The goal of the study was to explore how adults living with stimulant abuse and bipolar disorder experience treatment at treatment centres in the Gauteng Province. As the study was aimed at gaining an in-depth understanding of the lived experiences of service users in terms of treatment, a qualitative research approach was implemented. The research findings were aimed at adding knowledge to the field of social work, which could contribute to the development of treatment programmes and possible policy changes that could positively impact the recovery of individuals living with a dual-diagnosis, specifically the dual-diagnosis of bipolar disorder and stimulant abuse. A phenomenological research design was used as it allowed the researcher to discover and report on the details pertaining to the participants' experiences in terms of the treatment they received. The phenomenological research design also enabled the researcher to describe the commonalities and discords expressed by participants in relation to the phenomenon. The sampling process for the research study took place in three phases. In the first phase, purposive sampling was implemented to select three substance abuse treatment centres in the Gauteng Province, and more specifically the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality. The second phase of sampling was also purposive sampling, where inclusion criteria were supplied to a social worker at each treatment centre who identified possible participants. During the third phase of sampling, possible participants were approached and informed of the study and ultimately four (N=4) individuals volunteered to participate in the study. Data was collected through the use of semi-structured one-on-one interviews which were guided by an interview schedule. Data gathered during the literature review and interviews were analysed through the process of thematic analysis and aimed at answering the research question "How do adults living with stimulant abuse and bipolar disorder experience services at treatment centres in the Gauteng Province?" The key findings indicate that admission to in-patient treatment programmes, for both stimulant abuse and psychiatric care, was prevalent among all participants, but re-occurring admissions to substance abuse treatment was more evident. Stimulants were primarily used as a means of coping with moods and emotions, as unstable mood patterns and emotions persisted regardless of the pharmacological treatment for bipolar disorder. The most helpful component of treatment which aided participants in managing their mood was counselling. When stimulants were not available and counselling was insufficient, other means of achieving psychological relieve were employed by participants, such as exercise, nicotine use, sweets and caffeine. The role of religion and spirituality in treatment is not clear, but all participants believe that religion and spirituality should be included in treatment. The need for education in terms of bipolar disorder, addictive behaviours, lifestyle changes and coping mechanisms were mentioned by most participants. In addition to education provided by professionals, participants expressed a need for sharing experiences with individuals that have managed to recover from bipolar disorder and/or stimulant abuse. When treatment plans and goals are set participants believe that they and their family should be included, a factor relevant to in-patient and reintegration services. With regards to in-patient treatment programmes, the psychosocial-cultural environment created within the physical environment was also mentioned as a component that needs to be considered. In order to deliver services that allow for the effective treatment and reintegration of individuals that abuse stimulants and are diagnosed with bipolar disorder the following recommendations are made: 1) Interventions, including prevention and early interventions, should be developed based on research findings focused on dual-diagnosis, to ensure that concurrent treatment and reintegration is achieved and sustained, thus promoting recovery, or the management, of both disorders. 2) Education in terms of stimulant addiction, cross-addiction, bipolar disorder, lifestyle changes, coping skills, as well as the interplay between these factors should be included in treatment programmes, however, education should be expanded to service providers and extended to family members too. 3) The role of religion and spirituality as part of dual-diagnosis treatment should be considered. 4) Treatment and support groups that focus on the specific dual-diagnosis of stimulant use and bipolar disorder, should be developed as part of in-patient treatment programmes, as well as supporting out-patient programmes, which could improve long-term recovery. 5) The physical and the psychosocial environments which are conducive to the recovery of dual-diagnosis patients should be established, as these environments could possibly be replicated, for example at home, and could ensure long-term recovery. 6) Service users and their families should be included in decisions regarding treatment planning and reintegration, as inclusion in this area of treatment could promote compliance to treatment. However, it should be stated that many of these recommendations are dependent on governing bodies, such as the Department of Social Development and the Department of Health, who are responsible for changing, developing and monitoring policies guiding treatment, which has a direct impact on the long-term recovery of individuals living with this dual-diagnosis. Future research studies that can contribute to understanding this phenomenon can focus on 1) Repeating the study within other private and government based treatment centres across South Africa in order to determine whether treatment needs differ or whether it presents the same results. 2) Comparing studies from different centres and areas of South Africa in order to establish treatment needs of individuals diagnosed with a dual-diagnosis. 3) Research should be done to determine the actual prevalence of the dual-diagnosis of stimulant abuse and bipolar disorder in South Africa, focused on admissions in both substance abuse treatment centres and psychiatric treatment facilities. 4) Treatment programmes developed from research findings should be implemented, and research should be conducted on the effectiveness of treatment. 5) Research on different combinations of dual-diagnosis is necessary to determine how treatment needs differ, as this will ensure the development of appropriate treatment. Individuals working at treatment centres (for both substance abuse and psychiatric disorders) should be aware of the needs of dual-diagnosis patients, and be educated on this phenomenon. 6) It is recommended that research should be done with the staff of psychiatric treatment centres, as well as staff at substance abuse treatment centres, to determine their views and knowledge in terms of dual-diagnosis. 7) Research focussed on the costs of not treating dual-diagnosis should be conducted. When the actual costs of non-treatment are established, government agencies and the private sector might be more prone to support treatment strategies. 8) Intervention strategies focused on families of dual-diagnosis patients should be implemented and the impact of these interventions on both patients and families should be researched. 9) More research in terms of this dual-diagnosis is necessary as this could allow for the development of effective treatment strategies that could lower relapse and readmission rates. / Mini Dissertation (MSW)--University of Pretoria, 2017. / Social Work and Criminology / MSW / Unrestricted

