Development of Aftercare Guidelines to Support and Prevent Relapse of Rehabiltated Substance Abusers in Madibeng Sub-District, North West Province, South Africa

Abstract

Background Substance abuse is a challenge that prevails across all ages globally today. Different drugs like cannabis, amphetamine, cocaine, methamphetamine, morphine, and alcohol are abused. Research studies have indicated an increase in relapse of rehabilitated substance abusers. Some studies revealed that 20% of admissions at rehabilitation centres are readmissions. This study aimed to develop guidelines to prevent rehabilitated substance abusers from relapsing in North West Province, South Africa. Methodology An interpretive paradigm informed the study; thus, a qualitative approach using explorative, descriptive, and contextual designs was adopted. This study was conducted at the Beethoven Rehabilitation Centre (BRC), North West Province, South Africa. The study population was relapsed rehabilitated substance abusers readmitted at BRC and professional nurses (PNs) caring for them. In this study, purposive sampling was used to select participants who met the selection criteria. Data were generated using unstructured, in-depth individual interviews with participants and analysed using Tesch’s eight steps of analysis. Measures to ensure trustworthiness were employed. Ethical considerations were adhered to throughout the study. The six elements of practice theory; as well as the SWOT and BOEM action plan, informed the development of the guidelines. The developed guidelines were validated following Chinn and Kramer's five critical questions. Results Two themes and 10 sub-themes emerged from the analysed data, namely factors contributing to relapse, such as a lack of family support, physical abuse, financial abuse, peer pressure, defaulting, and hopelessness. Secondly, factors minimising relapse include motivation, positive support, medication, and aftercare. Finally, the aftercare guidelines to prevent rehabilitated substance abusers from relapsing in North West Province, South Africa, were developed and validated. Recommendations It is recommended that further research be conducted to implement and evaluate the effectiveness of the developed guidelines to mitigate relapse of rehabilitated substance abusers in North West Province.