Prof. Nevzat Tarhan: Social isolation and loneliness trigger substance use!

Pointing out that there is very little difference between substance use rates among young people globally, in the European Union and in Türkiye, Psychiatrist Prof. Nevzat Tarhan expressed that "We are keeping up with Europe in the rate of substance use." Tarhan also emphasized that social isolation and loneliness among young people are one of the factors that trigger substance use.

President of Üsküdar University and Psychiatrist Prof. Nevzat Tarhan evaluated the issue of substance addiction.

There is a serious increase in substance abuse!

Pointing out that there is serious information about the increase in substance addiction, Prof. Tarhan stated that "A report known as ESPAD conducted by European countries among secondary school students documents this increase. Türkiye is also a part of this work. ESPAD is called the European School Survey Project and determines the rates of smoking, alcohol or drug use at least once in the lifetime of secondary school students in the member states of the European Union, that is, until the period of the survey. The study was conducted on more than 100 thousand students."

Alcohol use is high among high school-level teens

Noting that the results are quite striking, Prof. Tarhan continued his remarks as follows: "41 percent of high school students have smoked at least once in their lives, 79 percent have used alcohol and 17 percent have used substances. These rates are quite high. In 1989, I did a thesis study for reserve officer students when I was at GATA, and the rate of substance use among these students was 1 percent. The rate of substance use, which was 1 percent among university graduates 20-30 years ago or even 40 years ago, has increased to 17 percent today. This represents an increase of 17 times more. Globally, there is little difference in rates of substance use among young people in the European Union and Türkiye. We are catching up with Europe and we are on par with Europe in terms of substance use."

Despite the family, the rates of substance, alcohol and cigarette use have increased in young people

Noting that the reason for the increase is that young people could be protected by their families before, today young people can easily access prohibited substances because the family structure has weakened and the family has ceased to be a safe area, Prof. Tarhan said that "The open door that causes this situation is social media and smartphones. Young people can easily access substances through these channels. They also get easy access from their surroundings. Therefore, despite the mother, father and family, the rate of substance, alcohol and cigarette use has increased in young people."

Substance use safety issue

Stating that "Substance abuse has now become a serious security problem in Türkiye. In 20-30 years, while Türkiye is trying to make up for its deficiency with immigrants like the European Union, if we lose our own youth, we will have lost our future," Prof. Tarhan added that those who think about Türkiye should change their priorities.

If one of the parents has alcohol and cigarettes, the risk increases 5 times more

Prof. Tarhan stated that "Cases of neglect and abuse, especially in the family, have increased. This rate is higher in men, and if one of the parents has alcohol and cigarettes, the child is five times more likely to have these habits. There is no positive trend in this area in Türkiye. For this reason, the fight against drug and alcohol use is being carried out and tried to be done."

Classical methods are not effective

Stating that classical methods currently include negative propaganda emphasizing the harms of alcohol, cigarettes and substances, and that such approaches are generally not effective, Prof. Tarhan expressed that "Positive propaganda methods and positive influencing power are recommended worldwide. In other words, instead of just trying to prevent it by scaring them, protection strategies should be developed by improving people's quality of life and directing them to positive and correct behaviors. Especially at the first level of protection, healthy people should be told what they can do to avoid substance use. These studies should be done by offering positive reinforcement methods to people without mentioning the name of the substance. Strategies that improve happiness and social life can reduce the need for the substance. Research shows that people often turn to substance use out of thrill-seeking and the need for stress reduction. When family ties are weak and unhappiness is experienced, young people may turn to substance use to fill this gap. This situation may lead to the emergence of subcultural groups formed by substance users."

After treatment, rehabilitation centers offer a more effective solution

Pointing out that the treatment of substance users is usually a difficult and costly process in a hospital environment, Prof. Tarhan stated that "Therefore, the smartest strategy is to take proactive steps to prevent people from becoming addicted to substances." Pointing out that rehabilitation centers will offer a more effective solution, especially for children after treatment, Prof. Tarhan expressed that "Rehabilitation studies carried out by voluntary non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are also important in Türkiye. However, due to existing legal barriers, it has been made difficult for such NGOs to operate. Public legal entities, foundations and universities should provide more support in this regard."

Bureaucracy complicates the process

Explaining that Kocaeli Municipality has established a structure under the name of Tazelenme Merkezi (Refreshment Center), although it cannot legally open a center related to addiction, and that this center provides a place where young people and students can stay and receive various supports, Prof. Tarhan said that "The municipality started this initiative on its own initiative and many young people have recovered here. Such initiatives can also be made by NGOs, but the bureaucracy often complicates this process and does not adequately underestimate the seriousness of the work. Therefore, time is wasted on such an important issue as protecting young people from bad habits. Right now, because of the distractions of daily chores and media, we do not spend enough time with our children, and we do not have enough conversations with them. We do not take care of our children by watching TV late into the night. Such negligence is a major obstacle in protecting young people from bad habits."

We spoil children and make them vulnerable to outside influences

Stating that when talking to children, they are usually treated as if they are giving a lecture or preaching, and that this is due to approaching children only like an educator instead of being a companion, Prof. Tarhan said that "We spoiled children and made them vulnerable to external influences. If children do not have a healthy relationship with their parents, they may feel unhappy and insecure. This can be one of the reasons that lead to the child leaving home or substance use. Children who have the means are moving away from home to start living on their own. Those with limited opportunities go to university and move away from home. Moreover, some of them express unrest in the family by using alcohol, even if they get married and have children. You see, there is no healthy communication in the family."

If there are strong family bonds, the youth choose family over substance use

Stating that if the family dynamics are healthy and there is a strong communication between the parents, even if the child starts to use substances, the family environment can distract the child from this habit, Prof. Tarhan expressed that "If there is a warm and sharing environment at home, even if children try the substance, they are likely to prefer their family instead of substance use due to their bond with the family. However, if family members are too lenient or permissive towards substance use, this can mean an abuse of love and affection. By allowing their children to drink alcohol or turning a blind eye to substance use at home, parents can pave the way for the development of this habit. Some parents may try to keep their children 'under control' by giving them alcohol. This approach can lead to the onset and progression of the child's substance abuse."

Healthy family ties and good communication can protect children from risks

Emphasizing that the effect of family dynamics and communication on children's substance addiction is very pronounced, Prof. Tarhan said that "Healthy family bonds and good communication can protect children from such risks. Warmth, positive support, appreciation and approval within the family are important. However, lack of communication within the family, poor family ties, and lack of education of parents can increase the problems. Children may turn to substance use in cases of lack of discipline or excessive permissiveness. In particular, inconsistent messages from parents and uncontrolled behavior increase the risk of substance use. However, children who have a healthy family environment may realize the appeal of substance use and return to their families.

Social isolation and loneliness among young people trigger substance use

Emphasizing that social isolation and loneliness among young people are one of the factors that trigger substance use, Prof. Tarhan explained that social media also offers an artificial sociality that does not replace face-to-face interaction, and that this can temporarily alleviate the feeling of loneliness of young people, but since social media relationships do not provide real emotional connections, users experience a lack of real social interactions and in-depth relationships. Emphasizing the importance of limited and conscious use of social media, Prof. Tarhan concluded his remarks as follows: "Instead of social media replacing real face-to-face interaction, the effort to establish healthy relationships and real social connections should come to the fore. Warm and supportive relationships within the family can help children maintain their healthy development without being affected by loneliness and social isolation. Loneliness is more common in young people than in other ages in the new generation. There is social isolation. Children do not sit down with the mother and father and talk, spend time together, do not share. Children feel alone."

 

Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)