Foster care in the U.S.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, there were about 408,400 children in foster care as of September 2010. Most of these youths were around 9 years old. Individuals who are thinking about specializing in foster care services may benefit from a knowledge of similar statistics, as they will give them a better idea of what they may be working with in a future career. The resources below will give MSW degree seekers a broad knowledge of the state of foster care in the U.S.

Foster care statistics: Social work degree seekers who want to focus on foster care may benefit from reading this document by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Here, students can find various statistics on foster care in the U.S., including how many children are in foster care and how old these youths are.

Additional foster care statistics: The Administration for Children and Families also provides a wide variety of reports and statistics on foster care in the U.S. By browsing this website, MSW degree seekers can get a better idea of what exactly they will be working with if they accept a job as a foster care social worker.

Foster care by state: This website by AdoptUsKids will give students a better idea of how foster care differs by state. Additionally, the resource provides useful information for professionals like social workers who opt to specialize in foster care services.

Problems facing foster care children

While many children placed in foster care have good experiences, this is not the case for all youths. Foster care children may face issues such as depression, teenage pregnancy and incarceration. Additionally, once these youths turn 18 and exit the foster care system, they often feel as if they no longer have any support, making them even more likely to stray off course. MSW degree seekers who wish to focus on foster care should be aware of these issues in order to provide the best care possible to children and adults.

Lack of educational opportunities: According to this website by The Heritage Foundation, foster care children are more likely to live in poverty, be incarcerated and rely on state services. In order to prevent these outcomes, the foundation recommends giving foster care children more educational opportunities, including a clear path to college. Additionally, the foundation suggests giving these students extra financial support, such as scholarships.

"Aging out" of the system: This website by the National Association of Social Workers discusses a documentary by social worker Matt Anderson. In this documentary, Anderson discusses the problems faced by foster care children who "age out" of the system, or have turned 18 and are eligible to leave the foster care system. Frequently, due to a lack of family support, these teenagers are more likely to get pregnant, suffer from depression and become homeless, Anderson says.

Foster care problems in New Jersey: While each state has its own foster care issues, this website by Children's Rights outlines the current problems facing New Jersey. Using this resource, social work degree seekers may get a better idea of the plans states are making to reform foster care, as well as the challenges they must overcome in order to do so.

Developmental issues: According to this resource by the American Academy of Pediatrics, more children in foster care have serious physical, mental or developmental problems. This is important for social workers to note, as it may make the situation more difficult for both foster parents and children.

Depression: Social workers should understand that no matter where they come from, most foster care children feel as if they have experienced a great loss in not having their biological parents in their lives. For this reason, along with many others, a significant number of children in foster care suffer from depression as well as various other mental and emotional difficulties.

Social workers' role in providing support for foster parents and children

As foster care children and parents face a wide variety of complex issues, the role social workers play in supporting these individuals can be varied. However, in general, social workers may give counseling to families and children who are dealing with foster care, provide opinions on when adoption should be considered an option, and give information on the various social services available.

Adoption and foster care: This website by Help Starts Here discusses how social work degree holders can assist in adoption and foster care situation. Using this resource, social workers can get a better idea of what they will do in the future jobs, as well as gain a deeper understanding of the different types of foster care and adoption outcomes.

Social workers on the front lines: The National Association of Social Workers published this website in honor of Foster Care Month. However, it may be helpful in giving social work degree seekers a good idea of what their role is in assisting foster care children and their families.

Changing the social work system: Many political and social services professionals agree that the American foster care system is in need of improvement. This website by Social Work Today outlines five changes that could be made to the system. Individuals who want to get involved in social work policy can use this resource as inspiration for future careers.
 

Individuals who are currently pursuing a master's degree in social work, or an MSW degree, may want to research the documents below to get a better understanding of what eating disorders are and what they can do to help.

Types of eating disorders

Social workers who specialize in assisting individuals who have eating disorders should be aware that there are many different types. Additionally, each kind of eating disorder comes with its own set of symptoms, causes and recovery methods, which makes it crucial for social workers to be able to differentiate them.

General information on eating disorders: This website by the National Institute of Mental Health provides basic information on eating disorders. MSW degree seekers who want to specialize in this area of mental health may find that this resource is a good place to start in order to understand what their clients are dealing with.

