Tarih: 26.02.2026
The event titled “Addiction: What It Is and What It Is Not – From the Perspective of Those Who Experience It (2)” was held on 16 February 2026 at the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Conference Hall, organized in collaboration between Lokman Hekim University and the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality.
The program emphasized that addiction should not be viewed solely as a clinical diagnosis but as a complex phenomenon shaped by personal experience, social perception, and recovery processes.
A Perspective Grounded in Experience
The concept of addiction was examined not only from a theoretical standpoint but also through the voices of individuals who have lived through the process. The discussion addressed both the question “What is addiction?” and “What is it not?”, challenging common misconceptions and social stigmatization.
Speakers highlighted that addiction cannot be reduced to a matter of weak willpower; rather, it must be understood through biological, psychological, and social dimensions.
Academic Insight and Public Responsibility
The session was moderated by Prof. Dr. Zehra Arıkan, Head of the Department of Psychiatry at Lokman Hekim University.
Throughout the event, emphasis was placed on early awareness, preventive mental health services, family support, and institutional collaboration in combating addiction. The joint efforts of universities and local authorities were noted as crucial in developing effective community-based strategies.
From Misconceptions to Evidence-Based Understanding
The program underlined that addiction is not limited to substance use; behavioral addictions such as technology and gambling also present similar risk dynamics. Participants gained insight into the development of addiction, contributing risk factors, and recovery pathways.
