Abstract
Illicit drug use is a big problem in Hong Kong. Gospel drug treatment has been found to be one of the most effective methods of drug abstention. A life story approach was adopted and in-depth interviews were conducted with eight former drug users.
In this thesis, the major elements that helped the informants abstain from drugs were: (1) a disciplined life, (2) a supporting community or group, (3) role models, (4) skills training, (5) spirituality and religiosity, (6) finding their identities, (7) the power of faith, (8) normal people, and (9) hope. It is suggested that the abovementioned elements of gospel drug treatment can be applied at different levels, including practice, service, education and policy. Courses related to religiosity and spirituality can be added to social work course designs so that students can learn more about them. In this way, they will be better equipped when they later provide services, and they will know how to work with the service users. This is especially relevant to spirituality, because reliance on spirituality is not limited to drug taking; it is effective in many other fields. Finally, the government must have a blueprint for drug treatment services at the level of social policy to improve the current programme.
In this thesis, the major elements that helped the informants abstain from drugs were: (1) a disciplined life, (2) a supporting community or group, (3) role models, (4) skills training, (5) spirituality and religiosity, (6) finding their identities, (7) the power of faith, (8) normal people, and (9) hope. It is suggested that the abovementioned elements of gospel drug treatment can be applied at different levels, including practice, service, education and policy. Courses related to religiosity and spirituality can be added to social work course designs so that students can learn more about them. In this way, they will be better equipped when they later provide services, and they will know how to work with the service users. This is especially relevant to spirituality, because reliance on spirituality is not limited to drug taking; it is effective in many other fields. Finally, the government must have a blueprint for drug treatment services at the level of social policy to improve the current programme.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | International Conference on Discovery and Innovation in Social Work and Fieldwork Education |
| Publication status | Submitted - 19 Jun 2020 |