Psychiatric Social Work Intervention for Substance Addiction: A Case Study from the Indian Point of View

Abstract

Drug Addiction is a continual, chronic, reoccurring psychological and physical disease that is characterised by habitual and obsessive drug seeking behaviour and use, regardless of detrimental results. Drug addiction is associated with impairment in various aspects of physical, psychological, and socio-occupational functioning. Psychosocial interventions for mental health and substance use disorders are interpersonal or informational activities, techniques, or strategies that target biological, behavioural, cognitive, emotional, interpersonal, social, or environmental factors with the aim of improving health functioning and well-being. Methodology:  The case is based on a single subject research design through an in-depth case study using face to face interview with client and family. The case presented here was a 29-year-old Hindu, unmarried, male graduate from Haryana, who came from a rural background and had multiple psychosocial problems. Case study is a good fit with many forms of social work practice used widely by Psychiatric Social Workers and other mental health professionals as well. The case study was conducted in the psychiatric ward of GMCH Chandigarh. Results: Findings of the study illustrate the nature and extent of the psychosocial problems in a case of young unmarried men of Drug Addicted. As a result of psychosocial intervention; Patient gets the benefit of understanding and awareness about the illness and various other psychosocial problems as well. Conclusion: This case study indicates that psychosocial intervention with pharmacotherapy is more effective so it can be a good choice of the treatment of Substance Addiction. The single case design has its own limitations. As a result, generalization should be used with caution.