Statement from the Project Director

Abstract

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Statement from the Project Director

This volume constitutes the outcome of a nationally coordinated research initiative conducted within the framework of the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD) in Northern Cyprus. The publication reflects a structured collaboration between academic contributors, public institutions, and educational stakeholders, implemented in accordance with internationally accepted methodological and ethical standards. In my capacity as Project Director, President of the International Cognitive and Behavioural Psychotherapies Society (CBPis), and Academic and Clinical Supervisor to the Northern Cyprus Prime Minister’s Anti-Drug Commission, my responsibility was to ensure the scientific integrity, ethical compliance, and institutional alignment of the project across all phases of implementation. Particular care was taken to safeguard participant anonymity, voluntary participation, and procedural consistency throughout data collection, analysis, and reporting. This book is intended to provide a reliable empirical reference to support future research, prevention initiatives, and evidence-informed policy development. The ESPAD framework offers a critical mechanism for systematic monitoring and comparative analysis of adolescent substance use patterns over time. I wish to formally acknowledge the contributions of the authors, the members of the Anti-Drug Commission, the Board of Directors of CBPis, and the staff of Dr. Zafer Bekiroğullari Psychological Services Ltd. I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to Ms. Teyfide Tecel Hatipoğlu, President of the Anti-Drug Commission, for her sustained leadership, institutional support, and continued commitment throughout the implementation of this project. I extend my highest appreciation to the Editor, Prof. Dr. Dr. (h.c.) Marilyn A. Huestis, whose academic leadership and editorial oversight were fundamental to the completion of this work.

Dr. Zafer Bekir (Zafer Bekiroğulları)

AFBPsS, CPsychol, FCBPis, BA Hons, BA, MEd, gCert, PhD President, International Cognitive and Behavioural Psychotherapies Society (CBPis) Project Director, ESPAD Northern Cyprus Academic and Clinical Supervisor, Northern Cyprus Prime Minister’s Anti-Drug Commission

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