A Family and Youth Symposium on Combating Addiction was held at Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU). Addressing addiction from a family- and youth-centered perspective, the symposium brought together protocol members, academics, university and high school students, and members of the public.

Organized by the OMU Center for Combating Addiction Application and Research in cooperation with the Samsun Governorship, Samsun Metropolitan Municipality, and Canik Municipality, the symposium was attended by OMU Rector Prof. Dr. Fatma Aydın, Deputy Governor Mustafa Yıldız, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Alper Kesten, Center Director Dr. Lecturer Alaattin Altın, representatives of public institutions, academics, and many students.

Rector Prof. Dr. Fatma Aydın: “Addiction is a serious trap that risks wasting a person’s life”

In her opening remarks, OMU Rector Prof. Dr. Fatma Aydın stated:

“I respectfully greet you on the occasion of the Family and Youth Symposium on Combating Addiction, which brings together leading stakeholders of our country under the auspices of Ondokuz Mayıs University. While technology offers humanity significant material gains, it also brings about notable changes in the inner world of individuals. This rapid transformation, which disrupts the balance of social life, can sometimes lead individuals astray. When a person struggling to adapt to a changing world cannot position their life in the right direction, they may be drawn to various tempting pursuits.

In such periods, individuals may fall into the natural attraction of many distractions they perceive as sources of comfort or support. Youth, in particular, is a stage of life vulnerable to the exploitation of short-term pleasures, and this can deeply affect later stages of life. What may begin as seemingly harmless experiences can, over time, grow like an avalanche, pulling individuals into a dark and inescapable vortex. As experiences turn into habits and habits into addiction, the gap between a person’s essence and body widens day by day. For this reason, every form of addiction emerges as a serious trap—one that enslaves not only the body but also the soul, and that carries the risk of wasting a person’s life.”

“One of the greatest dangers facing our era is substance addiction”

Prof. Dr. Aydın emphasized that one of the greatest threats facing today’s generations is substance addiction, noting that statistics and field studies clearly show its increasing prevalence among young people. She underlined that the strongest and most strategic line of defense against this threat is the family institution.

She stressed that combating addiction is not merely a security or health issue, but fundamentally a process of education, belonging, and values transmission. A family structure strengthened by love, compassion, and awareness, she stated, constitutes the most resilient shield against addiction for young people.

“Addiction must be addressed as a social problem”

Prof. Dr. Aydın underlined that addiction, which threatens the future of society, must no longer be treated as an issue to complain about, but as a social problem requiring determination and seriousness. Addressing only the consequences of addiction, she noted, would not lead to lasting solutions. While legal and security-based measures are important, they remain insufficient unless the root causes of addiction are eliminated.

“Scientific, evidence-based approaches must be supported by strong institutional cooperation”

Stating that the symposium was not merely an academic gathering, Prof. Dr. Aydın highlighted the importance of collective will in producing solutions against threats that undermine social well-being. She emphasized that addiction is a multidimensional public health issue, with psychological, sociological, environmental, economic, and security dimensions. Therefore, evidence-based approaches supported by strong institutional cooperation are no longer optional but essential.

“I hope this symposium further strengthens inter-institutional cooperation”

Prof. Dr. Aydın noted that OMU addresses addiction through a holistic framework that includes prevention, protection, and rehabilitation, rather than treatment alone. She emphasized that scientific data generated through field research at the university is transformed into concrete and applicable solutions, and expressed her hope that the symposium would further strengthen cooperation among institutions.

Symposium Chair Dr. Lecturer Alaattin Altın: “Combating addiction is a struggle for independence”

Dr. Lecturer Alaattin Altın, Director of the OMU Center for Combating Addiction Application and Research and Chair of the Symposium, stated that the event focused on the family—the smallest yet strongest unit of society—and youth, its most dynamic force.

Recalling that 2025 was declared the “Year of the Family”, Dr. Altın emphasized that this designation represents an effort to protect, repair, and strengthen family bonds against the isolation brought by digitalization and modern life. He underlined that a family environment based on love, trust, and open communication is the strongest shield against all forms of addiction.

Dr. Altın also announced that 2026 will mark the peak of their “Year of Independence” vision, aiming to free young people from tobacco, alcohol, substance, and technology addictions. He stated that true independence means not only protecting national borders, but also ensuring that young people are free from all forms of dependency.

Referring to the symbolic importance of holding the symposium in Samsun, Dr. Altın noted:

“The first step taken on 19 May 1919 symbolized a nation rising together. We know very well that combating addiction is also a struggle for national independence.”

“The freer you are, the stronger this country will be”

Addressing young people directly, Dr. Altın reminded them that they are not only students, but also carriers of a legacy of independence. He concluded his speech by stating: “The freer you are, the stronger and more independent this country will be.”

Program continued with conferences and panels

Following the opening speeches, the program continued with conferences and panels featuring leading experts. Prof. Dr. Tayfun Uzbay delivered a conference titled “Addiction in the 21st Century,” while Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan participated online with a presentation on “The Role of Family and Youth in Combating Addiction.”

Prof. Dr. Uzbay: “‘If they want, they can quit’ deepens the problem”

Emphasizing that it is wrong to address addiction only as a moral issue, Üsküdar University Rector’s Advisor and Head of the Department of Medical Pharmacology at the Faculty of Medicine Prof. Dr. Uzbay said, “Telling a person with addiction ‘If they want, they can quit’ means ignoring the problem. This approach does not produce solutions; it deepens the problem.” Stating that addiction is a brain disease, Uzbay underlined that the solution is not punishment, but treatment and rehabilitation.

The danger of the digital age: “Brain obesity”

Drawing attention to uncontrolled use of digitalization, Uzbay said that this weakens cognitive functions and indicates a decline in average intelligence levels. Saying, “It is more accurate to call this not brain rot, but brain obesity,” Uzbay stated that reading, writing, and reasoning skills are declining, especially among young people.

In combating addiction, the strongest defense is family and education

Stating that the two most effective elements in combating addiction are family and education, Prof. Dr. Uzbay emphasized that families should be made aware, especially regarding digital addictions. He noted that uncontrolled digital access for primary school-aged children carries serious risks.

Stating that very serious efforts are being carried out regarding combating addiction, Prof. Dr. Uzbay drew attention to how rapidly the problem is growing and emphasized that Türkiye has now been made a target country by various forces. At the end of his remarks, emphasizing that combating addiction must become an overarching state policy beyond politics, Uzbay drew attention to the importance of a comprehensive mental health law, rehabilitation centers, and policies that encourage sports and reading habits.

Addressing young people, Uzbay said, “Being aware, being able to say no, and developing empathy are the strongest tools an individual has to protect themselves.”

Family- and youth-focused work in combating addiction in the public sphere was discussed

Two panels were held:

• “Family-Oriented Approaches in Combating Addiction in the Public Sphere,” moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kemal Özcan
• “Youth-Oriented Approaches in Combating Addiction in the Public Sphere,” moderated by Dr. Lecturer Alaattin Altın

The panels addressed field practices, preventive policies, and inter-institutional cooperation involving public institutions, local governments, and civil society organizations. The program also included a quiz competition and award ceremony.

The symposium concluded with an emphasis on the fact that combating addiction is a collective social responsibility, requiring coordinated action among families, educational institutions, public bodies, and civil society. The event ended with a bicycle raffle and gift distribution to encourage youth participation in sports.

Prior to the program, Rector Prof. Dr. Fatma Aydın, together with protocol members, visited the Center for Combating Addiction Application and Research and the Psychology Application and Research Center, where on-site evaluations were conducted.