As Part of Social Work Practice

As part of a health care team, the social worker is expected to assist clients and their families in taking charge of their lives while they are 

ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES PHILOSOPinCAL DIRECTIVES AND TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES 

Trying to balance the issues that clients face is difficult, particularly with regard to medication. It is especially problematic when considering so many philosophical directives and technological advances. Among the numerous pressures to provide accountable, efficient, and effective service is the encouragement of medications that are used as a form of intervention for clients suffering from many physical and mental health difficulties. 

As with all counselors, social workers must be aware of the philosophical directives or environmental pressures that motivate a client to seek care. According to Walter (2000) advances in technology have changed our environment and have forced society to reexamine current roles and positions. The idea of simply taking a pill offers a quick fix to those who see it as an easy way to solve a problem. Many clients seek medications from their physician, therapist, or social worker as either a sole or adjunct remedy for treatment in mental health. 

As the first line of intervention, taking some type of medication to deal with problems is becoming common practice. Unfortunately, many clients want a quick and easy answer and believe that the simple act of taking a pill can be curative in itself. Many clients not only believe that the pill will help relieve their symptoms but also that it will eventually provide a simple and easy cure for what is ailing them. Many clients who visit a physician s office today expect some type of medication (Dziegielewski, 1998). 

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