Substance abuse remains one of the critical challenges facing South Africa. Research studies conducted locally and internationally, reflect a sharp increase in the number of young people that are falling prey to substance abuse (with the age of onset decreasing rapidly). These rising statistics, as well as the guidelines for evidence based practice suggest that drug prevention interventions need to be tailored to the needs of specific recipients of the service. The aim of the present study was therefore to understand the needs of a specific group of adolescents from a designated community in the Northern Areas of Port Elizabeth. This community has been riddled by gang violence, high levels of unemployment, teenage pregnancies, school dropout and in particular, large numbers of adolescent drug users. The goal of the study was therefore to enhance an understanding of the risk and protective factors associated with substance abuse amongst adolescents from this specific neighbourhood in the Northern Areas of Port Elizabeth. The study was imbedded in a socio-cultural and systemic theoretical framework. A qualitative research approach was adopted, employing an exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design to address the primary research question. A purposive sampling method was used to recruit eight non users and a snowball sampling technique was used (with the assistance of two gatekeepers) to identify eight substance users from the identified neighbourhood in the Northern Areas. An in-depth, semi-structured individual interview was used as the method of data collection with each of the 16 research participants. The data was analysed according to the steps for qualitative data analysis, as proposed by Tesch (in Creswell, 1994:155). The trustworthiness was enhanced by employing the four criteria proposed by Guba (in Krefting, 1991:214-222). The findings of the study indicate that the dominant risk factors for substance use are located at a family and community level. These included the absence of family structure, poor parental discipline and supervision, the presence of parental substance abuse, neglect of children and family disharmony. At a community level the risk factors included: the prevalence of drug outlets, normalization of substance use in the community, prevalence of gangsterism as a way life and source of income and apathy of community members in protecting their community. Protective factors were mutually exclusive and additional protective factors were discussed at length in the report. The findings which point to the adoption of an integrated community based approach to effect meaningful drug prevention strategies for substance abuse amongst adolescents in the studied community, are disseminated here in the form of a written report and will be prepared for submission to a journal for publication.

Thesis (MPA.) -- University of Limpopo, 2016 / This study was undertaken in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the Employee Assistance Programme on substance abuse in the Department of Public Works. Qualitative and quantitative research approaches were applied in the study. Purposive sampling was used to select clients who were on the EAP data base due to substance abuse as well as supervisors as they have first-hand experience with employees utilising the Employee Assistance service and shop-stewards because they play significant role in the workplace in all matters affecting their members including substance abuse. Ten (10) EAP clients were interviewed using the structured interview schedule. A questionnaire was distributed amongst twenty (20) supervisors and six (6) shop-stewards. All EAP clients were males as they are mostly exposed to alcohol and drugs due to a cultural acceptance that men are allowed to drink alcohol and smoke in contrast to women. The majority of the respondents were Sepedi speaking as the study was conducted in Sekhukhune District which is dominated by the Sepedi speaking people. Some of the major findings of the study are: Most of the EAP clients with substance abuse problems had low education level which ranges between standard 3 to 9 and were mostly doing technical work which includes bricklaying, carpentry, welding, electrician work etc. Therefore this suggests that illiteracy contributes towards alcohol and drug abuse due to lack of information of the dangers of the substances. Supervisors and shop-stewards believe that the EAP plays a pivotal role in the workplace to address employees‟ problems such as substance abuse that negatively affects employees‟ performance and productivity. They are also aware of their role of identifying, supporting and referring employees who need help. However, more supervisory training should be conducted to capacitate and strengthen their skills and knowledge on EAP. vi The study revealed that the Department does not have an effective preventative method as well as aftercare programme to assist employees with substance abuse problem which was identified to be the most common in the workplace. It was also highlighted that EAP focus in the Department was more on HIV/AIDS related issues and counselling than other issues. Preventative programmes, such as awareness campaigns on substance abuse, alcohol educational programmes, and peer-intervention as well as aftercare programmes are not implemented. Known cases of substance abuse intervention were identified with no aftercare programme which leads to clients relapsing. It was also found out that there are challenges experienced by EAP clients, supervisors and shop-stewards while utilising the service. Some of the challenges identified were lack of resources such as shortage of staff and budget. The largest group of EAP clients prefer an off-site model as well as ninety-five (95%) of supervisors, who agree that an off-site model is the best for the Department as an in house model promotes conflict of interest and poses confidentiality risks. Nevertheless, all EAP clients maintained that the principle of confidentiality was adhered to. It was also emphasised by the respondents that an off-site model exposes clients to a pool of different professionals such as social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, nurses etc. as compared to an in-house model where only one professional is rendering all services. From the findings it was concluded that EAP in the Limpopo Department of Public Works (LDPW) is not effective in addressing substance abuse since there are no preventative programmes as well as after-care services in place; hence the high rate of EAP clientele with substance abuse problem. However, the respondents are satisfied with the other services rendered through the EAP. For the programme to effectively address substance abuse problem it needs to be fully resourced with skilled staff and have enough budget.

