Implications for Social Work Practice
The social exchange theory can be utilized in this setting to enable both the worker and the clients to understand the decisions made and the reasons behind those decisions.
When working with these families, social workers can enable them to better recognize rewards and costs, and to realize the difference between permanent costs and temporary ones.
Social workers are also better able to understand the relationships of the client with his or her other family members.
The social worker should teach the client to weigh each decision carefully.
The client should also learn
that each relationship is a dyad, meaning there are two parties involved.
Whatever decision is made by the client affects the other person. Even if the
substance abuser profits from the choice, the other person may suffer.
©2008 by Ashley Parker and Bryon Harkleroad
Last updated on 3 April 2008.