Social workers’ motivation to provide effective service in a challenging environment of illegal substance abuse

Background: The social work profession is portrayed as a stressful occupation that brings about depression and demoralisation upon social workers. It is believed that working towards changing an individual, group or community at large is difficult. Aim: To explore the gratification that social workers receive from working with youth abusing substances. Setting: Data were collected from social workers employed by the Department of Social Development, from both the Sebokeng and Vereeniging offices, as well as the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence in the Vaal Triangle area. Methods: This qualitative and phenomenological study was undertaken with a sample of 15 participants who were selected through purposive sampling. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and analysed thematically. Results: The study highlights the significance of creating a supportive work environment to maintain good performance and well-being amongst social workers in the substance abuse or misuse section. Conclusion: Many studies record the struggles that social workers endure when rendering services to the youth, adolescents and other groups abusing illegal substances; yet some find gratification when rendering services, which is not recorded. Contribution: This study will be of use to students at universities in knowing that there is fulfilment, as well as professional and personal development, in working as a substance abuse social worker. A great contribution will be made to the employer in knowing that providing tools of trade empower social workers professionally and personally, and enable them to render services smoothly, finding gratification whilst doing it.