About the Book
Alcohol and drug use are cross-cutting issues in all areas of social work practice and social workers need to know how to identify, assess, engage and support their substance-using clients effectively. This book provides a comprehensive and practical account of this important area of health and social care and provides a basis for social workers to develop a rounded approach to their practice with drug and alcohol users.
The book unravels the relevant theory and research and provides insights and practical pointers for those working with drug users. Key topics covered include:
• Prevalence, patterns and policy and defining drug users
• Stigma, HCV and HIV; care and control
• The service user’s perspective; involving service users in services and interventions
• Recovery; networking, advocacy and empowerment
The authors argue that in contrast to widely held concerns about the ‘threat’ represented by drug users, the aim of social work should be to restate the importance of listening to them, taking their concerns seriously, and challenging the discrimination they encounter.
Social Work and Drug Use is key reading for social work students and those training in related areas such as youth justice, criminology, education welfare and youth work. Practitioners, academics and those undertaking post-qualifying training will also find it a valuable reference.
Contents
1. Prevalence, Patterns and Policy
2. Defining Drug Users
3. Stigma, HCV and HIV
4. The Service User’s Perspective
5. Care and Control
6. Recovery
7. Involving Service Users in Services and Interventions
8. Networking, Advocacy and Empowerment
9. Meeting the Challenge
About the Author / Editor
Ian Paylor is Senior Lecturer in the Department of Applied Social Science at Lancaster University, UK. He currently teaches the course Social Work and Drug Use to Undergraduate and Postgraduate social work students.
Fiona Measham is Senior Lecturer in Criminology in the Department of Applied Social Science at Lancaster University, UK and is a member of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs and the Independent Scientific Committee on Drugs.
Hugh Asher is undertaking a PhD in Applied Social Science at Lancaster University, UK and is a researcher for the Lifeline Project Ltd.
