From Stigma to Speech : The Importance of Addressing Sex, Sexuality and Sexual Health in Addiction Care

The thesis explores how topics of sex, sexuality and sexual health are addressed within addiction services in social work. A literature review has been conducted, with the purpose of investigating how social workers talk about these subjects with clients. Furthermore, the thesis highlights barriers identified in research literature that hinder such conversations. With the help of Judith Butler’s expansion on the theory of interpellation, together with Erving Goffman’s theory of stigma, 16 academic articles were reviewed and analysed. The findings reveal that these subjects are rarely discussed with clients, largely due to a lack of training and knowledge in social work education, as well as insufficient organisational support. The literature reviewed also indicates a largely dominant negative discourse, framing sexuality in terms of abstinence, risk or disease, with few sources offering alternative, pleasure-centered discourses. The thesis argues that change is needed on both an organisational and structural level. For change to be effective, national guidelines must emphasize the importance of integrating sexuality into addiction treatment. With more time, resources and knowledge, social workers are given better opportunities to support clients in exploring romantic and/or sexual relationships. This may contribute to improved outcomes in recovery and overall well-being.