HÜDA PAR Mersin MP Faruk Dinç has warned that the rapid spread of substance addiction in Türkiye poses a grave danger to society, saying the fight against drugs must be treated with the same urgency as the fight against terrorism.

Dinç was speaking at a panel on substance addiction held in Adana and organized by the HÜDA PAR Youth Policies Directorate. The event, which drew strong public interest, focused on raising awareness about the growing impact of addiction, particularly among young people.

In his address, Dinç described substance addiction as a threat that goes far beyond individual harm, undermining families and the social structure as a whole. He said many young people are experiencing a deep sense of crisis and uncertainty, and that addiction is often presented to them as a false means of escape.

Dinç argued that the commonly used term “drugs” softens the reality of the problem, saying “poison” is a more accurate description. He likened those who traffic in such substances to terrorist groups, stressing that they target society indiscriminately for financial gain.

Referring to his fieldwork and meetings with addicted youths and their families, Dinç said mothers are the most deeply affected. He spoke of the emotional devastation faced by families, noting that parents watch their children slowly deteriorate while feeling powerless to intervene.

Citing official figures, Dinç said substance use in Türkiye is rising at alarming rates, particularly among high school–aged youth. He noted that the use of some substances has increased severalfold in recent years and warned that the true scale of the problem is likely far greater than reflected in official statistics.

Dinç also highlighted the growing role of social media in facilitating access to substances, saying many young people obtain them through online platforms using coded language, emojis, and cryptocurrency transactions. This, he said, has made the problem more widespread and more difficult to control.

Stressing that addiction cannot be addressed through legislation and policing alone, Dinç called for direct engagement with young people and a stronger focus on moral and spiritual support. He emphasized that the struggle against addiction must rise above party politics and involve state institutions, civil society, families, and community leaders working together.

Dinç criticized media reporting that focuses on the financial value of seized drugs, arguing that such headlines can create dangerous curiosity, especially during times of economic hardship.

He also pointed to alcohol as a major gateway to substance addiction and called for stricter measures. Dinç said his party has submitted legislative proposals seeking harsher penalties for organized drug trafficking and tougher sanctions for public officials involved in such crimes.

On treatment, Dinç stressed that addiction cannot be cured through medication alone. He said effective recovery requires strengthening a person’s willpower, family bonds, and spiritual resilience. In cases where individuals pose a danger to themselves or others, he said compulsory treatment should be considered.

As part of broader reforms, Dinç proposed transforming AMATEM centers into comprehensive rehabilitation facilities and establishing a volunteer-based coordinating body that would bring together government agencies, civil society organizations, and respected community figures.

Concluding his remarks, Dinç urged society not to stigmatize those struggling with addiction. “These are our children,” he said, adding that the issue concerns everyone and must remain a shared responsibility until lasting solutions are achieved.

The panel ended with a question-and-answer session involving attendees. (ILKHA)