Social Work, Alcohol and Drugs

Introduction
The nature of the link between substance use and social work intervention is complex. Using substances, illicit or otherwise, does not automatically mean the individual is placing themselves or others at risk of harm. However, evidence suggests that substance use is increasingly part of the picture for a substantial number of people in touch with social services (see below for figures).

National Occupational Standards
The National Occupational Standards for Social Work 2002 (TOPSS 2004) govern our profession. The Standards comprise six 'key roles' for social workers. In turn, these key roles are made up of 21 'key units' that define the knowledge and skills base social workers must have. A knowledge of the theory and methods of working with the "main groups of people using social work services" includes drug and alcohol users in ALL of the 21 key units.

For some people who use substances social work involvement happens at the point of crisis intervention. Unfortunately this can be too late for supportive and preventative work to take place. However, this is not always the case. Such crises can also offer opportunities for effective intervention as people in crisis are often more open to seeking help and getting support, particularly if the alternatives involve the full use of social workers’ powers. Effective intervention at this point requires a social worker to have knowledge of substance use, its impact on individuals, their partners and families, as well as knowledge of local substance use agencies that can offer the type of service and support that can meet the individual’s needs.

Fortunately, not all social work involvement is a response to crises. Social workers often identify substance use as part of a bigger picture of care management and on-going work with individuals and families in a range of practice settings. This is the preferred point of intervention where preventative work and open discussion can establish whether or not the substance use is problematic for themselves or others around them. It is here that the informed social worker can give brief advice and intervention, be open about their concerns relating to the substance use and, if necessary, assess the person’s substance use and refer on to specialist agencies for help (see sections on ‘Identifying and assessing substance use’ and ‘Specialist intervention and treatment’).