Üsküdar University Vice-Rector, Director of the Institute of Addiction and Forensic Sciences Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy was a guest at İzmir Ekonomi University (İEÜ) Faculty of Arts and Sciences' fall semester opening lecture. Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy gave important messages on 'Turkey's fight against addiction'. Emphasizing the great importance of communication in preventing substance addiction, Prof. Dr. Atasoy also made vital warnings to young people, saying, "Don't say nothing will happen from trying once, don't even think about using substances. Remember, you can become addicted even in a single try."
The opening lecture of the İEÜ Faculty of Arts and Sciences 2024-2025 Academic Year Fall Semester was held with the participation of Vice-Rectors Prof. Dr. Aslı Ceylan Öner and Prof. Dr. Gözde Yazgı Tütüncü, academicians, educators, and a large number of students.
In the program held at the İEÜ Conference Hall, students attentively listened to the presentation by Üsküdar University Vice-Rector and Head of Forensic Medicine Department Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy on 'Turkey's fight against addiction', filling the hall completely.
Know how to say 'No'!
Sharing her knowledge and experience on combating addiction, Prof. Dr. Atasoy said, "University life is the period when you will accumulate the most beautiful memories. University will determine what you will become and your successes in the future. First and foremost, you need to pay great attention to your physical health. One day, you might hesitate to say 'no' to a substance offered to you, or you might think that nothing will happen from trying it once. But never do this. Because even trying once can lead to very bad consequences. You can become addicted even in a single try. Therefore, you must never try it and know how to say 'no'. The best thing you can do when faced with such a situation is to tell your closest ones about your problem. Under the roof of this university, there are very important professionals who will extend a helping hand and listen to you. Therefore, do not hesitate to seek support from these individuals. Because not only your physical health but also your mental health is very important for your success."
Family factor is important!
Stating that the family factor is also of great importance in preventing substance addiction, Prof. Dr. Atasoy explained what needs to be done, saying, "Family members will sit together at the dinner table every evening. Everyone will share what they experienced that day. No one will criticize, saying, 'You couldn't do it, you're no good.' Therefore, as long as we can share the good and the bad around the same table without criticism, we will not experience these problems."
Beware of medication use!
Drawing attention to the fact that some unconsciously used medications can also lead to addiction, Prof. Dr. Atasoy said, "Prescription drugs should only be taken at the dose and time frame specified by the physician. We not only use those medications ourselves but also start giving them to our friends. Then addiction can begin. Therefore, medications for attention deficit, depression, and insomnia cannot be used without doctor's supervision. If used, they can be addictive. We must prevent this situation by acting consciously."
Prof. Dr. Yetkiner concluded his speech by thanking Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy for her support and participation.
