Abstract

This presentation explores the complex relationship between substance addiction and economic behavior through the lenses of neuroeconomics, behavioral economics, and emotional economics. Traditional economic models often assume rational decision-making, yet addiction challenges this assumption by introducing cognitive biases, emotional impulses, and neurological disruptions that influence individual and societal choices.
Drawing on global and Turkish data from 2025, the presentation analyzes the economic costs of addiction—including productivity loss, healthcare expenditures, and social welfare burdens—while also identifying potential economic opportunities in prevention, rehabilitation, and reintegration strategies. A SWOT analysis framework is applied to assess the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of current addiction policies, with a focus on institutional dynamics and cross-sector collaboration.
The neuroeconomic dimension highlights how addiction alters reward systems and time preferences, leading to short-term gratification over long-term well-being. Behavioral economics contributes insights into how framing, loss aversion, and status quo bias affect both addicts and policymakers. Emotional economics adds depth by examining how fear, shame, and hope shape recovery trajectories and public attitudes.
International case studies are used to illustrate successful interventions, such as incentive-based rehabilitation programs and community-driven prevention models. These examples inform policy recommendations tailored to Turkey’s socio-economic context, emphasizing the need for integrated strategies that combine economic tools with psychological and neurological understanding.
Ultimately, the presentation advocates for a multidisciplinary approach to addiction economics—one that recognizes the human complexity behind economic choices and leverages this understanding to design more effective, compassionate, and sustainable policies.