SOCIAL WORKER ROLE IN DETOXIFICATION CENTER

A research evalutaion in field of Social Work

I. INTRODUCTION

A Detoxification center is a facility that enables substance users to start the recovery process as safely
and comfortably as possible. The medical staff personalizes treatment according to the addict's needs,
trying to identify the best therapies and practices that might generate a positive response on their
part,and social workers serve a critical role in providing comprehensive support to individuals
undergoing detox and addiction treatment.

Everyone has different needs when it comes to treating alcohol use disorder (AUD), a
condition that can be diagnosed when your pattern of alcohol use is problematic and
causes significant distress. It can range from mild to severe, depending on how many
symptoms you have. The care you'll need depends in part on where you fall in that
range.
Some people with AUD become dependent on alcohol and have withdrawal symptoms
when they suddenly stop drinking. The effects of withdrawal on your body and mind can
be uncomfortable and dangerous. That’s where detox comes in.
Detox is alone isn’t treatment, but it’s the first step to getting better for people who are
dependent on alcohol.
When someone with a dependence on alcohol suddenly stops drinking, usually within 6-
24 hours after their last drink, they might develop withdrawal symptoms. This can start
while they still have alcohol in their blood.
Withdrawal symptoms are mild for some but much more serious for others. You may
have; Anxiety, Delirium tremens (DTs), a life-threatening issue that can make you restless, upset,
and confused and cause fever, hallucinations, and seizures, Depression, Hallucinations, when you
see or hear things that aren’t there, Problems sleeping, Shakiness, especially in your hands,
Unstable changes in blood pressure and heart rate, Sweating, Nausea and vomiting. Essentially, this
where the Social workers come in for their responibilities.
Social workers provide clients withthe neessary resources, goals, plans, psychosocial assessment,
and counseling to help them embark on their journey toward sobretiy and stability. So, probably, the
key roles of social workers is providing counseling to individuals and facilitating group therapy sessions.
Through individual counseling, they help clients explore the underlying causes of addiction, develop
coping strategies, and foster motivation for change.

Their main functions encompass a wide range of responsibilities aimed at addressing the complex needs
of individuals struggling with substance abuse.
 Social workers in Detoxification Centers are instrumental in conducting assessments to determine the
individual's treatment needs and develop personalized care plans. They play a key role in providing
counseling, emotional support, and advocacy to help individuals navigate the challenges of addiction
recovery.

Moreover, social workers collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure a holistic approach to
treatment, addressing not only the physical aspects of detoxification but also the social, psychological,
and environmental factors that contribute to substance abuse. They work closely with clients to identify
resources, support systems, and coping strategies to promote long-term recovery and well-being.

In addition, social workers in Detoxification Centers play a crucial role in connecting clients to
community resources, such as housing assistance, vocational training, and mental health services, to
support their transition from treatment to independent living. By advocating for their clients' needs and
rights, social workers empower individuals to make positive changes in their lives and break the cycle of
addiction.

Overall, the main function of social workers in Detoxification Centers is to provide compassionate,
individualized care such as; counseling and facilitating therapy sessions that addresses the complex
needs of individuals struggling with substance abuse. Their dedication to promoting recovery, resilience,
and well-being makes them invaluable members of the treatment team in Detoxification Centers.

RELEVANCE OF THE SOCIAL WORKER IN THE FIELD OF ADDICTION TREATMENT

Social workers play a crucial role in the field of addiction treatment. They provide invaluable support and
assistance to individuals and families struggling with substance abuse. Through their specialized training
and expertise, social workers contribute significantly to the recovery and well-being of those affected by
addiction.

Social workers are integral members of addiction treatment teams. They bring a unique set of skills and
knowledge to the field, emphasizing the importance of addressing the social and environmental factors
that contribute to addiction. Social workers work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, rehabilitation
centers, community clinics, and private practices, to provide comprehensive care and support to
individuals with substance abuse issues.
The vital contributions of social workers in addiction treatment include:

1. Assessment and Evaluation:

Social workers conduct thorough assessments to understand the complex factors contributing
to an individual's addiction. They evaluate the individual's physical, mental, and social well-being
to develop appropriate treatment plans.

2. Individual and Group Counseling:

Social workers provide counseling to individuals and facilitate group therapy sessions. They offer
a safe and supportive space for clients to explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors
related to addiction.

3. Case Management and Advocacy:

Social workers act as advocates for individuals in addiction treatment, ensuring they receive the
necessary support and services. They help navigate the healthcare system, connect clients with
resources, and coordinate care between different professionals and agencies.

Social workers collaborate closely with other healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses,
psychologists, and addiction counselors. This multidisciplinary approach ensures a holistic and
comprehensive treatment plan for individuals battling addiction. By working together, these
professionals provide a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of
each client.

4. Therapy Session:

Through active listening and empathetic communication, social workers help individuals process
their emotions and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Counseling sessions with social workers
often involve exploring the underlying factors contributing to addiction, such as trauma, mental
health issues, or family dynamics

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Why Detoxification person involved in the history of Social work profession?