Anorexia nervosa: Individuals who suffer from anorexia are typically afraid of gaining weight, which causes them to avoid eating. This website by the Department of Health and Human Services discusses what anorexia is, what causes it and how it can be treated. As anorexia is one of the most common types of eating disorders, social work degree seekers may want to read this website to gain a broad understanding of the topic.

Bulimia: Frequently, individuals who suffer from anorexia nervosa also have another eating disorder called bulimia. This illness occurs when individuals binge eat and then use methods like vomiting or abusing laxatives to avoid weight gain. This website by U.S. National Library of Medicine will give social work degree seekers a better idea of what bulimia is and how they can support patients who suffer from it.

Binge eating disorder: While many people eat too much on occasion, a binge eating disorder may be a possibility if people consistently overeat. Frequently, those who have this illness keep their eating habits a secret from their friends and family members. This resource by the Mayo Clinic outlines what binge eating disorders are as well as how people who suffer from it can be treated.

What causes eating disorders?

In order to help people with eating disorders and prevent them from reoccurring, social work degree seekers should have a solid understanding of what causes them. Using the resources below, students can gain knowledge on the triggers that may prompt an eating disorder to develop.

Various factors cause eating disorders: This website by the National Eating Disorders Association shows that the factors that can lead to eating disorders can be social, psychological, interpersonal or biological.

There is no one cause: As this website states, there are often a variety of factors that cause an eating disorder. Frequently, this can make it difficult for social workers to identify the exact trigger that led to the illness. However, using this resource, they can get a better understanding of the wide variety of factors that may contribute to the development of an eating disorder.

Cultural factors: Frequently, modern culture affects how individuals think of eating disorders. For instance, there is a stigma that they only affect women, or that people who have eating disorders simply crave attention. This website by PBS aims to dispel some of these myths to give students and professionals a better sense of what causes eating disorders.

The media and eating disorders

Many professionals feel that as the media continues to show images of extremely thin individuals as being beautiful, more people develop eating disorders. When people are constantly taught that they need to be skinny to be attractive, they can feel an extreme amount of pressure to make their bodies look like what they see in the media. Social work degree seekers should be aware of these concepts, as they may give them additional assistance in helping patients recover from the illness.

The influence of the media: This website by the National Eating Disorders Association examines how the media can influence people's lives, including their likelihood of developing an eating disorder. As it provides a wide range of facts and statistics, this website may be a good place to start for MSW degree seekers who are interested in learning more about the media's influence on eating disorders.

Teens and the media: Using this resource by a Washington-based university, social work degree students can gain a knowledge of how the media affects teenagers in particular, especially when it comes to body image.

How social work degree holders can help

Social workers can do a great deal to assist individuals who have eating disorders, from directing them to the appropriate services to giving them and their family counseling. Using the resources below, MSW degree seekers can get a better understanding of what their future careers may involve if they opt to concentrate on this area of mental health.

How social workers help: This website by Help Starts Here outlines the role social workers play in assisting individuals who have eating disorders. Additionally, it provides information on the different types of eating disorders and how they can affect individuals spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically.

Eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS): Frequently, individuals' eating disorders to not fit neatly into the categories of bulimia and anorexia. For this reason, social workers should be familiar with EDNOS. This website by Social Work Today outlines what EDNOS are as well as what social work professionals can do to help.

Clinical social work: Frequently, professionals who work with individuals with eating disorders are clinical social workers. Therefore, MSW degree seekers may benefit from reading this document by the National Association of Social Workers, which outlines the ethics for clinical social work practice.

Individuals who are currently earning a social work degree may want to review the resources below, as they can give them a better idea of whether or not a career assisting disabled people is right for them.

General information on disabilities

Before they decide if a career helping disabled people is right for them, students should begin by gaining some basic information on disabilities in the U.S. The resources below provide basic information on this topic, including what "disability" actually means and what percentage of the population is disabled.

Disability statistics: Using this resource, individuals who are pursuing a master's in social work can find a variety of statistics on disabilities on the U.S., including how many people are disabled and how many disabled individuals are currently employed. Students may find that this website is a good place to start when learning about the topic.

