Therapy and counseling in both group and individualized settings is one of the most common forms of treatment for chemical dependency. During these sessions, patients will learn many things about addiction including their specific triggers, biological effects of addiction, tips to prevent relapse, and more.
Full Answer
What are the treatment options for chemical dependency?
Luckily, there are treatment options for those suffering from chemical dependency. Treatment facilities specializing in drug and alcohol will work to help patients safely come off drugs, learn how to stay sober, and educate patients on the specifics of addiction.
Are there evidence-based psychosocial practices for social workers in addiction?
Evidence-based psychosocial practices for SUD exist that should be part of a social work practice armamentarium. There is a need for curriculum development for social workers in addiction. The evidence-base would be improved by greater social work research involvement in looking at how EBPs apply across communities and populations.
Can social workers help people with substance use disorders?
Social workers have historically been, and will continue to be, among the primary service providers to individuals who experience substance use disorders (SUDs).
Are social workers ready for expanded roles in providing addiction treatment?
For instance the June 2012 Supreme Court ruling to uphold the proposed Affordable Care Act (ACA) may hasten the need for social workers to prepare for expanded roles in providing addiction treatment.
What social work theories are used in substance abuse?
In this study, the ecological systems theory was used as the theoretical framework. The self-efficacy theory also was a critical concept that emphasizes the importance of motivation on the social worker's role in substance abuse treatment (Bandura, 2011).
How do social workers deal with substance abuse?
Substance abuse social workers help to treat people who are suffering from addiction. They coordinate and arrange psychiatric services, 12-step programs and support group meetings for their clients. Substance abuse social workers may also help their clients find housing with a halfway house or recovery center.
What is the most common treatment modality for substance related disorders?
Group Therapy. Group therapy is the most widely used treatment modality in substance abuse treatment programs (Etheridge et al. 1997; National Institute on Drug Abuse [NIDA] 2003; Weiss et al. 2004).
What techniques are used to treat addiction?
Some of the most common forms of modern addiction treatment include behavioral therapies delivered as individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy.
What are the roles of social workers in cases such as addiction?
A substance-abuse social worker's responsibilities vary by setting, but most perform client intakes and assessments, develop treatment plans, and counsel patients in individual or group sessions. They also help families cope with the effects of addiction and refer patients to other social service organizations.
What does mental health and substance abuse social worker do?
21-1023 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Assess and treat individuals with mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems, including abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs.
What is the most effective intervention for substance abuse?
CBT is often rated as the most effective approach to treatment with a drug and alcohol population.
What is a treatment plan for substance abuse?
A substance abuse treatment plan is an individualized, written document that details a client's goals and objectives, the steps need to achieve those, and a timeline for treatment. These plans are mutually agreed upon with the client and the clinician.
What are therapeutic modalities?
Therapeutic modalities are tools your physical therapist might use to help generate healing and assist with muscle reeducation. This tool can help by decreasing pain and swelling or lessening muscle spasms which may be causing the pain.
What are three options for drug abuse treatment?
There are many options that have been successful in treating drug addiction, including:behavioral counseling.medication.medical devices and applications used to treat withdrawal symptoms or deliver skills training.evaluation and treatment for co-occurring mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.More items...•
Is CBT effective in treating addiction?
CBT is commonly used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, phobias, and other mental disorders, but it has also been shown to be valuable in treating alcoholism and drug addiction. This is especially true when it's part of an overall program of recovery.
Which type of psychotherapy uses aversion therapy?
Aversion therapy is a type of behavioral therapy that involves repeat pairing an unwanted behavior with discomfort. 1 For example, a person undergoing aversion therapy to stop smoking might receive an electrical shock every time they view an image of a cigarette.
What are the services that social workers provide?
Social workers empower clients with the resources, goals, plans, psychosocial assessments, and counseling. With the help of social workers, clients can begin their journey towards sobriety and stability.
What can social workers do to help with SUD?
As policy makers, care managers, administrators, and service providers working directly with clients with a SUD, social workers may choose, provide, or push for evidence-based SUD treatment practices.
What is the role of social workers in mental health?
