From Minor Violations to Alcohol Addiction: An Examination of Alcohol Dependence through the Lens of the Broken Windows Theory

Abstract

The consumption of alcohol and alcohol-related disorders are increasingly becoming a significant public health issue worldwide. In this context, the purpose of this study is to use the Broken Windows Theory (BWT) to analyze alcohol dependence as a social and psychological issue and to reveal the factors that contribute to its development. The study group consisted of 14 participants (9 males and 5 females) residing in Malatya, Türkiye. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured interview form and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings reveal that peer influence functions as the initial "broken window," and the social normalization and promotion of alcohol use contribute to the onset of addiction. Furthermore, family dynamics intensify the issue, with intra-family conflicts and widespread alcohol use fostering further maladaptive behaviors. Additionally, alcohol is employed as a psychological escape mechanism for coping with stress, reinforcing continuous consumption. It was observed that individuals experience regret when their alcohol use becomes uncontrollable, and they engage in a struggle to overcome their addiction. In conclusion, the study highlights the critical role of peer influence, family dynamics, and stress management in shaping alcohol addiction, emphasizing the importance of targeted interventions aimed at these factors.

Keywords

• Alcohol
• Broken Windows Theory
• Alcohol Addiction
• Dependency

References

1. Aka, V., Karaman, H., & Yaman, Ö. M. (2021). Gençlerin esrar kullanımında akran/arkadaşlık ilişkilerinin etkisi: Bingöl ili örneği [The effect of peer/friendship relations on the use ofcannabis within Yongsters: the case of Bingöl]. Sosyal Politika Çalışmaları Dergisi, 21(50), 129-161. https://doi.org/10.21560/spcd.vi.621418 google scholar
2. Akkuş, D., Karaca, A., Şener, D. K., & Ankaralı, H. (2017). Lise öğrencileri arasında sigara ve alkol kullanma sıklığı ve etkileyen faktörler [The prevalence of tobacco and alcohol use in high school students and the affecting factors]. Anadolu Kliniği, 22(1), 36-45. https:// doi.org/10.2167 3/anadoluklin.245632 google scholar
3. Altuner, D., Engin, N., Gürer, C., Akyay, İ., & Akgül, A. (2009). Madde kullanımı ve suç ilişkisi: kesitsel bir araştırma [The relationship between substance use and crime: A cross-sectional study]. Tıp Araştırmaları Dergisi, 7(2), 87-94. Retrieved from google scholar
4. Arıcı, A., & Yaman, Ö. M. (2021). Gençlerde alkol kullanımı ve kültürel Yapının bağımlılığa etkisi [Alcohol use in Youth and the effect of cultural structure on addiction]. Sosyal Çalışma Dergisi, 5(2), 71-89. Retrieved from https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/pub/scd/ issue /67855/1041099 google scholar
5. Arslan, S., & Bal, F. (2019). Üniversite öğrencilerinde alkol kullanım sıklığı, çevresel-ailevi risk faktörleri ve cinsiYet farklılıkları [Prevalence of alcohol, environmental-familY risk factors and gender differences in universitY students]. Uluslararası Sosyal Araştırmalar Dergisi, 12(67), 543-556. http://dx.doi.org/10.17719/jisr.2019.3742 google scholar
6. Atlam, D., Çınaroğlu Asar, A., Şaşman KaYlı, D., & Kırlı, U. (2024). Kadınlarda alkol ve madde bağımlılığında toplumsal ve kendini damgalama [Social and self-stigma in alcohol and drug addiction among women]. Journal of Dependence, 25(3), 311-319. https:// doi.org/10.51982/bagimli.1378697 google scholar
