Prof. Tayfun Uzbay: “Behavioral addictions are just as dangerous as substance addictions”

Prof. Tayfun Uzbay, Advisor to the Rector of Üsküdar University and Head of the Department of Internal Medical Sciences at the Faculty of Medicine, attended the “Family and Youth Symposium on Combating Addiction”, organized by Samsun Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) within the scope of the 2025 Year of the Family. In his talk titled “Addiction in the 21st Century,” Uzbay emphasized that addiction should be addressed as both chemical and non-chemical forms, stating that behavioral addictions pose a threat to family structure just as serious as substance addictions. He noted that with digitalization, addictions related to the internet, social media, gaming, gambling, and shopping have increased, and warned that excessive convenience weakens cognitive skills.

The symposium, hosted by Ondokuz Mayıs University, addressed addiction from a family and youth centered perspective and was attended by protocol members, academics, university and high school students, and members of the public.

“There is no difference between chemical and behavioral addictions in terms of threatening the family”

Stating that addiction in the 21st century can be divided into two main categories, Prof. Uzbay said: “In the 2000s, generations began to change, and a new type of addiction emerged, which we call behavioral addiction. From today’s perspective, we classify addiction in the 21st century into two groups. One group consists of addictions involving chemical substances, which are the well-known types such as tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, inhalants, cocaine, and similar substances. These are chemical addictions. The second group consists of behavioral addictions. This started primarily with the internet. With the digital revolution, we began talking about internet addiction. The widespread use of smartphones, social media, various games, and the dramatic increase in gambling and betting associated with these games caused gambling to change form, become more widespread, and easier to access. Eating disorders were already recognized as diseases, but within this category, a specific type called food addiction emerged. Shopping addiction also appeared. Later, we began discussing other types such as exercise addiction and sex addiction. The entire world refers to these as behavioral addictions. In fact, the term ‘behavioral’ can be misleading, because all addictions are ultimately behavioral. There is a behavioral disorder in turning toward chemical substances and using them, just as there is a behavioral disorder in excessive and disproportionate use of smartphones, gaming, gambling, or betting. This is their common point. Perhaps it would be more accurate to classify them as chemical and non-chemical addictions. In terms of the threat they pose to family structure, there is no difference between chemical addictions and behavioral addictions. We must be aware of this.”

“Excessive convenience destroys cognitive skills”

Referring to research findings, Uzbay noted that the ease provided by the internet has been linked to a decline in IQ levels: “As the internet entered our lives and became widespread, as everything became easier, there has been a downward trend in average IQ levels. There was an assumption that Generation Z was extraordinary and innovative, followed by Generation Alpha, and that great revolutions would occur. Unfortunately, there is something Generation Z needs to be aware of. As we move toward excessive convenience, cognitive functions such as reading, writing, and comprehension begin to deteriorate. We constantly touch screens with our fingers, but we cannot write properly anymore. I have seen students who cannot even hold a pen properly. One of the most important features that distinguishes humans from other living beings is our ability to use our hands and to read by reasoning between our eyes and brain. We are not yet at a level where we can instantly adapt to the internet revolution. Just like the agricultural and industrial revolutions, this revolution will also have victims. To avoid becoming victims, this process must be lived consciously.”

“Addiction should not be addressed solely as a moral issue”

Emphasizing that addiction is a brain disease, Uzbay continued: “Addiction arises because something pleasurable affects the brain. There is something pleasurable, and it influences the brain. After using it for a certain period, the person seeks to experience that sensation again. When it cannot be felt, a crisis may occur. To avoid this crisis, the individual continues using it. This leads to various behavioral disorders. Ultimately, this is a brain disease, just like Parkinson’s disease, autism, depression, or anxiety disorders. In some vulnerable individuals, addiction develops very quickly. Addressing addiction solely as a moral issue means starting the solution from the wrong place. Yes, addiction will inevitably erode moral values, damage family structure, and as it becomes widespread, it will eat away at society and accelerate social decay. All of these are consequences of addiction. However, addiction itself is a brain disease that must be controlled and approached primarily with treatment strategies. Approaching an addicted individual by saying, ‘This is a matter of willpower. Their will is weak. Their morality is weak. If they wanted to, they could quit,’ is completely wrong. If addiction is not isolated and controlled in a proper way, its level of spread can increase.”

Following his speech, Prof. Tayfun Uzbay was presented with a plaque by Prof. Fatma Aydın, Rector of Samsun Ondokuz Mayıs University.

Visit to the Governor of Samsun

After the symposium, Uzbay also paid a courtesy visit to Samsun Governor Orhan Tavlı. During the meeting, possible collaborations on combating addiction were discussed.