Türkiye Leg of the Erasmus+ KA153 “International Addiction Education” Project Successfully Completed

The Türkiye leg of the Erasmus+ KA153 "International Addiction Education" project, conducted with the support of the Turkish National Agency and in cooperation with the International Balkan University, was completed with field visits, expert seminars, and comparative workshops.

During the five-day program, medical, psychosocial, and civil society-based models applied in the fight against addiction in Türkiye were examined on-site. Students from our project partner, the International Balkan University (North Macedonia), and Turkish participants had the opportunity to reinforce theoretical knowledge with field observations.

The activities carried out day by day and the institutions visited within the scope of the project are as follows:

Days 1 & 2: Cultural Adaptation and Holistic Rehabilitation Examples

The first days of the program began with the cultural adaptation of the guest students and historical tours. Significant landmarks of the Historical Peninsula, such as the Palace of the Porphyrogenitus (Tekfur Palace) and Balat, were visited.

The first stop of the field studies was Hazreti Kaab Mosque, which offers an alternative and social model in the fight against addiction. During the visit, the importance of meeting basic needs such as hygiene, shelter, and employment—not just physical detoxification—was emphasized. Detailed information was provided on psychological processes conducted through one-on-one relationships and spiritual support.

Day 3: Institutional Approaches and the Role of Civil Society

On the third day of the program, the strategies of Türkiye's established institutions and non-governmental organizations were discussed.

• Seminar: Osman Atalay, Member of the Board of Trustees of IHH, shared current studies in the field of addiction and discussed new strategies with the participants.

• Green Crescent (Yeşilay) Headquarters: The institution's historical mission in the fight against addiction and its current projects were presented.

• Yedikule YEDAM (Green Crescent Counseling Center): The psychosocial dimensions of addiction were examined, and treatment and rehabilitation processes applied to clients were explained by experts.

Day 4: Medical Treatment and Peer Support Models

On the fourth day, inpatient treatment processes and rehabilitation models based on "former addict" experiences were observed on-site.

• Bakırköy AMATEM: At one of Türkiye’s most important treatment centers, the inpatient treatment model and medical approaches were explained by experts.

• Independent Life Association (BAYDER): The importance of peer support in the recovery process was explored with the institution's psychologist and former addict instructors sharing their experiences.

• Pusula Sober Life Association: The association's approach to addiction and its activities were discussed during a meeting with Psychologist Emre Saka and the training staff.

Day 5: Türkiye - North Macedonia Comparative Workshop

The project concluded with a comprehensive workshop where the addiction combat practices of both countries were discussed.

• Turkish students presented their field observations from the North Macedonia visit.

• International Balkan University students presented their experiences in Türkiye.

In the workshop, institutional structures, treatment approaches, similarities, and differences in both countries were discussed, and evaluations were made on examples of good practice. The project ended with thanks to the International Balkan University for their cooperation and to all participants who contributed.