A seminar titled “Harms of Electronic Cigarette (Puff) Use and Combating Addiction” was organized by the Dean's Office of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Üsküdar Üniversitesi. Exp. Psychologist Ceyda Şişman was the guest speaker at the seminar. Şişman made notable evaluations regarding addiction and the effects of electronic cigarette use on human health.
Faculty academics and students attended the seminar held in the Socrates Hall, E Block, South Campus of Üsküdar Üniversitesi.
Exp. Psychologist Ceyda Şişman: “Electronic cigarettes can cause serious health problems”
Exp. Psychologist Ceyda Şişman emphasized that addiction affects brain regions such as the prefrontal cortex and pleasure center, leading to a loss of control over willpower, and that changes in dopamine levels trigger the addiction cycle. Şişman stated; “Although electronic cigarettes are considered safer compared to tobacco products, they can cause serious health problems such as fluid accumulation in the lungs and respiratory issues. Electronic cigarettes promote addiction with their nicotine content and attractive flavors. Users often start using electronic cigarettes out of curiosity or social influence, but nicotine addiction develops quickly. This situation should be treated not as a weakness of will, but as a disease developing in the brain.”
“Environmental factors play a significant role in the formation of addiction”
Emphasizing the importance of the social environment in combating addiction, Şişman said; “Environmental factors such as family and friends play a significant role in the formation of addiction. A healthy social environment is very effective in combating addiction. Engaging in social activities and utilizing health services can also help in the fight against addiction. In this context, we can use support services such as the Ministry of Health's quit smoking hotline.”
During the seminar, the role of positive reinforcement and empathetic approach in supporting addicted individuals was emphasized. It was also stated that a positive social environment should be provided to increase an individual's willpower.
The event concluded after participants' questions were answered.