How2Day: Ways Social Workers Address Substance Abuse Issues of Their Clients

Social workers are committed to helping their clients overcome challenges through a variety of approaches. Independence, compassion and excellent communication skills are vital to this effort and to the profession, which, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, will see a 20 percent increase in jobs from 2008 through 2018. As of May 2008, the median annual income for substance abuse social workers is $37,210.

One aspect of a social worker's job is providing counseling for clients dealing with substance abuse. Possible treatments include individual and group therapy, crisis intervention and social rehabilitation. Substance abuse social workers typically work in hospitals, government agencies, family service agencies and inpatient or outpatient treatment centers. Depending on a client's needs, social workers create a treatment plan and make modifications to the plan as needed.

In addition to working with a client directly, social workers approach the issue of substance abuse from other angles. Providing counseling and support to members of a client's family, for example, helps them to better understand and assist the client. Similarly, social workers serve as a community resource by informing the public about the dangers of substance abuse and providing information about treatment programs.

It is important that a social worker maintain regular contact with clients as they take steps toward recovery from substance abuse. Social workers regularly interview their clients, maintain accurate and current records and consult with other professionals that clients are seeing to evaluate the progress of any therapy or training sessions. As a client's status changes, social workers modify treatment plans to meet new objectives.

People interested in social work may be most motivated by the possibility of effecting positive change in the lives of others, but social work also has its challenges. Typically faced with understaffing and large caseloads, social workers deal with high levels of stress and emotional burnout. To best help their clients while balancing a heavy workload, successful social workers know the importance of collaborating with other health and social services professionals. Substance abuse social workers connect their clients with resources and specialists to help them overcome addiction.

Another strategy substance abuse social workers use to minimize burnout is to approach their work from an objective perspective. While those who choose careers in social work primarily do so to help others, social workers are careful that emotions do not interfere with their ability to serve clients. They must maintain purely professional relationships with their clients and not overextend themselves by allowing aspects of the profession to affect their personal lives. In the end, this separation allows them to better serve their clients.

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