"Talking About Addictions: A Special Yeşilay Week Panel" Held at Istanbul Gelisim University

The "Talking About Addictions: A Special Yeşilay Week Panel," organized by the Istanbul Gelisim University Addiction Prevention Coordination Unit, was held on campus to a wide audience. The program addressed addiction from medical, psychological, and societal perspectives. The panel was attended by IGU Rector Prof. Bahri Şahin, Avcılar District Health Director and Avcılar District Yeşilay Chair Dr. Fatih Türkmen, faculty members, and numerous students.

Opening Remarks Highlight Multi-Dimensional Approach to Addiction

Rector Prof. Bahri Şahin, who delivered the opening address, noted that combating addiction cannot be reduced to individual willpower alone. Şahin emphasized that the process represents a multifaceted responsibility encompassing the family, educational institutions, and society at large. Stressing that universities are not merely institutions that produce academic knowledge, he stated that they also play a critical role as centers that develop solutions to social problems, raise awareness, and educate young people. Drawing attention to the importance of contributing to the fight against addiction through scientific research, fieldwork, and social responsibility projects, Şahin underlined the need to strengthen university-public sector cooperation. He also noted that protecting the young population ranks among the top priorities, and stressed the importance of expanding early-age awareness initiatives and supporting preventive policies.

Avcılar District Health Director and Avcılar District Yeşilay Chair Dr. Fatih Türkmen spoke about field operations in his address. Sharing insights gained in his dual capacity as a physician and an administrator, Türkmen drew attention to the importance of preventive and protective activities carried out within the scope of primary healthcare services. Noting that the fight against addiction is conducted in a coordinated and multifaceted manner in the field, he stated that awareness programs targeting young people and families have been expanded, and that early intervention plays a decisive role in the success of the process.

"Addictions as a Public Health Problem"

IGU Addiction Prevention Coordinator Assoc. Prof. Nurten Elkin, who moderated the panel, assessed the impact of addiction on public health in her presentation titled "Addictions as a Public Health Problem." Referring to the work carried out by the Coordination Unit, established within the university in 2022 under the Council of Higher Education's Addiction Prevention Action Plan, Elkin stated that addictions profoundly affect not only physical and mental health, but also family structure, social relationships, and educational and working life.
Drawing attention to the importance of preventive efforts, Elkin noted that early intervention, awareness-raising activities, and inter-institutional cooperation play a critical role. Addressing risk factors and protective elements in the development of addiction, she stressed the need to strengthen community-based strategies and emphasized the particular importance of expanding educational programs aimed at protecting young people.

Types of Addiction Addressed by Expert Speakers

In the first session of the panel, Social Worker Sultan Öztürk from Avcılar YEDAM shared her assessments on behavioral addictions and virtual gambling addiction. Clinical Psychologist Berna Baltacı Özsucu, also from Avcılar YEDAM, examined alcohol addiction from scientific and clinical perspectives.
In the second session, Dr. Rabia Balcı from the Avcılar District Health Directorate presented current data on tobacco addiction. Psychologist Emrah Akarsu, serving at the Addiction Counseling Unit of the Esenyurt District Health Directorate, drew attention to the importance of counseling services in the fight against addiction.

Program Concluded with Plaque Ceremony

At the close of the program, plaques were presented to the speakers in recognition of their contributions. The plaques were awarded by Assoc. Prof. Nurten Elkin and Prof. Nefise Semra Erkan.
The panel, which attracted a large audience, was followed with great interest by faculty members and students alike. The event once again underscored the importance of a scientific approach, inter-institutional cooperation, and early intervention in combating addiction.