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An important step has been taken to strengthen the role of civil society in the fight against addictions, which threaten the future of humanity. As the Human Life Association (İnsani Hayat Derneği), we participated in the press conference where the report titled "The Role of Civil Society in Combatting Addictions, Current Threats, and Strategic Solution Proposals," prepared by the IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation, was shared with the public.
During the meeting, the strategic importance of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in this field, the necessity of rapid legal regulations, the importance of coordination with the state, and the vital need for cooperation with experienced experts were highlighted.
<h3 data-path-to-node="5">General President Yunus Çetinkol: "The Role of NGOs Must Be Strengthened"</h3>
Speaking at the meeting, Yunus Çetinkol, General President of the Humanitarian Life Association, pointed out the potential power of civil society in preventing addiction and stated:
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"All non-governmental organizations are inadvertently conducting preventive work in the fight against addiction. We want these organizations to further strengthen the role of civil society in the field of addiction through their efforts and to ensure that beneficial and coordinated work is carried out in this area."
</blockquote>
<h3 data-path-to-node="8">İHH Borad Member Osman Atalay: "A Presidency for Combatting Addictions Should Be Established"</h3>
Emphasizing that addiction is not just a health issue but a matter of national survival, Osman Atalay, Member of the IHH Board of Trustees, proposed a fundamental structural solution to eliminate the current fragmented approach:
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"The establishment of a 'Presidency for Combatting Addictions' or an 'Institute' is crucial to eliminate the fragmented structure of this struggle. A high-level presidency with a defined budget and authority should be established to manage all processes from a single center. Public awareness policies should be concentrated in primary education institutions; awareness of the fight against addiction must be instilled in children from a very young age. To ensure the development and safety of students, the relationship between family, school, and teachers must be strengthened."
</blockquote>
<h3 data-path-to-node="11">Green Crescent Board Member Mustafa Çağrı Soyer: "The Economic Cost of Addiction is 78 Billion Dollars"</h3>
Sharing striking data regarding the economic dimension of the struggle, Mustafa Çağrı Soyer, Board Member of the Green Crescent (Yeşilay), summarized the burden of the "addiction economy" on Turkey:
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“A total of 78 billion dollars of our national wealth goes abroad due to cigarettes, alcohol, gambling, and drugs. This amount is a massive budget that could allow the state to buy a house for every homeless person or build 38 high-speed train projects between Istanbul and Ankara. With this money, our country's entire current account deficit could be closed."
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<h1 data-path-to-node="2">Solidarity Without Borders: Reaching Out to Homeless Individuals at High Risk of Addiction</h1>
Within the framework of the Erasmus+ KA210 project, supported by the Turkish National Agency and carried out in partnership with the Villa Maraini Foundation (Italy), our team took to the streets for a vital field operation. Accompanied by our Italian participants, we conducted a night-time distribution to support one of the most vulnerable groups in our society: homeless individuals.
<h3 data-path-to-node="4">Seeing the Invisible: The Link Between Homelessness and Addiction</h3>
Living on the streets is far more than a lack of shelter; it is a state of extreme social exclusion. Field data and observations consistently show that homeless individuals are among the groups at the highest risk of addiction. The harsh living conditions, chronic loneliness, and lack of social support often create a cycle of vulnerability where substance use becomes a maladaptive coping mechanism.
During this field mission, our primary goal was not only to provide material aid but also to "see the invisible"—to acknowledge the presence of these individuals and re-establish a sense of human dignity through direct contact.
<h3 data-path-to-node="7">More Than Just Blankets and Food: A Human Connection</h3>
As we distributed blankets and warm meals throughout the night, our mission focused on several key pillars:
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Psychosocial Support: Beyond material needs, a simple conversation or a moment of eye contact helps strengthen an individual's sense of belonging and worth.
</li>
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Preventive Approach to Addiction: Meeting the basic needs of homeless individuals is a critical preventive step. By reducing the feeling of utter desperation, we aim to lower the triggers that lead to substance use.
</li>
<li>
International Knowledge Exchange: Working alongside our Italian partners from the Villa Maraini Foundation allowed us to develop a shared language and methodology for approaching marginalized groups.
</li>
</ul>
<h3 data-path-to-node="10">Solidarity Has No Borders</h3>
Being in the field means looking beyond theoretical frameworks and facing the realities of life head-on. This joint effort proved once again that solidarity transcends national borders. As part of our project, we remain committed to developing inclusive models for high-risk groups and continuing our mission of "saving lives" through direct observation and on-site intervention.
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<h1 style="text-align: left;" data-path-to-node="0">Bridging History and Collaboration in Bursa: Completion of the Second Stage</h1>
The second stage of our Erasmus+ KA210 project, supported by the Turkish National Agency and conducted in partnership with the Villa Maraini Foundation, reached a magnificent conclusion in Bursa. Combining professional site visits with cultural discovery, this stage strengthened the bonds between our local team and our participants from Italy.
<h3 data-path-to-node="16">Strategic Consultations with Red Crescent (Kızılay) Bursa</h3>
One of the final highlights of our professional program was the visit to the Turkish Red Crescent (Kızılay) Bursa Branch. The meeting focused on the synergy between humanitarian aid and social support mechanisms.
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Knowledge Exchange: Both parties provided detailed briefings on their current projects and field operations.
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Future Partnerships: We held productive consultations regarding potential joint initiatives and international collaborations to be implemented in the coming periods.
