Working to strengthen the health of individuals with a state of dependence can, eventually, strengthen their independence, which can result in a life without drugs or alcohol. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the perception of social supporters of the work to strengthen the health of individuals with a addiction.
In the present study, a qualitative method was used with semi-structured interviews. Through a purposeful sampling, five people with the professional term social supporter who works in the social services of a municipality in the Mälardalen region could be interviewed. The material from the interviews was analyzed using a manifest content analysis. The results show that it is important to focus on motivational conversations, improved collaboration between social administration and other agencies, and to strengthen individuals' independence by enabling various factors such as employment can provide good health. The conclusion from the study is that social supporters' perceptions of their working methods were that they mainly work with motivational interviews and support in everyday tasks. Social supporters work from client focus and administrative work method, and that improved collaboration can benefit clients' health development. Increased education and resources from the social services and the municipality can strengthen health promotion work.
Keywords: Addiction, Empowerment, Health promotion, Motivational Interview, Participation, Social supporter