Minister of Health Prof. Dr. Kemal Memişoğlu attended the High Council of Fight against Addiction chaired by Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz on Tuesday, September 10, 2024. The meeting focused on the importance of cooperation between state institutions, civil society organizations, the health sector, educational institutions and families. Expressing that they attach great importance to substance addictions such as drugs, tobacco and alcohol as well as behavioral addictions such as cyber addiction and gambling, Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz stated that the Ministry of Health provides free support to citizens through the ALO 171 Smoking Cessation Consultancy Line and 565 Smoking Cessation Polyclinics throughout Türkiye, and that the equipment and quality of treatment centers serving those struggling with addiction have been increased. Emphasizing that they will start implementing the Addiction Intervention Program at School for the first time against gambling, internet, smartphone and game addiction, Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz said, “While the protective and preventive approach stops addiction before it starts, the therapeutic approach offers a new chance to those lost in addiction. Implementing the two strategies together is our strongest tool in the fight against addiction. We see the protective and preventive approach as very valuable. We want to systematically determine the addiction risks, people and environments at risk and prevent addiction before it starts. Our priority in preventing the spread of harmful substances and habits is to stop addictions before they start with social media campaigns, social projects and legal regulations.”
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