The psychosocial experiences of Nyaope substance abusers with repeated rehabilitation histories

Abstract

South Africa has witnessed an undeniable increase in incidents of Nyaope substance abuse across its townships. Many Nyaope abusers rapidly revert to Nyaope abuse post-rehabilitation. Previous studies identified psychosocial factors that precipitated Nyaope abuse; however, the dearth of studies on experiences of Nyaope substance abusers after rehabilitation has been notable. Thus, the study aimed to explore and describe the psychosocial experiences of Nyaope substance abusers with repeated rehabilitation histories. The study adopted a qualitative descriptive research design. A purposive sampling method was used to select 8 participants who have been rehabilitated and are undergoing rehabilitation recovery at a Second Chance Recovery Centre in Mamelodi, Tshwane, Gauteng Province. Semi-structured one-on-one interviews were employed to collect data. Only those who were willing and voluntary participants took part in the study. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed word for word. Key themes were identified using thematic analysis. The following themes emerged from the thematic analysis: Family support, Community Support, Trauma, Negative Emotions, and Peer pressure. Nyaope substance abusers experienced a lack of family support, a lack of community support, trauma, negative emotions, and peer pressure, which impacted their coping skills in remaining free from Nyaope. The experiences highlight the importance of understanding the psychosocial risk factors that precipitate repeated Nyaope abuse that has led to repeated rehabilitation. The study observed a gap in the community’s understanding of the impact of Nyaope abuse and relapse; therefore an awareness, support and educational campaign is needed. Furthermore, the study identified the importance of supporting and educating families and community members in orders to highlight the role that such support plays in curbing Nyaope abuse, to prepare family members for reunion with the rehabilitated Nyaope abuser, and to be part of their recovery support structure on the curbing of Nyaope abuse and relapse.