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20/02/2025

Substance Addiction and Recovery Webinar

The first webinar of 2025, "Substance Addiction and Recovery - Practical Approaches from YEDAM," will be held on February 20, 2025, from 12:00 to 13:00 (GMT +3) for Country Green Crescent representatives During this session: o   The psychological and social effects of addiction, risk factors, early intervention methods, and recovery processes will be discussed. o   YEDAM's free counseling services in alcohol, substance, gambling, tobacco, and İnternet addiction will be introduced. o   Comprehensive solutions such as psycho-social support, family therapy, case analysis, and life skills training will be explained in detail. o   Findings from case studies and best practices from the field will be shared. Starting this year, IFGC aim to hold more interactive sessions to increase engagement. Country Green Crescent representatives are welcome to share their thoughts, questions, and best practices before the webinar.

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02/05/2025

IFGC Forum Concludes with Honourable Attendance of President Erdoğan
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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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The International Federation of Green Crescent (IFGC) successfully held its 5th Ordinary General Assembly on April 1, 2025, bringing together representatives from national Green Crescent organizations across the globe. The Assembly marked an important milestone in the Federation’s journey, with the election of new leadership and governance bodies, the approval of key amendments to the IFGC Charter, and the admission of new member organizations. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Dinç was elected as the new President of IFGC, and Amb. Dr. Mehmet Güllüoğlu was appointed as Secretary General. The Federation extends its sincere appreciation to all member organizations for their active participation, valuable contributions, and continued dedication to a healthier, addiction-free world. The General Assembly also approved several amendments to the IFGC Charter to enhance organizational effectiveness, strengthen governance, and better respond to global public health challenges. Board Structures for the 2025–2027 Term Board of Directors – Permanent Members Türkiye – Türkiye Yeşilay Vakfı Bulgaria – Yeshilay Bulgaria Association Australia – Green Crescent Australia Türkiye – Türkiye Yeşilay Cemiyeti Uganda – Uganda Green Crescent Society Serbia – Zeleni Krst - Zeleni Polumsejec Syria – Suriye Yeşilay Derneği Indonesia – Yayasan Green Crescent Indonesia Dagestan (RF) – Green Crescent Board of Directors – Substitute Members Austria – Verein Neubeginn Suchtprävention Ethiopia – Ethiopian Green Crescent Organization Lebanon – Stardom Association (Al Najm) Azerbaijan – Zererli Verdişlere Qarşı İctimai Birliyi Jordan – The Jordan Anti Drugs Society Albania – Fondacioni "Yesilay" Thailand – Green Crescent Thailand Supervisory Board (2025–2027) Permanent Members Zambia – Green Crescent Zambia North Macedonia – Zdruzenie Jesilaj Na Rsm Iraq – Ibn Sina Foundation for Improvement and Sustainable Development North Cyprus – Kıbrıs Türk Yeşilay Derneği Bosnia and Herzegovina – Udruzenje Gradjana Zeleni Polumjesec u Bosni i Hercegovini Substitute Members Bangladesh – Health and Economy Morocco – Croisan Vert Morocain Kosovo – Kosova Yeşilay Cemiyeti (Shoqëria Hana e Gjelbërt e Kosovës) High Advisory Board (2025–2027) General President of IFGC Previous President of IFGC Malaysia – Pertubuhan Bulan Sabit Hijau Malaysia Nigeria – Green Crescent Health Development Initiative Brazil – Conectados Pela Vida Tunisia – Madinaty Kyrgyzstan – Caşıl Ay Koomu South Africa – Green Crescent South Africa Sri Lanka – Green Crescent Foundation With renewed leadership and strengthened international cooperation, the Federation continues to advance its mission of promoting public health and addiction prevention worldwide.

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The 8th International Capacity Building Program, organized under the leadership of the International Federation of Green Crescent (IFGC) and hosted by the Turkish Green Crescent Society, successfully brought together civil society leaders and public health experts from around the world. Held between April 30 and May 2, 2025, at the Green Crescent Headquarters in Istanbul, the program welcomed 120 participants from 60 countries. Over the course of three days, participants engaged in 12 workshops led by field experts and benefited from insights shared by 42 distinguished speakers, including representatives from Country Green Crescents. Key topics included capacity development, project design, destigmatization in treatment and recovery, and international advocacy—offering a rich platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration in the field of addiction prevention. Day 1: Opening Remarks and Collaborative Spirit The event began with keynote speeches from the Turkish Green Crescent Society and the International Federation of Green Crescent. Delegates from different countries gathered to share their knowledge and experiences, sending a message of solidarity and cooperation. Morning sessions featured global experts discussing addiction treatment, recovery processes, volunteerism, and public health. Notable contributions came from Esbjorn Hornberg (Movendi International), Dr. Hamad Al Ghafri (International Society of Addiction Medicine), Dr. Dzmitry Krupchanka (World Health Organization), Karen Peters (UNODC), and Guglielmo Schinina (International Organization for Migration), who addressed topics ranging from global prevention strategies to substance use among displaced populations. The day continued with parallel training sessions focused on prevention strategies and concluded with a social gathering including a Bosphorus cruise and gala dinner at night. Day 2: Thematic Deep Dives and Country Spotlights The second day began with international panel sessions exploring topics such as tobacco control, alcohol policies, technology addiction, and the preventive role of civil society. Speakers including Cornel Radu-Loghin (European Network for Smoking and Tobacco Prevention), Florence Berteletti (European Alcohol Policy Alliance), and Dr. Tasnim Atatrah (World Health Organization, Turkey Office) shared insights on policy coherence, multisectoral collaboration, and regional approaches. Through parallel workshops, participants engaged with themes relevant to their specific interests. Representatives from Green Crescent Health Development Initiative (Nigeria), Everest Green Crescent (Nepal), and Turkish Green Crescent Society presented successful practices and fieldwork examples, contributing to a robust exchange of on-the-ground experiences. Day 3: Education, Sustainability, and Gender Sensitivity The final day started with a session highlighting the role of trainers in awareness-raising efforts. The agenda moved on to key themes like sustainable financing, gender-sensitive approaches, and international educational collaborations. A workshop led by Jan Peloza (Impact Hub Ljubljana) focused on practical strategies for sustainable resource mobilization. Institutions like UNODC ROSEE, UN Women, Africa House, and the Maarif Foundation added depth to the discussions and emphasized collaborative pathways for future engagement. Green Crescents from Stardom Association (Lebanon), Pertubuhan Bulan Sabit Hijau Malaysia, and Thai Green Crescent shared innovative projects aimed at empowering youth, and enhancing intercultural collaboration. These presentations provided a wealth of practical insights, showcasing real-world impact and cross-border learning. If you want to reach the Program Agenda please click

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