The seminar titled  "The Importance of Non-Governmental Organizations in Preventing Drug Addiction" was held in cooperation with Karatay Municipality, Ministry of Interior, Konya Non-Governmental Organizations Platform, and Konya Association for Fight Against Addiction. The importance of being the only voice in the fight against addiction was emphasized by involving non-governmental organizations in the communication network much more effectively in the program.

“The Importance of Non-Governmental Organizations in Preventing Drug Addiction" in cooperation with Karatay Municipality, Ministry of Interior, Konya Non-Governmental Organizations Platform, and Konya Association of Drug Treatment was emphasized.

Erkan Aslan, the Deputy Mayor of Karatay Municipality, Mehmet Demirel, the President of Konya Association of Drug Treatment, Prof. Dr. Önder Kutlu, the President of Konya Non-Governmental Organizations Platform and Özgür Karayazılı, the Konya Provincial Director of Civil Society Relations, attended the meeting.

In the seminar, in which it was emphasized that the fight against addiction should be spread throughout the country by involving it in the communication network of NGOs and it should be the only voice in the fight against addiction; how drug addiction started, how to be protected, and how to fight addiction, as well as what non-governmental organizations can do in this process were discussed.

LOVE IS OUR MOST IMPORTANT ARGUMENT PROTECTING OUR YOUNG PEOPLE FROM ADDICTION.

Mehmet Demirel, the President of Konya Association of Drug Treatment, who spoke in the program, mentioned that the effects of the social environment on drug addiction and the areas of use in drug addiction have expanded, and stated that the work of non-governmental organizations has a positive effect on the fight against addiction. Mehmet Demirel said the following: we, the NGOs, have to work hard, learn a lot, and do things beneficial to society. We, the non-governmental organizations, need to concern all young people. We have to work with the acknowledged experts for the benefit of society and find solutions to the problems and troubles of the youth. Non-governmental organizations are already existing for this purpose. Love is our most crucial argument that protects young people from addiction. We can cope with the problem of drug addiction by strengthening the family institution, kinship and neighbourly relations of our youth, and orienting them to beneficial areas at odd moments”

KARATAY MUNICIPALITY CARRIES OUT SIGNIFICANT SERVICES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Erkan Aslan, the Deputy Mayor of Karatay Municipality, also talked about the importance of the fight against drug addiction and emphasized that everyone has significant duties in this regard. Erkan Aslan drew attention to the need to raise awareness of the society on drug addiction and that more non-governmental organizations should play a key role at this point, and pointed out that drug addiction is something that started after curiosity and added followings: “Our Karatay Municipality carries out many activities that will drive our young people away from harmful habits and encourage the youth to take advantage of them. It will continue to carry out many projects and investments in order to offer spaces for young people to spend their free time.”

Prof. Dr. Önder Kutlu, the President of Konya Non-Governmental Organizations Platform and Özgür Karayazılı, the Konya Provincial Director of Civil Society Relations, also thanked Karatay Municipality for its efforts and services in the fight against drug addiction, which affects the society deeply.

A STRONG COMMUNICATION NETWORK MUST BE ESTABLISHED BETWEEN NGOs

After the speeches, Mustafa Uslu, the Religious Affairs Specialist, made a presentation titled “The Importance of Non-Governmental Organizations in Preventing Drug Addiction”. Mustafa Uslu said that the fight against addiction can be strengthened with new projects and studies, and said that accessing scientific information on addiction, agreement in the fight against addiction and establishing a strong communication network among NGOs working in this field will increase social awareness.

Uslu, who pointed out the importance of the active participation of non-governmental organizations in this fight, said: “We all have our responsibilities regarding drug addiction, which is one of the biggest problems of our age and especially threatening our children and youth. This problem can only be overcome with social sensitivity and awareness. Not only our security forces but all of us need to support the fight against other addictions, especially drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes, which are increasing and spreading day by day, the use age is decreasing day by day, destroying young lives and poisoning our children.”