The purpose of this study was to uncover the methadone counseling process among recovering and non-recovering chemical dependency counselors by examining the concepts and techniques utilized throughout the counseling process. This study examined whether the recovery status of a counselor affected the counselor's theoretical addiction model and the concepts and techniques that were utilized throughout the counseling process.

AFRIKAANS: Hierdie navorsingstudie het ten doel gehad om 'n nasorgprogram te ontwikkel vir die benutting deur maatskaplike werkers in die hantering en behandeling van substansafhanklike adolessente. Die misbruik van afhanklikheidsvormende middels word erken as een van die grootste gesondheids- en maatskaplike probleme in Suid¬Afrika. Die eskalerende patrone van dwelmmisbruik en die impak daarvan op die individu en ook op die groter samelewing benodig gespesialiseerde vaardighede om die probleem te verstaan en aan te spreek. Met hierdie behoefte in gedagte is daar besluit om hierdie studie te doen en 'n nasorgprogram te ontwikkel om aan die maatskaplike werker in die praktyk 'n hulpmiddel te verskaf om eff'ektiewe nasorgdienste aan die substansafhanklike adolessent te lewer. Die doel van hierdie ondersoek is om verkennende- en beskrywende navorsing uit te voer na substansafhanklikheid by adolessente. Die kwantitatiewe navorsingsproses is gevolg in die navorsing, alhoewel navorsingsmetodes uit beide die kwantitatiewe- en kwalitatiewe benaderings gebruik is. Daar is twee stellings vir die navorsingstudie geformuleer, naamlik: Daar bestaan 'n leemte aan bestaande bruikbare nasorgprogramme vir die benutting deur maatskaplike werkers in die praktyk vir hulpverlening aan die substansafhanklike adolessent; en dwelmmisbruik neem toe onder adolessente en moet dringend aangespreek word. Die stellings was deur middel van die verkennende navorsingsontwerp en met behulp van persoonlike vraelyste (kwantitatiewe data¬insamelingsmetode) en semi-gestruktuurde aangesig-tot-aangesig onderhoudsvoering (kwalitatiewe data-insamelingsmetode) ondersoek. AIle kwalitatiewe- asook kwantitatiewe data het 'n ooreenkomstige bevestiging op die stellings verskaf. Hierdie data het aangedui dat daar 'n groot leemte aan effektiewe nasorgdienste ten opsigte van die substansafhanklike adolessent bestaan en dat substansafhanklike adolessente as gevolg van oneffektiewe hulpverlening telkens 'n terugval beleef. Verdere navorsing deur middel van die benutting van narratiewe terapie met 'n gesin waar 'n adolessent dwelms gebruik is gedoen. 'n Suid-Mrikaans geformuleerde meetinstrument wat substansafhanklikheid binne die adolessente kultuur en leefwyse, asook eietydse eise en probleme kan vervat en meet, word gevolglik aanbeveel. ENGLISH: The purpose of this research study is the development of an aftercare programme for social workers to use in the handling and treatment of substance dependant adolescents. The abuse of dependant substances is recognised as one of the greatest health and social problems in South Africa. The escalating patterns of drug abuse and the impact thereof on the individual as well as the greater community asks for specialised skills to understand and solve these problems. With this need in mind the researcher decided to develop an aftercare programme, which would serve as a practical guideline for social workers in practice in order to supply effective aftercare services to the substance dependant adolescent. The aim of the study was to investigate substance dependency by adolescents through exploratory- and descriptive studies. The quantitative research process was followed although both the qualitative and quantitative methods were used. Two suppositions were formulated for the research study: A huge gap currently exists for aftercare programs for the assistance of social workers in practice to substance dependant adolescents. These suppositions were investigated through the use of exploratory research design and with the assistance of personal questionnaires (quantitative date gathering method) and semi-structured face-to-face interviewing (qualitative data gathering method). Both quantitative and qualitative data confirmed the formulated suppositions. The data clearly indicated the need for effective aftercare services for substance dependant adolescents, which frequently experience a relapse due to the lack of assistance. Further research can be done through the use of narrative therapy within a family in which an adolescent used drugs. A South African formulated measurement scale, which is able to measure substance dependency within the adolescent culture and way of life, are recommended. / Dissertation (MA (SW))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Social Work and Criminology / unrestricted

