Psychological support for addicts a phone call away

Yeşilay (The Green Crescent) has been fighting to prevent and decrease addiction problems with various projects. The organization has initiated one of its biggest projects in recent years, by opening a consulting phone line for addicts and their relatives. In Turkey, there are many qualitative and quantitative inadequacies in consultancy services to prevent and decrease addiction problems. Yeşilay, identifying this problem, has put into service Yeşilay Consultancy Line, with the support of the Istanbul Development Agency. People who need a consultancy can call 444 79 75 and speak to Yeşilay experts. The consultancy team is fully composed of psychologists who are experts in the field of addiction problems. They will provide consultation and guidance to the callers. In addition to the telephone line, a consultation center will be opened in September.

The center will be called YEDAM (the Green Crescent Consultation Center). It will provide addicts, their relatives and youngsters who face the risk of addiction with psychological assistance. Istanbul will be the pilot city. In time, the plan is to expand the area of the project to provide its services all over Turkey. Besides psychological assistance, the center will offer social integration programs for former addicts. The center will be equipped to provide many services ranging from employment aid, education, sports and cultural activities to family therapy and information sessions.