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Addictive populations have an impairment in behavioral control and cravings, an inability to abstain from the substance, and unable to recognize that they have a problem (Dale & Smith, 2013). Addiction can be difficult to treat as it often involves a cycle of remission and relapse. Since drug use alters the mind, it can often be difficult to reason with the individual and can cause further behavioral issues. Those who suffer from addiction often experience a wide range of emotions and that can also be a challenge to work with. Being able to understand and work through these emotions can help a social worker to offer the correct resources to help the individual. Using the compulsion and self-control theories can help shed some insight when working with addictive populations. This perspective suggests that individuals who make decisions based on their moods and have a difficult time controlling these moods are at a higher risk of addiction (Dale & Smith, 2013). By utilizing this perspective a social worker can help to regulate the moods of the individual and help find healthy alternatives to cope with these emotions.

Breanna Williams

Reference

Dale, O., & Smith, R. (2013). Human behavior and social environment: Social systems theory. Pearson. ISBN-13: 9780205036486