The purpose of this study was to gain a deep phenomenological understanding of how young adults living in a detoxification centre for people with no fixed abode made the life changing decision to free themselves from substance use and provide insights that could be helpful for counselling psychologists working therapeutically with this client group. An exploratory study was conducted using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). The participants were between the ages of 25 and 29 years old (1 female and 5 males). All participants had spent 6 weeks in the detoxification centre at the time the interview took place. Two specific areas were pinpointed for exploration during the semi-structured interviews: (1) self-concept before entering the project and after having entered the project and been abstinent for at least 6 weeks, and (2) possible links between homelessness and substance use. Emerging themes were clustered in terms of polarities and existential dimensions. Four superordinate themes comprising of eight existential polarities were extrapolated: control-chaos; connectedness-disconnection; meaning-meaninglessness; responsibility-guilt. The data analysis revealed participants’ struggle to resolve the conflict between these polarities. Identity issues seemed to be crucial, as well as a sense of having lost touch with or possibly never developed an authentic self and a struggle to live and accept emotions in the present moment. Another aspect that emerged was difficulties in grieving losses as well as death anxiety. Connecting with others and caring about oneself seemed to be closely linked and conducive to wellbeing in participants’ experience of abstinence from substance use. On the basis of this study recommendations are made for professionals working therapeutically with this group of clients. These include taking an existential approach and using mindfulness techniques to support clients to accept the polarities we experience in life and to develop the capacity to embrace the contradictions of our existence.

The focus of this study is the relevance and effectiveness of the support structures available to high school learners with substance abuse problems. This research was confined to learners in Eersterust, a township situated to the east of Pretoria. Substance abuse, especially among high school learners in South Africa and in Eersterust, has increased in recent years. Substance abuse obviously poses a major barrier to learning. Along with poor academic motivation, this problem seriously interferes with learners’ academic performance and results in lower educational achievement. As an institution, the school is not able to provide support to these learners and so is obliged to link them with support structures such as the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependance (SANCA) and the National Youth Development Outreach (NYDO). / Inclusive Education / M. Ed. (Inclusive Education)

The focus of this study is the relevance and effectiveness of the support structures available to high school learners with substance abuse problems. This research was confined to learners in Eersterust, a township situated to the east of Pretoria. Substance abuse, especially among high school learners in South Africa and in Eersterust, has increased in recent years. Substance abuse obviously poses a major barrier to learning. Along with poor academic motivation, this problem seriously interferes with learners’ academic performance and results in lower educational achievement. As an institution, the school is not able to provide support to these learners and so is obliged to link them with support structures such as the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependance (SANCA) and the National Youth Development Outreach (NYDO). / Inclusive Education / M. Ed. (Inclusive Education)

The abuse of substances by South African young people has led to the development of specialised residential treatment programmes. This qualitative and phenomenological study sought to explore child and youth care interventions which contributes towards children’s recovery from substance abuse/dependency. Data was collected through purposive sampling, with face -to -face interviews with a broad interview guide and it’s analysis was influenced by Patton and Creswell’s eight steps for qualitative data analysis and interpretation. The study confirmed the involvement of South African child and youth care workers in substance abuse programmes for young people. Specific interventions such as an existence of a therapeutic relationship between child and youth care workers, the use of the relationship as a model for other relationships, the availability and presence of the child and youth care worker, the adolescent development programme and young people’s involvement in their individual development programme that contributed to recovery from substance dependency were identified. / Social Work / M. Tech. (Child and Youth Care)

