Social support for people with problematic substance use

Why intervene? (Galvani, 2015) Evidence shows that problematic substance use is a behaviour that can be changed. With the right support and motivation people can, and do, change their use. Health and social care practitioners can support people to identify their motivation for change. Everyone in contact with people at risk of problematic substance use can provide advice and support, and/or brief assessment during opportunistic contacts (H.M. Govt. 2012). Therefore, it is everyone’s responsibility to have some knowledge and skills in order to advise, assess and facilitate people to access interventions or treatment of some sort and to reduce risk of harm.

Key roles for health and social care practitioners Galvani (2015) identifies three key roles for health and social care practitioners in helping people to change: 1.To engage with substance use to support service users, their families and dependants. 2.To motivate people to consider changing their problematic substance use. 3.To support people to make and maintain changes in their substance use.

Engagement Engagement is most effective when practitioners adopt a person centred approach (NICE, 2011). People with substance problems are often alienated from sources of help because of the stigma attached to the behaviour. They need to know they are understood and not judged. ‘One of the most important elements of a person changing their substance using behaviour is the relationship with their professional and their willingness to listen and not judge’ (Galvani, 2015).

Motivation People are almost always ambivalent about change. The practitioner’s role is to help people identify motivation for positive change. You will find more on motivation and giving brief advice in the learning resource Brief intervention and harm reductionBrief intervention and harm reduction

Support The role here is to provide encouragement, reflect the person’s achievements and strengths, provide practical support and links to supportive activities and others. This applies to the individual themselves, their children and their family members. In order to give support, brief intervention, motivation or harm reduction advice, the professional needs at least basic knowledge and skills, regardless of their role. Advice

Key requirements Some key requirements of the practitioner delivering social harm support are to: Have an awareness of the range of effects substances might have on a person or others around them, including children and other dependents. Show non-judgemental practice and person-centred care. Be able to identify strengths and positive support in the person’s life. Be able to take action on any risks identified including safeguarding or harm reduction advice.

References Galvani (2015) Alcohol and other Drug Use: The Roles and Capabilities of Social Workers. MMU. Manchester. HM Govt (2012) The Government’s Alcohol Strategy. Cm Barnard (2007) Drug Addiction and Families. London. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.