Defining "disability": This website by the U.S. Census stated that the definition of the term "disability" has changed in the past 30 years. In the 1970s, for example, a disability referred to underlying mental or physical conditions. Today, the term has changed to reflect the interaction between individuals and their environment.

Statistics by type of disability: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention created this website to provide the public with various statistics on disabilities in the U.S. This website has broken down its figures to show how many people suffer from hearing, visual and physical impairments. The resource also provides additional links for students who wish to learn more about the topic.

Issued faced by disabled individuals

The challenges disabled individuals face largely depends on their specific impairments as well as their severity. However, there are some common issues that most disabled people need to deal with, as outlined by the resources below. By reading these documents, students should get a better understanding of what their clients suffer from and how they can help.

Disabled people face many barriers: This website indicates that people who have a disability often face many challenges, especially when it comes to transportation, communication, their appearances and other people's attitudes about their impairments. MSW degree holders can use this resource as an example of some of the many issues their future clients may face in their everyday lives.

Employment: According to this resource by the United Nations, while about 89.9 percent of bachelor's degree holders have jobs, this figure drops to 50.6 percent among people who have disabilities. For this reason, social workers may find that a large part of their job when working with disabled individuals is helping them find employment and showing them that holding a full-time job is possible.

Public perception: While this survey is from a British source, it serves as an example of the types of prejudice disabled individuals often face from the public. The survey shows that, while the public perception of disabled people is getting better, there are still those who are not tolerant of these individuals. For example, about 15 percent of survey respondents said disabled people were not "the same as everybody else," while 7 percent said they get in the way.

Transportation and building access: Disabled individuals may have a difficult time finding transportation or access to buildings. For this reason, social workers may advocate for improved options for disabled individuals, which will give them access to the same areas and services as other people.

Communication: Whether it's not being able to type on the small screen of a cellphone or understanding how to interpret social cues in a conversation, disabled individuals can face many challenges when it comes to communication. This may be important for students to note if they plan on working with disabled individuals in their future careers.

How can MSW degree holders help?

Social workers who assist people with disabilities often have varied roles. Some may provide counseling, while others will ensure that their clients have access to stable housing and employment opportunities. While the jobs of these professionals will vary depending on the issues their clients face, the resources below will give social work degree seekers a better understanding of what their positions will entail should they choose to concentrate in this area.

How social workers can help: This resource by Help Starts Here discussed the varied role social workers play when it comes to assisting disabled individuals.

Providing benefits information: Individuals who have disabilities are often entitled to federal benefits. However, some may not be quite sure how to go about receiving support. For this reason, part of social workers' job is helping their clients understand what they are eligible to receive.

Civil rights: The Americans with Disabilities Act ensures the rights of people with disabilities when it comes to housing, employment, education and other factors. Social workers can ensure that their clients understand their rights and are being treated fairly under this act.

Ensuring their rights: This website from the National Association of Social Workers states the group's beliefs when it comes to the rights of disabled individuals. Students who are considering a career in social work policy can use this as an example of some of the issues they can advocate for in their future positions.

Advocacy: This resource may be particularly interesting to students who wish to land careers in social work policy. Here, individuals can find information on the sense of oppression and empowerment among the disabled population, as well as important aspects of the American Disabilities Act. 

American obesity information

Obesity is becoming a growing problem in the U.S., where the average individual does not exercise regularly and fails to adhere to a healthy diet. Using the resources below, social work degree seekers can get a better understanding of what obesity is and how common it is in the nation.

What is obesity?: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention created this website, which defines obesity as it pertains to both adults and children. This may be a good place for students to start in order to understand the national obesity issue.

Obesity statistics: Today, more than two-thirds of American adults are considered overweight or obese, according to this resource by the Weight-Control Information Network. As this number continues to rise, obesity prevention will remain a hot topic across the nation.

Obesity facts: This website by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention outlines basic facts about obesity, which may be useful for MSW degree seekers. According to the resource, most Americans still do not engage in practices that could prevent obesity, while the condition has been an enormous burden on the U.S. economy. These may be two motivating factors for students who are considering careers related to this topic.

