The experiences of family members of nyaope users and their knowledge on the available social policy interventions; a case of east of Johannesburg
Date
2018
Authors
Motsoeneng, Lebohang
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Abstract
Nyaope is a designer drug that has been existing for more than 10 years in South Africa. It has had devastating effects on the users and their families. Policies such as the Prevention and Treatment Substance Abuse Act 70 of 2008 are aimed at helping family members with the rehabilitation of a loved one and to reduce the risk of harm. This study explored the experiences of family members of nyaope users and their knowledge on the South Africa’s Prevention and Treatment Substance Abuse Act 70 of 2008 in Boksburg, East of Johannesburg, Gauteng. The study adopted a qualitative research approach, utilising a phenomenological research design. A non-probability targeted sample was interviewed using semi-structured interviews. The sample consisted of family members of nyaope users who are permanent residents of Boksburg and Vosloorus. . Interpretative Phenomenological analysis was employed on the data collected. Findings show that the family members are negatively impacted by the nyaope use, experiencing financial and social burden. The identified themes were the dying relationship, relapse of the nyaope user, the lack of knowledge of social policy interventions and the unknown whereabouts of the nyaope user. It is recommended that there should be should more research on the topic of nyaope and the family experience on substance abuse.
Key Words: Family members, nyaope, Social Policy intervention, The Prevention and Treatment Substance Abuse Act 70 of 2008, whoonga,
Description
A research report on a study project presented to
The Department of Social Work School of Human and Community Development Faculty of Humanities University of the Witwatersrand
In partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree (BSW) Bachelor of Social work