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Taking measures to prevent diseases, improve our health, and extend our lifespan
A disease affecting people from all walks of life
The condition where technology controls a person
Individuals may be referred to addiction treatment centers if deemed necessary
Promoting mental well-being by coping with stress and recognizing abilities
One of the most widely abused substances globally due to nicotine addiction
Activation of the brain's reward pleasure mechanism by repeating a certain behavior
Crucial in preventing relapse after quitting alcohol or drugs.
Complete well-being physically, mentally, and socially
A product containing vaporized nicotine reported as harmful.
1.85 million out of 3 million deaths in 2017 were preventable.
The process of recovery by combating addiction
Inability to quit substances despite knowing the physical and psychological harms
Risking something valuable in hopes of gaining something more valuable
The beginning of the body's purification process after quitting substance use
The process of reintegrating into society healthily
21/11/2025
Taking measures to prevent diseases, improve our health, and extend our lifespan
A disease affecting people from all walks of life
The condition where technology controls a person
Individuals may be referred to addiction treatment centers if deemed necessary
Promoting mental well-being by coping with stress and recognizing abilities
One of the most widely abused substances globally due to nicotine addiction
Activation of the brain's reward pleasure mechanism by repeating a certain behavior
Crucial in preventing relapse after quitting alcohol or drugs.
Complete well-being physically, mentally, and socially
A product containing vaporized nicotine reported as harmful.
1.85 million out of 3 million deaths in 2017 were preventable.
The process of recovery by combating addiction
Inability to quit substances despite knowing the physical and psychological harms
Risking something valuable in hopes of gaining something more valuable
The beginning of the body's purification process after quitting substance use
The process of reintegrating into society healthily
Substance addiction refers to the use of substances that negatively impact the body's functions, causing harm, yet individuals find it difficult to quit using these substances. The International Federation of Green Crescent (IFGC) and all Country Green Crescents work together to raise awareness about substance addiction and strive towards a healthier world.
Substance addiction is a pathological condition characterized by an individual's impulsive engagement in substance use, loss of control over the substance and the manifestation of withdrawal symptoms when not using. This condition is a psychiatric disorder rapidly spreading globally, leading to life-threatening situations, significant health problems and broad social issues. The persistence of substance use and the inability to quit despite harm are fundamental characteristics of this disease.
Country Green Crescents operating under the International Federation of Green Crescent actively play a role in preventing substance addiction. The International Federation of Green Crescent, with a comprehensive approach to addiction, not only addresses substance addiction but also collaborates with Country Green Crescents in a determined effort against other types of addiction. The goal is to create a global network of solidarity against substance addiction through local awareness campaigns and international projects.
Currently, substance use is a significant problem, especially among the youth. Those who take the first steps into the world of substances out of curiosity often find themselves tackling substance addiction. Substance addiction renders individuals unable to maintain their daily lives and relationships; the body craves more substance each day and the previous dose becomes insufficient. If the amount of substance used continually and regularly increases and the substance is consumed more rapidly each day, it signifies the initiation of substance addiction.
Individuals unwilling to accept this reality systematically plan their next substance use, contemplate where and how to obtain it and despite knowing the harm and the wrongness, persist in using the substance, overcoming any obstacles to reach it. This is because they are aware that if they pause or reduce the dose, withdrawal symptoms will occur.
Withdrawal is the totality of physical and mental disorders experienced intensely when an individual reduces the amount and frequency of substance use, making it impossible to continue life. Common withdrawal symptoms include aggression, anger, crises of nerves, restlessness and a tendency towards suicide. Individuals who want to avoid this situation persist in substance consumption despite all the material and medical challenges.
In those who insist on continuing these processes and refuse treatment for addiction, the body, brain functions and heart may fail due to the increasing dose's inadequacy, leading to serious consequences. Individuals seeking treatment can approach hospitals, addiction treatment centers and psychiatric clinics to receive care. The treatment, conducted through collaboration between the patient and the doctor, typically involves detoxification in the hospital for 2-6 weeks, followed by psychosocial therapy for a year.
It is essential to remember that the best way to protect oneself from substance addiction is never to start.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), at least two symptoms of substance addiction must occur within the last year, causing significant distress and a decrease in functionality. The symptoms include:
Substance addiction affects various regions of the central nervous system, causing both physical and psychological damage. These effects include:
Some ways for the relatives of substance users include:
Some points to be careful about for the relatives of substance users include:
"No, my child would never use."
• Self-blame and blaming the spouse
"This child turned out this way because of you."
"We couldn't be good parents."
• Feeling disappointment and helplessness
"Did I raise you for this?"
"Everything is over; nothing can be the same again."
• Anger
"I can't have a child like this!"
• Blaming and humiliating the child
"You won't amount to anything."
• Making extreme decisions
"Your school life is over."
Green Crescent Counseling Center (YEDAM) is a service provided by the Turkish Green Crescent Society for individuals with substance addictions aged 12 and above, offering completely free psychosocial support. The center conducts an evaluation meeting with the individual and an expert psychologist upon application, forming a collaborative treatment plan. The program covers intervention in addiction, prevention of relapse, intervention in accompanying mental disorders, family relationships and lifestyle. In addition, meetings with a social worker provide support on issues such as education, work, life skills, relationships with friends, coping with activities and environment and accessing proper medical support.
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