What causes obesity?: There are a variety of factors that can cause an individual to become obese, including gender, age, genetics, environment, illness and physical activity. However, typically, a few of these factors simultaneously influence a person's weight.

Obesity myths: Unfortunately, the public is not always well informed when it comes to obesity. Therefore, there are various myths surrounding the issue that social workers may want to debunk during their careers.

How social workers can reverse rising obesity rates

Social workers who are employed in a variety of settings can do their part to decrease the number of obese Americans. For example, school social workers can teach students about ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle, while individuals involved in social work policy can advocate for new laws that strive to curb obesity. The resources below can give social work degree seekers a better understanding of how they can do their part to end American obesity, regardless of what branch of social work they are employed in.

Supporting federal initiatives: In 2010, President Barack Obama launched a task force aimed at preventing childhood obesity. The National Association of Social Workers then released this statement, which applauds the president's efforts. Individuals who earn social work degrees can become active in their governments and show support for similar initiatives.

Social workers are crucial in decreasing obesity: This website by the STOP Obesity Alliance states that social workers play a very important role when it comes to preventing obesity in the U.S. These professionals can assist in research, treatment options and policies in order to end this public health issue.

Social workers and childhood obesity: This resource outlines social workers' role in ending the childhood obesity epidemic. The article states that, along with physicians, nurses, nutritionists and schools, social workers can help unhealthy youths change their lifestyle and combat obesity. 

The role of social workers in treating adolescent obesity: In this document, a licensed clinical social worker explains how social workers can help prevent obesity among adolescents. The resource shows that there are a variety of factors that can lead to obesity, many of which social workers are qualified to handle.

Social worker's perspective: In this article, a professional who holds a master's in social work discusses the role of social workers in decreasing the number of obese Americans. These professionals can do things such as ensure the mental health of their patients, provide a clear path to treatment and analyze the role of the family in obesity.

The controversial issues of removing children from home: Some professionals feel that when children are obese, it means their parents neglected to take care of them properly. For this reason, there has been great national debate over whether or not these youths should be removed from their homes. While social workers may not find themselves doing this in their careers, they should be aware of the controversy over this topic. 
 

What do families go through when dealing with a death?

Social workers who want to help people go through the difficult time that often follows a death should be aware of what exactly these individuals are experiencing. Using the resources below, MSW degree seekers can get a better idea of how a death can affect people, which can, in turn, help them understand what they can do to ameliorate the situation.

The grieving process: Typically, people who have lost a loved one go through a grieving process, which includes denial and shock, anger, bargaining, guilt and a variety of other stages. In order to help people cope with death, social work degree seekers should be sure they understand this process to get a better sense of what their patients are dealing with, as well as what troubles they may face in the future.

The impact of death on the family system: This paper by Lorna Bowlby-West outlines how death can disrupt the structure of a family. Therefore, families that experience the death of a loved one may need to realign their family system in order to truly recover from their loss.

Handling a loved one's suicide: People who were close to someone who committed suicide often need special help from social workers, as their grieving process is unique. This website by the Mayo Clinic outlines the various emotions people may feel following the suicide of a loved one, as well as strategies that can help them cope.

How children deal with death: Oftentimes, children deal with death in a very different way than adults. Some kids may not fully understand death or come to terms with it. Therefore, it is important for social workers to know how to support children following a death. This website by the Nemours Foundation outlines how parents can help their children deal with death; however, social workers can also use this resource to gain a better understanding of how they can help.

Depression: Unfortunately, many people who experience the loss of a loved one develop depression. This website by Livestrong discusses this issue among people who lose a spouse; however, it is important for social workers to remember that depression can affect anyone who has experienced the death of a friend or family member.

Depression after a parent's death: This website by Medscape outlines how depression may develop in teens who have lost a parent. According to the resource, some children and teens become depressed years after the death, so it may be important for social workers to monitor these youths for symptoms of the illness.

How social workers can help people cope

Death is a very delicate topic, so it is important for social work degree seekers to have a clear understanding of how to help people deal with the situation. The resources below explain the many ways these professionals can help their patients cope with the death of a loved one.

