A capabilities approach: re-envision addressing substance misuse

Abstract

ABSTRACT The Capabilities Approach provides an alternate lens to conceptualize substance misuse that embraces human dignity. This paper provides an overview of the Capabilities Approach, describes three overarching areas of substance misuse that hurt people who use substances, and explains how a shift to a Capabilities Approach would reduce that burden. These include (1) the stigmatizing effects of attributing substance misuse to personal responsibility while minimizing structural contributing factors; (2) the fragmented, siloed services separating micro and macro approaches; and (3) a rigid, prescriptive view of recovery based on 12 step philosophy with the sole outcome of abstinence thus not supporting a person-centered, multiple pathways approach, and in turn, self-determination. Finally, implications for Capabilities guided approaches to social work practice highlight person-in-environment, integrated practice, and a client-centered focus while replacing policies such as the War on Drugs with harm reduction and drug