As a profession in the united states, social work, in general, began at the end of the
19th century. It was created out of a need to provide vulnerable individuals, including
immigrants, access to resources and to help them develop the skills to elevate
themselves out of social and economic poverty.

The social worker has fought for civil rights equalities for all, and have made great
contributions towards employee rights. Social work was also instrumental in the creation
of Medicaid and Medicare. Today, social work is contributing to reducing the stigma
associated with substance abuse and mental illness.

LAWS OF THE FIELD OF DETOXIFICATION

A. Laws about substance abuse or alcohol addiction.

The Youth Drug Detoxification and Stabilization Act

"The Youth Drug Detoxification and Stabilization Act of Saskatchewan was

developed to provide families and care providers with options for accessing
services on behalf of youth who are unwilling or unable to engage in
voluntary service for severe substance abuse or substance dependence. It
came into effect on April 1, 2006.

The Act allows for involuntary detoxification and stabilization of youth 12 -

17 years of age in a facility for that purpose through a detoxification order by
two physicians for a period up to five days, with the possibility of an
extension for a maximum of two additional five-day periods. As well,
involuntary detoxification and stabilization can occur in the community
through a community order for up to 30 days. Involuntary
detoxification/stabilization serves as a measure of last resort for parents,
legal guardians and judges when it is determined that a youth's substance
use has damaged their decision-making ability to the point they present a
risk to their own safety or the safety of others."

B. Related ordinance

1. General Law, Part 1, Tittle XVI, CHAPTER 111B, Section 7

Detoxification facility; admission procedure; treatment; notification to family; transportation;

aftercare treatment

Section 7. Any person who is intoxicated and voluntarily applies for treatment at a detoxification
facility or is brought to said facility in accordance with section eight shall be afforded treatment
there or at another facility.
Prior to the admission of any person, the administrator of the facility shall cause him to be
evaluated by physician-supervised personnel, experienced in alcoholism diagnosis. If there is
any concern about the health or the immediate treatment needs of such person, he shall be
examined by a physician. If upon said evaluation or examination, a determination is made that
the person is intoxicated or is an alcoholic, and adequate and appropriate treatment is available,
he shall be admitted. If any person is not admitted for the reason that adequate and appropriate
treatment is not available at the facility, the administrator of the facility, acting whenever
possible with the assistance of the director, or his designee, shall refer the person to a facility at
which adequate and appropriate treatment is available. In the event that a person is not
admitted to a facility, and has no funds, the administrator shall arrange for the person to be
assisted to his residence, or if he has no residence to a place where shelter will be provided
him.

C. Function of the laws or ordinance to the field of Detoxification person as well as the Social workers.

In the social work profession, "detoxification" typically refers to the process by which individuals are
supported in withdrawing from substances like drugs or alcohol in a safe and supportive environment.
Social workers play a crucial role in this process, adhering to various laws, guidelines, and ethical
principles to ensure the well-being and rights of their clients. Here are some related laws, guidelines,
and ethical considerations in the context of detoxification in social work:

The Youth Drug Detoxification and Stabilization Act

INFORMED CONSENT:

Social workers must obtain informed consent from clients before initiating any detoxification or
treatment process. This involves providing clear information about the nature of detoxification, its risks
and benefits, alternative treatments, and the client’s right to refuse or withdraw consent at any time.

 Mental Health Laws: Many jurisdictions have laws that govern the involuntary commitment or
treatment of individuals with severe substance use disorders who may pose a danger to themselves
or others. Social workers must be aware of these laws and procedures to ensure they are followed
appropriately.

 Ethical Guidelines: Social workers are guided by ethical codes established by professional bodies
such as the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) in the United States. These guidelines
emphasize the importance of respecting clients’ autonomy, promoting their well-being, and
avoiding conflicts of interest.

 Duty to Report: In cases where there is suspected child abuse or neglect, social workers may have a
legal duty to report these concerns to child protection authorities. This duty extends to other
vulnerable individuals who may be at risk due to the client’s substance use.
 Cultural Competence: Social workers must be culturally competent and sensitive to the diverse
backgrounds and needs of their clients. This includes understanding how cultural factors may
influence perceptions of detoxification and treatment, and adapting interventions accordingly.

 Continuing Education and Supervision: Social workers are encouraged to participate in continuing
education to stay updated on best practices in detoxification and substance use treatment.
Supervision by experienced practitioners is also crucial to ensure ethical decision-making and
adherence to professional standards.

 Collaboration with Multidisciplinary Teams: Effective detoxification often requires collaboration

with other professionals such as physicians, nurses, psychologists, and addiction counselors. Social
workers should facilitate communication and coordination among team members to provide
comprehensive care.

Overall, detoxification in the social work profession is guided by a framework that prioritizes client
safety, autonomy, and well-being while adhering to legal requirements and ethical standards. Social
workers play a pivotal role in supporting individuals through this challenging process, ensuring they
receive the care and assistance they need to achieve recovery and improved quality of life.

