Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit Üniversitesi (BEUN) carried out an important awareness initiative within the scope of its “Science Café” meetings with a program titled “Turkiye's Fight Against Addiction (TBM): Gambling Addiction.” The event addressed the impact of addiction on individuals and society from a scientific perspective, contributing significantly to public awareness.
The program carried out within the scope of the “Science Café” events of Science Communication Office, which was established to raise social awareness by BEUN, attracted great interest from participants. Organized by Science Communication office in line with the decision and incentives of Council of Higher Education (YÖK) and the initiative of the Rector of Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University (BEUN), Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer, the talk was held at Farabi Campus Doç. Dr. Ali Arslan Conference Hall.
In her opening speech, BEUN Science Communication Office Representative Asst. Prof. Dr. Melek Toparlak Şahin emphasized that gambling addiction might lead to deep problems in individuals’ and families’ lives and stated their pleasure to discuss such a significant topic. Şahin invited the speaker of the program TBM Training Coordinator Elvan Özdoğan Güler.
Types of Addiction and Risks Were Discussed
Elvan Özdoğan Güler shared detailed information on subjects including types of gambling, the effect of social environment, and the necessity to consider addiction as a disease. Highlighting the negative effects of gambling on the individuals, family, and society, Güler gave advice especially to parents and emphasized the significance of effective communication. Following Güler’s speech Gül Kaya, a member of Yeşilay Counseling Center, informed the audience on the initiatives of the Center. She concluded her speech by thanking the audience.
The attendees had the chance to raise their awareness of the subject and get answers to their questions. At the end of the program, the questions were answered in detail.
Wide Participation from People of Zonguldak and Students
The event stood out as a fruitful program which brought knowledge together with society. The attendees stated the pleasure they had in discussing such a significant topic under the leadership of the university. BEUN representatives and participants expressed their gratitude to the President of the Council of Higher Education Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar and BEUN Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer.
The program concluded with the presentation of certificate of appreciation to the speakers by moderator Asst. Prof. Dr. Melek Toparlak Şahin.
