Remember, we are not White! Community calls for an integrated approach in the treatment of substance use disorders

Prudence Mafa, Jabulani Makhubele and Enoch Rabotata
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Prudence Mafa: Department of Social Work, University of Limpopo, South Africa
Jabulani Makhubele: Department of Social Work, University of Limpopo, South Africa
Enoch Rabotata: Department of Social Work, University of Limpopo, South Africa

International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147-4478), 2022, vol. 11, issue 9, 300-305

Abstract: Substance abuse and its associated disorders affect a whole spectrum of people. Substance users and individuals affected by substance abuse come from diverse backgrounds with varying beliefs and subscribe to various doctrines. This body of work explores the perspectives of a certain Black rural community in Limpopo Province, South Africa, about substance abuse and its treatment in their neighbourhood. Data was collected from purposively sampled community members aged between 18 and 35 years through a focus group discussion. The participation of the focus group members in the study was voluntary and consented to. The collected data was coded and thematically analysed. Community members ascribe the abuse of substances to different factors such as peer pressure, poverty, and idleness—the most prominent factor, as cited by participants, is witchcraft fueled by jealousy. The youth in the community feel like a failure to maintain sobriety by those admitted to treatment centers is not only due to structural challenges but can also be attributed to the spiritual realm. There is a need to consider service users’ backgrounds and beliefs in substance abuse treatment. The social work value of individualization should be duly applied when working with people who have substance abuse problems. There is also a need to obtain treatment workers’ perspectives about the integrated approach in treating substance use disorders. Key Words:substance abuse, integrated treatment approach, Black community, beliefs

Date: 2022
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