IV. CONTRIBUTION TO THE FIELD

A. How the professional field contribute to the existing problem and to the knowledge base?

B. How the research about addiction fits and help the professional Social Worker?

C. Approaches that social worker emphasizes during Intervention?

V. Approaches

A. Step by step process during the intervention

1. Relationship Building
Creating rapport with clients is fundamental for successful counseling. It helps social workers
and clients develop a sense of mutual trust. This trust can encourage clients to be transparent
about their addictions and what may inspire their addictive tendencies.

When social workers are trustworthy, their clients are often more open to the recovery process.
Relationship building means learning to spot clients’ nonverbal and other cues, and this can
inform the direction of subsequent steps in the recovery process.

Ultimately, a strong professional relationship between social worker and client can make
recovery a positive, collaborative process. This can be critical because the individuals
seeking substance use counseling may enter treatment with a suspicious and negative
mental outlook. Establishing a safe, engaging relationship with clients is a key first step to
helping them see the value of counseling and its goals.

2. Assessment
It’s important for social workers who treat addiction to know their clients’ history because
addiction is complex. Before starting treatment, social workers conduct comprehensive
assessments to understand the unique dynamics impacting their clients. These assessments
include discussing the client’s extent of addiction, their substance use frequency, family history
and any triggers in their current lives contributing to abuse.

Socio-emotional issues, including family problems and mental illness, frequently exacerbate
substance use issues. Thorough assessments of these factors are essential to understanding
what impacts clients.

During assessments, social workers also ensure that basic needs such as food and housing are
met before beginning substance use treatment. Clients are then referred to appropriate
resources if needed.

3. Treatment Plans
After assessing a client’s history of a substance use disorder, social workers can develop
comprehensive treatment plans for their clients. Treatment plans are tailored to each individual’s
needs and may take months or even years to fully implement. The social worker may serve on a
multidisciplinary team of specialists, healthcare providers and human service workers, who all
collaborate cohesively to deliver treatment plans.

Treatment plans often include individual counseling, one of the most effective ways social
workers treat addiction. They may also include group therapy, referrals to healthcare providers
and employee assistance programs.

It may be difficult for someone with a substance use issue to seek help. There may be feelings
of shame or dependency, poor self-esteem, depression, anxiety or other emotional issues.
Clients may also relapse multiple times during recovery. This isn’t necessarily unusual; behavior
developed over a long period is difficult to change, and additional factors may be at play.

When this is the case, social workers engage their clients in dialogue to determine the factors
preventing them from taking the next step in their recovery. Insights are included in collaborative
plans that will gradually help clients adjust. When it’s difficult for clients to follow through with
recovery, social workers will work to find out why and collaborate with them on solutions.

4. Maintenance
After meeting with clients during the intake phase and development, social workers help create
a structure to maintain treatment plans. Clients typically attend weekly counseling sessions with
social workers. They may also be involved in group therapy and individual counseling sessions.
Therapy aims to help clients develop coping skills, a critically important part of therapy. These
skills include stress management, conflict resolution and self-reflection. The social worker’s
check-ins during regular sessions are a nonjudgmental way for clients to start orienting
themselves to the process of checking in, fostering introspection and initiating and maintaining
positive growth.

5. Evaluating Achievement
After establishing a working relationship with their clients, social workers will evaluate progress
and determine if they need to adjust treatment plans. Perhaps a given client could benefit from
additional therapy, such as family or group therapy. Depending on progress, clients may start
sessions every other week instead of weekly.

Social work substance use disorder treatment aims to help clients understand toxic influences,
make positive changes and celebrate small wins. The goal is to help clients develop more
control over their life, eventually leading to a substance-free lifestyle. Every victory, no matter
how small, needs to be celebrated. Doing so will help clients stay motivated during recovery.
This could spell the difference between a strategy that succeeds and one that doesn’t.

B. List those professional who are involved in the intervention

1. SOCIAL WORKER - Intervention and Suppor. tIn cases of great concern, such as severe substance
dependency or associated health risks, social workers advocate for immediate intervention. This
might involve facilitating access to detox programs, rehabilitation facilities, or mental health services.

2. MEDICAL WORKERS - The Process Of Detoxification. Doctors use blood tests to measure the
amount of drugs in the patient's system. This helps determine the level of medications needed. There
is also a comprehensive review of drug, medical, and psychiatric histories.

3. GUIDANCE COUNSELORS - In meetings with your counselor and recovery specialist, you will
engage in conversations about specific problems you're having, plans and recommendations for your
discharge, as well as strategies for sustaining your sobriety.

4. Psychiatric - Addiction psychiatrists are experts in the physical and psychological effects of
dependency and behavioural addiction. This means that they will have a strong working
knowledge of: The mechanisms of specific substances. Withdrawal symptoms associated
with specific substances.

Townsend Recover Center. https://www.townsendla.com/blog/social-workers-in-addiction-

treatment