Over 110,000 social workers work in the division for drug misuse and mental disorders. Regardless of context, all social workers manage drug use, no matter what their job title. Segal, et. al. Social workers (2019) are at forefront of drug addiction and misuse prevention. These specialists are often the first to help individuals suffering from alcohol-related (AOD), problems. Social workers must have a good understanding of AOD problems in order to assist clients. It is crucial for social workers to be able to identify the signs and symptoms of AOD in order to help clients. Lundgren and colleagues. Lundgren et al. (2018) state that social workers need to have advanced education to help patients. This is due to the large influence of drug and alcohol-related problems on families and communities, as well as the many people living in different regions. Social workers must be able to communicate effectively with those suffering from AOD in order to treat and prevent it.
A theory of addiction that is supported by the Brain Disease Model of Addiction (BDMA) is called “The Brain Disease Model of Addiction”. According to the BDMA addiction alters brain function. It increases the chance of relapse as well as causes a shift in reward mechanisms (the brain becomes more susceptible to addictive or rewarding behavior), negative consequences, stress and decreased functioning (Heather, et al. (2018)). Sociocultural perspectives are the second approach to drug abuse. This hypothesis states that brains do not have a hardwired structure. Instead, our brains adapt and evolve to social norms. Becoa Iglesias (2018) suggests alcoholism is influenced by the social environment. Addiction is caused by changes in brain function. This can be influenced largely by the surrounding environment.