Substance abuse has been identified internationally and in South Africa as an escalating problem that has harmful effects on the substance user and on society. The cost of treating substance-related disorders places a strain on the allocation of financial resources to treat the problem. When relapse occurs in substance users who have already undergone rehabilitation, it increases the costs of treatment. Waiting lists at treatment centres are also negatively affected for first-time admissions when relapsed substance users are re-admitted. The study aimed to identify relapse indicators by post-discharge follow-up of adult substance users in a registered, non-profit, state-subsidised treatment facility in Cape Town. Marlatt’s Dynamic model of relapse was used to explore the individual and socio-cultural factors which were potentially associated with relapse. A quantitative research design using archival data and purposive sampling was used to identify possible relapse indicators. The participants were ex-patients who had undergone an inpatient treatment programme and who had been followed up post discharge. Ethical clearance was obtained from the University of the Western Cape Higher Degrees Committee. Written permission was granted by the treatment centre who is the original data owner.The majority of participants were male. More than half of the sample reported polysubstance use and, for more than half of them, the age of onset of substance use was between 11 and 15 years. Severe depression was present for more than a third of the participants, whilst the majority of the sample was assessed as being substance dependent. A large proportion of patients had family members who also used substances. The majority of the sample was unemployed and more than half had received previous substance abuse treatment. Significant associations were not established between the identified variables within the groups of factors. Additional studies are required to explore the factors contributing to relapse in this patient population. / Magister Artium (Psychology) - MA(Psych)

No description available.

Background: A initial interview with addicted people is described as a mapping of the patient's risk behavior in relation to the use of addictive substances. It also includes an assessment of the overall condition of the patient and subsequent determination of the therapeutic plan. It is a complex examination that which takes time for 60 minutes. The question is what should we do in this interview. How to make a plan for treatment with the patient. Objective: The aim of this thesis is to propose the structure of an aditological examination for the outpatient treatment center named Adiktologicka ambulance. The next step is to do the verification of the interview in practice. Methods: On the basis of professional literature, we formulate the possible contents of the "adictological input" exercise. We are interested not only in what to do but also how. We work in a psychodynamic context. Subsequently, we propose initial interview for addected people in the outpatient treatment center for addiction. We highlight the importance of the institutional context. The interview must match the focus and tasks of the certain institution. Finally, we briefly present the experience of the worker with addicted people. Discussions and Conclusions: We found out that an initial examination took more than one hour....

