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04/10/2025

TBM Training

The International Federation of Green Crescent will launch the Green Crescent Addiction Prevention Program with a 2-day online training on 4–5 October 2025. Participants who complete all sessions and pass the final exam will be certified to implement the program in their local communities.

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05/11/2025

Amb. Dr. Mehmet Güllüoğlu Highlights the Economic and Social Costs of Addiction at Second World Summit for Social Development
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ALCOHOL ADDICTION

Although alcohol addiction is a disease that affects individuals from all walks of life and is influenced by a combination of psychological, genetic, and behavioral factors that cannot be attributed to a single cause, its negative consequences can be mitigated with early diagnosis and treatment. In the prevention of alcohol addiction, a combination of the individual's own will, family support, and professional help is crucial. Recognizing the addiction, seeking help, and starting treatment early are important steps for the individual's health and quality of life. The International Federation of Green Crescent and Country Green Crescents worldwide conduct global efforts with preventive measures regarding alcohol addiction.

3 Million Deaths Annually

Also known as alcoholism, alcohol addiction is a serious and growing public health issue defined as a mental condition characterized by the desire to consume alcohol, accompanied by the development of tolerance and withdrawal symptoms due to alcohol use, negatively impacting the individual's life. According to the World Health Organization's (WHO) latest "Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health," alcohol consumption is estimated to cause approximately 3 million deaths annually. Alcohol addiction can manifest in various ways, with the severity depending on how often and for how long an individual has been drinking and the amount consumed. Some individuals with alcohol addiction may drink heavily throughout the day, while others may remain sober at times.

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Due to the neurochemical changes it induces in the brain structure, alcohol addiction significantly limits an individual's control over their actions. The severity of the disease varies based on the frequency and duration of alcohol consumption. Green Crescents affiliated with the International Federation of Green Crescent collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators and local leaders in preventing alcohol addiction, aiming for lasting societal change through education programs and awareness campaigns, sharing a common mission to prevent the negative effects of alcohol addiction.

What Are the Symptoms of Alcohol Addiction?

Distinguishing alcohol addiction from occasional alcohol consumption can be challenging since alcohol is widely accepted and consumed in many cultures. Symptoms of alcohol addiction include:

Development of Tolerance: The need for increasing amounts of alcohol to maintain the same effect.

Withdrawal Symptoms: Mental and physical distress resulting from reducing or quitting alcohol use, alleviated by resuming alcohol consumption.

Loss of Control: Exceeding planned amounts of alcohol use.

Time and Energy Expenditure: Excessive time and energy spent on obtaining, using, or recovering from alcohol effects.

Social and Occupational Issues: Decreased or complete abandonment of significant social and professional activities due to alcohol use.

Failed Attempts: Unsuccessful attempts to control or quit alcohol use.

Conscious Harmful Alcohol Use: Continuing alcohol consumption despite awareness of its harmful effects.

Recognizing early warning signs is crucial, considering the worsening trend of alcohol addiction over time. Early diagnosis and treatment can help individuals avoid negative consequences. If you know someone struggling with alcohol addiction, providing support is essential. Avoiding shame or guilt can help reduce the individual's resistance to seeking help.

What Are the Effects of Alcohol Addiction?

Alcohol addiction causes physical and psychological damage by affecting different parts of the central nervous system. Some effects include:

• Esophageal, laryngeal, gastric, and pancreatic cancers.

• Impaired brain functions such as thinking, decision-making, and movement.

• Sleep disorders, headaches, eye damage.

• Heart and circulatory diseases.

• Impaired blood clotting.

• Severe liver damage.

What Can Be Done for the Treatment of Alcohol Addiction?

Acknowledging alcohol misuse or the development of alcohol addiction can take time due to alcohol's social nature as a psychoactive substance. Many individuals continue social alcohol use while developing alcohol addiction. Those using alcohol and seeking treatment, along with their families, can seek treatment from addiction treatment centers and psychiatric clinics associated with hospitals. Treatment should be tailored to the individual's needs, with the main goal being sobriety, requiring long-term follow-up after treatment.

Differential diagnosis and treatment of accompanying psychiatric disorders are crucial. Long-term follow-up after treatment is necessary, as relapses often occur within the first 6 months. The family of individuals with alcohol addiction plays a significant role in the addiction treatment. If the individual continues drinking, the spouse stating that they cannot stay with them as long as they continue may be a sufficient reason for the individuals with alcohol addiction to attempt quitting alcohol. If the individual refuses to undergo an original treatment program for alcoholism, the relationship between the doctor and the individual with alcohol addiction should not be severed, and a psychosocial crisis where the individual accepts treatment should be awaited.

What Should Be Done?

Some considerations for the relatives of a substance-using person include:

• Helping the individual with alcohol addiction see the consequences of their behavior.

• Showing genuine interest and remembering that alcohol problems are an illness.

• Acquiring knowledge about addiction treatment methods.

• Being prepared for the individual with alcohol addiction to accept help.

• Pre-arranging with the treatment center for necessary organization.

• Recognizing early warning signs, considering the worsening trend of addiction over time.

