African Journal of Drug and Alcohol Studies

Unravelling the drug-crime relationship: A study of substance use among female offenders

2025-03-27T08:14:08+00:00

The correlation between drug use and criminal behaviour is well-documented but often oversimplified. This study explored the intricate dynamics of this relationship, focusing on female substance users—a demographic historically underrepresented in such research. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 29 female offenders in South African correctional centres, followed by inductive thematic analysis. The findings challenge the conventional narrative that drug use directly causes violent criminal behaviour among women. Instead, it suggests violent behaviour is not inevitable, rather, women often choose to self-isolate or use substances to regulate their emotions. Highlighting these complexities, the study underscores the need for comprehensive investigations into the drug- crime relationship. Understanding this interplay is crucial for effective interventions and policies, particularly among female populations.

Social and cultural perceptions of alcohol use in Zambia: A qualitative study

2025-03-27T08:50:53+00:00

Alcohol is a global leading risk factor for death and disease among individuals 15-49, with highest rates of heavy alcohol consumption among drinkers in Sub-Saharan Africa. Given identified gaps in mental, neurological, and substance use services, communityand church- based services are needed to support individuals looking to reduce or quit harmful substance use. This qualitative study identified social and cultural perceptions of alcohol among drinkers, community health workers, and Christian pastors in rural and peri-urban Zambia. Themes included roles of alcohol, reasons for drinking, benefits and problems with drinking, Possible interventions, and impacts of quitting. Aligning alcohol perceptions between drinkers and brief intervention practitioners like health workers and pastors is an opportunity to fill the gap in substance use services.

Normalisation of a challenge: School management team perspectives on drug use in secondary schools

2025-03-27T09:06:40+00:00

This study explored the perspectives of the school management team on drug use among learners and its impact on their behaviour. The study was grounded on the theory of planned behaviour and adopted an interpretive paradigm, a qualitative approach, and a multi- case study design. A semi-structured interview was conducted. The data was analysed using an inductive content analysis. The findings revealed that the school management teams perceive learners’ drug use as extremely difficult to tackle, which compels schools to adjust to this circumstance, resulting in it becoming a norm that promotes disruptive behaviour. The study concludes that schools deploy little mitigating strategies. The study suggests the implementation of proactive measures, including stringent policy enforcement and educational programmes, alongside a multidisciplinary approach to enhance the engagement of parents and community leaders in addressing and mitigating drug use among students. The study further proposes a Circuit Drug Initiative Leadership Forum presentation, wherein schools within the closer geographical locations (Within a circuit) share their methodological initiatives, fostering various perspectives and mutual support in addressing the issue.

Why do patients suffering from substance use disorders relapse? Insights from clients at a harm reduction centre in Durban, South Africa

2025-03-27T09:12:35+00:00

Relapse to substance abuse is a health risk and a global public health concern. It is a subjective concept, and the reasons for its occurrence may vary. These reasons are particularly different in the context of harm reduction, as they depend directly on specific harm reduction goals and principles. As a concept, relapse needs to be better understood by both professionals and clients in the field of substance use to better mitigate its occurrence. The aim of this study was to identify and explore the causes of relapse examined through the real-life experiences of clients at a harm reduction centre in Durban, South Africa. This is an in-depth qualitative study that used convenient non-random sampling to recruit thirty-seven participants. Storytelling was used to collect primary data from participants who were homeless and suffered from opioid use disorders. All participants were registered in the Opioid Substitution Therapy programme at Bellhaven Harm Reduction Centre. Data was collected by the researcher assisted by three peer supporters. The collected data was manually analysed using thematic analysis. The most reported causes for relapse included easy access to substances, boredom, unemployment, negative emotions, peer pressure and broken relationships. The study revealed the need to help clients to be able to identify their triggers, develop coping skills and access support networks to reduce the potential harm associated with relapse. It concluded that relapse is less understood, stigmatised, and complex in nature. It is crucial to establish the causes and triggers of relapse to successfully mitigate its occurrence. To minimise the stigma associated with relapse, it is important for clients, professionals, and communities to be knowledge empowered to a point where they accept relapse as part of one’s recovery journey.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding alcohol use among early adolescents at primary schools in Johannesburg

2025-03-27T09:20:11+00:00

Alcohol use among early adolescents is a growing problem in South Africa (SA). To determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding alcohol use among early adolescents at primary schools in Johannesburg, a cross-sectional study from September 2023 to November 2023 was conducted. A sum of 215 early adolescents (54.9% female, 44.7% male) aged between 9 and 15 completed self- administered, anonymised, paper questionnaires. The results revealed that 100% of the respondents knew that children should not consume alcohol, above 80% held a negative attitude towards underage drinking but 13.5% had already consumed alcohol. Notwithstanding, many of the adolescents noted inclusive school-based alcohol prevention interventions as an effective approach to curb underage drinking. Such a study is relevant for health promotion specialists and policy makers aiming to implement early interventions to address early alcohol consumption.