Magister Artium - MA / The purpose of this investigation is to determine how a group of selected institutionalized alcoholics react to a broad-spectrum model in regard to their perception of treatment, re-integration into community life and general rehabilitation. The method that was employed to achieve this goal is fivefold. Firstly alcoholics were placed within a theoretical perspective by focusing on the etiology, nature, extent and consequences thereof. Secondly the existing methods of treatment and the existing facilities available in South Africa were investigated. These two objectives were realized by means of a comprehensive literature study. Thirdly an empirical investigation was carried out of the policy and philosophical approach as well as the application of the multi-disciplinary methods of treatment at the Avalon Treatment Centre. Information in this regard was gained during visits to the Centre by means of personal interviews with the team applying the treatment as well as the respondents reacted to the treatment model by means of case studies. Data was obtained by conducting unstructured in-depth interviews with the respondents. By this means respondents were identified in terms of their personality configuration, marital, scholastic, professional, religious and socio-economic status. The respondents' drinking behaviour is focused on in order to determine patterns and tendencies in the development of the respondents' drinking problem. The researcher also followed up the respondents' behaviour over a period of two years to determine their re-integration within the community as well as their total rehabilitation. Valuable information about the respondents was gained during group therapy sessions and also meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous by means of participant observation. As member of Alcoholics Anonymous the researcher was part of the group and on an equal footing with the respondents. The advantage this held was that the researcher was accepted by the group and information was passed on without inhibitions. Fifthly the findings, conclusions and recommendations resulting from the whole investigation are set out. From the investigation it would appear that the problem of alcoholism, especially in South Africa is serious and escalating. In the light of this, there is a growing need for effective treatment. In spite of intensive treatment with complete abstinence general, degenerate as the aim of the treatment, the respondents, in because of denial, resistance to treatment, personality and social configuration and also poor re-integration, reacted poorly to treatment. The present specifically be sharpened establishment study shows that institutional treatment and as applied by the Avalon Treatment Centre can in order to be more effective. The of a more realistic perception of alcoholism among alcoholics per se is foremost. A more "enlightened" view of alcoholism is pleaded in terms of which alcoholism would be viewed as a non-stigmatised illness responding to treatment. The possibility that there will be a greater willingness on the part of alcoholics to submit to treatment is visualised. A more positive image of treatment centres should be created while the problem of alcoholism must be approached with a greater measure of sensitivity. Treatment should be of such a nature that it should emphasize and reinforce a positive self-image, pride in oneself and dignity. A more extensive programme of treatment that would include an exploratory project and longitudinal research is pleaded. The desirability of involving other key figures, important persons in the alcoholics life, and institutions as well as community organizations proposed with The traditional emphasis should helping fall services is re-orientation and education in order on sensitising, to achieve a more positive perception and understanding of alcoholism within the community. This study will hopefully stimulate further research in this direction. / South Africa

Magister Psychologiae - MPsych / The outcome of child abuse, i.e. physical, emotional and/or sexual, and child neglect is multifactorial. The severity, duration and nature of abuse and the child’s vulnerabilities are all contributory factors with regards the outcome of abuse. Children who are traumatized are likely to be profoundly affected. Studies have shown and nearly every researcher agrees that early childhood traumas lie at the root of many emotional and psychological illnesses. It has been noted that drug abuse is a major problem in the Western Cape. This thesis explored the relationship between subjectively perceived childhood trauma and drug dependence in an in-patient treatment-seeking sample of adults in the Cape Town Metropolitan Area in the Western Cape. This thesis presents the results of a measure of childhood trauma, namely the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire [CTQ] and a measure of drug dependence, the Drug Use Disorder Identification Test [DUDIT]. The sample consisted of 52 participants and included both males and females. Only participants who were identified as drug dependent were included in the study. Patients who were actively psychotic and/or alcohol dependent were not included in the study. Ethical clearance was obtained from the University of the Western Cape’s higher degree ethical committee. The anonymity of the participants, the importance of responding openly and honestly and the sensitive nature of the questions were highlighted during the test administration. Questionnaires were administered in accordance with the guidelines stipulated in the respective manuals. The data was analysed through correlation. The study found a positive correlation between childhood emotional abuse and drug dependence, and childhood physical abuse and drug dependence.

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)

Robot assisted therapy is becoming increasingly popular. Research has proven it can be of benefit to persons dealing with a variety of disorders, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and it can also provide a source of emotional support e.g. to persons living in seniors’ residences. The advancement in technology and a decrease in cost of products related to consumer electronics, computing and communication has enabled the development of more advanced social robots at a lower cost. This brings us closer to developing such tools at a price that makes them affordable to lower income individuals and families. Currently, in several cases, intensive treatment for patients with certain disorders (to the level of becoming effective) is practically not possible through the public health system due to resource limitations and a large existing backlog. Pursuing treatment through the private sector is expensive and unattainable for those with a lower income, placing them at a disadvantage. Design and effective integration of technology, such as using social robots in treatment, reduces the cost considerably, potentially making it financially accessible to lower income individuals and families in need. The Objective of the research reported in this manuscript is to design and implement a social robot that meets the low-cost criteria, while also containing the required functions to support children with ASD. The design considered contains knowledge acquired in the past through research involving the use of various types of technology for the treatment of mental and/or emotional disabilities.