Thesis (MTh)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Motivated by the observation that children living in the Western Cape face challenges relating to methamphetamine (tik) abuse, this research attempts to develop and propose a strategy that can be used in preventing mid-adolescents from engaging in tik use. To develop this strategy, a contextual analysis and hermeneutical process of the life of mid- adolescents and the environment in which tik abuse is occurring was initially undertaken. Through a contextual analysis of children living in Lavender Hill and surrounding areas, it was discovered that most children were attracted to tik due to the influence of modern technology, rampant poverty, the cheap cost of the drug, dysfunctionality of families, influence of gangs and lack of recreation facilities. Acknowledging that adolescence is an important stage in the formation of the character of any individual, this research attests that adolescents who use and abuse tik are those who do not have an enabling family and societal environment. It is suggested in this research that the Church can play a pivotal role in creating a socio-spiritual environment that would enable adolescents to develop themselves in such a manner that they do not need to use tik, or any other drug for that matter. This research thus develops a prevention strategy for dealing with tik abuse during mid- adolescence. This preventive strategy centres on the Church being of service to others. Based on a literature research conducted on the Lavender Hill community of the Cape Flats, this research proposes practical recommendations that could help different Christian churches in the fight against methamphetamine use by mid-adolescents. These recommendations attempt to involve different members of the community in the spirit that John Mbiti encapsulates in the proverb ―We are therefore I am‖. In this all- inclusive endeavour, this research supposes that if a community is properly functioning, it is possible for it to weed out unwanted elements in a manner that protects all its members, particularly the young. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die studie fokus op die vraagstuk van Metamfetamien-verslawing onder jeuggroepe binne die konteks van die Kaapse Vlakte met ‘n besondere fokus op die Lavender Hill- area. Daar is besluit om op middel-adolessensie te fokus omdat dit die fase is waarin jongmense uiters broos is en veral vatbaar is vir buite-invloede. Dit is ook die fase waarin vaste gedragspatrone binne identiteitsvorming vasgelê word. Die oogmerk was om veral op voorkomingstrategieë binne gemeentelike verband te fokus ten einde die pastorale bediening van die problematiek bewus te maak. Omdat verslawing ingebed is binne plaaslike kultuurkontekste, is besluit om aan te sluit by ‘n sosiaal-kontekstuele analise. Metamfetamien (of tik) raak betekenisraamwerke asook die mens se soeke na erkenning en aanvaarding. Vandaar die keuse vir ‘n kwalitatiewe benadering in aansuiting by ‘n pastoraal-hermeneutiese metodologie. Die sosiaal-kontekstuele analise in die Lavender Hill-area het aangetoon dat veral die sopsiale media en tegnologie ‘n groot rol speel in die gebruik van tik onder kinders. Binne ‘n armoedekultuur en die impak van gesinsverbrokkeling op jongmense se identiteitsontwikkeling, veral binne die bruingemeenskap, word ‘n teelaarde vir dwelmisbruik geskep. Tik is bekostigbaar en die situasie word deur bendes (gangsters) uitgebuit. Daar is ook bevind dat omgewingsfaktore ‘n bydraende rol speel, veral die gebrek aan doeltreffende ontspanningsgeriewe. As gevolg van die gebrek aan voldoende sosiale en familiale ondersteuningstrukture, word persoonslikheidsontwikkeling en karaktervorming hierdeur nadelig beïnvloed. Teen hierdie agtergrond stel die studie voor dat die kerk binne gemeenteverband as ‘n soort ‘familie‘ gestruktureer moet word. Die kerk is die skakel tussen die sosiale dimensie en spirituele raamwerke. Die gemeentelike bediening moet derhalwe by identiteitsontwikkeling betrokke wees ten einde voorkomend op te tree. Kerklike voorkomingstrategieë moet gekoppel wees aan die ekklesiale modus van diakonale uitreik ondanks religieuse and kulturele grense. In dié verband moet verskillende denomenasies hande vat en ook intensief saaamwerk met plaaslike gemeenskapsleiers. Dit is hier waar die Afrika-spiritualiteit , soos onder andere deur John Mbiti geformuleer, ‘n deurslaggewende rol kan speel, naamlik: ons bestaan vir mekaar, daarom leef ek as individu en bestaan ek as mens. Hierdeur word ‘n inklusiewe benadering geprofileer wat die gemeenskap inskakel ten einde die euwel van tik doeltreffend te bestry.

