Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Organized a Panel on Fighting Addiction

Ankara Metropolitan Municipality, ‘What is and is not Addiction?’ on the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Use and Trafficking. organized a panel on the subject.

Ankara Metropolitan Municipality, Prof. on the International Day Against Drug Use and Trafficking. Dr. Moderated by Zehra Arıkan, ‘What is Addiction and What is It Not?’ hosted the panel. In the panel held at Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Conference Hall, individuals whose treatment is ongoing shared their experiences, while Prof. Dr. Zehra Arıkan also gave information about Özgür Köy Treatment and Rehabilitation Center.

“The cooperation and support of all segments of society is of great importance”

Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mansur Yavaş, who attended the panel, stated that they attach great importance to awareness activities in the fight against addiction and said, “Addiction is a very big problem that our society and individuals face. However, in order to cope with this problem, it is necessary to work determinedly and all segments of society need to be involved in this work.”

Noting that they, as the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality, are carrying out various studies on combating addiction, Yavaş said, “First of all, we attach great importance to prevention and awareness activities in combating addiction. In order to reach every segment of society, we give seminars, carry out workshops and organize informative events. We develop various programs for our youth to adopt a healthy lifestyle in combating addiction and continue our work to increase the awareness of society.”

“It is not possible for us to achieve successful results without community support”

Yavaş stated that individuals receiving support at Özgür Köy Treatment and Rehabilitation Center were reintegrated into society and continued as follows:

“We also provide psychological support, guidance and information services to addicted individuals and their families in our addiction counseling centers. We are also taking important steps in the fight against cigarette addiction with tobacco cessation sessions held in these centers. The cooperation and support of all segments of society is of great importance in the fight against addiction. For this reason, Ankara Metropolitan Municipality As the Municipality, we work in cooperation with non-governmental organizations, universities and other stakeholders. It is not possible to achieve successful results in the fight against addiction without the active participation and support of the society. As Ankara Metropolitan Municipality, we work together to raise awareness on this issue and at least inform families. “I think we can get good results in the fight against addiction with this work.” – ANKARA