Factors contributing to substance abuse among the youth in Atteridgeville, Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, South Africa

Abstract

The abuse of substances among the youth is a global health problem which has a negative impact on their health and wellbeing, families, educational and professional life, as well as communities and limits their hopes and dreams. An estimated 246 million persons globally (about one out of twenty people) between 15 and 64 years have abused substances in the past three years. The global drug problem has increased to such an extent that more than 1 out of 10 drug abusers is affected by either disorder or drug dependence. The aim of the study was to explore the factors contributing to substance abuse among the youth in Atteridgeville, Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality. The study was conducted in Atteridgeville community. Atteridgeville is a portion of the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, west of Pretoria in South Africa. The design was qualitative in nature, using exploratory design. The researcher purposively chose the participants from the target population. The population and sampling method was on participants aged between 15 and 35 years, with substance abuse problem, who were referred to Atteridgeville Medical Health Centre for counselling. The researcher used a semi-structured interview guide for gathering data. In-depth interview was used to collect data. A proposed total of number of 20 participants was suggested, and it was guided by data saturation. Data was analysed by using thematic content analysis. A measure of trustworthiness was ensured. Ethical consideration was observed in this study. The findings states that substance abuse problem was identified and certainly noticed by everyone in the community. New drugs remain unchallenged, drug dealers are known, yet, not a single law enforcement institution attempt to raid their houses to search and arrest them. Community involvement is not enough to end the scourge of substance abuse problems in the community. Some police officers were identified and known to be part of drug dealings or have family relatives who are drug dealers. The researcher therefore recommends that parents should be involved in the community forums to deal with substance abuse problems. The community policing and law enforcement should be equipped by developing a tactical team specifically looking at the drug problems in the local communities. In conclusion, the research revealed that, South African citizens are people who see a problem happening but lacks to implement strategies to deal it immediately.