilized in the fight against substance abuse.

As part of this initiative, efforts will be made to place mandatory videos containing messages of appropriate duration on websites—including those featuring the most-visited social media influencers, online games, and online shopping sites—based on the target audience.

10-second informational short films will be produced

To raise public awareness, 4- to 5-second mandatory ads will be shown before online games—especially those played by young people—launch, or engaging and informative short videos of up to 10 seconds will be produced that players must watch before the game begins.

Games will feature stimulating content

At the same time, measures will be taken to ensure that warning labels are used in video games to prevent harmful content.

In addition to posting short videos on YouTube about the dangers of drugs, the initiative will enable “YouTube influencers” to deliver effective messages and allow well-known figures to directly convey to young people the key points they need to be aware of regarding this issue.

Messages with a guiding message will be included in the dialogue of TV series

Content moderation on social media will be stepped up, and necessary regulations will be implemented to prevent internet users from having easy access to illicit drugs.

In popular TV series as well, the actors’ messages guiding the audience on the topic will be incorporated into the dialogue.

A media guide will be prepared

In addition, as part of the effort to combat substance abuse, there will be collaboration with the media.

In this context, since the written or verbal portrayal in the media of the false, temporary, and glorifying effects of substance use on an individual could encourage at-risk individuals, terms such as “drug lord,” “market value,” “recreational drug,” and “high,” which carry connotations of encouragement, will be replaced with terms that do not imply encouragement, such as “addict,” “person in need of treatment,” “harmful substance,” and similar expressions.

In news reports following an operation conducted by law enforcement, care will be taken to use terms such as “bag,” “package,” and “kilogram” rather than specifying the economic value of the seized substance.

Guidance regarding the use and procurement of drugs in TV series, movies, and photographs will be avoided. A media guide will be prepared as part of the fight against drugs.

According to the draft, which states that it would be appropriate to introduce a certification program for journalists covering drug-related news in the media, the certification program will provide media professionals with information on a wide range of topics—including terminology, legislation, diagnosis, and treatment centers—to ensure the accurate dissemination of information on addiction and to raise public awareness.

ANKARA – YEŞİM SERT KARAASLAN, AA

President Erdoğan had issued a call! The Grand National Assembly has finalized its report

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Following President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s call for an all-out fight and his statement that“Drug-related terrorism is just as bad as armed terrorism,” the draft report of the Substance Abuse Research Commission established by the Grand National Assembly of Turkey has been completed.

Opposition parties were asked to draft their dissenting opinions and submit them to the committee. If the report is not debated in the Grand National Assembly plenary session—which is scheduled to adjourn on May 15 due to the June 24 election—the committee will be deemed to have done no work at all. The report drew attention with its proposal to establish an Undersecretariat for the Fight Against Addiction under the Presidency, in reference to the Presidential Government System to be adopted after June 24, 2018.

Some of the recommendations included in the report obtained by Milliyet are summarized as follows:

– Given that the term “narcotic substance” may also evoke positive connotations, care should be taken to use terms such as “substance” or “addictive substance” instead.

– It should not be forgotten that the fight against substance abuse began with the fight against smoking.The deterrent regulations introduced regarding cigarette use must also be implemented for hookah use. It would be appropriate to enact regulations prohibiting the opening of hookah cafes and banning hookah use in enclosed spaces.

– As part of the fight against drugs, there is a need for an institution composed of experts that will provide coordination and cooperation, exercise leadership, and develop science-based policies.This structure could be organized as the General Directorate or Undersecretariat for the Fight Against Addiction, under the Presidency, taking into account the provisions of the Constitution that will take effect after June 24, 2018.

– To combat drugs, mechanisms must be established to intercept them in source countries before they reach our country; if this cannot be achieved in source countries, they must be intercepted in transit countries.Regarding synthetic drugs originatingin Europe, it is necessary to enhance cooperation and dialogue with Europe and increase pressure on the relevant countries.

– It would be appropriate for our country to take the lead in establishing an international organization to combat drug trafficking, particularly by establishing a committee to combat drug trafficking within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, with its headquarters in Turkey.

