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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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19/11/2025

The International Green Crescent Journal Publishes Its 5th Issue on Transforming Crisis into Recovery
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SUBSTANCE ADDICTION

Substance addiction refers to the use of substances that negatively impact the body's functions, causing harm, yet individuals find it difficult to quit using these substances. The International Federation of Green Crescent (IFGC) and all Country Green Crescents work together to raise awareness about substance addiction and strive towards a healthier world.

What is substance addiction?

Substance addiction is a pathological condition characterized by an individual's impulsive engagement in substance use, loss of control over the substance and the manifestation of withdrawal symptoms when not using. This condition is a psychiatric disorder rapidly spreading globally, leading to life-threatening situations, significant health problems and broad social issues. The persistence of substance use and the inability to quit despite harm are fundamental characteristics of this disease.

Country Green Crescents operating under the International Federation of Green Crescent actively play a role in preventing substance addiction. The International Federation of Green Crescent, with a comprehensive approach to addiction, not only addresses substance addiction but also collaborates with Country Green Crescents in a determined effort against other types of addiction. The goal is to create a global network of solidarity against substance addiction through local awareness campaigns and international projects.

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Currently, substance use is a significant problem, especially among the youth. Those who take the first steps into the world of substances out of curiosity often find themselves tackling substance addiction. Substance addiction renders individuals unable to maintain their daily lives and relationships; the body craves more substance each day and the previous dose becomes insufficient. If the amount of substance used continually and regularly increases and the substance is consumed more rapidly each day, it signifies the initiation of substance addiction.

Individuals unwilling to accept this reality systematically plan their next substance use, contemplate where and how to obtain it and despite knowing the harm and the wrongness, persist in using the substance, overcoming any obstacles to reach it. This is because they are aware that if they pause or reduce the dose, withdrawal symptoms will occur.

Withdrawal is the totality of physical and mental disorders experienced intensely when an individual reduces the amount and frequency of substance use, making it impossible to continue life. Common withdrawal symptoms include aggression, anger, crises of nerves, restlessness and a tendency towards suicide. Individuals who want to avoid this situation persist in substance consumption despite all the material and medical challenges.

In those who insist on continuing these processes and refuse treatment for addiction, the body, brain functions and heart may fail due to the increasing dose's inadequacy, leading to serious consequences. Individuals seeking treatment can approach hospitals, addiction treatment centers and psychiatric clinics to receive care. The treatment, conducted through collaboration between the patient and the doctor, typically involves detoxification in the hospital for 2-6 weeks, followed by psychosocial therapy for a year.

It is essential to remember that the best way to protect oneself from substance addiction is never to start.

What are the Symptoms of Substance Use Disorder?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), at least two symptoms of substance addiction must occur within the last year, causing significant distress and a decrease in functionality. The symptoms include:

  • Intense desire and need for obtaining and using the substance.
  • Tendency to increase the dosage used.
  • Intense sensitivity to the physical and psychological effects of the substance and seeking these effects.
  • Making the substance a significant element in the person's life.
  • Repeatedly impeding work, home or school responsibilities due to substance use.
  • Being under the influence of substances in potentially dangerous situations (e.g., while driving) repeatedly.
  • Legal issues related to substance use.
  • Substance use causing repeated and persistent problems in social life and close relationships but continuing despite these issues.
  • Continuing substance use despite knowing its negative physical or mental effects.
  • Developing tolerance to the substance, requiring increased amounts for the desired effect or experiencing decreased effects with the same amount.
  • Withdrawal symptoms (nausea, insomnia, vomiting, irritability, depression, restlessness, aggression, diarrhea, sweating, tremors, muscle aches, fever, etc.).

What are the Effects of Substance Use Disorder?

Substance addiction affects various regions of the central nervous system, causing both physical and psychological damage. These effects include:

  • Rendering the mind and willpower non-functional, distancing individuals from normal life and behaviors.
  • Inducing nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea and stomach and intestinal spasms/bleeding.
  • Causing harm to all internal organs, leading to various diseases.
  • Resulting in poisoning and potential death.
  • Diminishing the individual's adaptability to the environment, causing the individual to rapidly isolate from family and surroundings, often accompanied by severe depression.

What Should You Do?

Some ways for the relatives of substance users include:

  • Speaking may not be helpful if the person is under the influence.
  • Avoiding talking until you feel ready.
  • Being open, sincere and convincing without giving advice.
  • Avoiding generalizations.
  • Not speaking based on fears.
  • Avoiding labeling the person as a "user"; approaching someone labeled as a user is challenging.
  • Recognizing your biases ("These people are hopeless") to reduce the likelihood of miscommunication.
  • Trying to understand the person's thoughts, experiences and fears by putting yourself in their shoes.
  • Persuading them with a sincere approach to seek professional help.

What Should You Avoid?

Some points to be careful about for the relatives of substance users include:

   "No, my child would never use."

• Self-blame and blaming the spouse

   "This child turned out this way because of you."

   "We couldn't be good parents."

• Feeling disappointment and helplessness

   "Did I raise you for this?"

   "Everything is over; nothing can be the same again."

Anger

   "I can't have a child like this!"

• Blaming and humiliating the child

   "You won't amount to anything."

• Making extreme decisions

   "Your school life is over."

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

Green Crescent Counseling Center (YEDAM) is a service provided by the Turkish Green Crescent Society for individuals with substance addictions aged 12 and above, offering completely free psychosocial support. The center conducts an evaluation meeting with the individual and an expert psychologist upon application, forming a collaborative treatment plan. The program covers intervention in addiction, prevention of relapse, intervention in accompanying mental disorders, family relationships and lifestyle. In addition, meetings with a social worker provide support on issues such as education, work, life skills, relationships with friends, coping with activities and environment and accessing proper medical support.

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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