The Substance Addiction Counselling and Education Centre, operating under the Department of Social Services at Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality, took part in the ‘Current Approaches to Addiction’ symposium organised by the Department of Psychology at Dicle University.

As part of the symposium, social worker Berfin Ayyıldız from the centre delivered a presentation entitled ‘The Role of Local Government in Tackling Addiction Through Prevention, Counselling and Cooperation’ during a panel discussion titled ‘From Practice in the Field to Implementation: The Role of Local Government, Health Services and Civil Society in Tackling Addiction’. Before the presentation, participants watched a public information video produced by the centre.

A Treatable Health Condition

In her presentation, Ayyıldız stressed that addiction could affect anyone, regardless of language, religion, race, occupation, gender or income. She emphasised that addiction should be treated as a health condition that can be treated, rather than as a failure of willpower.

Preventive Work and Counselling Services Outlined

Ayyıldız outlined the preventive and protective initiatives and counselling services provided by the Substance Addiction Counselling and Education Centre. These included training to raise public awareness, prevention workshops for children and household visits, as well as efforts to refer individuals and their families to treatment and support their social reintegration following treatment.

Noting that the centre's services were delivered in accordance with the principles of confidentiality, non-discrimination and access to services in one's mother tongue, Ayyıldız highlighted the importance of an approach that responds to the needs of individuals and their families in tackling addiction.

The Importance of Inter-Agency Cooperation

Ayyıldız highlighted the importance of cooperation between public institutions, healthcare providers, universities and civil society organisations in tackling addiction. She also briefed participants on the coordination framework established across the city and outlined initiatives to exchange experience with institutions in Türkiye and abroad.

Stressing that local authorities have the advantage of being able to engage directly with communities, Ayyıldız said this enabled needs to be identified at an early stage and individuals to be referred to appropriate services. She underlined the need for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to tackling addiction.