‘Turkey Addresses Addiction’ Project: A Groundbreaking Initiative
Ankara, May 9, 2026 – The ‘Turkey Addresses Addiction’ project, a monumental 16-volume work spearheaded by Prof. Dr. Erol Koçoğlu under the patronage of the Presidency within the U-BADEM Projects, has been unveiled. This comprehensive initiative is being hailed as a first both in Turkey and globally for its in-depth exploration of addiction in all its dimensions.
Strong Institutional and Academic Foundation
The project, executed by the ‘Life Abhors a Vacuum’ Association for Combating Addiction, benefited from the significant contributions and support of Dr. Atikullah Giyasi, Chief Physician of Sami Ulus Hospital, and Dr. Mustafa Uzun, Member of the Presidential Health Policies Board, alongside chief editor Prof. Dr. Erol Koçoğlu. This collaboration established a robust institutional and academic foundation for the work.
Under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Erol Koçoğlu, the study stands out as a profound examination of addiction – one of the most significant issues of our era – delving into its scientific, social, and human aspects. The genesis of the project was inspired by discussions held at a workshop organized by the ‘Life Abhors a Vacuum’ Association for Combating Addiction in 2026. During this period, the contributions of Prof. Dr. Mehmet Emin Uludağ from Düzce University, renowned for his academic background and experience, played a crucial role in shaping the work.
Comprehensive Scope: 16 Types of Addiction Explored
The work addresses addiction under 16 distinct headings, including alcohol, gambling, digital, digital gaming, social media, power and status, aesthetics and beauty, pleasure and speed, consumption, nutrition, medication, cigarette and tobacco, ideology, comfort, and substance and drug addiction.
As part of the study, extensive fieldwork was conducted across 81 provinces in Turkey, involving in-depth interviews with 400 participants. The research drew contributions from 170 academics, including 105 professors, 50 healthcare professionals, and individuals from various societal segments such as lawyers, tradesmen, journalists, homemakers, engineers, teachers, dietitians, psychologists, and law enforcement personnel. This approach aimed to make the work not only an academic endeavor but also a societal memory project.
A Call for Social Awareness
Prof. Dr. Erol Koçoğlu, in his evaluation of the project, emphasized that the work is not merely an academic publication but also a call for social awareness. He stated, “Addiction often stems not from a weakness of will, but from a deep loneliness and search for meaning. This study aims to go beyond the visible face of addiction, revealing human stories, societal breakdowns, and solutions. Our goal is not only to identify but also to illuminate the path to recovery.”
Koçoğlu extended his gratitude to all institutions, bureaucrats, and contributing participants who played a role in this project, which was brought to life under the leadership and patronage of the President. He highlighted that the work would serve as a guide for all segments of society, especially for young people and families.
“Turkey Addresses Addiction” offers a fresh perspective on combating addiction and serves as a powerful call to increase social awareness.