Thesis (Ph.D. (Social Work)) -- University of Limpopo, 2018 / The scourge of substance abuse globally amongst the youth today is probably one of the most talked about risky health behaviours in history, and is increasing at an alarming rate. Socio-cultural practices contribute towards the use and abuse of substances by the youth in rural areas. The “Ke Moja” programme that dealt with youth substance abuse was rarely received in these areas. The researcher sought to study the impact of socio-cultural practices towards substance abuse amongst the youth to develop a school-based intervention programme. The researcher’s research methodology included a mixed methodological approach that is, exploratory-descriptive design. Stratified-systematic and purposive sampling methods were used to draw a sample from learners, educators, social workers and SGB members. The data collection methods employed was semi-structured interview schedule and questionnaires. Data was analysed using thematic analysis. The results reveal that alcohol and drugs serve as agents of socialisation in socio-cultural events. It was found that there are different types of traditional home-brewed beers that the youth abuse almost daily because they are cheap, easily accessible and available. The findings also reveal that socio-cultural events contribute towards substance abuse in rural areas. The study reveals that sociocultural events take place almost every weekend where the youth use substaces as agents of socialisation. The findings reveal that the need for socio-culturally appropriate substance abuse prevention programmes amongst the youth is important in rural areas. The programme is called “Hambanani” which literally means doing away with the use and abuse of substances. The researcher concludes that socio-cultural practices contribute towards the abuse of substances by the youth in rural areas. The researcher recommends that social workers implement a school-based intervention programme on the impact of socio-cultural practices towards substance abuse amongst the rural youth.

Thesis (M.A. (Social Work)) -- University of Limpopo, 2012 / Refer to document

Chemical substance abuse is a major problem affecting young people of all races, in particular teenagers, not only in South Africa but globally as well. Although this phenomenon continues to be a serious condition that impacts on teenagers’ growth, learning and relationships with their parents, there is limited knowledge-based research on the experiences, challenges and coping strategies of parents living with teenagers abusing chemical substances. A qualitative research approach was employed to explore, describe and contextualize the experiences, challenges and coping strategies of parents living with teenagers abusing chemical substances in Ramotse, Hammanskraal in Gauteng Province. The researcher used purposive and snowball sampling methods to draw the sample. Data was collected through the semi-structured interviews and analysed using Tesch’s eight steps (Creswell, 2009). Data was verified against four criteria developed by Guba and Lincoln’s model to test the trustworthiness of a qualitative research study. The ethical considerations adhered to throughout this study were informed consent, anonymity, confidentiality, debriefing of participants and management of information. The findings confirm that there is lack of support for parents living with teenagers abusing chemical substance. From the findings, recommendations for policy, education, practice and future research were made. The results were disseminated by means of a written research report to management of SANCA and the participants. / Social Work / M. A. (Social Work)