7. Bayhan, V., & Yasuntimur, A. (2023). The socio-psychological profile and addiction experience of psYchoactive substance users on probation in Türkiye: A qualitative study. Alcoholism and Drug Addiction, 36(4), 265-278. https://doi.org/10.5114/ain.2023. 137159 google scholar
8. Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77-101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa google scholar

9. Carr, T., Kilian, C., Llamosas-Falcon, L., Zhu, Y., Lasserre, A. M., Puka, K., & Probst, C. (2024). The risk relationships between alcohol con-sumption, alcohol use disorder and alcohol use disorder mortalitY: A sYstematic review and meta-analYsis. Addiction (Abingdon, England), 119(7), 1174-1187. https://doi.org/10.1111/add.16456 google scholar
10. Collins S. E. (2016). Associations between socioeconomic factors and alcohol outcomes. Alcohol research: Current Reviews, 38(1), 83-94. Retrieved from google scholar
11. Demircan, D., & Tamam, L. (2024). Madde kullanım bozukluğuna aile perspektifinden bir bakış [A family perspective on substance use disorder]. Journal of Dependence, 25(4), 491-497. https://doi.org/10.51982/bagimli.1432624 google scholar
12. Durna, F. B., ÖzbaYrak, G., & Yaman, Ö. M. (2024). Alkol/madde bağimlısı kardeşe sahip olmak: nitel bir araştırma [Having an alcohol/ substance addicted sibling: A qualitative research]. Trakya Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi, 26(1), 239-260. https://doi.org/10. 26468/trakYasobed.1381821 google scholar
13. Turkish National Police, Department of Anti-Narcotic Crimes (2023). Türkiye uyuşturucu raporu eğilimler ve gelişmeler. [Turkish drug report trends and developments]. Retrieved from https://www.narkotik.pol.tr/kurumlar/narkotik.pol.tr/TUB%C4%B0M/Ulusal %20 YaY%C4%B1nlar/2023TURKIYE_UYUSTURUCU_RAPORU.pdf google scholar
14. Erdem, G., Eke, C., Ögel, K., & Taner, S. (2006). Lise öğrencilerinde arkadaş özellikleri ve madde kullanımı [Peer characteristics and substance use among high school students]. Bağımlılık Dergisi, 7(3), 111-116. Retrieved from https://search.trdizin.gov.tr/en/ YaYin /detaY/69165 google scholar
15. Erdoğdu, M., Şentürk, G., & Şatıroğlu, N. Ö. (2020). BireYsel olarak riskli gruplarda riskli alkol tüketimi; alkol kullanımının sağlığa etkisi [RiskY alcohol consumption in individual risk groups; health effects of alcohol use: review]. Adli Bilimler ve Suç Araştırmaları Dergisi, 2(2), 171-181. Retrieved from https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/pub/absad/issue/80329/1373334 google scholar
16. Eryılmaz, D., Göğcegöz, I., & ErYılmaz, G. (2020). Üniversite öğrencilerinde riskli alkol kullanımını Yordayıci bazi etkenlerin değerlendirilmesi [Evaluation of the factors predicting risky alcohol use in university students]. Current Addiction Research, 4(1), 16-20. https://doi.org/10.5455/car.105-1578571757 google scholar
17. Gau, J. M., Corsaro, N., & Brunson, R. K. (2014). Revisiting Broken Windows Theory: A test of the mediation impact of social mechanisms on the disorder-fear relationship. Journal of Criminal Justice, 42(6), 579-88. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2014.10.002 google scholar
18. Geniş, B., Şahin, F., & Gürhan, N. (2022). Alkol/madde kullanım bozukluklarında şiddet ve intiharın nörobiYolojik temelleri [Neurobio-logical basis of violence and suicide in alcohol/substance use disorders]. Current Approaches in Psychiatry, 14(2), 264-275. https:// doi.org/10.18863/pgY.998217 google scholar
19. Gladwell, M. (2000). The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference. Little, Brown. google scholar
