This paper is an examination of the process of dealing with substance-abusing clients in a clinical setting. Clinicians who provide treatment programs for substance abuse, as well as social workers who may encounter clients with such problems, need to understand the magnitude of the problem and the options available.
Such work begins with a thorough assessment of the individual's situation, including understanding the substances being abused, how dependent the individual is, and the extent to which abuse interferes with the individual's functioning. The social worker must then identify the appropriate response to the problem, including pinpointing the available community resources and planning a program of treatment. Treatment can range from inpatient rehabilitation programs to individual psychotherapy, group therapy, psychoeducation, and other kinds of programs. Treatment requires the patient's cooperation and may need to be preceded by intervention efforts and detoxification before other approaches can be effective. Clinical interventions are aimed at achieving abstinence and must include provisions for ongoing recovery. The patient's family also plays an important role in treatment and must be included in any clinical plan. Finally, the clinician must evaluate whether or not other issues are present that may affect a treatment plan, such as work or economic pressures, the threat of AIDS, multiple addictions, or the presence of psychological pathology. Substance abuse is a prevalent problem, especially in clinical settings, and social workers must be prepared to recognize its effects and provide clients with options for help.
Substance abuse, drug addiction, alcoholism, and chemical dependence are all terms used to describe the compulsive use of alcohol and/or drugs to such an extent that this use interferes with the individual's ability to devote time, attention, and other resources to the rest of his or her life...