An Exploration of Social Support Considerations for Substance Use Affected Ontario Works Recipients - Starting to Define the Backdrop

Abstract

<p>Social support is generally viewed in the addiction field as an important consideration in assessment and a potentially valuable component of a comprehensive treatment plan. The literature would suggest that strong social support can benefit individuals during many stages of the recovery process, including both active recovery and longer term maintenance. Less is known about social considerations in the initial stages of seeking support to begin recovery.</p> <p>This report seeks to explore social support considerations for a specific population, Ontario Works recipients who have identified substance use as a barrier to employment, and to do so in a hopefully reciprocal manner which values understanding context from those with lived experience. This qualitative study is informed by the principles of grounded theory in a general manner, began with no specific hypothesis, and allowed participants flexibility in their responses. Previously documented barriers facing this population were generally reflected by the circumstances revealed by this study’s participants.</p> <p>The principle findings outlined the lack of social supports currently in place for participants and their struggle to seek help. Seeking help appeared to require an emotional low point and a recognition that overcoming the substance use concern would not be realistic without additional help. Support seeking appears to be encouraged by specific nurturing characteristics of supporters. From a practice perspective the findings illustrated the need for increased focus on clinician/client engagement and a greater focus on practitioner’s appreciating the unique challenges facing this population and utilizing creative approaches to address them.</p>