An online event titled “Addiction Cycle and Tobacco Addiction” was organized by Üsküdar University Health Services Vocational School (SMHYO). At the event, the psychological infrastructure of addiction, the addiction cycle, nicotine addiction, and especially the risk factors for young people were comprehensively discussed.
The program was held online, moderated by Lecturer Ayşe Bağlı, Head of the SHMYO First and Emergency Aid Program, with a presentation by Expert Psychologist Şahsenem Sarı.
SHMYO Director Dr. Lecturer Ömer Faruk Karasakal, academicians, and students showed interest in the online event.
Şahsenem Sarı: “Addiction is not just a material condition”
Expert Psychologist Şahsenem Sarı emphasized that addiction is not merely a material condition, stating that behavioral addiction types have effects as serious as substance addiction. Sarı, drawing attention to addiction being a chronic brain disease, said; “Addiction is not just a material condition. Although addicts are often perceived as lacking willpower, the process is entirely related to the changes the brain undergoes. This is why uncontrollable compulsive behaviors emerge.”
A single attempt can start the path to addiction
Sarı stated that addictions often begin with a “one-time trial,” noting that young people, in particular, turn to substances or cigarettes due to social environmental influence. Emphasizing that tolerance develops from the first use, Sarı pointed out that addiction treatment rates are low.
“Electronic cigarettes contain a lot of nicotine and heavy metals”
Referring to the effect of dopamine in the addiction mechanism, Sarı stated that the brain's reward center works more than usual, leading addicts to increase the amount of the substance over time to achieve the same effect. Reminding that electronic cigarettes and new-generation tobacco products are rapidly spreading among young people, Sarı said; “Although electronic cigarettes are often perceived as healthier, they contain much more nicotine and heavy metals compared to regular cigarettes.”
“Even if they relapse, they should know there is treatment”
Sarı described the addiction cycle with the headings ‘Craving-Use-Withdrawal-Relapse,’ stating that addiction can restart with a small trigger. She emphasized the importance of detox, pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and family support in the treatment process. Sarı said; “Most addicts need external control and the establishment of a strong routine. Even if the person experiences a relapse during this process, they should know that this is possible by the nature of the treatment and should have a pre-prepared plan.”
“The quest for social acceptance increases usage”
Sarı stated that young people are in a higher-risk group for cigarette addiction due to their still-developing prefrontal cortex, adding that the quest for social acceptance also increases usage among young people. Sarı noted that menthol cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, and flavored products are spreading through social media, emphasizing that the perception of these products as ‘lighter’ is incorrect.
Cigarettes cause permanent damage to attention and memory
Sarı stated that cigarettes cause permanent damage to cognitive performance, attention, and memory, adding that in the long term, lung capacity decreases, and the risk of shortness of breath and asthma increases. Referring to the economic burden of cigarettes, Sarı said; “We see that someone who smokes a pack of cigarettes spends approximately 38 thousand TL annually.”
Sarı also added that cigarettes restrict social life and significantly negatively affect the daily routines of addicted individuals.
The event concluded after the question and answer session.