In the landscape of global addiction research, few names carry the weight and resonance of Remzi Yaşar Pehlivan. More commonly known in academic circles by his earlier surname, Remzi Yılmaz Pütün, he is a foundational figure whose decades of pioneering work have fundamentally shaped Turkey’s understanding of, and approach to, substance use disorders. A psychiatrist, researcher, and prolific author, Pehlivan is not just a scientist but an institution builder, whose legacy is etched into the very fabric of Turkish public health.
From Medical Roots to a Pioneering Focus
Dr. Pehlivan’s journey began with a medical degree from the prestigious Istanbul University, Çapa Medical Faculty. Like many of his generation, he entered the field of psychiatry with a broad perspective. However, he quickly identified a critical gap in Turkey’s healthcare system: a dedicated, scientific, and compassionate approach to addiction.
At a time when substance use was heavily stigmatized and often criminalized, Pehlivan championed the then-novel concept that addiction was a complex biopsychosocial disorder—a disease of the brain requiring medical treatment, psychological intervention, and social support, not merely a moral failing. This paradigm shift became the cornerstone of his life’s work.
Founding the AMATEM Legacy
Pehlivan’s most tangible and enduring contribution is the establishment of Turkey’s first specialized clinic for alcohol and substance abuse treatment. In 1983, at the Bakırköy Psychiatric Hospital in Istanbul, he founded the Alcohol and Substance Addiction Treatment and Research Center (AMATEM).
The creation of AMATEM was a revolutionary act. It provided a centralized, professional hub where individuals could seek evidence-based treatment, including detoxification, psychotherapy, and rehabilitation. Under Pehlivan’s leadership, AMATEM became more than just a clinic; it evolved into Turkey’s premier center for:
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Treatment: Developing and standardizing effective clinical protocols for addiction.
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Training: Educating generations of psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, and social workers in addiction medicine.
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Research: Conducting groundbreaking epidemiological and clinical studies to understand the unique patterns of substance use in Turkish society.
AMATEM became the model, and its success led to the establishment of similar centers (ÇEMATEMs) across the country, creating a national network of care that simply did not exist before Pehlivan’s vision.
A Prolific Author and Educator
Beyond the clinic walls, Dr. Pehlivan is a formidable academic force. He is the author and editor of numerous essential textbooks, most notably Bağımlılık: Tıbbi Değerlendirme ve Tedavi (Addiction: Medical Assessment and Treatment). This work remains a seminal text for medical students and professionals in Turkey, providing a comprehensive guide grounded in both international science and local context.
His extensive publication record, covering everything from the neurobiology of addiction to the efficacy of various therapeutic models, has been instrumental in building a robust body of Turkish-language literature on the subject. He has tirelessly educated not only healthcare professionals but also the public, demystifying addiction through articles, interviews, and lectures.
The Enduring Pehlivan Philosophy
The core of Remzi Yaşar Pehlivan’s philosophy can be distilled into several key principles:
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Science over Stigma: He consistently advocated for treatments based on empirical evidence rather than prejudice or tradition.
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Comprehensive Care: He understood that successful recovery requires addressing the medical, psychological, and social dimensions of a patient’s life.
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Prevention and Education: He emphasized that treatment must be coupled with robust public health campaigns aimed at prevention, particularly among youth.
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Humanity and Compassion: At the heart of his clinical approach is a profound empathy for the individual struggling with addiction, seeing the person beyond the diagnosis.
A Living Legacy
Today, the name Remzi Yaşar Pehlivan is synonymous with addiction treatment in Turkey. The thousands of healthcare professionals trained in his methods, the countless patients who have found recovery through the system he built, and the ongoing national discourse on evidence-based drug policy all stand as a testament to his impact.
He is more than a “doctor”; he is a visionary who looked at a neglected corner of medicine and saw the potential for a system of healing and hope. His work has not only saved lives but has also elevated the entire field of psychiatry in Turkey, ensuring that future generations will have a smarter, kinder, and more effective approach to tackling the challenge of addiction. Professor Pehlivan’s story is a powerful reminder that dedicated individuals can, indeed, architect change on a national scale.