Social Workers Support National Alcohol and Drug Abuse Recovery Month

September observance highlights options for treatment and recovery

Washington – As many as 63 percent of Americans have been affected by an addiction to alcohol or other drugs at some point in their lives – including family, close friends, or themselves, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. With an estimated 21.6 million Americans classified with substance abuse or dependence issues in 2003, social workers are faced with the challenges of serving the needs of this vulnerable population.

This month the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), in conjunction with the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, is promoting awareness of recovery from substance abuse with the theme “Join the Voices for Recovery: Healing Lives, Families, and Communities.” HelpStartsHere.com, the NASW consumer website, highlights current trends, options and how social workers can help with addictions.

“Social workers play a key role in working with those affected by drug and alcohol addiction – from client treatment and recovery to working with the family of the addicted person,” says Tim Tunner, PhD, MSW, senior policy associate for behavioral health at NASW. “Social workers are the largest providers of mental health services, so it is natural that they would be directly involved in treatment and recovery of addictions.”

Substance abuse disorders are medical conditions that can be treated effectively, just as mental disorders are treatable. It is important to note the distinction between recovery and treatment. Treatment involves multiple interventions and attempts at abstinence, while recovery maintains abstinence from alcohol or other drug use. In addition, many Americans suffering from substance abuse disorders also suffer from mental illness.

Social workers are connected to the treatment and recovery for individuals with substance abuse and use problems. Here are the ways that social workers advocate for their clients:

• Connect clients with assessment and referral services
• Help clients gain access to treatment
• Work with clients who are suffering from both a substance abuse disorder and a mental health condition
• Support ongoing recovery

For more information or story ideas about how social workers help those with alcohol and drug abuse problems, please contact media@socialworkers.org. To find out more about this important month, or to obtain a free Recovery Month Toolkit, go to www.recoverymonth.gov.

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), in Washington, DC, is the largest membership organization of professional social workers with 150,000 members. It promotes, develops, and protects the practice of social work and social workers. NASW also seeks to enhance the well being of individuals, families, and communities through its advocacy.