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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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TOBACCO ADDICTION

Tobacco, due to the nicotine it contains, is an addictive substance and one of the most widely abused substances in the world. However, after quitting, the body begins to renew itself and expel nicotine within just 2 hours. Nicotine found in tobacco products is an addictive substance, but it is possible to overcome addiction, and many people have successfully quit tobacco use. The International Federation of Green Crescent, along with all Country Green Crescents, is actively working together to create awareness and carry out preventive measures against tobacco addiction, which is a global issue.

What is Tobacco Addiction?

Tobacco addiction can be simply defined as the constant desire to use tobacco products and the inability to quit this usage. However, a more meaningful understanding of tobacco addiction can be achieved by examining it within a three-dimensional structure:

  • Neurochemical (related to nicotine) addiction
  • Psychological addiction dimension
  • Physical habits related to tobacco product consumption

Tobacco use is associated with the release of dopamine, creating a sense of pleasure, due to its high nicotine content. Tobacco, with its nicotine content, is addictive and is one of the most commonly abused substances worldwide. Smoking, using hookah, pipe, or inhaling smoke, can lead to psychological and physical addiction over time.

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that tobacco causes 8 million deaths annually and that 19,100 people die every day due to diseases caused by smoking. Moreover, it has been found that 30% of deaths related to coronary heart disease are tobacco-related. The death rate for those who smoke two packs of cigarettes a day is twice as high as that of non-smokers. Only 25% of non-smokers die before the age of 75, while 50% of smokers do. Even in those who quit smoking, the risk of coronary heart disease is twice as high as that of non-smokers.

Country Green Crescents operating under the International Federation of Green Crescent collaborate with health professionals, educators and local leaders in their management teams to prevent addiction. They continue their mission to create lasting change in society against the negative effects of tobacco addiction by organizing various education programs and awareness campaigns targeting all age groups from youth to adults. The International Federation of Green Crescent, active on international platforms, plays an effective role in the global prevention of tobacco addiction through the sharing of experiences with other Country Green Crescents dealing with similar issues.

What are the Known Side Effects of Tobacco?

The original substance of tobacco is a dark liquid called nicotine, which is a colorless, bitter liquid and fundamentally a poison. Nicotine, which can also be produced synthetically, is used as an agricultural pesticide. The known side effects of tobacco include:

  • Decreased appetite
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Vascular blockages
  • Coronary heart disease
  • Obstructive lung disease
  • Cerebrovascular diseases and peripheral vascular diseases
  • What are the Effects of Tobacco Addiction?
  • It affects different parts of the central nervous system, leading to physical and psychological health problems. Some of these effects include:
  • Cardiovascular diseases
  • Lung diseases and COPD due to bronchial constriction
  • Vascular blockages and related strokes
  • Gastritis, ulcers, and stomach cancer
  • Yellowing of the skin, wrinkles, and skin cancer
  • Bad breath and yellowing of teeth
  • Smoking during pregnancy leads to premature birth and various developmental disorders.

What Happens After Quitting Smoking?

After discontinuing the use of tobacco products, some positive developments in the body are as follows:

  • Nicotine begins to leave the body 2 hours after quitting smoking.
  • Heart rate and blood pressure start to decrease after 6 hours.
  • After 12 hours, toxic carbon monoxide from cigarette smoke is cleared from the circulation, allowing the lungs to function better.
  • Taste and smell senses sharpen after 2 days.
  • Within 2-12 weeks, circulation improves, making physical activities like walking and running easier.
  • Coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, and lung strength improve after 3-9 weeks.
  • The risk of a heart attack is halved within 5 years.
  • After 10 years, the risk of lung cancer is halved, and the risk of a heart attack becomes the same as that of a person who has never smoked.

How Does the Green Crescent Counseling Center (YEDAM) Provide Support for Tobacco Addiction?

The Green Crescent Counseling Center (YEDAM) is a service that plays a key role in smoking cessation treatment for the Turkish Green Crescent Society. Operating with the awareness that comprehensive approaches such as behavioral counseling, psychological support, and medication therapy are crucial during the smoking cessation process, YEDAM focuses on individuals with tobacco addiction aged 15 and above. It provides effective support through individualized treatment plans and expert counselors. During the smoking cessation process, YEDAM prioritizes the psychosocial needs of clients, offering counseling services that consider individual and social interactions. YEDAM not only limits itself to counseling but also makes referrals for medical support when deemed necessary. In this way, YEDAM aims to provide holistic support to individuals in the process of overcoming tobacco addiction, facilitating their transition to a healthy lifestyle. By increasing social awareness during the smoking cessation process, YEDAM aims to make positive contributions to the overall health of individuals and society.

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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