20. Goh, C. M. J., Asharani, P. V., Abdin, V., Shahwan, S., Zhang, Y., Sambasivam, R., Vaingankar, J. A., Ma., S., Chong, S. A., & Subramaniam, M. (2022). Gender diferences in alcohol use: a nationwide studY in a multiethnic population. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 22, 1161-1175. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-022-00921-Y google scholar
21. Grevenstein, D., Nikendei, C., & NagY, E. (2020). Alcohol use, binge drinking, and drunkenness experience in adolescence: Complex associations with familY, peers, social context, and risk perceptions. Substance Use & Misuse, 55(11), 1834-1845. https://doi.org/ 10.1080/ 10826084.20 20.1766504 google scholar
22. Gürbüz, M., & Arıkan, Z. (2017). Alkol bağımlılığı ve şiddet [Alcohol dependence and violence]. Turkiye Klinikleri Psychiatric Nursing -Special Topics, 3(2), 132-5. Retrieved from https://www.turkiyeklinikleri.com/article/en-alkol-bagimliligi-ve-siddet-79440. Ht ml google scholar
23. Jacob, L., Smith, L., Armstrong, N. C., Yakkundi, A., Barnett, Y., Butler, L., McDermott, D. T., KoYanagi, A., Shin, J. I., MeYer, J., Firth, J., Remes, O., Lopez-Sânchez, G. F., & TuLLy, M. A. (2021). Alcohol use and mentaL heaLth during COVID-19 Lockdown: A cross-sectionaL studY in a sample of UK adults. Drug and alcohol dependence, 219, 108488. https://doi.org/10.1016/j .drugalcdep.2020.108488 google scholar
24. Kızıltaş, A., & TuncaY, T. (2021). Üniversite öğrencilerinin alkol ve madde kullanma risklerinin çeşitli değişkenler açısından incelenmesi [Examining the alcohol and substance use risks of universitY students according to various variables]. Toplum ve Sosyal Hizmet, 32(3), 867-882. google scholar
25. Koob, G. F., & Volkow, N. D. (2016). NeurobiologY of addiction: a neurocircuitrY analYsis. The lancet. Psychiatry, 3(8), 760-773. https://doi. org/10.1016/S2215-0366(16)00104-8 google scholar
26. Lin, C., Cousins, S. J., Zhu, Y., Clingan, S. E., MooneY, L. J., Kan, E., Wu, F., & Hser, Y. I. (2024). A scoping review of social determinants of health's impact on substance use disorders over the life course. Addictive Behaviors, 166, 209484. https://doi.org/10.1016 / j.josat.2024.209484 google scholar
27. McGillicuddY, N. B., RYchtarik, R. G., Duquette, J. A., & Morsheimer, E. T. (2001). Development of a skill training program for parents of substance-abusing adolescents. Journal of substance abuse treatment, 20(1), 59-68. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0740-5472(00)00149-5 google scholar
28. Morris, J., & Schomerus, G. (2023). WhY stigma matters in addressing alcohol harm. Drug and Alcohol Review, 42, 1264-1268. https://doi. org/10.1111/dar.13660 google scholar
29. Neuman, W. L. (2012). Toplumsal araştırma Yöntemleri: Nicel ve nitel Yaklaşımlar (Vol. 3, 5th ed.). YaYın Odası. google scholar
30. OECD (2021), Preventing harmful alcohol use. OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/6 e4b4ffb-en. google scholar
31. Ögel, K., Tamar, D., Evren, C., & Çakmak, D. (2000). İstanbul’da lise gençleri arasında sigara, alkol ve madde kullanım YaYgınlığı [Prevalance of substance use among high school students in istanbul]. Klinik Psikiyatri, 3(4), 242-245. Retrieved from google scholar
32. Özcan, B., & Sever, S. (2017). SosYo-demografik değişkenler açısından alkol kullanımı ve çeşitli kriterlere göre analizi [Alcohol use in terms of socio- demographic variables and analYsis according to various criteria]. Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University Journal of Social Sciences Institute, 2(1), 261-276. Retrieved from https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/pub/bseusbed /issue/30015/292073 google scholar
