20.03.2025 11:43
Professor Dr. Mustafa Necmi İlhan, a public health expert from Gazi University, was a guest of Neşe Berber on Haberler.com. İlhan addressed various topics, from the reasons for starting drug use to combating addiction, stating, "Curiosity and peer influence are the fundamental reasons for starting drug use." He also noted that trace amounts of drugs could be found in hookah.
Gazi University Public Health Specialist Prof. Dr. Mustafa Necmi İlhan answered Neşe Berber's questions on Haberler.com. Stating that the age of drug use in Turkey is in the 20s, İlhan emphasized that the fundamental factors behind addiction are social environment and curiosity. He also pointed out that addictions have increased during the pandemic period.
"WE LIVE IN A COUNTRY THAT PROVIDES THE BEST HEALTH SERVICES IN THE WORLD"
Prof. Dr. Mustafa Necmi İlhan stated that Turkey is one of the best countries in the world regarding health services, saying, "Especially in the fight against addiction, we see that the state and non-governmental organizations are working with great dedication." However, he emphasized that social awareness and family support are also of great importance in the fight against addiction.
"EVERYTHING THAT CAUSES ADDICTION CAN BE CATEGORIZED AS A DRUG"
Pointing out the misconceptions about addiction, İlhan said, "It is possible to categorize everything that can cause addiction in a person as a drug. Alcohol, cigarettes, and even some medications can fall into this category." He stated that addiction is not only a physical but also a psychological process and that individuals need to be made aware of this issue.
"CURIOSITY AND PEER INFLUENCE ARE THE FUNDAMENTAL REASONS FOR STARTING DRUG USE"
Stating that the average age for starting drug use in Turkey is in the 20s, Prof. Dr. İlhan said, "Curiosity and peer influence are the fundamental reasons for starting drug use. Awareness should be raised on this issue across all segments of society, especially among young people." He also mentioned that drug use is more prevalent in lower-educated groups.
"DRUG SUBSTANCES CAN BE FOUND IN HOOKAH"
Prof. Dr. İlhan addressed the dangers of cigarette and hookah use, saying, "In hookah, there is something different under the vanilla and chocolate that we like. Synthetic or cannabis-derived drugs can be found in trace amounts." Emphasizing that caution should be exercised regarding tobacco products, İlhan pointed out that the rates of drug use are lower among individuals who engage in sports and spend their free time productively.