Explore publications.

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 mental health concerns are growing issues among high school learners in South Africa. The study aims to investigate the prevalence, correlations and consequences of substance abuse and mental health concerns in Limpopo province. The study draws on Denise Kandal's theory of Gateway to understand and explain the progression of substance use and abuse among youth being high school learners and identify at-risk individuals as well as develop targeted prevention programs. The study adopted a qualitative case-study research design involving Five learners from Grade 10 as participants. The findings of the study revealed that 62,3% reported substance use, with alcohol and cannabis being the most used substances. Additionally, less than 50% of learners are screened positive for mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Notably, substance abuse was found to be significantly associated with mental health. The findings highlight the need for integrated prevention and intervention strategies addressing both substance abuse and mental health concerns in high schools. The study contributes to the understanding of co-occurring substance abuse and mental health concerns among high schools in South Africa. The findings emphasized the need for a comprehensive support system to address the issues and promote learner’s well-being.

Nyaope is proportionately a new substance/drug in South Africa. It is a combination of heroin and cannabis, and it is a very addictive drug. Nyaope is a public health concern in South Africa because of its spread and prevalence across townships. The streets of South Africa have been described as being flooded by Nyaope, and it is destroying communities due to its highly addictive nature, availability, and cheap prices. In South Africa, Nyaope is one of the illicit drugs that concerns the government. The use of Nyaope is worrying because it is higher than other harder drugs like methamphetamine, cocaine, and ecstasy because of its addictiveness. The study applied the qualitative research approach to understand the comprehensive analysis of the effectiveness of nyaope rehabilitation programs for individuals in recovery. The study used semi-structured face-to-face interviews with purposive sampling selected as a technique. The study utilized interviews as an instrument for data collection. An exploratory research design was employed in the study to explore the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs for individuals in recovery.  The study observed ethical considerations such as informed consent, confidentiality, beneficence, debriefing, and harm avoidance. The study applied systems theory and ecological approach to provide a framework and foundation. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs in addressing Nyaope addiction among individuals in Seshego, Polokwane, Capricorn District. The findings shed light on the management of rehabilitation programs in the study area, providing insights into the effectiveness and areas for improvement. Keywords Addicts, effectiveness, Nyaope, rehabilitation, service users and social workers.