The theories of lifespan development have a central emphasis on individuals’ development. It includes individual growth in size and includes complicated situations and competent responses of individuals experiences throughout a lifetime. Human development is a complex collaboration involving biological, psychological, and social processes. Individuals are capable of protecting themselves from damage and adjust successfully to the traumatic of life circumstances. Resilience is an individual’s capacity to maneuver through difficult life challenges and adapt to new changes over time. During a problematic life experience, individuals have a positive outlook, can control emotions, and sees this period as accommodating life experience.
Resilience and Social Work Values
Social workers have an essential role in working with individuals who are experiencing a substance use disorder, and the resilience theory is a fundamental approach for individuals to reclaim their power and self-control. Resilience allowing individuals to observe past lifetime experiences, learn from these experiences, accept the changes, and emphasize on self-reliance. This approach focuses on individuals’ perception and capability to change the perception of substance use and related events. The social work Code of Ethics is a critical aspect for individuals in recovery.
These values and principles are the protective elements for an individual to cope effectively with substance abuse and establish healthier lifestyle choices. For example, the protective factors for individuals in recovery are the development of self-worth, being in charge of life, developing respectable coping skills and gratitude, and making connections with education and social organizations, and setting long-term goals after graduating from recovery. Also, establishing admirable parental skills and appropriate family rolls, how to deal with criticism or rejection, and creating a safe environment are essential for every family member.
Flanagan and Briggs (2016) claimed the decision to enter substance abuse recovery came from the individuals self and is a sign of willpower and being in charge of making a change in the momentary lifestyle. Few individuals decided the path of recovery after being several times incarcerated or almost experiencing death, but having the hope of a lifestyle change and creating steadiness in the supply of food, clothing, or medical care.
