Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality, in cooperation with the Union of Municipalities of South-eastern Anatolia (GABB), has expanded its work on tackling addiction beyond the city itself, establishing a shared line of action among local authorities through a training programme held in Tatvan.

Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality approaches addiction not merely as an individual health issue, but through a comprehensive policy framework that addresses its social, psychological and wider societal dimensions. Through early intervention, preventive services, training programmes and a multi-layered response in which local authorities play an active role, the Municipality has developed a broad-based strategy for tackling addiction. It is now continuing to share this approach with other local administrations beyond its own city boundaries.

The Substance Addiction Counselling and Training Centre, operating under the Department of Social Services, has begun extending anti-addiction efforts to other cities in partnership with GABB. As part of this work, a two-day training programme on substance addiction was held in Tatvan district of Bitlis.

Hosted by Tatvan Municipality, the training was delivered face to face in two groups, with the participation of around 200 municipal employees.

All dimensions of addiction were addressed

The training covered the definition and types of addiction in detail, while also outlining the physical and psychological effects of different substances on individuals. Attention was also drawn to individual, familial and environmental risk factors, with an emphasis on the fact that anyone may be at risk of addiction regardless of profession, age or gender. It was further noted that both addiction rates and the number of treatment applications in the region have increased in recent years.

Emphasis on Early Intervention and the Right Approach

The programme also provided comprehensive information on recognising the early signs of addiction, adopting the right approach towards individuals struggling with addiction, and understanding treatment, rehabilitation and referral mechanisms. The issue of addiction among women was addressed as a distinct area of concern, with particular attention given to the hidden risks and specific needs involved.

An important role for local authorities

The training highlighted the decisive role of family support and the wider social environment in tackling addiction. It also underlined the importance of the work carried out by local authorities in this field, noting that well-informed and responsive municipal staff can make a meaningful contribution to the wider social response.

Planned to be rolled out in other cities

The training programme delivered as part of the fight against substance addiction is expected to be introduced in other cities as well, in line with future demand and local needs.