Entering into, departing from and working within the psychiatric domain

Wulf Livingston

doi:10.1921/swssr.v25i1.2295

Authors

Wulf Livingston Professor of Alcohol Studies, Wrexham University, Wales https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3017-4370

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1921/swssr.v25i1.2295

Keywords:

alcohol, drugs, dual digagnosis, mental health, lder people, older people

Abstract

This article is a Festschrift contribution which maps out the similarities in the career trajectories of Professor Peter Huxley and myself. It begins by exploring the key considerations of our common profession; social work, and its relationship with mental health. It then explores how a social orientation has enable us to reframe understandings of dual diagnosis. The second half of the article then explores the key lesson learnt from these interactions. The findings of the contribution are centred around the need for better understanding of the social detriments of mental health and substance use. In reaching these conclusions, the article summarises the importance of seeing individuals for the problems they encounter and working with them in partnership to arrive at more empowered responses.

Author Biography

Wulf Livingston, Professor of Alcohol Studies, Wrexham University, Wales

Wulf is a registered and practising social worker. He is currently employed as a Professor of Alcohol Studies at Wrexham University, Wales. His research and practice focuses on alcohol and other drug use and/or mental health, with a focus on participatory, policy, qualitative, recovery and social justice considerations.

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