Women’s Substance Use Treatment in Türkiye: Barriers, Motivations, and Service Recommendations From Social Workers’ Perspectives

Abstract

Using a generic qualitative design, this study draws on in-depth interviews with 17 social workers to explore barriers women face in accessing and participating in substance use treatment, their motivations for treatment, and service-related recommendations. Thematic analysis identified three main themes: disruptions in the cessation process, motivations for seeking professional help and sustaining treatment, and service-related recommendations. The first theme indicates that treatment disruptions stem from gender-based stigmatization, individual self-help attempts, and social and institutional barriers. The second theme focuses on motivational factors for accessing and sustaining treatment, including internal processes such as regaining a sense of identity and self-worth, and external influences like referrals from social services. The final theme evaluates the importance of preventive and protective factors, alongside holistic empowerment at the personal, interpersonal, and socio-political levels. The main recommendations include expanding gender-responsive treatment centers and providing childcare support to ensure the sustainability of the treatment process.