A worthwhile theory to consider, when working with young people with AOD issues, is Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Maslow proposed that people must have their basic physical needs (such as water, food and sleep) met before they can successfully focus on and achieve their next (higher) level of need. Each preceding (lower) level must be met before an individual can reach self actualisation.
How does this apply to AOD work?
Young people can approach youth services for assistance with many different issues. We need to listen to the views of the young person and assist them to meet their basic needs before we can successfully assist them to address their AOD use.
On meeting a young person for the first time you may consider their risky AOD use to be the most important issue that needs addressing. However the young person may be more concerned about more basic needs such as a safe place to sleep, their Centrelink payment or hassles with their family.
It is important that you address this type of issue first. Helping young people with the issues that most concern them helps to build trust and engagement between the young person and the worker. This will help you to later explore AOD issues with the young person.
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Working with Young People with Alcohol or Other Drug Issues: A self-paced learning package Published: 2006 Funded by NSW Drug & Alcohol Workforce Development Council. Written & compiled by Kristy Delaney, YAPA, and Matt Stubbs & John Howard, Ted Noffs Institute. Additional material by Nick Manning, YAPA, & by Shopfront Youth Legal Centre. Opinions are the author's.
Be careful! YAPA and the authors took reasonable care to ensure that this information was correct at the time of publishing. However health information, and government regulations, laws and standards are complex and changing. The authors may not have health, safety, or legal qualifications, and information provided is general - it is not specific health, legal or professional advice. Do not rely on it - check with other publications and authorities and if necessary get qualified, medical, legal or professional advice for your situation.