Helping families through prolonged illness and loss: Using this website by Social Work Today, students can get a better understanding of how they can help families who are dealing with the prolonged illness of a loved one.

School social workers: School social workers may be faced with the task of assisting children and faculty after the death of a student or staff member. While this can be a challenge, this website by the U.S. Department of Education gives professionals information on how a death can affect a school, as well as how social workers can do their part in ameliorating the situation.

How social workers can help: This website by Help Starts Here outlines social workers' role in helping people cope after the death of a loved one.  During this time, social work degree holders should focus on healing the person as a whole, ensuring that they have optimal physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health.

Helping children cope with death: This resource by Social Workers Speak discusses how professionals can work with children to help them recover after a death. In this article, Stacy Remke, who has a master's degree in social work, explains what she has learned about helping children cope. 

Types of personality disorders

Since there are many different types of personality disorders, mental health social workers could benefit from increasing their knowledge of each one, as they all have their own symptoms and recovery methods. The resources below provide basic information on a few common personality disorders, which may be useful for MSW degree seekers.

General information on personality disorders: This website by the Mayo Clinic outlines basic information on personality disorders. Social workers who are interested in specializing in this topic may find that this is a good place to start when gaining knowledge on personality disorders.

Borderline personality disorder: Individuals who suffer from borderline personality disorder tend to have long-term patterns of erratic behavior. This website by the U.S. National Library of Medicine discusses the symptoms of this type of personality disorder, as well as how it can be cured.

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OPCD): People who have OPCD tend to run their lives around rules, orderliness and control. Typically, their symptoms resemble those of people who have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), but while people with OCD have unwanted thoughts, individuals with OPCD believe their thoughts are appropriate. Using this resource, social work degree seekers can gain more information on OPCD so that they can assist individuals who suffer from it.

Antisocial personality disorder: Individuals who have this type of personality disorder often express manipulative, violating or exploitative behavior, as explained by this website from the Mayo Clinic. As these individuals are likely to become criminals, it is important for social workers and other healthcare professionals to be aware of the signs and symptoms of antisocial personality disorder.

Narcissistic personality disorder: In general, people who have narcissistic personality disorder have an extreme preoccupation with themselves and need constant admiration from others. This personality disorder can cause relationship problems or drug use, which makes it crucial for social workers to learn how to recognize the illness and control it.

Schizoid personality disorder: People who have this type of personality disorder tend to be aloof and indifferent to others. Some professionals believe the condition is related to schizophrenia, as individuals who develop it tend to have some of the same risk factors. Social work degree seekers can find a great deal of information about schizoid personality disorder on this website by the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

How MSW degree holders can help

No matter what type of environment MSW degree seekers choose to work in, they may come across patients who suffer from various types of personality disorders. In these situations, there are many things social workers can do to help. Ultimately, they can expect to work with a wide range of other healthcare professionals to assist patients in managing their emotions and having rich and successful lives. The resources provided below will give students a better idea of what their specific tasks will be when working with people who have personality disorders.

Social workers and borderline personality disorder: This website by Social Work Today describes social workers' role in assisting individuals who have borderline personality disorder, as well as the challenges professionals may need to overcome in order to do so. Specifically, the article focuses on dialectical behavioral therapy.

Personality disorders and hospice care: Social worker professionals who specialize in hospice care may need to work with patients who have personality disorders, as outlined by this article in Social Work Today. Because these individuals often have different needs than others who suffer from the same illnesses, individuals who are interested in hospice care might want to read this article to get a better understanding of the challenges they may face

Social work and its relationship with personality disorders: This article from Australian Social Work acts as an example of what role social workers play in preventing and controlling personality disorders, especially when it comes to research, debate and analysis. For this reason, the website may be of particular interest to those hoping to land a job in social work policy once they earn an MSW degree.

Personality disorders in private practice: Social workers who opt to run a private practice may find themselves working with clients who suffer from various types of personality disorders. This resource by the National Association of Social Workers outlines one social worker's experience helping people with these illnesses. 

In the resources below, people who are earning a master's in social work, or MSW degree, can learn the benefits of working with clergy, as well as when this practice should be used with patients.

Religious beliefs in the U.S.

