Applying Social Work Approaches,Harm Reduction,and Practice Wisdom to Better Serve Those with Alcohol and Drug Use Disorders

Abstract

• Summary: This article reviews, particularly with reference to USA sources, the empowerment perspective, the strengths perspective, and the harm reduction approach as they relate to clinical application in serving those affected with alcohol or drug use disorders.

• Findings: Social work practitioners have long been educated in applying empowerment processes and the strengths perspective to better serve their clients. However, applying the harm reduction approach, particularly to the population of those with substance use disorders, has only recently been discussed in social work literature.

• Applications : The purpose of this article is to provide social work practitioners with relevant information pertinent to the empowerment perspective, the strengths perspective, and the harm reduction approach as they apply to helping those with substance use disorders. It also proposes various strategies involved in the assessment process, treatment planning, and treatment derived from practice experience that integrates these important social work approaches to possibly better assist this population.