I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many readers of this Journal, and to say congratulations to Dr. Shulamith Lala Ashenberg Straussner, founding editor for 20 years of the Journal, on her retirement. As the Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions (JSWPA) transitions into its next 20 years, and as a testament to Dr. Straussner’s exceptional work over the years, JSWPA is doing well. For example, in quarter 4 of 2020, in comparison to quarter 4 of 2019, the number of full-text downloads increased by over 6,500. It is within this healthy context that I transition into the editor role.
Dr. Straussner has taught, mentored, and provided inspiration to many social work practitioners and scholars in the substance misuse field. Here is what some of these individuals have to say:
“Dr. Straussner’s first editorial in the Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions on the role of social work in the field of addictions influenced my PhD and subsequent research.” –Dr. Toula Kourgiantakis, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto.
“My professional and personal friendship with Lala began as colleagues at Roosevelt Hospital’s newly established comprehensive alcoholism program in the 1970s. We continued to collaborate through the New York City Chapter Addictions Committee, one of the first and longest standing committees of NASW [National Association of Social Workers]. During Lala’s long tenure at NYU [New York University] Silver School of Social Work, she took the role of advocating for the inclusion of substance use disorders in the curriculum and founded the Postmaster’s Clinical Approaches to the Addiction Program. When she established the Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions in 2001, I was honored to serve as Associate Editor. Lala has made numerous contributions to the field—too many to list here—many books, workshops, papers, committees served on, students mentored, national and international conferences and programs, and many dissertation committees, including mine. All of this Lala has provided with unselfish devotion and collegial good will. A giant Thank you!” –Dr. Christine Fewell, former student and co-author; Adjunct Professor at NYU Silver School of Social Work.
“Lala has shown an unfaltering commitment and passion for promoting excellence in social worker’s practices related to addressing substance misuse and associated concerns. She has consistently demonstrated remarkable leadership, mentoring, creativity, and a collaborative spirit that has helped us build a dynamic network of social work practitioners, researchers, educators, and scholars carrying the torch for this mission. She has been a patient and powerful advocate for the JSWPA since its inception, too.” –Dr. Audrey Begun, colleague for two decades; Professor, College of Social Work, The Ohio State University.
In Dr. Straussner’s most recent From the Editor and as referenced by Dr. Kourgiantakis above, she reminded readers of the JSWPA vision, stressing its main emphasis on social work practice. Dr. Straussner established the JSWPA for social workers to share their practice-related work. As the JSWPA transitions into its next 20 years, previous and new authors are encouraged to submit manuscripts which include implications for social work practice.
I look forward to what the next 20 years will bring for social work and the field of substance misuse. Thank you Dr. Straussner for your visionary leadership in founding and nurturing the Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions.