on a three- to fi ve-year basis. As the commissioning process is carried out, the concept of recovery –social recovery, not necessarily cure – receives more and more emphasis. This is where social workers can make a diff erence. Recovery takes a holistic and person-
centred view which is linked to a range of social issues and considers the individual’s aspirations, views, wishes and beliefs as
[Recovery] is a personal journey which emphasises growth and learning, and which includes social integration
well as their social supports, networks and activities.
It is a personal journey which emphasises
growth and learning, and which includes social integration and locating the individual within their community and cultural contexts. It recognises that, although substitute prescribing (for example, methadone or
INTERVIEW
RESEARCH
POLICY
Social worker instilled belief
subutex) is important for some people, it is just one of many options that may help a person to gain control over their own lives and situations. Importantly, it is not something that should be seen as a magic wand or cure-all. To gain social and recovery capital, the individual needs the opportunity to engage in both treatment and social life. To do this community social work can be helpful, providing a route to housing, employment, social networks, leisure, transport and other options that are often taken for granted but can make a diff erence in terms of outcomes. Some responses will work for some people but not others, and part of the recovery process is to consider best practice evidence to understand which changes are manageable and meaningful to the individual. Hope and belief are central elements of recovery, and for most problematic substance misusers this is missing. For how can you believe in yourself when no one else does? SWM