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SUBSTANCE ADDICTION

Substance use disorder is classified under Disorders due to substance use in the International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision (ICD-11), published by the World Health Organization. Substances that can cause addiction are chemical compounds that, once entering the body, produce changes in behavior, mental state, and physical health. These substances are referred to in medical literature as psychoactive substances.

What Health Problems Does Substance Addiction Cause ?

Substance-related disorders are divided into substance use disorders and substance-induced disorders. Substance-induced conditions include intoxication, withdrawal, and substance- or medication-induced mental disorders such as psychotic disorders, bipolar and related disorders, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, sleep disorders, sexual dysfunctions, delirium, and neurocognitive disorders.

Individuals with substance use disorders may experience various cognitive and behavioral problems. Changes in brain structure and function can lead to intense cravings, personality changes, unusual behaviors, and other behavioral alterations. Brain imaging studies show that substance use causes changes in areas of the brain involved in judgment, decision-making, learning, memory, and behavioral control. Additionally, infants born to dependent women may experience neonatal abstinence syndrome.

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People with substance use disorders are also more likely to develop lung or heart disease, stroke, cancer, and various mental health problems. They may be at higher risk of infectious diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis C, as well as premature death.

The severity of physical and mental health problems related to substance use is influenced by factors such as the frequency of use, the amount consumed in a single session, risky behaviors associated with use or context, the method of administration, or a combination of these factors.

Psychoactive Substances and Substance Use Disorders

A psychoactive substance is a chemical compound that affects the central nervous system, altering brain functions and leading to changes in perception, senses, behavior, consciousness, and mood. Certain medications are also classified as psychoactive substances. Even a single use of these substances can result in various disorders related to substance use.

However, addictive substances should not be limited solely to psychoactive compounds. This classification also includes disorders arising from the harmful, non-medical use of substances that are not chemically psychoactive but carry a risk of addiction.

Substance use disorders encompass various conditions resulting from the single or repeated use of psychoactive substances, including certain medications. Additionally, disorders resulting from the harmful, non-medical use of non-psychoactive substances are also included in this category.

Substance use stimulates the brain’s reward pathways. The pleasurable and reinforcing effects of substance use disrupt dopamine regulation in the brain, and this disruption further reinforces repeated use. When substance use becomes repetitive, it can lead to addiction. At the same time, it can cause numerous harms that threaten both mental and physical health.

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

   "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."

  

More Latest News

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Following the successful completion of the Addiction Prevention Training Program (TBM) held on 4–5 October 2025, a follow-up online supervision session titled “IFGC TBM 2025 Follow-up Process and Supervision Session” was organized on 18 February 2026. The session was jointly conducted by the International Federation of Green Crescent (IFGC) and the Turkish Green Crescent Society through its Training Management Department, with the aim of monitoring implementation processes and strengthening the capacities of certified practitioners across countries. The one-and-a-half-hour program was led by Afra Sevde Çelebi. Trainers who have been actively delivering addiction prevention education in their respective countries shared their field experiences, discussed challenges encountered during implementation, and reflected on the outcomes of their activities. Participants emphasized the transformative, developmental, interactive, and community-centered impact of the TBM trainings. In several countries, the sessions generated renewed training requests, led to the establishment of parent support networks, and encouraged the formation of youth volunteer teams. A total of 16 participants from 12 countries attended the supervision session, representing Africa (Nigeria, Kenya, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Somalia), North Africa (Tunisia), Europe (Greece, Kosovo), South America (Colombia), and Southeast Asia (Indonesia). This wide geographical representation once again demonstrated the multi-continental reach of the Green Crescent’s prevention model and its adaptability to diverse cultural and regional contexts. IFGC and the Turkish Green Crescent Society remain committed to sustaining capacity-building efforts, enhancing the quality of addiction prevention practices, and fostering continuous knowledge exchange among international practitioners.  

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The Board of Directors Meeting of the International Federation of Green Crescent (IFGC), whose permanent secretariat is carried out by the Turkish Green Crescent Society, was held on 29–30 January 2026 in Istanbul, Türkiye. During the meeting, the Federation’s ongoing activities were reviewed, and key issues related to organizational structure, governance processes, and strategic priorities were discussed. The meeting was attended by IFGC Board Members and IFGC Secretary General Ambassador Dr. Mehmet Güllüoğlu. Participants included Kazım Ateş, President of Green Crescent Australia (Australia); Petar Gramatikof, Board Member of Yeshilay Bulgaria Association (Bulgaria); Shagabitdin Kerimov, President of Dagestan Green Crescent (Dagestan); Era Catur Prasetya, President of Yayasan Green Crescent Indonesia (Indonesia); Nihad Dervisevic, Secretary General of Zeleni Krst – Zeleni Polumsejec (Serbia); and Magid Mayanja Kagimu, President of the Uganda Green Crescent Society (Uganda). Following the Board Meeting, participants attended the Strong Family Workshop organized by the Turkish Green Crescent Society. Conducted through interactive dialogue, the workshop addressed effective parent–child communication methods and protective approaches against addictions. As part of the program, on Friday, 30 January 2026, the IFGC Board Members carried out a field visit to the Bursa Green Crescent Rehabilitation Center. During the visit, participants received comprehensive information on the Center’s services and had the opportunity to observe Türkiye’s rehabilitation and treatment practices on site.  The field visit included a detailed presentation by Tuba Bilmişoğlu, Director of the Bursa Green Crescent Rehabilitation Center. Board Members examined rehabilitation and treatment approaches firsthand and exchanged views with expert professionals on addiction prevention, recovery processes, and psychosocial support practices. The visit contributed to the international sharing of the Green Crescent’s experience in the field of rehabilitation. The IFGC Board of Directors Meeting aims to strengthen the Federation’s strategic direction, enhance governance capacity, promote international cooperation, and further reinforce its global role in addiction prevention, treatment, and public health advocacy.   

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