Background and context

Social workers from all areas of specialist practice work with people using alcohol and illict drugs - often a combination of the two.

In addition, prescription medication in use combined with other substances can create problems that often go unrecognised.

Yet often working with substance use is not seen as the remit of the social worker.

Policy places emphasis on health and criminal justice systems to identify and intervene.

This section will explore the links between social work and substance use and the policy framework that supports work in this area.