The perceptions of social workers regarding service users with co-occurrence of opioid use and mental health disorders at the Community Oriented Substance Use Programme (COSUP)

Abstract

Co-occurring opioid use and mental health disorders are a prevalent problem in South Africa. However, little is known about social workers’ perceptions of these co-occurring disorders. As such the goal of this study was to explore and describe the perceptions of social workers regarding service users with co-occurrence of opioid use and mental health disorders at the Community Oriented Substance Use Programme (COSUP). The study adopted the qualitative research approach and served both exploratory and descriptive purposes. The research design was a case study, particularly an instrumental case study design. A purposive sampling approach was used to recruit four participants at COSUP, Tshwane, who provided their perceptions on working with service users with co-occurring opioid and mental health disorders. The data was collected using virtual interviews via Microsoft Teams, with the guide of an interview guide. Data was analysed using thematic analysis. The findings indicate that co-occurring opioid use and mental health disorders are a cause of concern, influenced by traumatic childhood experiences, an already existing mental health disorder and socio-economic issues, such as the easy accessibility of substances, unemployment, and homelessness. Furthermore, the study found that social workers provide psychosocial services such as assessments, counselling, referrals and skills development. Social workers face challenges related to the lack of resources, infrastructure, and a lack of integration of services. The study concluded that social workers face challenges which hinder effective service provision to service users with co-occurring opioid use and mental health disorders. The study recommends strengthened multisectoral collaborations that prioritise co-occurring opioid use and mental health disorders to ensure increased funding and resources for effective service delivery.