The lived psychological experiences of the youth resulting from the use nyaope drug in Sekhukhune District, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

Substance abuse among the youth is emerging as one of the gravest social and Public Health global concerns. This paper aims to share the psychological experiences of the youth who used a newly invented local drug called nyaope in rural communities, Limpopo province, South Africa. A qualitative study, using focus group discussion was conducted among nyaope users between 18-35 years. Thematic data analysis was applied to develop themes, sub-themes, and categories. Findings indicated that nyaope users encountered devastating psychological experiences such as; self-blame, stress, mental relaxation, drug dependency, and addiction. Furthermore, the life of nyaope users seem to revolve around acquiring more nyaope than seeking rehabilitative interventions to counteract the addiction. The Ubuntu theory was used to guide intervention in combating the nyaope problem. It is essential to recruit, train and capacitate more social workers and social auxiliary workers who would specialize in substance abuse services and prevention programmes. There should also be more rehabilitation centres to curb the growing number of drug addicts in the local communities as well as increased funding for non-government organizations that render substance abuse prevention services.

How to reference using ASWNet style:

Mamukeyani, E., Mashamba, T. J. & Onya, H. (2023). The lived psychological experiences of the youth resulting from the use nyaope drug in Sekhukhune District, Limpopo Province, South Africa.  African Journal of Social Work, 13(3), 147-154. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v13i3.3

Visit journal website: https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net