Prof. Tayfun Uzbay: “Addiction is not a moral problem, it's a disease!”

Prof. Tayfun Uzbay stated that addiction is not limited to substance use only, and drew attention to the risks in shopping, gaming, gambling, and social media use. Stating that pleasure and happiness are confused with each other, Prof. Uzbay said, “We all have weaknesses, but it is necessary to manage weaknesses.” Emphasizing the importance of correct information and education in protecting young people, Prof. Uzbay warned, “What you are passionate about is very important.”

The first guest of the new term of “Mental Well-being Talks” organized by Üsküdar University Positive Psychology Laboratory was Prof. Tayfun Uzbay, Advisor to the Rector of Üsküdar University and Director of the Neuropsychopharmacology Application and Research Center (NPFUAM). 

In the talk titled “From Pleasure to Addiction-The Brain's Reward System,” moderated by Prof. Tayfun Doğan, Prof. Uzbay explained the brain's reward mechanism, the development of addiction, and the effects of digital life on habits.

At the event, attended by students from different fields such as psychology, communication, philosophy, engineering, sociology, and political sciences, evaluations were made based on Prof. Uzbay's book “From Pleasure to Addiction,” and students' questions were answered.

“Addiction is actually a brain reward system disorder”

Prof. Tayfun Uzbay stated that the functioning of the brain's reward system must be understood in the evaluation of addiction, and added that common mechanisms are activated in different types of addiction. Prof. Uzbay said, “The same brain reward system is activated in shopping addiction, gaming and betting addiction, and heroin addiction.”

Stating that addiction should not be approached with moral judgments, Prof. Uzbay said, “Addiction is actually a brain reward system disorder; it appears as a malfunction of that system, an inability to function properly, and it is a disease. It is not a moral problem. It is not something that can be overcome by willpower or anything like that.”

Stating that individuals' susceptibility to addiction can differ, Prof. Uzbay emphasized that the problem cannot be prevented solely with warnings, and that correct information and awareness are important.

Correct information and education are needed to protect young people

Explaining the relationship between pleasure-related impulses and decision-making processes in the brain, Prof. Uzbay stated that developmental characteristics also play a role in young people's tendency towards risky behaviors.

Stating that it is not enough to simply tell young people that a behavior is harmful, Prof. Uzbay said, “One of them is to provide proper education, correct information, and raise awareness; it is necessary to explain to young people what the consequences will be in a way that convinces them.”

Pointing out that education supports an individual's decision-making skills, Prof. Uzbay said that young people should be connected with the right resources in the fight against addiction.

Behavioral addictions should not be underestimated

Also touching upon “oniomania,” known as shopping addiction, Prof. Uzbay stated that problems that gaming, gambling, shopping, and digital use habits can create may not be given enough importance.

Prof. Uzbay explained that families may not show the same sensitivity they exhibit when they notice cigarette use, to the time their children spend in front of a computer and the activities they engage in. He said, “But what the child is watching, doing, or playing in front of the computer in their room is not such a big concern for us.”

Pointing out that addiction should not be downplayed with expressions like “habit” or “passion,” Prof. Uzbay stated that how much time a person devotes to a behavior and what they experience when they cannot perform it is important.

“Pleasure and happiness are confused with each other”

Stating that enjoying life is a natural need, but happiness cannot be reduced to a constant search for pleasure, Prof. Uzbay made the following assessment:

“Pleasure and happiness are confused with each other. That is, taking pleasure is important. None of us will live without taking pleasure, without enjoying life. But life is not always just about pleasure. So, when you constantly seek pleasure to be happy, a tolerance to pleasure will develop after a certain period. You will be surprised why you take pleasure and will try to seek new pleasures.”

Stating that solidarity, helping others, and sharing a person's troubles also contribute to the satisfaction derived from life, Prof. Uzbay emphasized the importance of reading books, sports, and striving for meaningful goals.

When shopping, the question “Is this really a need?” should be asked

Emphasizing that the areas passions are directed towards should be questioned, Prof. Uzbay said, “What you are passionate about is very important.”

Prof. Uzbay stated that the purchase of needed products and unnecessary consumption should be separated, and said:
“What I am trying to say is to question whether you are buying things you shouldn't. That is, to say ‘Is this really necessary?’ when spending money on something or somewhere, or buying something, to say ‘Is this really a need?’”

Also stating that the time allocated to phones and social media should not overshadow face-to-face relationships, Prof. Uzbay said, “Because we need to talk, we need to write, we need to read.”

Other skills should also be developed while using technology

Stating the importance of utilizing the opportunities offered by technology, Prof. Uzbay said that the main issue is not to neglect other skills while these tools are being used.

Prof. Uzbay said, “I am not saying do not use technology. I am not saying stay away from artificial intelligence, mind you. But definitely develop and sharpen your other skills,” calling on students to read books and turn to reliable sources of information.

Regarding children's early introduction to screens, Prof. Uzbay said, “We need to encourage these children to read books, to write with their hands, to write beautifully, to think, to ask questions, and to develop a system in this way.”

A family history of addiction does not mean a definite outcome

Emphasizing that the idea that individuals with a family history of addiction will definitely become addicted is wrong, Prof. Uzbay said, “Just as having an addicted person in the family does not mean you will be 100% addicted, there is no rule that coming from a family resistant to addiction will protect you 100% from addiction.”

Stating that addiction treatment is a multi-dimensional process, Prof. Uzbay emphasized the importance of managing withdrawal, as well as psychosocial support and the individual's reintegration into a productive life. Prof. Uzbay added that the fundamental approach in the fight is “to equip society with correct information about addiction, to create awareness, and to teach how to protect oneself.”

After a flower presentation to Prof. Tayfun Uzbay, Uzbay signed his books for his readers.

The event concluded with a group photo session.