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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.

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 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.

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.

There is a dramatic increase in substance use in South Africa, with nyaope use on the rise despite its illegalization in 2014. Nyaope is widely used by young people and people living in poverty in mostly black communities or townships of South Africa. It has severe withdrawal symptoms, and it is very addictive. The treatment for the withdrawal symptoms and the rehabilitation of Nyaope users has significant challenges. The study explored the understanding of social workers about nyaope substance and services provided to nyaope users. The study employed the qualitative research approach. A sample of 19 social workers providing services to Nyaope users at the Department of Social Development, Waterberg District, in Limpopo Province was chosen. The study applied interviews guided by a semi-structured interview schedule and used exploratory research design. Purposive sampling was used to select the samples for the study, and data was analyzed through thematic analysis. The study established that social workers have a better understanding of nyaope substance and provide effective programs aimed at rehabilitating the users. It further established that some of the ingredients used in nyaope include antiretroviral drugs, which are meant for other illnesses. Ecological systems theory was used to provide a foundation and background to the study.

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

Parental alcohol abuse remains a persistent global public health concern with far-reaching implications for child and adolescent development. While international research continues to demonstrate the correlation between parental alcohol misuse and adverse behavioural outcomes in children, limited attention has been directed toward the experiences of youth in rural African contexts. This study explores the effects of parental alcohol abuse on youth behaviour in Ha-Makuya Village, a rural community in South Africa’s Limpopo Province. Guided by Social Cognitive Theory, the study adopted a qualitative exploratory design. A purposive sample of eight youth aged 18–30 who had been exposed to parental alcohol abuse was selected, with seven ultimately participating in the study. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using a six-phase thematic analysis within an interpretivist paradigm. The findings reveal that parental alcohol abuse destabilises family functioning, resulting in financial strain, emotional distress, inconsistent parenting, and social stigma. Participants further described behavioural consequences such as withdrawal, anger, and difficulties forming healthy social relationships. Owing to the absence of formal support services in the village, youth relied mainly on informal coping strategies, including peer support, involvement in community activities, and avoidance-based behaviours. The study highlights the urgent need for rural mental health support, school-based counselling, community education, and family-centred rehabilitation services. It also recommends further research into gendered experiences and intergenerational patterns of alcohol-related behaviours in rural societies.