A Collective Effort Against Addiction is Necessary

Minister of Family and Social Services Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş emphasized that addiction has become a global problem, requiring a collective effort from all segments of society. Göktaş stated that addictions have changed form and new risk areas have emerged, during a symposium organized by the Turkish Academy of Political, Social, and Strategic Research Foundation. "We must present a collective struggle against all forms of addiction, encompassing all segments of society" Göktaş said, emphasizing that the fight against addiction should be addressed not only individually but also in terms of family and society. Minister Göktaş announced that over 2.5 million citizens have received awareness training on addiction as part of the efforts across 81 provinces. Göktaş mentioned that digital awareness workshops and digital detox camps were organized to help families recognize digital risks early on. In the pilot project implemented in Batman, 1,286 households were reached, and 551 individuals at risk of addiction were directed to treatment, while 291 children and youth were identified as being at risk and received educational and psychological support.