| Summary: | Adolescent substance abuse is a major problem facing the world today. In order to understand the
reasons for adolescent substance abuse behaviour, various theoretical perspectives were utilised
and strategies to curb substance use were also identified. The study was conducted in the rural
areas of Zeerust, North West province of South Africa. The participants included 12 male
adolescents, whose ages ranged from 12 to 15 years. A qualitative, explorative research design
was employed. Data was gathered using semi-structured interviews, genograms and observations.
Thematic analysis was used to analyse audio-taped data. The study found that substances abused
by the participants include alcohol, nicotine, cannabis and heroin. Their reasons for using these
substances include individual, family and environmental factors. However, peer group pressure
was identified as the primary factor for adolescent substance use. This study emphasises the
painful nature of substance abuse among adolescents, yet at the same time it succeeds in
highlighting the strategies that can be employed to address substance abuse among adolescents.
In addition, this study recommends a concerted effort by all the stakeholders in addressing the
substance abuse problem. === Psychology === M.A. (Psychology)
|
|---|
