Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Practice Exam

What should a social worker do if a client with previous recovery from substance abuse expresses confidence in drinking again?

1. Ignore the remark

2. Suggest joining another group

3. Confront the client about the potential risks

4. Support the client's autonomy in decision-making

The correct answer is: Confront the client about the potential risks

Supporting the client’s autonomy in decision-making is the appropriate approach in this scenario. This perspective recognizes that clients have the right to make choices about their lives, even if those choices may seem unwise from a professional standpoint. While it’s important to address the potential risks associated with substance use, opting for a confrontational approach may alienate the client and lead to a breakdown in trust. In engaging with the client’s expressed confidence, the social worker can facilitate a conversation focused on the client’s thoughts and feelings about drinking again. This would allow the social worker to encourage reflection on past experiences, coping strategies, and the potential consequences of their decisions without imposing an authoritarian stance. Supporting autonomy involves creating a safe space for open dialogue, where the social worker can express concern for the client’s well-being while also validating the client’s right to make their own choices. This approach fosters empowerment and can help the client make informed decisions, potentially leading to deeper insights about their substance use and the implications of their actions.