Exploration and description of challenges experienced by social workers when providing out-patient treatment services to individuals with Substance Use Disorders in Gauteng Province, South Africa

Abstract

Social workers are increasingly becoming primary service providers to people with substance use disorders (SUDs) and their families. Hence, they face many challenges when providing treatment services. This qualitative study adopted an exploratory descriptive research design to explore challenges experienced by ten social workers during the provision of outpatient treatment services to individuals with substance use disorders in the Gauteng province. The study utilized non- probability purposive sampling to recruit and identify participants. Data collection was conducted through zoom meetings and one-on-one interviews using a semi-structured interview guide. Thematic data analysis was conducted manually to analyze the data collected from participants. This study indicated that outpatient treatment social workers are challenged by relapse, noncompliance, denial, reluctance and involuntary service users; poor family involvement and unrealistic expectations; safety issues and lack of organizational support. Thus, it is recommended that outpatient treatment organizations employ employee assistance practitioners to support social workers towards coping with challenging workplace experiences