How Does the Green Crescent Counseling Center (YEDAM) Support Alcohol Addiction?

The Green Crescent Counseling Center (YEDAM) is a service provided by the Turkish Green Crescent Society for individuals aged 12 and above with substance addiction, offering completely free outpatient psychosocial support. Upon applying to the center, an individual undergoes an assessment interview with a specialist psychologist, and a treatment plan is collaboratively created. This program covers intervention in addiction, prevention of relapse, intervention in accompanying mental disorders, and support in areas such as family relationships and lifestyle. Meetings with a social worker provide support in education, employment, life skills, relationships with friends, coping with activities and surroundings, and obtaining the correct medical support for the individual.

More Latest News

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Members of the International Federation of Green Crescents (IFGC) participated in the Africa–Asia Drug Prevention and Treatment Summit, held on 27–28 October 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya, which aimed to prevent drug use, expand access to treatment, and foster stronger cooperation between the two regions. A dedicated parallel session brought together IFGC representatives from Kenya, Somalia, Tanzania, Türkiye, Uganda, and Jordan, where participants shared insights on community-based, culturally sensitive, and inclusive approaches to substance use prevention and treatment. The session featured Abubakar K. Said and Zakariya Abdirahman Mohamed from the Green Crescent Society Kenya; Bakari Ali Mohammed from the Tanzania Green Crescent Community; Osman Abdi Omar from the Somali Green Crescent Society (SGCS); Phatma Ndahura, Ssendiwala Abdul Rahman, and Male Solomon from the Uganda Green Crescent Society; Ergin Beceren from the IFGC; and Mousa Daoud from The Jordan Anti Drugs Society. The interactive exchange highlighted shared challenges and innovative practices, particularly in improving access to care in underserved areas, developing gender-responsive programs, and supporting nomadic and refugee populations. The session once again reflected IFGC’s strong commitment to fostering collaboration among its members and building sustainable partnerships between Africa and Asia in the global effort to prevent substance use and promote recovery.  

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The International Federation of Green Crescents (IFGC), in collaboration with YEDAM (Green Crescent Counseling Center), organized an international webinar titled “Motivational Interviewing in Addiction Recovery: YEDAM’s Psychosocial Approach” on November 6, 2025. The one-hour interactive session brought together participants from across the world to exchange knowledge and experiences on the role of motivational interviewing in addiction recovery. Throughout the webinar, YEDAM Psychologist İrem Dönmez provided an in-depth overview of how motivational interviewing techniques can strengthen communication with clients, address field-related challenges, and enhance psychosocial support through evidence-based approaches. Conducted entirely in English with simultaneous French interpretation, the session also featured practical examples and case discussions contributed by Country Green Crescents, fostering a rich and collaborative learning environment. The webinar was moderated by Dr. Balqis Binti Muhamad Kasim, Secretary General of Pertubuhan Bulan Sabit Hijau Malaysia (Malaysia Green Crescent), ensuring a dynamic and engaging discussion throughout the session. Participants actively contributed through Q&A and open discussion segments, exchanging experiences and perspectives from their respective countries while exploring shared challenges and collaborative solutions.

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The Second World Summit for Social Development, held on 5 November 2025 in Doha, Qatar under the auspices of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), brought together global leaders and experts to discuss inclusive and sustainable development. Among the distinguished participants was Amb. Dr. Mehmet Güllüoğlu, Secretary-General of the International Federation of Green Crescents (IFGC) and Vice President of the Turkish Green Crescent Society. During the summit, Amb. Dr. Güllüoğlu delivered a two-minute intervention at the physical event organized by the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Family and Social Services. In his remarks, he emphasized the central role of the family in preventing addiction and strengthening social resilience. Dr. Güllüoğlu underlined that “behind every resilient individual stands a strong and caring family,” describing the family as society’s most powerful protector. He highlighted the Turkish Green Crescent’s family-centered prevention model, stressing that prevention begins at home—with informed parents, connected families, and supportive communities. Addressing the challenges posed by digitalization, migration, and economic pressures, he called for holistic policy approaches that reinforce family well-being, emotional connection, and healthy digital habits. In addition to his in-person contribution, Amb. Dr. Güllüoğlu participated in an online session, titled “Addressing the Economic and Social Costs of Addiction for Inclusive and Sustainable Development.” The session gathered international experts and partner organizations working in addiction prevention and social policy. The session featured speakers including Mehmet Fatih Kılıç (Ministry of Family and Social Services, Republic of Türkiye), Yasmine Sabih (Al Najm), Matej Košir (UTRIP Institute), George Ochieng Odalo (Slum Child Foundation), and Michael Dean (Community Alliances for Drug-Free Youth – CADFY). They discussed the complex economic and social impacts of addiction, emphasizing the need for stronger, coordinated global action and sharing practical strategies to address these challenges. In his contribution, Dr. Güllüoğlu emphasized that addiction must be addressed not only as a health concern but also as a major social and economic challenge affecting productivity, social cohesion, and sustainable development. He reaffirmed the IFGC’s commitment to fostering global partnerships that promote preventive education, community resilience, and inclusive policies aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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