Social Work Services and Recovery from Substance Misuse: A Review of the Evidence

DescriptionThis research reviewed the available evidence on social work's contribution to supporting recovery for those with problem drug and/or alcohol use. The review also collated the available evidence on workforce development in this area as well as reviewing what is known about social work roles and training.
ISBN978 1 780450858
Official Print Publication DateMarch 2011
Website Publication DateMarch 18, 2011

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Dr Sarah Galvani Professor Donald Forrester with Ms Georgia Glynn; Ms Michelle McCann; Professor Andy Guppy; Mrs Christine Hemsley; Mrs Mary Hillson; and Dr Angela Thurnham.

ISBN 978 1 78045 085 8 (Web only publication)
DPPAS 11394

This document is also available in pdf format (1.1mb)

This report is accomapnied by a research findings.

Contents

Executive Summary

1 Introduction

2 Methodology
Rapid Evidence Assessment ( REA)
Rapid Evidence Mapping ( REM)
Approach to analysis
Limitations of methodology

3 Findings: Effective Interventions (Search 1)
Overall pattern of research findings
Social work and social care contributions to substance misuse interventions and treatment
Substance misuse, mental illness and social work/social care
Substance misuse and social work or social care interventions for homeless service users
Substance misuse and child and family social work
Substance misuse and other areas of social work or social care: older people, people with disabilities, domestic violence and children in care

4 Findings: Workforce Development (Search 2)
Summary of key findings
Overview
Key findings from the research literature
Conclusion

5 Findings: Roles and Functions (Search 3)
Summary of key findings
Overview
Key findings from the research literature
Conclusion

6 Discussion
Efficacy of social work and social care interventions
Information in relation to 'what works' (including best practice examples)
Information that would help the development of the workforce
The distinct functions, roles, support and interventions provided by social work and social care professionals
Social work, the recovery approach and future directions for Scotland

7 Implications and Recommendations for Policy, Practice and Research
7.1. Policy and practice
7.2. Research

Appendices
Appendix 1 - Search terms, databases and additional resources
Appendix 2 - Exclusion/inclusion criteria
Appendix 3 - Rapid evidence maps
Appendix 4 - Data extraction headings
Appendix 5 - Summary of Primary Outcome Studies identified in Rapid Evidence Assessment
Appendix 6 - Summary of studies - Search 2: workforce development
Appendix 7 - Summary of studies - Search 3: workforce development

References

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the research advisory group for their involvement in this work and for their timely and helpful comments at each stage of this project. The advisory group comprised:

  • Hazel Robertson - Service Manager, Angus Council; Association of Directors of Social Work ( ADSW)
  • Alison Petch - Director, Institute for Research and Innovation in Social Services ( IRISS)
  • Dr Paul Bennett - Senior Social Research Officer, Scottish Government: Justice Analytical Services
  • Iain MacAllister - Principal Research Officer, Scottish Government: Health Analytical Services.

We would also like to thank the Tilda Goldberg Centre staff team at the University of Bedfordshire for their willingness to set aside existing project work to undertake additional work on this project.

Finally thanks go to the Scottish Government, IRISS and ADSW for joint funding this research.

The views expressed in this report are those of the researcher and
do not necessarily represent those of the Department or Scottish Ministers.

This report is available on the Scottish Government Social Research website only
www.scotland.gov.uk/socialresearch.

Page updated: Friday, March 18, 2011