Izmir Metropolitan Municipality organized a training against substance addiction for mothers at the Agora Women's Counseling Center. The trainings given by the psychologist covered stimulants and their harms, how to approach a child who uses substances, and institutions to apply to.
Taking action due to the increasing prevalence of substance use and the decreasing age range, the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality is organizing awareness trainings for various age groups in 30 districts of the city. In this context, training on substance addiction was provided with the participation of mothers at the Agora Women's Counseling Center. The trainings given by psychologist Ufuk Kılıçaslan, who works at the Health Education Branch Directorate of the Health Affairs Department, discussed both what stimulants are and their harms. The most striking aspect of the trainings was how parents should approach their children in the event of possible substance use. Kılıçaslan stated that institutions such as the Yeşilay Counseling Center (YEDAM) should be applied to if the child uses substances.
Precautionary measure
Psychologist Ufuk Kılıçaslan stated that they provide preventive measures that improve health and trainings that improve general health, and said, “These trainings are carried out on various subjects such as physical health, mental health, nutrition, physical activity. Our aim is to improve the general health of people without catching diseases and to make them more conscious about health. Today, we provided information to parents about what they should pay attention to regarding substance addiction, what their duties are in preventing substance addiction, and how they can get support. We also allowed them to share their own experiences.”
“More harmful substances have become widespread”
Noting that the age of substance use is decreasing every passing day, Kılıçaslan stated that the prevalence of new, more harmful and more easily addictive substances is also increasing. Stating that they are working to raise awareness on this issue, Kılıçaslan said, “We provide detailed information on how parents should approach the issue so that they can know some of the signs and establish good communication with the child. Since it is a problem that concerns all family members, we are trying to help them on how to approach this issue as a whole.”
Stating that the trainings were carried out in 30 districts with different age groups, Kılıçaslan said that the important thing is for parents to establish healthy communication with children.
“We are learning the truth”
Sabriye Çelik, a mother who attended the training, said, “Here, I learned that we need to follow the children closely and approach them calmly. We are becoming more conscious,” while Halime Kayak said, “These trainings are very good for us. We learn the truth about what we thought was wrong. We thank the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality very much. Substance use is very common. It is also in this region. There are many schools here. Both we and the authorities should focus on this issue.”
“I am satisfied with all the trainings”
Mother Emel Çelik also stated that they were pleased with all the trainings she attended and said, “Today, my daughter came here to learn math and English. I also attend the trainings and get informed. Here, we learned how to follow our children better and how to treat them. We thank you.”
