ABSTRACT
Social workers encounter no condition that is more controversial and more perplexing than substance misuse and abuse. Most scholars consider substance use disorders to be social and public health problems, which require extensive intervention and treatment. Yet, experts have competing views about what exactly substance abuse is, how it emerges, and what should be done to prevent its occurrence and to minimize its adverse consequences. Over the years, substance abuse and addictive behavior have been defined as moral defects, diseases, personality disorders, learned behaviors, and mental disorders (Hanson, 2001). Preferred treatments have stressed religious and spiritual conversions, involvement in self-help fellowships, psychosocial counseling, group therapy, family intervention, and medication. Each view of the condition and each treatment have their proponents and opponents who cite persuasive, but often contradictory, evidence to support their respective positions. What all agree on and what is not disputed is that substance abuse and its consequences have profound effects on society, and, although effective interventions are being developed, most people who experience problems associated with substance abuse do not receive professional assistance (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 2008).