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Gratitude: We extend our sincere thanks to the Kızılay Bursa team for their warm hospitality and insightful contributions.
</li>
</ul>
<h3 data-path-to-node="19">An Intercultural Journey Through History</h3>
Following our professional engagements, we explored the rich historical and cultural heritage of Bursa, in line with the "intercultural dialogue" mission of our project. Walking through the historic mosques, bazaars, and inns of this former Ottoman capital allowed our Italian participants to experience Turkish culture and hospitality firsthand.
This cultural immersion served as a bridge, turning professional cooperation into lasting friendships and a shared understanding of our common European heritage.
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<h1 data-path-to-node="2">Holistic Approach to Addiction: Fighting Substance Abuse in Turkey</h1>
The fight against addiction in Turkey is established on a multi-layered, interdisciplinary model that integrates medical treatment, psychosocial support, and social rehabilitation. Depending on the type of addiction and the specific needs of the individual, various institutions step in at different stages of the recovery journey.
Below is an overview of the primary intervention methods and institutional frameworks utilized in Turkey:
<h3 data-path-to-node="5">1. Prevention and Awareness (Primary Intervention)</h3>
This stage focuses on educating risk groups and creating public awareness before addiction occurs.
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Educational Programs: Seminars and workshops conducted by NGOs, local governments, and schools to highlight the dangers of addictive substances.
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Life Skills Training: Empowering youth with "refusal skills" and encouraging alternative healthy lifestyles through sports, arts, and social hobbies.
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</ul>
<h3 data-path-to-node="8">2. Medical Treatment and Detoxification</h3>
This is the clinical phase where the physical effects of addiction are managed under the supervision of specialized medical professionals.
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The AMATEM Model: Alcohol and Substance Addiction Treatment Centers focus on the detoxification process, managing withdrawal symptoms in a controlled, often inpatient, clinical environment.
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</ul>
<h3 data-path-to-node="11">3. Psychosocial Counseling and Outpatient Follow-up</h3>
Post-detoxification, the focus shifts to ensuring social adaptation and reducing the risk of relapse.
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The YEDAM Model (Green Crescent Counseling Centers): Providing free psychological and social support to both individuals and their families. These centers operate on a basis of strict confidentiality and outpatient sessions.
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Cognitive Behavioral Strategies: Helping individuals develop coping mechanisms to deal with triggers and cravings in their daily lives.
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</ul>
<h3 data-path-to-node="14">4. Social Rehabilitation and Reintegration</h3>
This final stage aims to reintegrate individuals back into society, helping them gain vocational skills and overcome social isolation.
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Rehabilitation Centers: Long-term inpatient facilities that offer workshop activities, group therapies, and spiritual support to help individuals transform their lifestyle.
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Sober Living Communities: NGO-led initiatives that provide a drug-free social environment, helping individuals build new, healthy social networks.
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</ul>
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<h3 data-path-to-node="18">Institutions Visited Within the Scope of the Project</h3>
As part of the Erasmus+ KA210 project, carried out in partnership with the Villa Maraini Foundation (Italy) and supported by the Turkish National Agency, our delegation conducted site visits to observe these models in practice.
The following institutions were visited to facilitate international experience sharing:
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Green Crescent (Yeşilay) Headquarters: An overview of strategic planning and corporate intervention models.
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Bahçelievler Green Crescent Counseling Center (YEDAM): Observations on outpatient follow-up and family counseling processes.
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Bursa Green Crescent Rehabilitation Center: Insights into long-term residential rehabilitation and vocational training.
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AMATEM (Adult Detoxification Center): Field study on clinical treatment and medical intervention stages.
</li>
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IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation: Evaluation of the humanitarian and social support dimensions of addiction recovery.
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Turkish Red Crescent (Kızılay) Bursa Branch: Analysis of local community support mechanisms.
</li>
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Pusula Sober Living Association: Exchange of ideas on NGO-based peer support and social harmony programs.
</li>
</ul>
These comprehensive visits provided invaluable insights into every stage of addiction management, forming a solid foundation for our project’s international knowledge-sharing goals.
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Field studies of our project, carried out under the Turkish National Agency Erasmus+ KA210 program, continued with a visit to the San Patrignano Community, which offers a unique social rehabilitation model in the fight against addiction.
During the visit, the community's operations and rehabilitation processes, which adopt the principle of "transformation through education rather than medication," were examined in detail. In this model, where individual responsibility and a sense of social belonging form the basis of the recovery process, the impact of "collective living culture" on rehabilitation success was analyzed beyond individual therapies.
Vocational Education and Social Reintegration It was observed that the process in the San Patrignano model, which centers on strong human relationships, is not limited to merely ceasing substance use. Our participants had the opportunity to examine on-site the holistic system where individuals learn a trade in vocational workshops, actively participate in production, and relearn how to be part of a community.

