On December 16, 2024, the Mehmet Balcı Campus of Istanbul Rumeli University hosted a meaningful event. The "Turkey's Struggle Against Addiction" seminar, organized in collaboration with the Young Green Crescent Club and the Addiction Struggle Commission, aimed to raise awareness and create consciousness among students about addiction. Experts from the Silivri Green Crescent Branch and Silivri YEDAM (Green Crescent Counseling Center) came together with students for the event.
The seminar was moderated by Dr. Lecturer Ayşe Tanşu from Istanbul Rumeli University, while experienced professionals in the field of addiction shared valuable insights with the students. Silivri Green Crescent Branch Director İmran Mızrak and Silivri YEDAM Social Service Specialist Kasım Yazıcı delivered impactful presentations.
İmran Mızrak highlighted the historical and social role of Green Crescent in the fight against addiction, emphasizing the negative effects of addiction on both individuals and society today. He stressed that addiction is not just an individual problem, but also a societal issue.
Silivri YEDAM Social Service Specialist Kasım Yazıcı spoke about the importance of psychosocial support services in the fight against addiction. He provided information on the services offered by YEDAM and stated that preventing the onset of addiction is more effective than treating it. Yazıcı also offered recommendations on individual actions and community solutions in the fight against addiction.
During the seminar, various dimensions of addiction were discussed, with a particular focus on contemporary issues such as technology and substance addiction. The experts drew attention to how addiction lowers quality of life and impacts individual health, sharing strategies for coping with these issues.
The event, which saw significant student participation, created an interactive environment where participants' questions were answered. As a result, the seminar addressed pressing concerns about the fight against addiction in a clear and engaging manner.
The seminar also emphasized the importance of preventive healthcare services in the fight against addiction. The experts highlighted that awareness and consciousness-raising efforts should take precedence over the treatment process in the fight against addiction. They noted that such events can foster positive change in individuals, helping society take more informed steps in combating addiction.
As Istanbul Rumeli University, we are committed to organizing such events to raise our students as conscious and healthy individuals who will contribute positively to society. The "Turkey's Struggle Against Addiction" seminar has been an important step in raising awareness and guiding our students. Our university will continue to host projects and events focused on public health in the future.