Тема 9: Social Work Theory and Model

A practice theory offers both an explanation of certain behaviors or situations and guidance on how they can be changed. A practice theory serves as a road map for bringing about a certain type of change. Most practice theories are rooted in one or more orienting theories. An example is psychosocial therapy, which is based primarily on psychodynamic theory and ego psychology. Another is behavioral therapy, which derived from the psychology of learning.

A distinction is made here between a practice theory and a practice model. A practice model is a set of concepts and principles used to guide intervention activities. However, in contrast to a practice theory, a model is not tied to a particular explanation of behavior.

Crisis intervention is viewed as a practice model rather than a practice theory because it does not rest on a single explanation of crisis situations. For the same reason, task-centered practice is termed a model.

Most often, a model develops out of experience and experimentation rather than as a derivation from a theory of human behavior.

Тема 10: Alcohol

Alcoholism is a primary, chronic disease with genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors influencing its development and manifestations. The disease is often progressive and fatal. It is characterized by continuous or periodic: impaired control over drinking, preoccupation with the drug alcohol, use of alcohol despite adverse consequences, and distortions in thinking, most notable denial.

There is no cure. Experts generally agree that it is not possible for an alcoholic to become a social drinker; if the alcoholic tries, he or she soon slips back into a pattern of problem drinking.

In its early stage, alcoholism is difficult to recognize because symptoms are subtle. However, one may observe that the person drinks a lot and that alcohol has a part in many of his or her activities.

In the middle stage, the alcoholic is physically addicted. When his or her blood alcohol level is lowered, the alcoholic will experience withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety, agitation, and tremors.

In the later stage of alcoholism, the existence of a serious problem is apparent to all but the alcoholic. It may take from 5 to 15 years of drinking for an adult to develop alcoholism.

The following list identifies a number of the symptoms of alcoholism. Usually, the alcoholic will display several of these:

. Inability to stop at one or two drinks;

. Increased dependency on alcohol;

. Inability to remember what occurred while drinking (blackouts);

. Drinking alone; needing a drink the next morning;

. Lateness and absenteeism at work;

. Neglect of financial obligations;

. Neglect or indifference to personal appearance;

. Deterioration of moral and ethical behavior;

. Family quarrels and family tensions over drinking;

. Lateness in returning home;

. Changes in eating and sleeping habits;

. Grandiose beliefs;

. Hallucinations;

. Increased irritability;

. Suspiciousness of family and friends;

. Hand tremors and increased nervousness;

. Angry denial that there is a drinking problem;

. Health problems affecting such vital organs as the brain, liver, and gastrointestinal system.