Social workers play a vital role in helping those battling substance use disorder (SUD), as well as those struggling with mental health disorders. Their job consists of diagnosing clinical disorders, identifying client goals, and creating a plan to reach those goals. They also serve as a link between the client and helpful resources.
What is social work?
Social work was also instrumental in the creation of Medicaid and Medicare. Today, social work is contributing to reducing the stigma associated with substance abuse and mental illness.
When did social work start?
As a profession in the United States, social work, in general, began at the end of the 19 th century. It was created out of a need to provide vulnerable individuals, including immigrants, access to resources and to help them develop the skills to elevate themselves out of social and economic poverty.
What are the features of a successful treatment program?
Programs considered are usually based on the type of substance abused. Detoxification (if needed, based on the substance abused) and long-term follow-up management or recovery-oriented systems of care are important features of successful treatment.
What are the factors that contribute to substance abuse?
Substance abuse and dependence are caused by multiple factors, including genetic vulnerability, environmental stressors, social pressures, individual personality characteristics, and psychiatric problems.
What is the medical term for substance abuse?
Substance abuse is the medical term used to describe a pattern of using a substance (drug) that causes significant problems or distress. This may be missing work or school, using the substance in dangerous situations, such as driving a car. It may lead to substance-related legal problems, or continued substance use that interferes with friendships, ...
What is the definition of giving up or reducing activities because of drug or alcohol use?
Giving up or reducing activities because of drug or alcohol use. Taking risks, such as sexual risks or driving under the influence. Continually using drugs or alcohol even though it is causing or adding to physical or psychological problems. Developing tolerance or the need to use more drugs or alcohol to get the same effect.
What are the most common behaviors that mean a person is having a problem with drug or alcohol abuse?
But each person may have slightly different symptoms. Symptoms may include: Using or drinking larger amounts or over longer periods of time than planned.
How do you know if you are dependent on a drug?
Signs of dependence include: Tolerance to or need for increased amounts of the drug to get an effect. Withdrawal symptoms that happen if you decrease or stop using the drug that you find difficult to cut down or quit. Spending a lot of time to get, use, and recover from the effects of using drugs.
What is the most common legal drug of abuse?
Or it may be the abuse of legal substances, such as alcohol , nicotine, or prescription medicines. Alcohol is the most common legal drug of abuse.
Abstract
Therapists are increasingly considering chemical addiction from a family systems perspective. Effects of chemical dependency upon the family are discussed and intervention approaches aimed toward assisting the family as families redefine themselves and change their structure are considered.
REFERENCES
American Psychiatric Association (1994). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, Fourth edition. Washington, DC: Author.
Author information
Director, Intensive Outpatient Program, Mesilla Valley Hospital, 3751 Del Rey Blvd., Las Cruces, NM, 88012
What Is Chemical Dependency?
Treatment Options
- Drug addiction and chemical dependency is complex but can be treated, however it is not easy. Due to the fact that addiction is a chronic disease, people can’t just stop using substances for a few days and be cured. Most patients will need long-term care to stop using. It should be known that drug addiction is a relapsing disease. Relapse is the return to drug use after an attempt to s…
Treatment of Co-Occurring Issues
- Many, but not all, treatment facilities will make it a priority to treat co-occurring mental disorders that are commonly associated with substance abuse. For example, depression and anxiety are two of the most common types of mental health problems that substance abusers suffer from. Physicians will work to identify and treat these problems. Dealing with these underlying issues c…
History of Social Work
Specific Settings Where Social Workers Provide Help
- There are several arenas where you will clearly find a social worker’s contributions to those struggling with SUDs and mental illness. The following list includes many, but the profession isn’t necessarily limited to just these roles.
Impact of Substance Abuse and Mental Illness
- As of 2017, 8.5 million American adults battled both a SUD and a mental health disorder (also known as co-occurring disorders with the two combined). Furthermore, those with mental health disorders and teenagers are in the highest risk populations for drug use and addictions. Finally, only 4 million people received treatmentfor a substance use disorder out of the 20.7 million peo…
Final Thoughts
- If you’re struggling with a SUD, a mental health disorder, or both, you can reach out for help. You’re never alone. With support, you’ll have a team of people to champion you on your road to recovery and beyond. And in honor of social workers everywhere, we celebrate and appreciate you!