– Given that young people—the target audience for illicit drugs—make heavy use of the internet, particularly social media platforms; the sale of drugs via the darknet (dark web)/deep web (deep web) and the traditional internet to sell drugs and to post content that describes or encourages drug use. It is essential that relevant agencies—particularly those combating cybercrime—take effective action against these activities and that these agencies be strengthened in terms of logistics and personnel.

– It was determined that revising the regulations regarding bonuses awarded for drug seizures (such as paying bonuses in a single installment, reorganizing units that do not receive bonuses, providing case-by-case bonuses for small-scale seizures as part of efforts to combat street dealers, etc.) would be appropriate.

– It would be appropriate to provide trainingto relevant individuals (private security guards, neighborhood leaders, shop owners, etc.) on preventing the supply of drugs at the neighborhood and street levels.

– It would be appropriate to step up efforts to detect and continuously monitor illegal cultivation areas by leveraging technological advancements (such as the use of UAVs, the TUYGUN Project, etc.).

– Regulations should be put in place to allow law enforcement personnel to conduct inspections and checks in areas of greenhouses other than those used as residential spaces, with the aim of identifying areas where cannabis plants are being cultivated illegally within their jurisdiction.

– It is assessed that expanding the Gendarmerie’s authority to intercept and monitor communications (by lifting the current restriction that limits these activities solely to its area of responsibility) and granting it the authority to conduct investigations in the digital environment and access subscriber information will make significant contributions to the fight against drugs.

– It would be appropriate to accelerate efforts to install security camera systems in educational institutions and to expedite the joint initiatives with the Ministry of National Education regarding the monitoring of perimeter security at schools deemed to be at risk.

Expanded Authority for Customs and Border Protection and MASAK

– It is believed that the Narcotics Smuggling Prevention Branch, which operates under the Directorate of Combating Smuggling within the General Directorate of Customs and Border Protection of the Ministry of Customs and Trade,is assessed to be beneficial in the fight against drugs. Due to the increasing volume of trade, the upcoming opening of the third airport currently under construction in Istanbul, and the opening of new customs checkpoints, it has been determined that there will be a need for at least 5,000 law enforcement personnel over the next five years, 1,500 of whom will be required within the next year. To ensure that inspections are not disrupted, the necessary measures must be taken to address the personnel shortage.

– Although the General Directorate of Customs and Border Protection of the Ministry of Customs and Trade uses a large number of high-tech programs, it has become clear that full effectiveness in the fight against drugs cannot be achieved because access to records available to other law enforcement agencies (such as GBT and hotel records—fingerprints, criminal records, etc.), it has been determined that full effectiveness in the fight against drugs cannot be achieved. The necessary regulations must be implemented to ensure access to these records.

– When disproportionate assets are identified in a public employee, and if that person has not filed a timely declaration, those assets may be seized on the grounds of unjust enrichment, and the burden of proof in such cases shifts to the public employee.It would be appropriate to apply a similar measure to individuals accused of drug trafficking.It is considered that assets confiscated in connection with drug trafficking/smuggling offenses could also be used for the treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts, thereby helping to reintegrate into society those harmed by drug traffickers.

– MASAK should be required to monitor financial transactions in real time during field operations conducted by law enforcement agencies targeting drug trafficking.

– Given MASAK’s duties, authorities, and operational results, restructuring MASAK could be considered in order to ensure that it functions more effectively as our country’s Financial Intelligence Unit.

– The issue of confiscating cash of unknown origin seized at customs may be considered.

Being able to say “no”

– The Ministry of National Education has incorporated skills such as asking for help, anger management, saying “no,” resisting pressure, self-expression, communication skills, problem-solving, stress management, and self-awareness.Consideration could also be given to offering these topics as standalone courses.

– The Regulations on Awards and Discipline in Secondary Education Institutions list “drinking alcohol at school, coming to school under the influence of alcohol, or using illicit drugs” among the behaviors warranting suspension with a certificate of withdrawal from school.Suspending a child from school does not produce the desired outcome in the context of combating substance abuse. Children who are suspended from school may be drawn into more serious crimes, such as obtaining drugs in the vicinity of the school. For this reason, it would be appropriate to amend the aforementioned regulation so that it does not require the suspension of children from school.Furthermore, measures must be taken to ensure that children and youth who are unable to attend school can be reintegrated into the educational system.

– To prevent problematic use of the Internet and information technology, it would be appropriate to develop a curriculum on the responsible use of technology.