The incidence and consequences of adolescent substance abuse for the health and well-being of adolescents, their significant others and society at large, have become an increasing concern. The early onset of substance use further enhances the potential for addiction, thus emphasizing the need for early identification and intervention. The literature and practice observations suggest that parental management, which includes parenting practices such as parental monitoring, clear rules about substance use and the modelling of protective, constructive behaviours, protects adolescents from the onset of substance use and interrupts the adolescent’s progression to substance abuse. This qualitative study aimed to explore and describe parental management of adolescent substance abuse in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. An exploratory- descriptive and contextual research design was employed in this study. Furthermore, non-probability purposive sampling, in conjunction with snowball sampling techniques, was employed to recruit parents who have or continue to manage their adolescents (between the ages of 13-18 years) substance abuse and the associated impact that it has of on the family in the past year. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with ten parents, and data collection ceased upon reaching data saturation. The generated data was analysed using thematic data analysis. The trustworthiness of the research process and the findings was enriched by engaging in a variety of data verification strategies. The following main themes emerged from the data analysis process: Participants’ perspective of adolescent substance use in their community; Participants’ experiences of their own child’s substance use; Impact of substance use on the family system; Participants’ perspective of their role in managing adolescent substance use; and, Participants’ support needs in relation to adolescent substance use. The findings contribute to a greater understanding of what parents require to effectively prevent and/or manage substance abuse by their adolescent children. The findings furthermore recommend preventive interventions at both primary and secondary level.

Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Human Resources, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2017. / The aim of this study was to assess the employee assistance programme related to substance abuse within a selected private hospital in KwaZulu Natal. A paucity of information within the South African context on how employees with substance abuse problems were being managed within the workplace provided the motivation for this study. The objective of this study was to evaluate existing employee assistance programmes, the line manager model and existing human resource policies and procedures within the selected private hospital. The research design adopted a mixed method approach using a questionnaire, followed by an interview based on findings of the questionnaires. The intended sample size was 185 out of 460 staff and the final return of questionnaires was 219. Of significance is the response rate of over a 40% which implies a margin error of 5%. The data was analysed using the computerised Statistical Program for Social Sciences (SPSS version 22.0 for Windows). This study concluded with the findings that emerged from the research. The findings suggest that employees with substance abuse problems are not being effectively managed and that there are no awareness models apart from the employee wellness provider. The limit of the employee wellness provider is that it markets “employee wellness” rather than an emphasis on substance abuse. A suggestion is that the human resource department and the wellness provider partner in inspiring a substance abuse prevention and assistance campaign. Another recommendation highlights the training of all line managers in identification of recognising employees with substance abuse problems prior to work performance being affected. The study concluded with suggestions for future research in this field. / M

There is a paucity of research in the area of women abusing substances and the effects thereof on family cohesion. Lameman (2008:83) has claimed that “women substance abuse is surrounded by secrecy owing to the societal position and history of women in South Africa and worldwide”. Because women abuse substances in private it is reasonable to assume that there is little known on the effects of such abuse on especially the family and society at large. Mammam (2006:55) points out that “families continue to evolve like any other system as a way of adapting to the environment and responding to the changes around it”. Families continue to survive because of the attractiveness the family has to its members. Studies on family cohesion such as by Grisham and Adele (2008) reflect some of the most important reflectors of family cohesion as respect, sharing values and beliefs, emotional support, trust, intimacy and the ability to confide in each other. The survival of the family therefore rests on cohesion. Since a family is a unit there are different roles played by each member and in rural settings where roles, status and perceptions in terms of gender are slow to change, the question was how substance abuse by a woman would possibly affect family cohesion. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) 2011 World Drug Report indicated that South Africa is a major African hub for certain drugs such as heroin and cannabis (marijuana), as well as a major producer of others, including methamphetamines. Large numbers of South African citizens also abuse drugs and alcohol, and the country has one of the world’s highest alcohol consumption levels per drinker. Possibly the greatest negative effect of drug and alcohol abuse is that it slows down or stops emotional and psychological development, preventing people from reaching their full potential, (UNODC, 2011). Added to this is the burden placed on society by health care and criminal justice costs related to substance abuse, as well as the costs associated with decreased productivity in the workplace, increased HIV transmission, domestic violence, injury and death (UNODC, 2011).

MPM / Oliver Tambo Institute of Governance and Policy Studies