Explore publications.

Patients with mental illnesses exhibit disproportionately higher rates of substance use compared to the general population, a pattern that is linked with exacerbation of psychiatric symptoms leading to poorer overall health outcomes. Consequently, a comprehensive understanding of the prevalence and patterns of substance use among psychiatric patients is essential for the development of effective, evidence-based mental health interventions. The study aimed to determine the prevalence and patterns of substance use among psychiatric patients attending a tertiary hospital in Tshwane, Gauteng Province. A cross-sectional quantitative survey was conducted among psychiatric patients, with a sample size of 405. The Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) version 3.1 was used to collect data on substance use, while a quantitative questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic information; both were analysed descriptively. The findings of this study indicated a high prevalence of substance use, with 70.1% of participants reporting substance use. Furthermore, schizophrenia emerged as the most common psychiatric diagnosis, accounting for 32.6% of cases. Alcohol was the most frequently used substance (60.5%), followed by tobacco (49.9%) and cannabis (26.4%). These results highlight the significant overlap between psychiatric illness and substance use, emphasizing the bidirectional relationship between the two. It is thus concluded that substance use is highly prevalent among psychiatric patients, underscoring the urgent need for integrated treatment approaches that address both psychiatric conditions and substance use disorders to improve clinical outcomes, reduce relapse rates, and enhance overall quality of life.

Substance abuse is a growing concern with challenging socio-cultural issues among women in South Africa. This study draws from the social workers' perspective to explore the prevalence and drivers of substance use among women. Using a qualitative approach, an exploratory design was employed to gather data through in-depth interviews with social workers in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The study’s findings highlight that domestic violence is often a catalyst, leading women to substances as mechanisms for coping with stress, depression, and adversity. Social workers identified the desire for belonging within the social network, and peer pressure normalizes substance use, especially in social gatherings where drugs and substances are easily available and affordable. Unresolved childhood trauma was also flagged as a critical contributor to the prevalence of substance abuse, establishing emotional vulnerabilities. The study shows how these factors influence substance use trajectories among women. It further recommends culturally responsive interventions that incorporate trauma-informed care and community-based support systems, with social workers playing a crucial role in prevention and rehabilitation efforts. The study was grounded in the universal ethical standards to protect the participants and maintain its integrity.

Substance abuse remains a critical global issue with profound social and economic implications, including poverty, crime, unemployment, and chronic health conditions. In marginalised communities across Africa, substance use, and relapse pose persistent challenges, particularly among youth. Despite the availability of rehabilitation services, relapse rates remain high due to various psychosocial and structural factors. This study investigated the underlying causes of relapse among service users who have undergone substance abuse treatment in Kwaggafontein, Mpumalanga, South Africa. Employing a qualitative research method, data were collected through in-depth interviews with service users and social workers from rehabilitation centres (SANCA). The findings revealed that relapse is primarily driven by persistent drug cravings, emotional distress, peer influence, and limited developmental opportunities. These results underscore the urgent need for comprehensive relapse prevention strategies, including community-based education, aftercare programs, life skills development, and sustained emotional and psychological support for substance services users. The study further recommends incorporating stress management techniques such as mindfulness, assertiveness training, and the creation of strong support networks, facilitated by social workers, to enhance long-term recovery outcomes

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.

The topic of the study is the lived experiences of youth raised by alcohol dependent parents at Mpheni village, Vhembe District in Limpopo Province, South Africa.  One of the major challenges faced by children staying with parents who abuse alcohol is that they may grow up thinking that alcohol is the solution to any problem they might encounter. The aim of the study was to explore the lived experiences of youth raised by alcohol dependent parents at Mpheni village, Vhembe District in Limpopo Province, South Africa. A qualitative research approach and semi-interview were adopted as a data collection method and data was analysed thematically. However, the sample was drawn from the population using non-probability and snowball sampling to recruit participants for the study. The study found that social gatherings have a major influence on how people perceive and drink alcohol. The researcher recommends hotline services to be implemented so that young people can have professionals whom they can talk to as well as rehabilitation centres for the parents.

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 and its associated disorders affect a whole spectrum of people. Substance users and individuals affected by substance abuse come from diverse backgrounds with varying beliefs and subscribe to various doctrines. This body of work explores the perspectives of a certain Black rural community in Limpopo Province, South Africa, about substance abuse and its treatment in their neighbourhood. Data was collected from purposively sampled community members aged between 18 and 35 years through a focus group discussion. The participation of the focus group members in the study was voluntary and consented to. The collected data was coded and thematically analysed. Community members ascribe the abuse of substances to different factors such as peer pressure, poverty, and idleness—the most prominent factor, as cited by participants, is witchcraft fueled by jealousy. The youth in the community feel like a failure to maintain sobriety by those admitted to treatment centers is not only due to structural challenges but can also be attributed to the spiritual realm. There is a need to consider service users’ backgrounds and beliefs in substance abuse treatment. The social work value of individualization should be duly applied when working with people who have substance abuse problems. There is also a need to obtain treatment workers’ perspectives about the integrated approach in treating substance use disorders.

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.