Authority to “direct” imams

– The active involvement of religious leaders in the fight against addiction—particularly in prevention, demand reduction, referral to relevant agencies, and processes related to communication and social integration—will give new momentum to efforts in this area.

– When the Presidency of Religious Affairs prepares programs such as sermons, Friday sermons, informal discussions, conferences, seminars, etc., it should ensure that the topic of addiction is given greater prominence in these programs.

– To ensure that the Presidency of Religious Affairs contributes to the social reintegration of individuals with addictions during and after the treatment and rehabilitation process, and to ensure that its efforts to collaborate with institutions and organizations dealing with addiction are carried out in a more systematic and organized manner, it would be appropriate to assign a sufficient number of Religious Services Specialists or imams dedicated exclusively to the field of addiction treatment.

– Given that addiction is a lifelong illness, we must ensure that people’s hope is kept alive through the development of a strong sense of spirituality and values.

Analysis by the Captain

– In addition to drivers on the roads, it would be appropriate to subject captains and pilots working in maritime and air transportation to random drug testing.

– The Ministry of Health must conduct inspections of the counseling centers operated by municipalities.

– It is believed that consolidating helplines that provide advisory services—such as Alo 191, Alo 183, and Alo 156—or, if that is not possible, at least consolidating the helplines operated by the Ministry of Health, would make it easier for citizens to access these services.

– AMATEM facilities must be located near general hospitals, in standalone buildings with gardens, and equipped with the necessary security measures.

“Anti-bias training” for medical students

– It has often been emphasized that even among healthcare professionals, there can be prejudice against patients with substance use disorders. To overcome these prejudices, education in this area must be expanded in medical schools, and AMATEM rotations must be included in psychiatry residency programs.

– Ensuring that oral naltrexone tablets—which are currently sourced from abroad and covered by the Social Security Institution (SGK) —are available at domestic pharmacies would be appropriate to facilitate access to treatment. Efforts could be initiated to include the monthly injectable depot form of the drug naltrexone in the SGK’s reimbursement system.

Audit of “Private”

– It is necessary to ensure that private entities operating in the field of addiction are subject to oversight.

– Given that substance use disorder is a biological illness that requires medical treatment, NGOs that claim to provide addiction treatment should be subject to strict oversight.

– AMATEM centers should be established throughout the country to treat women with substance use disorders, based on need.

– The shortage of trained personnel in the fight against addiction must be addressed.

– A dependency database should be created to identify the target audience in both qualitative and quantitative terms.

– It would be appropriate for the relevant authorities to review the capabilities of civil society organizations working to combat addiction and to ensure that only those with sufficient resources are permitted to engage exclusively in activities to combat addiction.

ÇEMATEM should be expanded

– Since delays in initiating treatment for children receiving services at ÇODEMs (Child Support Centers) also disrupt the services provided at these institutions, ÇEMATEMs must be expanded nationwide to ensure that treatment processes can be carried out more effectively.

– It has been noted that, despite having operated in our country for 25 years, Narcotics Anonymous—a peer-support-based group for former addicts—has no legal recognition.Regulations should be implemented to ensure that the group, which works in close collaboration with AMATEM centers, is evaluated more systematically within the framework of rehabilitation and social reintegration. As a priority, the necessary assistance should be provided in securing a location.

Employment support

– A system should be established to ensure that individuals with substance use disorders are referred to and monitored by the Turkish Employment Agency (İŞKUR) by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Family and Social Policies during or after their rehabilitation process, and to enable İŞKUR to access information about these individuals. In addition to these individuals, it would be appropriate for family members awaiting employment to be referred through municipalities to İŞKUR Provincial Directorates and Service Centers.

– In particular, it would be appropriate to establish cooperation with İŞKUR regarding the job clubs to be set up by metropolitan municipalities for people with substance use disorders, and for the municipalities to assist the Agency in obtaining permits and allocating space.

– Addicts who are unemployed during treatment should be encouraged to participate in vocational training courses offered by municipalities.

Detentions of Association Members

– It has been determined that there are 265 associations in our country that are reported to be working in the field of drug control. Allegations have been raised that some associations were even involved in drug trafficking in the past, and that certain associations exploit the hopes of substance abusers to collect money under various pretexts. To prevent such negative practices, it is necessary to conduct the required oversight and develop relevant standards.

