A social work perspective on treatment models for substance abuse in Namibia

Abstract

Abstract provided by author:

The objectives of the study were to determine the extent and nature of substance abuse, the contributing factors to substance abuse, different treatment options that include the detoxification, relapse prevention for clients and aftercare programs

The purpose sample method was chosen to select thirty professionals who deal with substance abuse clients and twenty-five individual clients. These respondents have completed a structured interview consisting of both closed and open-ended questions and were used as an instrument of data collection. Another method of data collection was focus group discussions; there were three groups with eight people in each group. The data was processed with a statistical program and presented in tables, graphs and charts

The results indicate that clients should first admit that they have a substance problem before they could be helped. The study found that the professionals that deal with substance abuse clients should be experts in their field and that the rehabilitation team is an important component in treatment. The study further found that the reasons that led to addiction should be addressed to ensure that those reasons be eliminated as far as possible. It was also found that matching clients to specific treatment programs is a key concept in dealing with substance abuse cases. The findings indicate that the relationship between the therapist and the client is of utmost importance; it should be valued and directed to benefit the client. The role of the church should be more prominent to serve their alcoholic community in a more concrete manner. Prevention of substance abuse in all spheres of society should be pursuing regularly and aggressively

The researcher suggests that future research should investigate the outcome of certain treatment and rehabilitation programs on clients and their families. Secondly, it must also be investigated why certain therapist's are successful with their alcoholic clients