A 'Workshop on New Approaches in Combating Addiction' was organized at MAKÜ

At the workshop titled ‘New Approaches in Combating Addiction in Higher Education Institutions’ hosted by Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University (MAKÜ), academics, experts, and students came together.

The program began with the opening speech of the Addiction Combat Coordinator and Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Hakan Öner. In the opening, Prof. Dr. Öner emphasized that universities are not only institutions that produce academic knowledge but also carry an important responsibility in protecting the health and future of young people.

“Combating addiction is won not with prohibitions; but with awareness”

In the continuation of his speech, Prof. Dr. Hakan Öner stated; “Addiction is one of the quietest yet most powerful threats of our age. Universities also have direct responsibilities. Because universities are not just institutions that provide professions and knowledge. Universities are also guiding institutions. This workshop is a concrete indicator of our determination to protect the future of our youth. Because we know that combating addiction is won not with prohibitions; but with awareness. The solution becomes permanent when produced together with young people.”

After the opening, panel sessions were held. In the panel, Manisa Celal Bayar University Faculty Member Prof. Dr. Beyhan Cengiz Özyurt addressed the risk and protective factors of addictions, while Manisa Celal Bayar University Faculty Member Prof. Dr. Derya Şaşman Kaylı made evaluations on addiction risks, social vulnerabilities, and protective dynamics in university youth.

Prof. Dr. Gökmen Arslan from MAKÜ Faculty Members emphasized the importance of psychological resilience in combating addiction, while Prof. Dr. Emrah Atay conveyed the relationship between physical activity and addiction. Ege University Faculty Member Dr. Demet Havaçeliği Atlam gave an informative presentation on alcohol and substance use during the youth period.

The workshop, where it was emphasized that combating addiction is possible with awareness and solutions produced together, ended with the presentation of plaques following the presentations of the panelists. The plaques were presented to the speakers by Deputy Mayor Hülya Eraslan and Prof. Dr. Hakan Öner.