An online event titled “The Addiction Cycle and Cigarette Addiction” was organized by the Üsküdar University Vocational School of Health Services. During the event, the psychological background of addiction, the addiction cycle, nicotine addiction, and especially the risk factors affecting young people were discussed in a comprehensive manner.
The program was held online under the moderation of Ayşe Bağlı, Instructor and Head of the First and Emergency Aid Program at the Vocational School of Health Services, with a presentation by Specialist Psychologist Şahsenem Sarı.
The online event attracted the attention of Asst. Prof. Ömer Faruk Karasakal, Director of the Vocational School of Health Services, as well as academicians and students.
Şahsenem Sarı: “Addiction is not only a substance-related condition”
Specialist Psychologist Şahsenem Sarı emphasized that addiction is not only a substance-related condition and stated that behavioral addictions have effects that are at least as serious as substance addictions. Drawing attention to the fact that addiction is a chronic brain disease, Sarı said:
“Addiction is not only related to substances. Although addicts are often thought to lack willpower, the process is entirely related to changes occurring in the brain. For this reason, uncontrollable compulsive behaviors emerge.”
A single trial can trigger the path to addiction
Sarı stated that most addictions begin with a “one-time trial,” and noted that young people in particular tend to turn to substances or cigarettes due to the influence of their social environment. Emphasizing that tolerance begins to develop from the very first use, Sarı also drew attention to the fact that addiction treatment success rates remain low.
“Electronic cigarettes contain high levels of nicotine and heavy metals”
Referring to the role of dopamine in the addiction mechanism, Sarı explained that the brain’s reward center works more than normal, which causes addicts to increase the amount of substance over time to achieve the same effect. Reminding that electronic cigarettes and new-generation tobacco products are spreading rapidly among young people, Sarı stated:
“Although electronic cigarettes are often perceived as healthier, they contain much higher levels of nicotine and heavy metals compared to conventional cigarettes.”
“Even in cases of relapse, people should know that treatment is possible”
Explaining the addiction cycle under the headings of Craving, Use, Withdrawal, and Relapse, Sarı stated that addiction could restart with even a small trigger. She emphasized the importance of detoxification, pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and family support in the treatment process and said: “Most addicts need external control and the establishment of a strong daily routine. Even if a person experiences a relapse during this process, they should know that this is possible due to the nature of treatment and should have a pre-prepared plan.”
“The search for social acceptance increases use”
Sarı stated that young people are at higher risk of cigarette addiction due to their still-developing prefrontal cortex, and that the search for social acceptance further increases usage among youth. Drawing attention to the rapid spread of menthol cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, and flavored products through social media, she emphasized that the perception of these products as “lighter” is misleading.
Cigarettes cause permanent damage to attention and memory
Sarı stated that smoking causes permanent damage to cognitive performance, attention, and memory. She added that in the long term, smoking leads to reduced lung capacity, shortness of breath, and an increased risk of asthma. Also referring to the economic burden of smoking, Sarı said:
“We observe that a person who smokes one pack of cigarettes a day spends approximately 38,000 Turkish liras per year.”
She also added that smoking restricts social life and significantly negatively affects the daily routines of addicted individuals.
The event concluded after the question and answer session.