As part of the project, our participants and delegation in Italy paid a courtesy visit to Her Excellency Elif Çomoğlu Ülgen, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Rome, at her office. We would like to express our gratitude to Her Excellency for her interest in our delegation and her gracious hospitality.

The comprehensive training program organized within the scope of our project was carried out to examine international best practices in the fight against substance addiction on-site and to increase institutional capacity.
The First Days: Theoretical Framework and Service Models The first two days of the training program began with an opening session by Dr. Massimo Barra, founder of the Villa Maraini Foundation. In the sessions, the disease-based approach to substance addiction, institutional service models, and harm reduction strategies were evaluated in detail.
One of the highlights of the program was the experience sharing by ex-user and social worker Oggey Magoryabanda. Magoryabanda's transfer of field practices provided participants with significant insights based on real-life experiences beyond theory. In the sessions introducing the street-based service model, technical evaluations were made on overdose risk, Naloxone use, and other vital harm reduction practices. Participants had the opportunity to examine the street locations where contact is established with addicted individuals and the mobile units used on-site.
Field Visits and Therapeutic Approaches On the third and fourth days of the program, inter-institutional cooperation processes, therapeutic community programs, and family-oriented studies were discussed. Villa Maraini's street-based harm reduction practices were observed through field visits and thematic group workshops conducted with clients. During this process, information was exchanged on admission procedures and client follow-up mechanisms.
The education program concluded with a feedback and evaluation session led by Dr. Massimo Barra. Having directly observed the practical application of the harm reduction approach, project partners reached a consensus on how these models can be adapted to local dynamics.

With the acceptance of our project, the implementation schedule has been finalized, and our first international mobility will take place in Italy between January 18-28.
Within the framework of the approved project, the rehabilitation models of Rome-based Villa Maraini and the San Patrignano community in Rimini, which are among Italy's established institutions, will be examined on-site. Through this project, we aim to bring new and strong perspectives to the fight against addiction in Türkiye by experiencing international best practices.

As the Human Life Association (İnsani Hayat Derneği), we continue our work in the field of combating addiction through educational activities. In this context, an awareness seminar was organized for middle school students in cooperation with Mahir Schools.
Our "awareness trainings," which constitute an important pillar of the projects, youth work, and social aid activities we carry out in the field of addiction, continue. Crime Prevention Specialist Hacer Merve Meydancı was our guest at the program held at Mahir Schools.
Meydancı gave a presentation titled "Addiction and Digital Addiction" to middle school students. In the seminar, balanced management of technology use, risks in the digital world, and preventive measures in the process leading to substance abuse were discussed.
 
We would like to thank School Principal Mr. Mustafa Ertürk and Vice Principal Ms. Havva Ertürk for their support in our goal of raising awareness in the fight against addiction and for their kind hospitality, as well as Crime Prevention Specialist Ms. Merve Meydancı for her valuable presentation and contributions.

