Effective Social Work With Alcohol-Dependent Persons: Lessons Learned in a Rehabilitation Centre

Abstract

The aim of this article is to show what lessons alcohol-dependent people
learn in a rehabilitation centre. Alcohol addiction is a complex and multi
faceted problem that negatively affects communities, families, and indi
viduals. In recent times, in order to ensure the effectiveness of their work
with alcohol-dependent people, social workers have first needed to use a
biopsychosocial-spiritual approach with clients. A special emphasis must
be placed on spirituality. People with alcohol addiction need professional
help. One of the main methods of such assistance is psychosocial rehabili
tation, in which, in addition to the client, a social worker, a psychologist,
a specialist in addiction diseases, a spiritual leader, and the family of a
person suffering from alcohol addiction participate. The process of such
psychosocial rehabilitation can take place in self-help groups, rehabilita
tion centres, and addiction centres.
The results of the study showed that the rehabilitation centre’s social
work with alcohol-dependent people is probably the most effective in
Lithuania. Efficiency is shown by the following factors: the centre has a

good reputation; competent employees; clients who have already received
treatment here return; successful cooperation with clients’ relatives; strict
order in the centre; long rehabilitation period; conscientiousness is devel
oped; meets the financial criteria; attractive geographical location; a person
is viewed holistically; The “Twelve Step Program” is used exclusively by
professionals who have worked on the program themselves. A combina
tion of Minnesota and Daytop programs is also available. At the centre,
clients become physically stronger, learn to be patient, plan their time, de
velop honesty, the ability to open up, a sense of responsibility, give up ar
rogance, develop inner maturity, and prepare to return to society.