The documentary series Sober Lives, which examines Turkey's drug reality, addiction treatment and alternative methods with social and psychological dimensions, is preparing to meet with the audience. Produced by Journalist and Author Hande Karacasu, the documentary examines drugs, a pillar of "social decay", from many perspectives.
Produced by Hande Karacasu and prepared with the contributions of ICRYPEX, the documentary “Sober Lives” examines Turkey’s drug file. The first episode of the 10-episode documentary, prepared with the contributions of many doctors, addiction counselors and journalists, has been released.
THE NEW NATIONAL SECURITY PROBLEM: DEPENDENCE
The documentary examines how drug addiction has become widespread in Turkey, terrorizing the entire society as a pillar of social decay, and how addiction has become a national security issue in Turkey. The documentary examines the process of drug entry into the country, why it has become widespread, the causes of drug addiction, and various and alternative methods of addiction treatment in social and psychological dimensions, and includes real-life stories from different segments of society.
The documentary also provides a detailed analysis of the consequences of addiction, ranging from loss of employment to domestic violence, from educational failure to increased crime rates. “Sober Lives” offers a solution-oriented perspective in the fight against drugs, drawing attention to the importance of active policies and social solidarity.
STRIKING DATA SHARED IN THE FIRST SECTION
Drugs have become a very easily accessible substance on social media. There are drugs in the form of cute chocolate cone shaped gums sold as sleep cakes.
On social media, icons are used as passwords and sales are made openly in groups.
One-third of addicts are 13, and three-quarters are 18. Many first used drugs when they were 18 or younger.
In 2023, a total of 350 thousand people received drug treatment, including approximately 365 thousand outpatient treatment. Those receiving alternative treatment are not included in this figure.
According to the 2023 report of the European Center on Drugs and Addiction, there are 41 different types of drugs. Three out of six of these are mostly seized in Turkey. 6 percent of methamphetamine, half of cannabis and 3 percent of heroin were seized in Turkey.
There were 300 drug-related deaths last year, 40 percent of which were due to methamphetamine and 14 percent to heroin.
Turkey is located on the Balkan route from Iran to European countries. However, it is defined as a target country, not just a transit country. Due to the seizure of heroin and morphine, criminal groups are turning to synthetic drugs such as fentanyl. Methamphetamine smuggling is encountered on the Balkan route from Afghanistan to Iran and our country.
Another dangerous synthetic drug is the production of amphetamine-containing pills similar to the original drug Captagon. Although less common in the Near and Middle East compared to Syria, Lebanon and these countries, the product is also produced.
In Turkey, economic reasons, family reasons, social environment and sometimes even other accompanying diseases, mood disorders can play a role in starting to use drugs.
WHO WILL BE THE GUESTS, WHAT TOPICS WILL BE COVERED?
“Hande Karacasu” YouTube The 10-episode documentary series to be broadcast on the channel reveals Turkey's current drug problem in full detail. Artist Umut Akyürek and Oktay Ertuğrul explained the benefits of alternative treatment methods during their daughter Melek Bal's 4th treatment process, Oktay Ertuğrul revealed the frightening data on drug addiction in Turkey. Athlete-Narrator Bilgehan Demir told the stories of world-famous athletes overcoming addiction through sports. AMATEM Director Prof. Dr. Nesrin Dilbaz provided information on the latest technological developments and methods in addiction therapy. Clinical Psychologist Esra Çavuşoğlu explained the alternative treatment center she established as a former addict and a new addiction specialist. Journalist Batuhan Çolak revealed Turkey's position in international drug smuggling and trade and the obstacles in the fight against smuggling.
Sociologist Zeliha Bürtek explained the sociological outcomes of drug addiction, which is a pillar of social decay, and the negative results of government policies. AMATEM Founder Prof. Dr. Mansur Beyazyürek provided information about the policy deficiencies in drug addiction treatment in Turkey and the commission studies and methods that should be applied to treatment. Prof. Dr. Onur Noyan explained the latest technological developments in addiction treatment in the world and new drug treatments. Former Financial Branch Manager Furkan Sezer touched on the connection between drug smuggling and the migration from the Middle East to Turkey and the easy granting of citizenship to foreigners.