The susceptibility of adolescents to chemical addiction has become a major international concern. Approximately 25% of people in Central Asia and Eastern Europe who inject chemical substances are under the age of 20 years (Youth at the United Nations, 2006), while up to 75% of unintentional injuries among adolescents in America are related to substance abuse (Page & Page, 2003:196). On the national level, approximately 25% of adolescents under the age of 20 are involved in substance abuse (Western Cape Department of Social Services and Poverty Alleviation Transformation Plan, 2006:13). Focusing on the Western Cape, a report from the South African Epidemiology Network (2007:3) highlights that the youngest patient in in-patient treatment was nine years of age, and among 2 798 persons who received in-patient treatment, 27% were under the age of 20, more than any other age group in treatment. Treatment of adolescent chemical addiction should include preparation for treatment, treatment, and also aftercare services to ensure that the addicted adolescent develops skills to maintain sobriety (Meyer, 2005:292-293). Section Six of the South African Prevention and Treatment of Drug Dependency Act (1992) prescribes that chemically addicted persons should have access to professional aftercare services to ensure that treatment is not terminated prematurely. The motivation for this study was based on the fact that, despite this statutory requirement, the Western Cape Drug Forum (2005:3) identified the need for the development of aftercare services in 2005, indicating the lack of focus on aftercare as part of treatment. This concern was confirmed by practitioners in the field of adolescent chemical addiction and findings resulted from previous research regarding relapse experiences of chemically addicted adolescents (Van der Westhuizen, 2007:129-130). / Social Work / D. Phil. (Social Work)

Chemical substance abuse and dependence constitute an increasing international and national phenomenon. Individuals, groups and communities are at risk of the mental, biological, legal and environmental implications associated with substance dependence. Human sexual behaviour is no new phenomenon to be studied. Human beings experience sexual behaviour and gratification as important. Sexual behaviour is not vital for the survival of the individual but vital for survival of the species. Sexual behaviour in combination with chemical substance abuse might pose further dangers to a person or group. Sexual behaviour where persons engage in sexual actions when using or abusing chemical substances could construct certain positive functions for persons. Qualitative researchers are interested in discovering the meaning persons attach to experiences. In understanding the dynamics of the phenomenon, possible contributions to the human sciences could be made. Chemical substance abuse and dependency affect the individual, his/her family systems and the community. Depressants and stimulants change the chemical functioning of the human brain and the mental health of the user. Despite the harm caused to the dependent person, abuse of the chemical substance is continued. The substance has various functions that the biological and psychological person becomes dependent on. Sexual behaviour is inherent in human nature, but not chemical substance abuse. It is expected by the researcher that there might be certain function(s) served by chemical substances in the sexual behaviour of persons. A literature study on the topic on the function of chemical substances in the sexual behaviour of persons yielded unsatisfactory results. Little research was found with regard to the function of chemical substances in relation to people’s sexual behaviour. In response to this need the researcher embarked on a qualitative research journey to explore the function of the chemical substances within the context of an individual’s sexual behaviour and practices. Chemical substances have different functions and affect the sexual behaviour, functioning and experiences of the users of such substances. Six objectives were set with the aim of developing an in-depth understanding of the function of chemical substances in sexual behaviour. The research question of this investigation leads to a clear inquiry into the phenomenon that was examined and analysed and yielded useful new information. This qualitative research project is characterised by its inductive features, openness to change and interest in human behaviour. The study is characterised by an interpretive nature as an interpretative investigation. An effort was made towards understanding the phenomenon through observation and exploration. Persons were invited to participate in the research and reported themselves to the researcher, the process of self-selection sampling was utilised. In drawing a sample from the population of patients at a treatment centre an interactive approach to the process was followed by conducting semi-structured and in-depth interviews as a method of data collection. Data analysis and processing was executed according to the eight steps for qualitative data analysis as proposed by Tesch (in Creswell, 2009). Data verification for the assessment of the trustworthiness of the research findings was achieved by utilizing Guba’s model as espoused in Krefting (1991). Informed consent, confidentiality and management of information were some of the ethical considerations adhered to in the planning and execution of this research project. The nature of this study is marked by the person-centred approach in combination with the qualitative methodology and philosophy. The researcher found the two to be appropriate when a sensitive and private topic was to be explored. Participants were able to evaluate the meanings that were attached to their experiences within a psychologically sound environment. Themes became evident through the data analysis process. These themes were contrasted against a body of existing theory. The wholeness of human beings came to the fore and literature from a bio-neurological and humanistic perspective was found to be applicable. The social sciences and, in particular, social workers are concerned with the wellbeing of persons, their relevant systems and context. These dimensions of human beings were addressed by this study and aimed to contribute to further development in the science of psychotherapy and the understanding of the person within the phenomenon being studied. Therapists should be willing and demonstrate a sensitive ability to understand the client’s experiences from the person’s own point of view (Rogers, 1950: 444). In a relationship that is constructed for the purpose the aim should be mainly to understand the whole person (Rogers, 1952: 343). Therapists should develop an ability to see completely through the client’s eyes and adopt the person’s frame of reference. This is the basis for implementing “client-centred” therapy (Rogers 1950: 444). A key role of social work practice is facilitating the empowerment of persons, and their personal and interpersonal strengths according to their own self-determination (Zastrow, 2012:39); the researcher recommends a holistic full understanding of the person in his/her wholeness (Rogers, 1987: 486). / Exploring the functions of chemical substances in individuals' sexual behavior / Interviews in English and Afrikaans / Department of Social Work / M.A. (Social Work)

