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The "Combating Addiction" training, organized to raise awareness about addiction and inform our students about the biological, psychological, and social aspects of this public health problem, was held on Thursday, December 11, 2025, in the Red Hall of the Central Classroom Building.

Organized by the Addiction Prevention Coordination Office and drawing significant interest from students, the awareness training was delivered by Dr. Vicdan Mutlu, Faculty Member of the Department of Family Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine and Addiction Prevention Coordinator at our university.

The training, which covered the types of addiction, its development mechanism, and methods of combating it in detail, emphasized that addiction cannot be attributed to a single cause and that it stems from a combination of biological, environmental, and psychological factors. It was stated that genetic predisposition and neurochemical imbalances in the brain are among the biological risks, while environmental factors ( ), namely the acceptance and availability of the substance in society, were highlighted as one of the most important reasons for addiction. Psychologically, depression, anxiety disorders, and difficulty coping with stress were explained to increase susceptibility to addiction.

Dr. Mutlu explained that addiction begins with a trial period, driven by curiosity or a desire to avoid exclusion, then continues sporadically within the social environment, gradually transforming into full addiction with a loss of control. It was stated that the most important mechanism of action of addictive substances is the release of dopamine from the brain's reward center, which creates feelings of pleasure and happiness. However, it was stated that with continuous use, the brain structure begins to change, the number of nicotinic receptors increases, and the person is forced to use more of the substance to release the same amount of dopamine, thus developing tolerance. It was noted that this process causes permanent structural damage in the brain, weakening the decision-making and impulse control centers.

Referring to a vicious cycle common to all addictions, it was stated that the process, which initially continues with defenses such as "one time won't hurt" and "I'm not addicted," turns into a decision to "I have to quit" upon encountering health problems or reactions, but that two-thirds of attempts to quit with treatment fail. It was emphasized that the fundamental approach to treatment is to completely avoid the substance of addiction, i.e., to reduce it to zero, and that help from a healthcare professional is essential for withdrawal symptoms. It was noted that inpatient treatment is necessary, especially in cases of heavy alcohol and drug addiction, due to the difficulty of coping with withdrawal symptoms. It was explained that psychotherapy, medication, and especially long-term follow-up to prevent relapse are of vital importance. Finally, Dr. Vildan Mutlu stated that strong family support, hobbies such as sports, music, and painting, and social interaction help to overcome addictions by increasing dopamine secretion in healthy ways.

Thanks to the training, our students became aware of addiction, the development process, and the permanent structural changes that occur in the brain's reward system. They learned that cigarette addiction is a disease and that engaging in hobbies is effective in coping with stress. In addition, the vital importance of staying away from the substance during treatment and long-term follow-up against the risk of relapse was emphasized.