The Role and Challenges of Social Workers in Substance Use Intervention in Nigeria

Sammanfattning

The study explored the roles and challenges of social workers who are working with individuals affected by Substance Use in Nigeria,where rehabilitation,counselling and long -term support services were limited. A qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with three social workers.using a qualitative resarch design. The data were analysed through thematic analysis, guided by Role Theory and Systems Theory. The results show that social workers undertake overlapping roles, including counselling, advocacy, referral cocordination, emotional support and reintegration assistance. The participants described difficult working conditions characterised by staff shortages, high workloads, poor organisational support and lack of rehabilitation services. Low expectations among patients were also identified az a barrier to intervention and treatment. In addition, social workers faced emotional challenges related to preventing relapse, recovery and long-term care. The study points to a need for better institutional support,increase funding,an improved working conditions and more multi-agency working.