Substance abuse among male adolescents

• Main Author: Mohasoa, Irene Patience
• Format: Others
• Language: en
• Published: 2010
• Subjects: Genograms; Dependence; Theoretical perspectives; Thematic analysis; Qualitative research; 362.2908351; Youth > Drug use > South Africa > Zeerust; Youth > Drug use > South Africa > Zeerust > Prevention; School children > Substance use > South Africa > Zeerust > Prevention; Teenage boys > Substance use > South Africa > Zeerust; Peer pressure in adolescence > South Africa > Zeerust; Teenage boys > Counseling of > South Africa > Zeerust; Conduct disorders in adolescence > South Africa > Zeerust; School children > Mental health services > South Africa > Zeerust; School social work > South Africa > Zeerust; Adolescent psychology > South Africa > Zeerust; Problem youth > Counseling of > South Africa > Zeerust
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10500/3551

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)