“Building Bridges: Addiction and Recovery”
PROF. DR. RABİA BİLİCİ
OPENING SPEECH FOR
2024 Congress of the International Society of Addiction Medicine:
“Building Bridges: Addiction and Recovery”
Esteemed Guests and Honorable Participants,
It is our great pleasure to welcome you all to the 2024 Congress of the International Society of Addiction Medicine in Istanbul in which we are surrounded by its rich history and vibrant culture.
Similar to Istanbul transcending traditional divisions between the East and the West, Asia, and Europe, we are here to overcome our prejudices and learn from each other by building scientific bridges among us to better understand the links between Addiction Treatment and Recovery.
The theme of “Building Bridges” is not just a metaphor.
It serves as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to connect—across disciplines, cultures, and communities—to encourage a more inclusive and effective approach to Addiction Treatment and Recovery.
Dear Guests,
Bridges are not merely physical structures. They symbolize the relationships we forge, the dialogues we initiate, and the partnerships we cultivate.
In a world that chronically suffers from divisions and barriers, our mission here is to explore how we can create connections that transcend these limitations.
We need to build bridges in at least six interconnected aspects:
1) Firstly, to bring our local professional and academic communities back on stage, ensuring that our interconnectedness is understood in the local community.
2) Only then the second step, which is about building bridges internationally, will be meaningful. Similar to individuals, states are not obliged to like each other. However, they should be aware of the fact that “global problems require global solutions“, and addiction is one of the biggest global problems that risk human security and welfare. Each year, millions of people with addiction as well as their families and friends face social, psychological, and economic challenges that create a spill-over and mounting effect on other geographies.
In an increasingly interconnected world, the importance of international cooperation cannot be underestimated.
3) Right at this point, as our third aspect, we need to build bridges between generations so that young members of our community can come forward and share their thought-provoking ideas.
Here in this congress, many of our young colleagues actively took part in the organization to improve their professional network and skills. So, please do not get surprised when you see them around, but give them the chance to express themselves and ask questions.
4) Our next aspect is about building bridges between Research Communities and Policy Makers. The existing gap between scientific research and its political reflections requires us to work on that aspect much more eagerly.
Let us not forget that as researchers, it is our responsibility to transmit our findings to the policymakers, ensuring that they have the information they need to make informed decisions. Likewise, policymakers must engage with the scientific community to understand the implications of their decisions and to foster an environment where research can thrive.
5) Our fifth aspect to build bridges with is the public. Science should not be confined to laboratories and academic institutions; it must be accessible to all. Building bridges with the public is crucial for fostering a culture of scientific literacy and engagement.
6) Last but not least, I would like to underline the significance of scientific thought and research skills, which we can summarize as “the power of science as a bridge”. Scientific research can be considered as the mother of all previously mentioned bridging aspects. We do not have the luxury of giving science up while attempting to bridge all other aspects.
Dear Colleagues,
During the Congress, we will discuss innovative approaches to prevention, treatment, and recovery, and we will explore how we can work together to dismantle the stigma surrounding addiction.
I encourage you to take full advantage of this opportunity to connect. Engage in conversations, challenge ideas, and seek common ground. Remember, every bridge we build starts with a single step—a conversation, a shared goal, or a moment of understanding. Let us be those architects of connection, working together to create pathways that lead to a more inclusive and harmonious world.
In closing, I would like to extend my gratitude ISAM president, past presidents, board members, scientific committee, organizing committee, our sponsors, and the organizing company for their hard work and dedication in making this congress come true in a very short time.
I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for being here and for your commitment to this vital cause. Thank you for your commitment to this important work, and your dedication to building bridges. Together, we can build bridges that lead to understanding, healing, and hope.
Welcome to Istanbul, and welcome to the International Congress on Building Bridges: Addiction and Recovery!
Thank you.