Social work services provided by Non-Profit Organisations to adult methamphetamine users: An ecological perspective

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Substance abuse is a universal challenge which places strain on the demand for a country's social welfare resources. In South Africa – one of the countries with the highest number of methamphetamine (MA) users in the world – the demand for substance abuse services has increased rapidly in the past 20 years.Using the framework of ecological systems theory, the study's main aim was to gain an understanding of the nature, scope and utilisation of social work services that non-profit organisations (NPOs) provide to adult MA users, in order to make informed recommendations in line with current policy directives to NPOs in the Cape metropolitan area.A qualitative case study approach was used together with an exploratory and descriptive case study design. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with 10 service providers and 10 service users The eight-step approach to thematic data analysis by Tesch (in Creswell, 1994) was used in combination with Atlas Ti.Key findings were that social workers, ministers and ex-addicts play significant roles in intervention by providing on-going guidance and support. However, collaboration is urgently required between governmental policymakers, NPOs and private organisations to address the scourge of MA abuse.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University