Risk factors among youth in the addiction cycle were discussed

An online event titled “The Addiction Cycle and Smoking Addiction” was organized by the Üsküdar University Vocational School of Health Services (VSHS). During the event, the psychological foundations of addiction, the addiction cycle, nicotine addiction, and especially risk factors among young people were discussed in a comprehensive manner.

The program was held online under the moderation of VSHS First and Emergency Aid Program Head Instructor Ayşe Bağlı, with a presentation by Specialist Psychologist Şahsenem Sarı.

The online event attracted the interest of VSHS Director Asst. Prof. Ömer Faruk Karasakal, academicians, and students.

Şahsenem Sarı: “Addiction is not just a substance related condition”

Specialist Psychologist Şahsenem Sarı emphasized that addiction is not only a substance related condition and stated that behavioral addictions have effects at least as serious as substance addiction. Drawing attention to the fact that addiction is a chronic brain disease, Sarı said: “Addiction is not just a substance related condition. Although addicts are often thought to lack willpower, the process is entirely related to changes that occur in the brain. For this reason, uncontrollable compulsive behaviors emerge.”

A single trial can start the path to addiction

Stating that most addictions begin with a “one time trial,” Sarı noted that young people are especially directed toward substances or cigarettes due to the influence of their social environment. Emphasizing that tolerance develops starting from the first use, Sarı drew attention to the low success rates of addiction treatment.

“Electronic cigarettes contain very high levels of nicotine and heavy metals”

Touching on the role of dopamine in the addiction mechanism, Sarı explained that the brain’s reward center works more than normal, and therefore addicts increase the amount of substance over time in order to achieve the same effect. Reminding that electronic cigarettes and new generation tobacco products are rapidly spreading among young people, Sarı said: “Although electronic cigarettes are often perceived as healthier, they contain much more nicotine and heavy metals compared to conventional cigarettes.”

“Even if a relapse occurs, one should know that treatment exists”

Explaining the addiction cycle under the headings of Craving, Use, Withdrawal, and Relapse, Sarı stated that addiction can restart with a small trigger. She emphasized the importance of detoxification, pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and family support in the treatment process. Sarı said: “Most addicts need external control and the establishment of a strong routine. Even if a person experiences a relapse during this process, they should know that this is possible due to the nature of treatment and should have a pre prepared plan.”

“The search for social acceptance increases use”

Sarı stated that young people are in a higher risk group in terms of smoking addiction due to their still developing prefrontal cortex, and added that the search for social acceptance also increases use among youth. Drawing attention to the spread of menthol cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, and flavored products through social media, Sarı emphasized that the perception of these products as ‘lighter’ is incorrect.

Smoking causes permanent damage to attention and memory

Sarı noted that smoking causes permanent damage to cognitive performance, attention, and memory, and stated that in the long term it leads to decreased lung capacity, shortness of breath, and an increased risk of asthma. Touching on the economic burden of smoking, Sarı said: “We see that a person who smokes one pack of cigarettes spends approximately 38 thousand TL annually.”

Sarı also added that smoking restricts social life and significantly negatively affects the daily routines of addicted individuals.

The event concluded after a question and answer session.