It is time to speak the truth: The youth in this country are in the midst of a great danger and society has not yet grasped its seriousness. Drugs are no longer a problem confined to the darkness of the alleyways; they are a poison at the school gates, in the corners of parks, in the neighborhoods. It is easy to reach young people, its effects are severe and often irreversible.
The fact that 427 people lost their lives due to substance abuse in 2024 and that 160 of these casualties were young people under the age of 30 shows that the danger directly affects the future of the country. The average age of the deceased, 34.7, clearly shows that this issue is not just about individual tragedies; society is losing its most productive and energetic people. Moreover, drug-related deaths increased by 42 percent in one year. This figure means that ’the fire is spreading fast“.
Synthetic substances are at the center of this crisis. The most common substances encountered in addiction centers are no longer conventional drugs, but laboratory-produced chemicals such as methamphetamine and bonsai (active ingredients: JWH-018, AM-2201, UR-144). They are both cheap and addictive very quickly. They create a short-acting but deeply destructive cycle that sucks young people in in a short time.
There are many reasons why Turkey's situation is similar to that of countries like Georgia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Azerbaijan and Jordan. All of these countries, like Turkey, are located at the intersection of the Balkan-Caucasus-Middle East drug routes. This geographical location facilitates the infiltration of transit drugs into the domestic market over time. Similar social problems such as a high youth population, economic pressures, unemployment, anxiety about the future and lack of social space make young people in these countries vulnerable. However, the rate of increase in Turkey is higher than in most of these countries, and the danger is growing harder and faster here.
So how do we win these young people back? First of all, we need to understand why young people are at such risk. Young people who feel empty, under pressure or hopeless are much more likely to turn to poison. This is why real steps are needed to give meaning, support and confidence to young people's lives. Sports and art centers should be established in every neighborhood that young people can access free of charge; social spaces should be created where young people can express themselves. The environment around schools must be made truly safe, and guidance and psychological support mechanisms must be strengthened. Addiction treatment should become a fast and accessible service, not a months-long wait. It is vital to raise awareness among families so that they can recognize the first signs and intervene early.
This country cannot afford to lose its youth. If the right steps are taken today, this generation can be reclaimed; but if delayed, the “lost generation” will not just be a warning, but a bitter reality that we will all have to face.