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Adolescents’ substance misuse presents significant challenges to the well-being of their families. Families are expected to support adolescents who are misusing substances while continuing to cope with everyday life. Additionally, families continue to endure the negative effects of prejudice and stigmatisation while supporting adolescents who misuse substances. This study aimed to provide insight into the narrative hardships of living with adolescents who misuse substances. The study aims to gain insight into the impact of living with adolescents who misuse substances. Qualitative research was used to gain an in-depth understanding of the phenomenon under study using the family systems theory as the point of departure. Data was collected from 10 parents of adolescents who misuse substances and analysed using thematic analysis. The two themes that emerged from the interviews conducted were the impact of having adolescents who misuse substances in the family and strategies for effectively managing life with adolescents who misuse substances. The study suggests that the relationship between adolescent substance misuse and families is bidirectional and thus, adolescent substance misuse may lead to strained relationships and also negatively impact the wellness of families. The findings from this study may be used to develop ongoing strategies to support and encourage personal health, mindfulness and wellness for families.

The escalating use of substances, leading to substance use disorders with numerous culminating health implications and other related consequences is an ever-growing problem in Nigeria. Also, as new psychoactive substances emerge, there seems to be a shift in what is known as the pattern of substance use among Nigerian youngsters. This study investigated the trends in substance use and the predictive impact of irrational thought patterns on substance use among undergraduates in Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey design was used. Participants comprised 300 undergraduates (64% male) selected across three universities in Nigeria, using a purposive sampling technique. They responded to drug abuse screening tests and shortened the general attitude and belief scale. The study hypotheses were tested with a multiple linear regression analysis. Tramadol, cannabis, and alcohol were ranked as the top three substances of first use. Most of the respondents identified that their monthly expenses on drugs outweigh their income. Sexual performance boost, peer influence, and euphoria were reported as the major reasons for the continued use of substances. Also, the results showed that dimensions of thought patterns (rationality, self-downing, need for achievement, need for approval, need for comfort, demand for fairness, and other downing) significantly predict substance use disorder among males (F (7, 283) = 24.19, p < .001, R2 = .846) and female poly-substance users (F (7, 283) = 22.48, p < .001, R2 = .611). It was recommended that more attention should be paid to the cognitive dimensions of young individuals in both preventive and curative interventions for substance use.

Substance abuse refers to the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs. One of the key impacts of illicit drug use on society is the negative health consequences experienced by its members. For many young people across the world, substance misuse is a serious problem. There have been reports that alcohol misuse is widespread in South Africa. The purpose of this paper is to outline the elements that influence of the impact of drugs and substance abuse in South Africa and Africa Communities. The findings of the study that was carried out in the unofficial settlement regions are presented in this essay. The findings of drug usage in the informal community serve as the foundation for the conclusions drawn in this article regarding substance abuse in South Africa. According to this report, young people in South Africa misuse and consume alcohol at significant rates. Unemployment, a lack of effective mentoring, a lack of family values, inadequate parental advice, and a loss of hope were some of the contributing reasons. To achieve the study's goals, a desktop research technique was used, and secondary data was evaluated and deconstructed. This study's major goal was to look at the causes and motivations behind young people's alcohol abuse. The inquiry concentrated on young people's excessive and unusual alcohol consumption.

Substance abuse is one of the most pervasive problems facing our nation, especially in the townships. Curbing this problem requires an integrated approach in which community stakeholders and society work together to improve safety by tackling the fundamental causes of criminality through mobilising state and non-state capacities and resources at all levels. This study seeks to assess the strategies and successes of community initiatives and circumstances that bestow on the path towards helping to fulfill the community’s aim to prevent and combat drug abuse. This study made use of a sample of 90 respondents 18 years and older who responded to the survey. A purposive sample of 10 staff members from the community-based organisations participated in oral interviews, while a simple random sample of 80 community members responded to questionnaires. Furthermore, secondary data sources were consulted to back up the claims that emerged from this study. While the study evaluated community strategies and documented some of the successes, including the rehabilitation of drug addicts, it also highlighted the lack of capacity of community organisations to make meaningful contributions in this regard. In particular, the lack of cooperation/collaboration and trust between the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the community stakeholders is a cause for concern that may hinder any efforts to combat drug abuse. This study, therefore, highlights strategies that require a collective effort from government stakeholders.