Denial of AOD use: an issue for social workers and the profession

The author investigated AOD use among social workers, examined its potential negative professional consequences and explored the denial that may facilitate AOD abuse. Results are reported from an anonymous survey of 751 NASW members in North Carolina. Twelve percent of the sample were at serious risk of AOD abuse, 28 percent reported binge drinking during the preceding year, and 21 percent had used drugs illegally since becoming a social worker. In addition, 34 percent of respondents at serious risk of AOD abuse reported at least one impairment incident, and 39 percent agreed that they had worked when too distressed to be effective. Only 9 percent of those at serious risk reported current problems with alcohol or other drugs; 28 percent of them reported being in recovery, notwithstanding their current drinking and using. Research and practice implications for social workers, supervisors, and the profession are presented.