Özet:

This study aims to examine the relationship between alcohol/substance use and divorce and legal processes through the observations and experiences of social workers in the family court. The study was carried out with the qualitative research method with 9 social workers working in the Family Courts in Istanbul. The obtained data have been analyzed with the descriptive analysis method using the Maxqda 2020 Qualitative Data Analysis Program. According to the participants, the parties of the case present a justification for divorce based on the indirect consequences of use of drugs and alcohol, rather than the direct use of them. It has been determined that marriage, spouse and children are important motivation tools in persuading addicted individuals to the treatment of substance/alcohol addiction. The person not getting convinced to get treatment or the treatment failing are among the factors that accelerate the divorce process. However, according to participants’ observations, spouses with children decide to divorce faster than spouses without children. It has been determined that alcohol/substance use is not only a reason for divorce, but also plays an important role in which parent will be given custody of the child and in the dynamics of the personal relationship between the parent and the child. In conclusion, alcohol/substance addiction is one of the most important threats to a healthy family structure. Families should be supported, strengthened, and offered inclusive, accessible and qualified solutions to spouses' therapeutic pursuits before applying to family courts for divorce.

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