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.