Click on the following links. Please note these will open in a new window.

SAGE Journal User Guide

Article 1.

Dossett, W. (2013). Addiction, spirituality and 12-step programmes. International Social Work, 56(3), 369-383. doi:10.1177/0020872813475689

Drawing on qualitative data and existing literature, this article explores how the role of spirituality in Twelve-Step Programs is understood by both participants and social workers and explores the tensions surrounding the religious and spiritual dimensions of this approach to recovery from substance abuse.  

Questions:

1. What does research suggest about why social workers are reluctant to recommend Twelve-Step Programs (TSPs) to clients struggling with addiction?
2. How does the concept of powerlessness relate to the spirituality dimension of TSPs?
3. Explain the criticism that TSPs are “inherently disempowering to women” (p. 378). 
4. How does the author resolve the competing claims that TSPs are or are not religious

Article 2

Karoll, B. R. (2010). Applying social work approaches, harm reduction, and practice wisdom to better serve those with alcohol and drug use disorders. Journal of Social Work, 10(3), 263-281. doi:10.1177/1468017310363635

This article examines how the harm reduction approach to treating substance abuse is compatible with two central perspectives of social work—strengths and empowerment.  Various strategies and techniques are discussed and it is argued that harm reduction would improve social work’s approach to addiction. 

Questions:

1. Explain the basic premise of harm reduction as an approach.  How does harm reduction relate to the goal of promoting abstinence from substance abuse? 
2. What are three basic strategies of the harm reduction approach?
3. How do strengths and empowerment perspectives complement a focus on harm reduction in providing services?