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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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BEHAVIORAL ADDICTIONS

When discussing addictions, many immediately think of substance addictions such as alcohol, drugs, nicotine or painkillers. However, the concept of addictive behaviors is often overlooked, leading individuals to unwittingly face behavioral disorders due to their addictions. Country Green Crescents, operating under the International Federation of Green Crescent, offer support to individuals tackling various forms of behavioral addiction, such as compulsive shopping, internet gaming and codependency.

The term behavioral addiction refers to an individual developing an intense attraction or compulsive inclination towards a specific behavior. These types of addictions arise when certain behaviors trigger the brain's reward and pleasure mechanism through repetition.

Addictions are typically divided into two primary categories: behavioral and chemical. Behavioral addictions represent situations where individuals experience discomfort, but the condition does not stem from substance use; instead, it revolves around specific behaviors. In such cases, individuals may find pleasure, relaxation and a sense of well-being when engaging in certain behaviors. However, if these behaviors lead to adverse outcomes, individuals may lose control over them, experience a weakened willpower and become mentally and physically consumed, indicating a behavioral addiction.

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Individuals with addiction often find their behaviors psychologically satisfying or enjoyable. However, feelings of guilt, remorse or anger may follow, leaving them feeling helpless due to the consequences of their ongoing choices. Coping with behavioral addictions can be challenging, as individuals often struggle to quit or reduce a specific behavior or action without treatment or intervention, leading to unsuccessful attempts to quit.

Numerous studies in the literature highlight the distinction between investigating the action that triggers addiction and its pathological level of use, compared to chemical addictions. While chemical addictions are characterized by tolerance and withdrawal, these physical symptoms may not be as evident in behavioral addictions. However, they still manifest to some extent. For a behavior to be considered addictive, it must encompass criteria such as mental preoccupation, mood variability, tolerance, withdrawal, interpersonal conflict and repetition.

Key symptoms of behavioral addictions include an incessant need to engage in the behavior, persistence for longer periods and more frequently than planned, spending excessive time engaging in the behavior, unsuccessful attempts to control, quit or reduce it, negative consequences on work, family and academic success, efforts to increase the frequency and intensity of the behavior and feelings of tension, restlessness or anxiety when the behavior is not performed. Behavioral addictions, such as technology addiction, food addiction, gambling addiction and sex addiction, exhibit these defining characteristics.

At the core of behavioral addictions lies individuals' inability to resist the urge or allure of engaging in harmful actions towards themselves or others. Each behavioral addiction is characterized by a repetitive behavior pattern demonstrating this fundamental feature in a specific area. These behaviors interfere with functionality in other areas when repeated, resembling substance use disorders in this regard. Individuals with substance addictions report difficulty resisting the urge to drink alcohol or use drugs.

Both behavioral and substance addictions share many similarities in terms of their natural history, phenomenology and adverse outcomes. Typically emerging in adolescence and young adulthood, they are more prevalent in these age groups than in older adults. Both behavioral and substance addictions exhibit a natural course characterized by chronic and recurring patterns. However, many individuals can achieve self-recovery without formal treatment, a phenomenon known as "spontaneous remission".

There are noticeable similarities in how behavioral and substance addictions manifest. People grappling with behavioral addiction often describe experiencing a kind of urge or craving before engaging in their behaviors, much like individuals with substance use disorders. Additionally, these behaviors typically aim to alleviate anxiety and can result in a sense of euphoria or a "high," similar to substance intoxication. Emotional instability can contribute to increased cravings in both behavioral addictions and substance use disorders. For instance, individuals experiencing pathological gambling, kleptomania, compulsive sexual behavior and compulsive buying often mention a decrease in the positive effects of their behaviors with repetition or a need to intensify the behavior to achieve the same effect, similar to building a tolerance.

The inclination of behavioral addictions to trigger financial and marital problems mirrors similar challenges seen in substance use disorders. Individuals with behavioral addictions, much like those with substance use disorders, may resort to illegal activities to fund their addictive behaviors or cope with the repercussions of their actions.

Resources:

Grant, John. E. “Introduction to Behavioral Addictions,” The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse 2010 Sept.; 36(5): 233–241.

Murphy, Edmund. “Behavioral Addictions”, 26 May 2023.

Turkish Green Crescent Society

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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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