The abuse of substances by South African young people has led to the development of specialised residential treatment programmes. This qualitative and phenomenological study sought to explore child and youth care interventions which contributes towards children’s recovery from substance abuse/dependency. Data was collected through purposive sampling, with face -to -face interviews with a broad interview guide and it’s analysis was influenced by Patton and Creswell’s eight steps for qualitative data analysis and interpretation. The study confirmed the involvement of South African child and youth care workers in substance abuse programmes for young people. Specific interventions such as an existence of a therapeutic relationship between child and youth care workers, the use of the relationship as a model for other relationships, the availability and presence of the child and youth care worker, the adolescent development programme and young people’s involvement in their individual development programme that contributed to recovery from substance dependency were identified. / Social Work / M. Tech. (Child and Youth Care)

The susceptibility of adolescents to chemical addiction has become a major international concern. Approximately 25% of people in Central Asia and Eastern Europe who inject chemical substances are under the age of 20 years (Youth at the United Nations, 2006), while up to 75% of unintentional injuries among adolescents in America are related to substance abuse (Page & Page, 2003:196). On the national level, approximately 25% of adolescents under the age of 20 are involved in substance abuse (Western Cape Department of Social Services and Poverty Alleviation Transformation Plan, 2006:13). Focusing on the Western Cape, a report from the South African Epidemiology Network (2007:3) highlights that the youngest patient in in-patient treatment was nine years of age, and among 2 798 persons who received in-patient treatment, 27% were under the age of 20, more than any other age group in treatment. Treatment of adolescent chemical addiction should include preparation for treatment, treatment, and also aftercare services to ensure that the addicted adolescent develops skills to maintain sobriety (Meyer, 2005:292-293). Section Six of the South African Prevention and Treatment of Drug Dependency Act (1992) prescribes that chemically addicted persons should have access to professional aftercare services to ensure that treatment is not terminated prematurely. The motivation for this study was based on the fact that, despite this statutory requirement, the Western Cape Drug Forum (2005:3) identified the need for the development of aftercare services in 2005, indicating the lack of focus on aftercare as part of treatment. This concern was confirmed by practitioners in the field of adolescent chemical addiction and findings resulted from previous research regarding relapse experiences of chemically addicted adolescents (Van der Westhuizen, 2007:129-130). / Social Work / D. Phil. (Social Work)