Alcohol problems and social workers

A new pocket guide on dealing with alcohol and other drugs has been prepared for social workers by the British Association of Social Workers. The Guide says that social workers are in the front line of health and social care services and that alcohol or other drug use can play a signifi cant role in the lives of their clients.

However, while, in the past, alcohol and drug problems have not been high enough on the social work agenda, it is now recognised that core social work skills are ideally suited for work with people’s alcohol and drug use. Service users have the right to professional social care, delivered by well-trained, well-supervised workers. Social workers should be able to intervene confidently and effectively where they encounter alcohol and drug problems. The pocket guide seeks to support social workers to take professional responsibility for ensuring their knowledge and skills meet the needs of service users with alcohol and drug problems.

The Guide is obtainable at: http://www.aerc.org.uk/index.html