Relapse among African alcohol abusers and alcoholics with special reference to social work treatment
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Date
1993
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Abstract
This study analyses relapse behaviour among some African alcohol abusers and alcoholics in certain areas of the Lower Umfolozi Magisterial district- It also describes and examines the treatment approaches used professionally to deal with such clients/patients, as well as the institutional programmes available for them.
An explorative-descriptive research approach was used. Data was gathered from both primary and secondary services. Interviewing was the major research technique used for collecting primary data. Structured and unstructured interviews were held with clients/patients, some family members, and a few professional people. The researcher intended to obtain a comprehensive picture of the problem. The field study was undertaken over a three months period. Literature study and perusal of files stretched over a year to gain familiarity with the subject under study.
A sample of eighty respondents was selected through the simple
random procedure using a table of random numbers. A
comprehensive interview schedule consisting of mainly closed-ended questions soliciting information on (i) family of the respondent client/patient, (ii) the influence of friends on his/her behaviour, (iii) relation to work, (iv) the type and extent of professional help received by the client/patient, and (v) the respondent's feelings about his condition was also used.
The data obtained was analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively. The findings indicated that there were more male alcoholics and alcohol abusers compared to females. The majority of the client/patient respondents were relatively young.
below the age of forty years. They were mainly the minimally or
lower educated people. Many of them were either married or had
been married- The majority had, of course, lost their
employment, or had been unemployed for a long time.
The problem of alcohol abuse and alcoholics is complicated both for the client/patient, his family his/her immediate social and work environment. The response of treatment programmes both at in-patient and out-patient levels had not produced the desired results. Co-ordination of treatment services and a strong functional network of services and support did not appear to be clearly available for these African clients and patients. Culturally related, and sensitive treatment by professionally social workers was not as yet practised. A clear focus on these clients/patients as a special category was not evident. They did not appear to identify with any particular service point or structure as a helping medium for them. A lot still needs to be done to organize and distribute the services for these clients/patients.
All the problems cited above receive the recommendation of the study. Further in-depth research on the treatment procedures and programmes for these clients/patients are clearly indicated.
Description
Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Masters of Arts in the Department of Social Work University of Zululand, South Africa, 1993.
Keywords
Alcoholics--Rehabilitation., Substance abuse--Research--Social Work