Rehabilitation of drug addicted adolescent boys: The contribution of social workers who are employed by the Department of Social Development

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Illicit and legal drugs are a substantial threat to the public good, not only because they adversely affect public health, but also because they generate crime, disorder, family breakdown and community decay. Many people think addiction is the only negative outcome of substance use. A significant number of people, and also adolescents, experience challenges with substance abuse. It is difficult for adolescents to realize the impact of substance and alcohol use on their lives. Many know about the risk of addiction, but cannot see the negative impact their substance use is having on their lives before they reach that point. All they have been taught to look for is the extremes of death, crashed cars, a life on the street, etc. They may still be passing at school for example, but they are not doing as well as they would be if they were not using drugs. There is a loss of potential which they may never regain. Social worker's contribution to render services in the field of substance abuse is valuable, despite some challenges.The goal of the study was to gain an understanding of the contribution of social workers who are employed by the Department of Social Development to the rehabilitation of adolescent boys who are addicted to substances. A qualitative approach with some quantitative elements was chosen to conduct this study. A combination of an exploratory and descriptive research design was used. The researcher was able to gain an in depth insight into the contribution of social workers regarding addicted adolescent boys. Ethical clearance was obtained to conduct this study.The literature study explored substance abuse among adolescent boys as well as the intervention and rehabilitation of drug addicted adolescent boys. The empirical study was undertaken and in the last chapter conclusions and recommendations for further social work practice were made. The empirical study was completed with 20 participants by means of semi-structured interviews. An interview schedule based on the findings of the literature study was utilized. Certain criteria for inclusion applied. The results of this study mostly confirmed the findings from the literature study which indicated that the social workers have meaningful contributions to make regarding adolescent boys who are addicted to substances, but that they experience several challenges such as inadequate training in the field of substance abuse. Recommendations are aimed at the social work profession in South Africa who need to align itself in providing an effective service to the addicted adolescent boy. Programmes were proposed that can serve as a guideline when working with these adolescents. Suggestions for future research are also made in line with how drug addiction in South Africa can be prevented by educating children from a very young age about the danger of substances at home and in schools.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University