33. Özmen, N., Şencan, F., & Beki, A. (2023). Roman normları ve gelenekleri açısından kadın ve ergen bireYlerde alkol kullanımı [Alcohol use in women and adolescents in terms of romani norms and traditions]. EKEV Akademi Dergisi, 95, 225-237. google scholar
34. Patton, M. Q. (2002). Qualitative research & evaluation methods (3rd ed.). Sage Publication. google scholar
35. Pazarcıkcı, M., & Altıntoprak, A. E. (2020). Denetimli serbestlik tedbirine tabi kişilerde sigara, alkol ve patolojik kumar bağımlılığının araştırılması [Investigation of cigarette, alcohol and pathological gambling addiction in persons subject to probation measures]. Journal of Dependence, 21(3), 190-200. Retrieved from https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/pub/bagimli/ issue/54271/714133 google scholar
36. Rehm, J., Rovira, P., Shield, K., Sornpaisarn, B., Thang, V. V., & Room, R. (2024). Alcohol use, economic development and health burden: google scholar A conceptual framework. International Journal of Alcohol and Drug Research, 12(2), 139-S145. https://doi.org/10.7895/ij adr.437 google scholar
37. Rodriguez, L. M., Litt, D. M., & Stewart, S. H. (2020). Drinking to cope with the pandemic: The unique associations of COVID-19-related perceived threat and psychological distress to drinking behaviors in American men and women. Addictive behaviors, 110, 106532. https://doi.org/10.10 16/j.addbeh.2020.106532 google scholar
38. RusbY, J. C., Light, J. M., CrowleY, R., & Westling, E. (2018). Influence of parent-Youth relationship, parental monitoring, and parent substance use on adolescent substance use onset. Journal of Family Psychology, 32(3), 310-320. https://doi.org/10.1037/fam00 00350 google scholar
39. Sampson, R. J., & Raudenbush, S. W. (1999). SYstematic social observation of public spaces: A new look at disorder in urban neighbor-hoods. American Journal of Sociology, 105(3), 603-651. https://doi.org/10.1086/210356 google scholar
40. Satan, A. (2011). Ergenlerde akran baskısı, benlik saygısı ve alkol kullanımı arasındaki ilişkilerin incelenmesi [The relationship of between peer pressure self-esteem and alcohol use among adolescents]. M.Ü. Atatürk Eğitim Fakültesi Eğitim Bilimleri Dergisi, 34, 183-194. Retrieved from https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/pub/maruaebd/issue/376/2488 google scholar
41. Semerci, M., Karaman, H., & Yaman, Ö. M. (2022). Bağımlılıkta Arkadaş Etkisini Anlamaya Yönelik Bir İnceleme: Youtube Videolarına Konuk Olan Madde Kullanıcılarının Röportajları Üzerinden Bir İçerik Analizi [An examination of peer influence in addiction: A content analYsis of interviews with substance users featured in You tube videos]. Gençlik Araştırmaları Dergisi, 10(28), 90-110. https://doi. org/10.52528/genc likarastirmalari.100 7595 google scholar
42. Sinha R. (2008). Chronic stress, drug use, and vulnerabilitY to addiction. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1141, 105-130. https://doi.org/10.1196/annals.1441.030 google scholar
43. Stein, M. D., & Friedmann, P. D. (2005). Disturbed sleep and its relationship to alcohol use. Substance abuse, 26(1), 1-13. https://doi.org/ 10.1300/j465v26n01_01 google scholar
44. Sudhinaraset, M., Wigglesworth, C., & Takeuchi, D. T. (2016). Social and cultural contexts of alcohol use: Influences in a social-ecological framework. Alcohol research: current reviews, 38(1), 35-45. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC48 72611/ google scholar
