Türkiye to Launch Nationwide Addiction Screening Program in Schools
Türkiye to Launch Nationwide Addiction Screening Program in Schools
ANKARA, February 28, 2026 – Türkiye's Health Ministry is preparing a comprehensive nationwide addiction screening and counseling program for students aged 12 to 18. Developed in cooperation with the Education Ministry, the initiative aims to detect tobacco use, substance abuse, and behavioral addictions early, particularly during adolescence.
⚠️ Rising Vulnerability "The 12–18 age group has become increasingly vulnerable. By implementing school-based screening programs, we aim to intervene before addiction takes hold."
Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu highlighted rising behavioral issues among young people, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. He made these remarks during a parliamentary commission on youth at risk.
School-Based Screening: Key Details
The program targets students aged 12 to 18 and will focus on:
- Tobacco use
- Substance abuse
- Behavioral addictions (gaming, internet, etc.)
Early detection through school-based screening will be followed by counseling and intervention services.
Parallel Initiative: Prison Addiction Treatment Pilot
In parallel, Türkiye has launched a pilot addiction treatment program in prisons, providing structured care to inmates convicted of addiction-related offenses during the final year of their sentence.
📍 Pilot Locations:
- Bakırköy Prison (Istanbul)
- Elazığ Prison (eastern Türkiye)
Specialized treatment centers have been established on-site at both facilities.
Goals and Objectives
Officials say both initiatives prioritize:
- ✅ Early detection
- ✅ Effective treatment
- ✅ Long-term social reintegration
The dual approach aims to reduce addiction-related risks among youth while supporting successful rehabilitation for inmates preparing to re-enter society.
🏥 Comprehensive Strategy: Both programs represent a coordinated health response to addiction across different at-risk populations — students and incarcerated individuals.
