Drug addiction on the rise 19 months after Kahramanmaras earthquake

Nineteen months after the February 6 earthquake, which caused severe damage in 11 provinces with Kahramanmaras as its epicenter, challenges continue in the region. The Turkish Union of Municipalities (TBB) recently published the “February 6 Disaster Area Current Status Assessment and Development Recommendations Report.” The report highlights the increase in drug addiction as the most serious issue in the earthquake-affected areas.

According to the report, drug use has risen in the earthquake-affected provinces, reflecting a nationwide trend. The text states, “One of the most serious issues emerging after the earthquake is addiction and substance use. The widespread use of drugs is disrupting the social structure and increasing security problems.”

The 2023 Justice Statistics also show evidence of the increase in drug-related issues. Last year, the greatest increases compared to the previous year were in the crimes of fraud, intentional homicide, looting, and drug or stimulant production and trafficking. According to the data, the percentage of cases filed under “purchasing drugs or stimulants for personal use” increased from 41% in 2015 to 43.4% in 2023.

Additionally, the use of antidepressants in the earthquake region has also seen a significant rise. The report states, “The rate of antidepressant use among youth has increased post-earthquake. This increase is particularly concentrated among high school students. Young people are facing issues such as inability to meet their needs, lack of support, and employment problems due to a lack of hope for both their future and the future of their cities.”