Social workers’ experiences regarding the use of the transtheoretical model of change in involuntary treatment of a substance use disorder

Abstract

Substance use and abuse is a global problem that impact the person, the family, community, and society at large. Continuous abuse of substances may result in substance use disorders (SUDs). Changes to the brain, withdrawal symptoms, cravings, as well as repeated unsuccessful attempts to cease the use of substances, contribute to persons with a SUD being unmotivated and resistant to entering treatment. The Transtheoretical Model (TTM) of Change has been identified as framework that could assist social workers to support the development of internal motivation, and thereby voluntary participation in treatment options. However, it is not known how social workers utilise this framework, what their experiences with the use of the TTM are, and what challenges they experience within the South African context. Thus, this study aimed to explore and describe the experiences of social workers regarding the use of the TTM of Change in involuntary treatment of a SUD in the Western Cape.