Before they decide whether or not to use clergy in their treatments, social work degree seekers should have a good understanding of religious beliefs in the U.S. The resources below provide a wide variety of information on this topic, which may help students form a well-educated opinion on the subject of clergy in social work.

Popular religions in the U.S.: This website by the Pew Research Center indicates that the most popular religion in the nation is currently Christianity. However, as there are many sects of Christianity, social work degree seekers may benefit from staying informed on the basic beliefs and practices of each one.

Fast facts about American religion: Using this website by the Hartford Institute for Religion Research, students can find a wide variety of information on religion in the U.S., including the average size of churches, the number of people who regularly go to church and the number of religious congregations in the nation.

Religion by area: Most social work degree seekers know that people's religious preferences vary by their location. This resource provides various maps that allow individuals to see which areas have the largest concentrations of certain religions.

Decline in American religion: Various reports have indicated that atheism is increasing across the nation as people gradually turn away from the religion of their parents. Social workers may want to keep this in mind when considering whether or not to integrate clergy into their practice.

Using clergy in social work

The use of clergy members in social work is a relatively controversial topic, as many professionals do not feel that clergy are qualified to treat various disorders and illnesses as well as individuals who have an MSW degree or other credentials. However, others believe that, if used correctly, clergy can be a great benefit in ensuring patients' overall well-being. The resources below may give students a better idea of the role that clergy can, and perhaps should, play in their practice.

Connecting with clergy: This website by Social Work Today discusses whether or not the use of clergy can be effective as part of a treatment plan. While many professionals are still skeptical of clergy members' qualifications to give people treatment, this resource states that various studies have shown that support from clergy can, in fact, help people recover, especially when it comes to alcoholism and substance abuse.

Clergy and intimate partner violence: The Society for Social Work and Research states that many people exclusively talk to clergy members when faced with intimate partner violence. For this reason, social workers may want to get a better understanding of how clergy deal with this issue so they can create a plan to work together to combat this problem.

Dual roles of clergy and social workers: This pilot study by the North American Association of Christians in Social Work examines social work professionals who are also ordained Baptist clergy. While not all social workers hold jobs in a church, this resource provides an interesting look at the duality between social work and religion.

Social workers and clergy working together: The Utah chapter of the National Association of Social Workers has created this article to discuss whether or not social workers should rely on clergy for assistance. Along with outlining the benefits of this collaboration, the resource lists specific ways in which social workers and clergy can assist each other in providing ideal treatment options for patients.

How effective are clergy in end-of-life care?: Social workers may know that they can play a large role in supporting individuals and their families in end-of-life care. However, this resource examines the effectiveness of clergy in this area, which may give social workers a better idea of whether or not they should bring clergy into their practice.

Clergy's role in substance abuse treatment: Many social workers assist individuals in overcoming a substance abuse problem. This website provides information about substance abuse in the U.S. and examines the effectiveness of clergy in treating these issues. 

Students who are in the process of earning an MSW degree may benefit from browsing the resources below, as they can give them a better idea of what they may need to deal with in their future careers.

Information on specific drugs

Social workers who specialize in drug issues will find that there are a wide range of substances that people can become addicted to. By reading the resources below, MSW degree seekers can get a better idea of what specific drugs are as well as how they affect users.

Heroin: It is important for social workers to be aware of heroin, as the opiate is extremely addictive. According to this website by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, it is estimated that about 23 percent of people who try heroin become addicted to it, which can lead to devastating results. This resource will give students a better idea of how heroin affects the brain and an individual's health, which may be important to know when helping people recover from the drug's influence.

Cocaine: Another popular, yet dangerous drug is cocaine. This website by the National Institute on Drug Abuse states that in 2009, about 4.8 million Americans above the age of 12 had tried cocaine. Due to its prevalence, it may be important for those seeking a master's in social work to be aware of its effects on users.

Marijuana: Today, marijuana is the most commonly abused illicit drug in the nation, according to this resource by the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Many users say this drug is not harmful, however, research has shown that marijuana is, in fact, addictive and can have negative effects on a person's life.

