Introduction
While the terms substance use, abuse, and dependence are used synonymously in much of contemporary society’s literature on mental health and social work, they should be distinguished from each other. Understanding these differences is important for social workers working with people who have drug and alcohol-related problems. This paper is devoted to the intricacies of substance use, abuse, and dependence, as well as novel theoretical approaches concerning social work intervention. Furthermore, it discusses the prevailing drug problem in America and reviews the relationship of social workers to this difficult issue.
Substance Use, Abuse, and Dependence
Substance use is characterized by the ingestion of mind-altering substances such as drugs or alcohol, but in a manner that does not have any negative consequences and is accepted socially. It turns into substance abuse when the use leads to failure in various domains of life, including work, relationships, and health (Subramaniam et al., 2023). Harmful use of substance abuse is a behavioral pattern that may result in physical or psychological injury.
However, substance dependence is a more serious disorder characterized by an uncontrollable urge to consume the drug despite negative outcomes. People with substance dependence often develop tolerance and withdrawal symptoms and find themselves unable to control their use of the substances (Subramaniam et al., 2023). The change from substance abuse to dependence is a step up of the problem, where dependence implies an advanced and persistent formulation of violent disorder.
New Theoretical Perspectives on Social Work Intervention
Ecological Systems Theory
One approach to understanding the individual is through an ecological systems perspective, and social workers may use this. Substance interventions should not only focus on the problem of substance use but also consider its context at family, community, and societal levels.
Trauma-Informed Care
Trauma-informed care can be used by social workers, as they are aware of the prevalence of trauma in people with substance use disorders. This model highlights an individual’s life and substance use through the influence of trauma, according to safety-related trustworthiness concepts with empowering capabilities.
Strengths-Based Approach
The strengths-based approach recognizes individual strengths and resources. The role of social workers is to help the clients identify and use their strengths to help them avert substance-related challenges, thus increasing resiliency.
Reflection on the Current Drug Situation in the United States
The United States has a complicated drug situation that includes the opioid epidemic, increasing methamphetamine use rates, and persistent issues linked to alcohol abuse. Being a social worker, it isn’t very pleasant to see how substance use affects individuals, families, and communities’ lives (Elliott & Davis 2020). Substance use often has a stigma attached to it, underlining the importance of being caring and non-judgmental in social work practice.
Our Role as Social Workers
Social workers are at the center of fighting substance use, abuse, and dependency due to their supportive roles across all advocacy and resources. By embracing evidence-based interventions and keeping up to date with relevant information, a social worker can promote the overall wellness of people affected by substance use disorders (Elliott & Davis 2020). It is also important to advocate for policies that support prevention, treatment, and harm reduction to counteract the systemic factors at play behind America’s drug problem.
Conclusion
Lastly, to carry out successful social work intervention, understanding the differences between substance use abuse and dependence is necessary. Adopting novel theoretical paradigms while remaining aware of the dynamism that characterizes substance-related matters allows social workers to contribute significantly toward the health and welfare of clients endowed with drug and alcohol use. Our position as social workers is crucial in a supportive role urging broader yet compassionate measures to resolve the current drug issue facing America.
Reference
Elliott, S., & Davis, J. M. (2020). Challenging taken-for-granted ideas in early childhood education: A critique of Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory in the age of post-humanism. Research handbook on childhoodnature: Assemblages of childhood and nature research, 1119-1154.
Subramaniam, G. A., Nolan, L., Huntley, K., Corbin, M., Crenshaw, K., Mandell, T., … & Blackeney, Q. (2023). National Institute on Drug Abuse: Dissemination of Scientific Knowledge to Improve Adolescent Health. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics, 32(1), 157-167.
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