“Addiction is like a curse and until it is broken, its victim will perpetually remain in the shackles of bondage. “– Oche Otorkpa.
Truly said, addiction is a misfortune shattering our society. And that’s a bitter truth to accept. Several issues like curiosity, peer pressure, stressful life, external pressures, complex emotions, and trauma induce people into drug and alcohol dependency. When people are unable to subsist on these feelings or situations in a healthy way, they may rely on drugs and alcohol to feel relieved. This is the first step into addiction.
It’s a known fact that toxic habits die hard and can be life-threatening too. Also identifying addicts is often tough, as these people are often shamefaced about their substance usage. When people succumb to substance use, it becomes arduous for them to quit by themselves. Nevertheless, with measures like education and therapy, we can reform the lives of the vulnerable in a constructive way. And to perform this challenging job competently, support workers must arm themselves with a strong skill set to avulse these possible underlying issues and help their clients obtain suitable and timely aid.
Studying the CHC43215 Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs will equip you with industry-specific skills to make a positive impact in people’s lives, provide valuable service to those with complex and unique needs and thereby contribute to a healthier community. Let’s view these.
Lending a hand, an earnest desire to help, portraying a sense of warmth, and being amicable even in the face of adversity is key to success. The vulnerable need to be showered with benevolence, tolerance, and an optimistic attitude to help them overcome their issues in a positive way.
Addicts are often looked down upon in society. Portraying empathy will help Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) workers to comprehend the unique needs and behavioural patterns of clients enabling them to build trust and form deeper connections with their clients.
AOD workers work with different organisations and services. Enforcing treatment and recuperation plans need to be sorted with your clients. Good organisation and planning skills will enable you to help them with the day-to-day experience of sobriety and offer assistance during challenging periods and maintain a healthy life.
Clear and courteous communication (written, verbal, and non-verbal) is a plus and also a must for a successful support worker. Being an effective communicator will help you in dealing with, delivering instructions, and connecting not only with your client but with their family, carers, or other influential people in their lives.
This role requires you to not only hear what they’re saying but also to be able to parse their non-verbal communications as most addicts are reserved to share details about their substance use. Since AOD workers work closely with addicts, it’s essential to deploy interpersonal skills to create a harmonious and functional relationship with them.
Report writing is also an important aspect of this role. All reports must gather, evaluate, and analyse all the information regarding the service user.
Resilience is an essential skill for success as an AOD worker as drug rehabilitation is seldom successful on the first go.
Clients may sometimes act confrontational. This skill carries the AOD worker through stages when everything seems to be topsy-turvy. An adept support worker won’t become dejected with initial setbacks but rather can work at strategising a distinct path for an additional strive at success in a professional way.
This skill refers to spotting and perceiving the weaknesses in your client’s lives and thereby undertaking measures to shield them. For example, cases relating to abusive households, domestic violence, threats, and mental health concerns.
A reliable and relaxed approach is crucial for an AOD worker to build and maintain trust with clients. AOD workers must always remain open-minded, poised, and cool-headed even in the worst situations or under pressure, aiming to prioritise clients’ needs above anything else.
Active listening and the ability to understand, relate, and respond appropriately to them without being judgmental of their past actions or detestable experiences is extremely important. Their needs must be listened to and evaluated with full attention at all times.
Observational skills, Patience, Persistence, and Domain Knowledge are a few more skills other than the above-mentioned ones that make you proficient in your job.
Build your skills with KAL Training
The impact of addiction on individuals, families, and communities is immense – with health, social and financial implications. Want to support the vulnerable gripped with addiction and contribute to your community? Simply, study for the CHC43215 Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs offered by KAL Training.
Get mentored by our experienced trainers who will make you well-versed with the necessary knowledge, skills, and procedures to lend a hand to individuals struggling with mental health problems, alcohol and drug addiction, and support their wellbeing.
Australia is battling addiction. To help Australians break away from the shackles of dependence, there is a big demand for skilled AOD workers holding recognised qualifications like the CHC43215 Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs.
Let’s save people from being slaves of addiction. Strive towards a rewarding career providing interventions and other services to people in need of your skills.
Are you ready to build your skills with KAL Training today to build healthier communities in Australia?