Addressing substance use issues in adult social work

Abstract

The objective of this thesis was to study the methods that are being used or would need further updating in adult social services when meeting clients with an already existing, or nascent substance abuse problem. As the new social and health care reform has just recently taken place in Finland and the primary focus has shifted to early identification and prevention work, these issues bring the subject of this thesis close to adult social service field.

The chosen method was a descriptive literature review. In theoretical framework the author explains the basic principles of adult social work (in Helsinki, Finland), substance abuse and the multidimensional harms it causes, mental health issues caused by substances, mini- intervention, and motivational interview. Data was collected through governmental and NGO websites, as well as written literature according to the title of thesis.

Thesis aims to find answers to a research question: How to use MI when meeting a client with substance abuse issues in adult social work?

The research showed that there are no simple answers as substance abuse is a broad and challenging subject that oftentimes requires multi-professional teamwork. Motivational interview itself, is a great tool and technique to implement, but it requires additional training and reviewing from the professionals. Studying motivational interviewing techniques should be made possible in Social Service studies, especially for those students who wish to broaden their knowledge in effective and preventative mental health – and substance abuse work.