45. Şahin, Y., Zengin, M. N., YaYla, E., SaYın, A. D., Ünal, M.A., Assan, L., & Çiftçi, O. (2023). Tıp fakültesi öğrencileri arasında nikotin, alkol ve kafein kullanımının değerlendirilmesi: Orijinal Araştırma [Evaluation of nicotine, alcohol, and caffeine use among medical school students]. Muş Alparslan Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi, 3(1), 12-21. Retrieved from https://dergipark-org-tr.translate.goog/ tr/pub/maunsbd/issue/76957/1160755 ?_x_tr_sl=tr&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc google scholar
46. Türkiye İstatistik Kurumu (2023). Türkiye Sağlık Araştırması, 2022. [Turkish Health Survey, 2022] Retrieved from https://data.tuik. gov.tr/Bulten/Index?p=TurkiYe-Saglik-Arastirmasi-2022-49747#:~:text=Son%2012%20aY%20i%C3%A7inde%2C%20alkol,5%2C9%20 oldu%C4%9Fu%20tespit%20edildi. google scholar
47. Uğurlu, T. T., Tekkanat. Ç., Koç, H., & Ateşci F. (2020). Alkol ve madde kullanım bozukluğu olan bireylerde suç davranışının retrospektif incelemesi [Retrospective evaluation of criminal behavior in individuals with alcohol and substance use disorders]. Pamukkale Medical Journal, 13(3), 739-747. https://dx.doi.org/10.31362/patd.745390 google scholar
48. Weisburd, D., Hinkle, J. C., Famega, C., & Ready, J. (2011). The possible “backfire” effects of hot spots policing: An experimental assessment of impacts on legitimacy, fear, and collective efficacy. Journal of Experimental Criminology, 7(4), 297-320. https://doi.org/10.1007/ s11292-011-9130-z google scholar
49. Weisburd, D., V. Uding, C., Hinkle, J. C., & Kuen, K. (2024). Broken windows and community social control: evidence from a studY of street segments. Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency, 61(5), 727-771. https://doi.org/10.117 7/00224278231168614 google scholar
50. Welsh, B. C., Braga, A. A., & Bruinsma, G. J. N. (2015). Reimagining broken windows. Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency, 52(4), 447-463. https://doi.org/10. 1177/0022427815581399 google scholar Wilson, J.Q., & Kelling, G. (1982). Broken windows: The police and neighborhood safety. Atlantic Monthly, 29-38. Retrieved from https:// www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archiv e/1982/03/broken-windows/304465/ google scholar
51. World Health Organization (WHO) (2021). The European health report. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/europe/publications/i/ item/9789289057547 google scholar
52. World Health Organization (WHO) (2024). Alcohol. Retrieved from google scholar
53. Yenilmez, Ç., Bilici, M., Doğan, O., Uğuz, Ş., Tot, Ş., Tamar, D., Liman, O., Ögel, K., Sır, A., Tamar, M., & Çorapçıoğlu, A. (2004). Dokuz ilde ilk ve ortaöğretim öğrencilerinde tütün, alkol ve madde kullanım YaYgınlığı [Tobacco, alcohol and substance use prevalence among elementary and secondary school students in nine cities of Turkey]. Türk Psikiyatri Dergisi, 15(2), 112-118. Retrieved from https:// search.trdizin.gov.tr/tr/YaYin/ detaY/257 google scholar
54. Yiğit, Ş., & Khorshid, L. (2006). Ege Üniversitesi fen fakültesi öğrencilerinde alkol kullanımı ve bağımlılığı [Alcohol use and dependence among the students attending Ege University faculty of science]. Bağımlılık Dergisi. 7, 24-30. Retrieved from google scholar
55. Yüksel, H., & Tuzcu, Ö. (2024). Lise öğrencileri arasında sigara, alkol ve uyuşturucu madde kullanımını etkileyen sosyo-demografik faktörler [Socio-demographic factors influencing the use of cigarette, alcohol and drugs among high school students]. Dumlupınar Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi (80), 117-131. https://doi.org/10.51290 /dpusbe.1395661 google scholar
56. Zimbardo, P. G. (1973). A field experiment in autoshaping. In C. Ward (Ed.), Vandalism (pp. 85-90). Architectural Press. google scholar