Under the leadership of Üsküdar University Rector Prof. Dr. Nazife Güngör and Üsküdar University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy, known for her work in forensic sciences in Turkey and worldwide, the “Addiction Combat Studies Committee Meeting” was held. During the meeting, where the issue of combating addiction was thoroughly discussed, Güngör emphasized the importance of awareness. Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy, stating the need for an organization to carry out the fight, underlined the necessity of creating collective awareness. Atasoy also highlighted that the drug problem is increasing and that this increase brings deaths. In this meeting, measures that can be taken to combat addiction were discussed.
The meeting, held in the Üsküdar University Senate Hall, was attended by Üsküdar University Rector Prof. Dr. Nazife Güngör, Üsküdar University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy, Secretary General Selçuk Uysaler, department heads, and unit managers.
Prof. Dr. Nazife Güngör: “It is imperative to raise awareness in the fight against addiction”
Üsküdar University Rector Prof. Dr. Nazife Güngör, addressing important work that can be done in the fight against addiction, emphasized the importance of raising awareness. Güngör said; “It is imperative to raise awareness in the fight against addiction. Conducting studies related to combating addiction would be very beneficial in terms of creating awareness and informing the public. In this context, studies on combating addiction can be carried out.”
Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy: “We are seeing an unexpected acceleration in the last 5 years”
Üsküdar University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy, emphasizing that the drug problem is increasing, stated that this increase also brings deaths. Atasoy said; “Drugs have become a very significant problem in our country and are increasing. We are seeing an unexpected acceleration in the last 5 years. There is also an increase in the number of substance addicts applying to hospitals for treatment. It is rapidly on the rise. Reports from the Forensic Medicine Institute also show a very serious increase in the number of drug-related deaths.”
“Substance addiction is considered a public health issue”
Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy, stating that there are three steps in the fight against illicit drugs; “Substance addiction is accepted worldwide as a treatable brain disease. In fact, the whole point is for people never to get sick, never to die. That is, they should not use substances, and they should not endanger their lives by being addicted to substances. Therefore, there is a fundamental principle in combating illicit drugs. This is considered a public health issue, and a three-step strategy is implemented as if fighting malaria. The first step is never to use. That is, not to use tobacco, alcohol, substances, cannabis. Green and red prescriptions are also included. So, we are not just talking about heroin, cocaine, morphine, we are talking about drug abuse. Our job is the first step. That is, we are combating substances at the first step.”
“People use when happy and when sad”
Atasoy, speaking about the causes of substance addiction; “First of all, we need to know the reasons for substance use. These reasons include problems such as inability to cope with problems, inability to solve problems, anxieties, poor school grades, and lack of healthy life skills. The reason for this stems from their lack of knowledge of positive psychology. That is, it is a situation arising from people's inability to feel good about themselves and their lack of problem-solving skills. People use when they are happy and when they are sad. In other words, they always find a reason. The whole point is to provide them with the knowledge and skills to combat this…”
“Everyone needs to have awareness”
Atasoy, drawing attention to the importance of awareness in combating addiction; “We need an organization to carry out the fight against addiction. Because this is a comprehensive issue. Everyone needs to have awareness. One should be equipped in such a way as to be able to recognize that someone has a problem when they see them. That is, not necessarily someone with dilated pupils or trembling hands, or a flushed face, not someone who has reached that point. It is necessary to see someone who is sad in their own way, who withdraws, who becomes introverted. It is necessary to create collective awareness.”
In the meeting where the university's processes were evaluated, it was emphasized that the work in this area would continue to increase with a spirit of collaboration and solidarity.