What role will social work have played in the opioid epidemic?

ABSTRACT

We’ve titled this editorial: “What role will social work have played in the opioid epidemic?.” This is meant to give pause, to reflect on the extent to which social work has helped – and at times harmed – those impacted by opioid use and misuse thus far, and to give consideration as to how the profession will aid going forward. We present the articles in this special issue in this spirit. In this special issue, you will find that social workers are making the connections necessary to engage communities and municipalities in ending the opioid crisis.

KEYWORDS:

• Social work
• opioid crisis
• opioid epidemic
• social work education
• mental health
• behavioral health

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).