Inhalants: Some people inhale the fumes of household cleaners, paint, markers and other products to get a temporary high. This resource from the Nemours Foundation outlines how this practice can affect the body, as well as what the signs are of inhalant abuse. Social work degree seekers may want to browse this website, as using inhalants can be extremely dangerous and, in some cases, fatal.

Prescription medications: The U.S. National Library of Medicine estimates that about 20 percent of Americans have used prescription medications for non-medical reasons. Additionally, the website states that this problem is only growing. For this reason, social workers who specialize in drug-related issues may want to review prescription medications and how they can be abused.

How can social workers help?

From finding stable housing to supporting family members, social workers play a large and varied role in assisting those with drug problems. Using these resources, students can get a better idea of what this type of professional does, as well as whether or not this career path is right for them.

Social workers and stress reduction: This website by Help Starts Here outlines how social workers can assist individuals who have developed drug dependencies lower their stress levels. Frequently, stress is a factor that pushes people towards drugs, so it may be beneficial for social workers to learn how to control their clients' anxiety to curb their substance abuse problems.

How social workers can help addicts' families: When people turn to drugs, they often hurt their families in the process. For this reason, some social workers concentrate on helping and supporting families when one of their members becomes plagued by a drug addiction. This resource may be particularly useful for social work degree seekers who hope to become family social workers after graduation.

Substance abuse social workers: This website by the National Association of Social Workers outlines what a career as a substance abuse social workers is like. Using this resource, MSW degree seekers can get a better idea if this specialization is right for them.

Standards for clients with substance abuse problems: The National Association of Social Workers created this document, which outlines the group's ethical standards for working with patients who have substance abuse issues. As it can often be challenging to assist those with drug-related problems, social work degree seekers may benefit from reading this document and getting a better idea of what their role is as a professional.

Casework with children of drug addicts: Social workers who specialize in child welfare may find themselves caring for youths whose parents have problems with drugs. This website by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services outlines various issues these professionals may face in their careers. 

What is alcoholism?

Alcohol abuse FAQs: This website by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism provides answers to many common questions the general public may have about alcohol abuse. The resource may be a good place for MSW degree seekers to start when gaining knowledge about alcoholism in the U.S.

Resources on alcoholism: Using this website by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, students can learn the difference between enjoying a few drinks and becoming dependent on alcohol. Additionally, this resource provides a wide variety of links to other websites that can be helpful when studying alcoholism.

Alcoholism among college students: Some people develop alcoholism during their college years. For this reason, social work degree seekers may find it helpful to browse this resource, as it explains alcohol abuse for a college audience.

What dangers can alcohol abuse lead to?

Drunk driving: Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) provides a wide variety of statistics on drunk driving in the U.S. By browsing this information, social work degree seekers may see the importance in finding help for individuals who suffer from alcohol abuse before they hurt themselves or someone else.

Fetal alcohol syndrome: Pregnant women who suffer from alcoholism can do a great deal of harm to their unborn children. Using this website by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, MSW degree seekers can learn about fetal alcohol syndrome, its symptoms and how it can be treated.

Alcohol-related liver disease: Because alcohol destroys liver cells, individuals who drink excessively run the risk of developing alcohol-related liver diseases. This website created by the American Liver Foundation explains what these diseases are, how they can manifest themselves and how they can be treated.

Immediate and long-term health risks: Using this website by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, social workers can get a good idea of how alcohol abuse can affect individuals both immediately and in the long run.

Alcohol poisoning: When people drink too much, they run the risk of depressing the nerves that control vital and involuntary actions such as breathing. In this way, alcoholism can kill its victims, making it crucial for social workers to do their part in controlling their patients' drinking habits before they face these devastating results.

Child abuse: Some studies have found that alcoholic parents are more likely to physically and sexually abuse their children. The relationship between alcohol and abuse may be important for social workers to study, especially if they plan on working as a child or family social worker.

Depression: While some people believe that depressed individuals turn to alcohol, various studies have shown that it is actually the other way around. This 2009 study by New Zealand researchers shows that alcohol abuse can lead to depression. Social work degree seekers may want to keep this information in mind when working with patients who suffer from alcoholism.

How can social workers help?

Clients with substance abuse disorders: Using this resource by the National Association of Social Workers, students can get a better understanding of what their roles will be in their future careers. Additionally, this document outlines the ethics social workers should keep in mind when working with clients who suffer from alcohol abuse.

Social workers and alcoholism: This website by the Social Work Policy Institute describes what social workers can do to help people who have an alcohol dependency, including ensuring they have shelter and showing them the benefits of becoming sober. Additionally, social work degree seekers can find links to a variety of other resources on this website.

Mental health and substance abuse social workers: Many professionals who want to treat alcoholism become substance abuse social workers. This website by the Bureau of Labor Statistics provides employment and salary information for individuals who want to enter this specialized field.

Social workers and families of alcoholics: This resource by Help Starts Here discusses how social workers can assist the family members of people who suffer from an alcohol problem. Individuals who wish to become family social workers may especially benefit from reading this article.

Social work and alcohol abuse: This text by Jean V. Sapir discusses how social workers can help individuals who are suffering from alcohol abuse. Specifically, the resource highlights social workers' role in a clinical setting. 

General information about anxiety disorders

There are many different types of anxiety disorders, and social workers may benefit from learning about each one, as they can be very different. The resources provided below outline certain kinds of anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and social phobia.

Introduction to anxiety disorders: This website by the National Institute of Mental Health provides a brief overview of what anxiety disorders are and how they may manifest themselves in different individuals. MSW degree seekers may find this helpful when learning to differentiate the various types of anxiety disorders.

Advancement in the treatment of anxiety disorders: Using the Social Work Policy Institute's website, individuals can learn about how the treatment of anxiety disorders has advanced over the years, as well as what various groups are doing to further advance treatment options.

Panic disorder: One type of anxiety disorder is known as panic disorder. This resource by the U.S. National Library of Medicine describes what this condition entails as well as how it can be treated.

OCD: The International OCD Foundation outlines what OCD is, what it is caused by, and how it may be treated. As about 2 to 3 million people in the U.S. suffer from this type of anxiety disorder, it may be worthwhile for current and future social workers to study this condition in detail.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Frequently, PTSD is associated with individuals who have served in the military. However, while military members are at a higher risk of developing this anxiety disorder, civilians can also suffer from the illness. This website by the National Institute of Mental Health describes what PTSD is, why it occurs and how it can be treated.

The myths of PTSD: As there are many misconceptions about PTSD, this website by America's Heroes at Work gives more information for individuals who want to learn the facts about this illness. Among the information presented here, the website states that social workers can be useful in the PTSD recovery process, along with healthcare professionals like therapists, nurses and psychologists.

Social phobia: Sometimes called social anxiety disorder, this condition involves the fear of being in social situations. As individuals with this condition are at high risk for developing drug and alcohol abuse, social workers may want to research social phobia so that they may prevent individuals from developing a substance abuse problem.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): This is one of the most common types of anxiety disorders, as outlined by this website by the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Here, MSW degree seekers can find a wealth of information about GAD's symptoms, treatment options and complications.

The role of social workers in helping those with anxiety disorders

Many social workers who focus on behavioral health will find themselves working with individuals who have a type of anxiety disorder. The exact role these professionals play in treating the condition varies, but frequently, they work alongside doctors and nurses to ensure that people who suffer from anxiety disorders live normal, healthy lives.

Social workers and PTSD: This article in Social Work Today discusses how the treatment and diagnosis of PTSD has changed in recent years. Additionally, it describes what roles social workers play in ensuring the well-being of veterans who suffer from this illness.

OCD and how social workers can help: This resource by Help Starts Here outlines what social workers can do to assist individuals who have OCD. Social workers who specialize in behavioral health, especially those who earned an MSW degree, can play varied roles in helping people with OCD live normal, successful lives.

College anxiety and how social workers can help: As college stress can sometimes become a full anxiety disorder, social workers may work with these students to ensure that stress is not controlling their lives. This resource by Help Starts Here outlines what social workers can do to help college students.

Working with patients after a tragedy: This resource discusses social workers' experiences working with those who were directly affected by the September 11 attacks. Many of these professionals stated that their patients showed a great deal of anxiety as well as depression. Sometimes this can be a sign that the individual is suffering from an anxiety disorder like PTSD.