A theoretical perspective on social work and substance use
Learning Objectives
After considering this resource, you should know more about medical and social models of addiction, and their evidence base. You should also be able to weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of particular approaches to drug and alcohol misuse.
This chapter by Donald Forrester and Aisha Hutchinson, taken from M. Davies (ed) Social Work with Adults (2012), looks at the field of addiction and problem substance use.
It is highly likely that as a social worker, you will work with people who have drug or alcohol problems. It may not always be appropriate or possible to refer them to a specialist service. So you need to be able to understand and engage with this area of research and practice. After all, working to help people change their behaviour is a process at the heart of good social work.
The chapter considers key theoretical understandings of addiction, including medical and social models, and explores a range of factors and feelings which are typically related to problem alcohol or drug use.
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Reflective Questions
- What personal and social benefits might be associated with drug or alcohol addiction?
- Is addiction an illness? Discuss.