35.6 million people suffer from drug use related disorders worldwide

Cyprus International University (CIU) Psychological Counseling and Guidance Center (PCGC) Expert Psychologist Çise Haşimoğulları, speaking in relation to 26th June International Day Against Drug Use and Illicit Trafficking, stated that according to the 2020 World Drug Report, around 35.6 people across the world suffer from drug use.

Explaining that since 1987, there has been an increase in drug use across the world, Haşimoğulları added that efforts initiated by the United Nations aiming for a drugless society, established 26th June as a day of struggle in this endeavor.

Stating that International Day Against Drug use and Illicit Trafficking aims to emphasize the determination in cooperating across the international arena, Haşimoğulları informed that it is accepted as one of the main health problems of societies, and that as well as side effects, the substances used causes physical and psychological diseases.

Drawing attention to the fact that in cases of substance addiction, both the presence and absence of the substance can cause serious distress, Haşimoğulları underlined that being substance addiction free is a much more challenging process than getting used to the substance.

Explaining that addiction is a process and during this process it is important to receive support, Haşimoğulları went on to give information in relation to the wrongs that we believe are right. Haşimoğulları also added that beliefs such as “I have a strong will”, “I won’t get addicted”, “Trying it once won’t hurt”, and “Only weak individuals get addicted”, can lead individuals in the wrong way.

Giving information in relation to what can be done to put substance addiction under control, Haşimoğulları continued: “Be sure about making the change, research the treatment methods (rehabilitation if possible), begin searching for support (family/friends/psychologist/psychiatrist), research the techniques in dealing with stress, stay away from the environment created when addicted, try and make a new environment, and speak about your problems”.