First, you are destroying your life, then the lives of the closest people and in the end – you become a problem to society. This is how most of the gamblers describe their golgotha which will ask for a lot of will, patience and support of the environment to go through and return to somewhat normal life.
Despite numerous seminars and research conducted on the effects of addiction and attachment, the destructiveness and magnitude of its impact continue to increase day by day. Both material and spiritual addictions are made worse by the importance placed on material addiction and goods.
What is addiction?
The Turkish anti-addiction organization Yeşilay defines addiction as follows: “Addiction is the loss of control over a substance, alcohol, object, or action (behavior) that a person uses. Every substance used or behavior performed uncontrollably carries the risk of addiction. Individuals can be addicted to many things in life. Examples include substances, alcohol, cigarettes, gambling, technology, any object, or behavior (Ögel, 2018; Yeşilay Publications, 2018).”
There are various manifestations of addiction. Examples mentioned above, such as substances, alcohol, cigarettes, gambling, and technology, can be cited. However, the most extensive and detrimental habit observed in Skopje and its surroundings appears to be gambling. Many people form long lines in front of casinos and become immersed in this glamorous life. Through my research, I discovered that there are 120 casinos in Skopje. Additionally, I observed the existence of many betting places. It deeply affected me to witness that many individuals progress towards gambling addiction every day. These glamorous and intriguing places seem to be extremely dangerous, even for those without gambling problems. One can be drawn to them like a mosquito to light. It seems that due to this addiction, the lives of many families and individuals have come to an end. To prevent this addiction from impacting more lives and to reduce its effects, some municipalities and local organizations in Macedonia are working on this issue.
In the last few years there is a public debate in Macedonia that the casinos should move out of the cities and betting places be removed at least 500 meters from the schools. This idea has many pros and cons, so probably will need more time to be realized. While this is happening, the problem with gambling in Macedonia, but also in the region is growing and affects the society. That’s why, there is a need for a fight against this danger.
In my research, I found out that there is a hotline related to this issue in the Center Župa municipality. This organization contributes to and offers assistance by defining the following This group provides assistance to people who are depressed and find it difficult to believe that anyone or anything may be of assistance. Helpline volunteers and counselors in Centar Župa, are trained to support people experiencing similar problems to other addicts. They listen and help to offer a way out. They deal directly with those who have come to the point of feeling that the loss incurred as a result of gambling is devastating. However, patience, commitment and appropriate support are their keywords. With these keywords, they help build a new life.
Research and on-site observations indicate that addiction not only affects individuals but also deeply impacts families and societies. In the fight against addiction, it is crucial to go beyond individual efforts and create awareness at the societal level. In this context, it is necessary not only to combat addiction but also to delve into its roots, take preventive measures, and increase societal awareness. This comprehensive approach to combating addiction can strengthen not only individual support but also the general welfare and solidarity of society. However, collaboration and participation from the public, private sector, and non-governmental organizations are essential in this process. Steadfastly progressing in the fight against addiction will be a significant step towards leaving a healthier environment for future generations.
Batuhan Ege Şahin
Sources:
https://www.rehabilitationcentre.co.uk/gambling/fife/macedonia
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