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<h1 data-path-to-node="0">Comprehensive Cooperation Visits by Our Management Delegation in the Balkans</h1>
Our association's management delegation met with non-governmental organizations and educational institutions within the framework of a Balkan program covering Kosovo, Albania, and Serbia. During the visits, inter-institutional cooperation and potential joint projects for the future were discussed.
The details of the meetings held with the participation of our Vice President Erhan Yorulmaz, Secretary General Soner Gözübek, Board Member M. Tarık Oruç, and Dr. Hakan Karaman (with the delegation structure varying according to the location) are as follows:
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Kosovo Contacts (AKEA Association):
In the Kosovo leg of the program, our Vice President Erhan Yorulmaz, Secretary General Soner Gözübek, and Dr. Hakan Karaman visited the AKEA Association. Existing relations between the two institutions were evaluated, and ideas were exchanged on areas of joint work.
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Albania - Tirana Contacts (Ardhmeria Association):
In Tirana, the capital of Albania, our Vice President Erhan Yorulmaz, Secretary General Soner Gözübek, Board Member M. Tarık Oruç, and Dr. Hakan Karaman met with officials from the Ardhmeria Association. During the visit, joint projects and strategic steps to be taken in the future were discussed comprehensively.
</li>
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Albania - Shkodër Contacts (Istanbul Association):
Continuing the Albania program, the delegation moved to the city of Shkodër. Our Vice President Erhan Yorulmaz, Secretary General Soner Gözübek, and Board Member M. Tarık Oruç visited the Istanbul Association. Consultations were held on potential joint activity areas during the meeting.
</li>
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Serbia - Novi Pazar Contacts (University of Novi Pazar):
In the Serbia leg of the program, our Vice President Erhan Yorulmaz, Secretary General Soner Gözübek, Board Member M. Tarık Oruç, and Dr. Hakan Karaman visited Prof. Dr. Suad Becirovic, Rector of the University of Novi Pazar, in his office. A productive meeting was held regarding academic and institutional cooperation.
</li>
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We would like to express our gratitude to the management of AKEA Association, Ardhmeria Association, Istanbul Association, and the University of Novi Pazar for their close interest, kind hosting, and hospitality shown to our delegation throughout our contacts in the Balkans.
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<pre class="tw-data-text tw-text-large tw-ta" dir="ltr" tabindex="-1" data-placeholder="Translation" data-ved="2ahUKEwibjICpsr6SAxWNRPEDHYujB2IQ3ewLegQIDBAX">We Participated in the "The Name of Victory is Turkiye" Commemoration Program!</pre>
<pre id="tw-target-text" class="tw-data-text tw-text-large tw-ta" dir="ltr" tabindex="-1" data-placeholder="Translation" data-ved="2ahUKEwibjICpsr6SAxWNRPEDHYujB2IQ3ewLegQIDBAX">We attended the commemoration ceremony titled "The Name of Victory is Turkey," organized on the occasion of the July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day, at the invitation of the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Skopje, Mr. Fatih Ulusoy. On behalf of the Humanitarian Life Association, we participated in this meaningful program, remembering our martyrs with mercy and our veterans with gratitude. <img src="https://ihd.sistem.plus/public/news/0/37/68675878476.jpeg" alt="68675878476.jpeg" /> </pre>

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<h1 data-path-to-node="2">Türkiye Leg of the Erasmus+ KA153 “International Addiction Education” Project Successfully Completed</h1>
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:
<h3 data-path-to-node="6">Days 1 &amp; 2: Cultural Adaptation and Holistic Rehabilitation Examples</h3>
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.
<h3 data-path-to-node="9">Day 3: Institutional Approaches and the Role of Civil Society</h3>
On the third day of the program, the strategies of Türkiye's established institutions and non-governmental organizations were discussed.
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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.
</li>
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Green Crescent (Yeşilay) Headquarters: The institution's historical mission in the fight against addiction and its current projects were presented.
</li>
<li>
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.
</li>
</ul>
<h3 data-path-to-node="12">Day 4: Medical Treatment and Peer Support Models</h3>
On the fourth day, inpatient treatment processes and rehabilitation models based on "former addict" experiences were observed on-site.
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Bakırköy AMATEM: At one of Türkiye’s most important treatment centers, the inpatient treatment model and medical approaches were explained by experts.
</li>
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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.
</li>
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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.
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</ul>
<h3 data-path-to-node="15">Day 5: Türkiye - North Macedonia Comparative Workshop</h3>
The project concluded with a comprehensive workshop where the addiction combat practices of both countries were discussed.
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Turkish students presented their field observations from the North Macedonia visit.
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International Balkan University students presented their experiences in Türkiye.
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</ul>
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.
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