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.).

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.

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.

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."

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.