– Civil society organizations that have made significant progress in institutionalization, such as Yeşilay, should be supported in their efforts to strengthen the capacity of other civil society organizations. It would be appropriate to grant a VAT exemption for the expenditures related to the activities carried out by the Turkish Yeşilay Society—which receives a portion of its budget from public funds—as part of its efforts to combat addiction.

– Providing tax and other incentives to companies that support activities aimed at combating addiction will help expand the scope and impact of these efforts.

– To address the issue of long wait times for test results for individuals subject to probation, establishing laboratories dedicated exclusively to this process would enable results to be obtained quickly.

– It has been noted that self-harming behavior is occasionally observed among convicted offenders and detainees with substance use disorders. It would be appropriate to expand programs aimed at teaching psychosocial life skills that will help reduce such behaviors.

There should be no news reports about how drugs are used

– Article 20 of the Press Law No. 5187 specifically provides that murder, and suicide—and that fines will be imposed on publications that exceed these limits and are likely to encourage readers to commit such acts; however, drug-related offenses are not mentioned in this provision.Accordingly, it is deemed appropriate to include “narcotics offenses” in the relevant article of the aforementioned Law.

– With regard to the mandatory publications to be issued under Law No. 4207 on the Prevention and Control of the Harmful Effects of Tobacco Products, it would be appropriate to expand the scope to include forms of addiction other than tobacco.

– Since highlighting the false, temporary, and glorifying effects of substance use on individuals—whether in print or on the air—could encourage at-risk individuals, terms such as “drug lord,” “market value,” “recreational drug,” “high,” “victim,” or “drug trap”—which carry connotations of encouragement—should be replaced with terms that do not imply encouragement, such as “addict,” “person in need of treatment,” “harmful substance,” and similar expressions. Similarly, news reportsthat imply that synthetic drugs are cheap and easy to obtain should not be published.

– In a news report following an operation carried out by law enforcement, refraining from specifying the economic value of the seized substance—and instead using terms such as “bag,” “package,” or “kilogram”—may help prevent this from serving as an incentive for those seeking to profit from this illegal activity. Accordingly, methods of smuggling, dealing, and production should not be portrayed in an alluring manner, and it should not be implied that high profits are made through these means.

– Guidance regarding the use and procurement of the substance in TV shows, movies, and photographs should be avoided.

– News reports should not describe how drugs are used or provide specific details. News stories that arouse curiosity or encourage drug use among at-risk groups should not be published.Highlighting the temporary effects of drugs on individuals may lead at-risk groups to use drugs. Care should be taken to avoid emphasizing the false and temporary sense of well-being that drug use creates in individuals.

Certificates for Journalists

– It would be appropriate to introduce a certification program for journalists covering drug-related news.

– Since law enforcement agencies are the sources of news stories published in the media, the same level of care must be exercised in drafting press releases prepared by law enforcement agencies as is exercised by the media, and the text must be tailored to convey the message intended to be highlighted in the news story.

– It is necessary to develop a program that will encourage the production of theater and film works aimed at preventing addiction and to support best practices in this regard.

The Midnight Rule

– Movies that deal with drug use or contain scenes related to it should not be aired before midnight.

– In particular, 4- to 5-second mandatory ads that appear before online games—especially thoseplayed by young people—launch, and/or engaging and informative short videos of up to 10 seconds that must be watched before the game launches, should be produced.

– To promote the effective use of platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, it is important to use educational materials designed to effectively combat issues on social media—particularly those targeting young people—and, in this context, to share the stories of victims and families who have lost their children with young people on social media.

– Public service announcements on the topic of combating drug use should be broadcast during specific time slots throughout the day, rather than late at night.

– It would be appropriate to feature celebrities in public service announcements on substance abuse in an effort to attract a wider audience, and to avoid using gloomy themes and heavy music.

– Families should be informed that children under the age of 2 should not be exposed to technological devices under any circumstances, as this can hinder their cognitive development. Children should be taught proper use during elementary school and provided with a clear framework on this issue; harmful use should be prevented during middle school; and awareness campaigns regarding addiction should be conducted during high school.

– Software needs to be developed that allows families to monitor their children’s internet and gaming use, including the duration and time periods of internet use.