Causes of nyaope use : male and female users' perceptions in the Eastrand, Gauteng

Abstract

Substance misuse is a global phenomenon. South Africa has been hard hit by this social problem. A cocktail drug named “nyaope” is currently ravaging communities and is predominantly being used by African black populations since its introduction in the early 2000s. A low socio-economic background is considered the main risk factor. Though initially used mainly by males, over the years there has been an uptake among females. Current data reflect that there are many contributing factors. However, these studies focused mainly on the male user. It could be due to male users being more readily available in comparison to female users for social work research projects focusing on nyaope use. Hence, it was the aim of this study to bring forth a balanced view by focusing on both female and male users’ perceptions in terms causes of nyaope use in the Eastrand, Gauteng Province, South Africa. Qualitative research was undertaken through the operationalisation of a collective case study research design. Twelve participants comprising of six males and six females were purposivefully recruited to participate in semi-structured interviews. The interviews were guided by an interview schedule meant to explore and describe the causes of nyaope use at different levels of human functioning, namely (1) environmental level, (2) social level, (3) biological level and (4) psychological. In addition, focus was also placed on different experiences with nyaope on a gender level. This data were analysed through the use of thematic analysis which was key in generating themes and sub-themes. The findings from this study illustrate some common experiences as well as differences between male and female users of nyaope. On an environmental level, both were of the opinion that nyaope was easily and readily accessible to them. A pattern of substance misuse in the family of origin is also an experience which both groups of participants related to. Where psychological factors are concerned, bereavement and failure to subsequently cope with emotional distress contributed towards the onset of nyaope use. Not just this, but the absence of a father figure is a component both male and female users of nyaope associated with. When triangulated, data revealed that female users had predominantly shared a history of sexual violence. However, male users did not share this experience. Instead, they revealed that peer pressure would have played a greater role in their exposure to nyaope. Modes of acquiring the drug also differed according to gender. Female users were more prone to use sex work to feed their habit, while male users leaned more towards criminal activities. Lastly, nyaope use was revealed to have a negative bearing on one’s physical health, with female users more likely to deteriorate faster. The negative impact also extended to how society treated them. Female users were found to be subjected to more stigmatisation in comparison to their male counterparts. The recommendations informed by the findings point to the fact that a more collaborative effort is required from different stakeholders in fighting the scourge of nyaope. These stakeholders include government, such as the Department of Social Development, the South African Police Services and Department of Small Business Development, amongst others. There is also a need for treatment programmes to move away from a generic approach, and more towards a gender-sensitive approach for early intervention services, treatment services and aftercare services. Services meant for the consumption of female and male users of nyaope, respectively, need to recognize and address their different and unique challenges. For female users, issues around the history of sexual abuse and family reunification ought to take priority, while male users need issues such as peer pressure and dispel nyaope normality amongst them as a gender should be the focus. In light of these differences, the training of social services professionals, both students and practitioners in the field, needs to take into cognisance the fact that the treatment of male and female users of nyaope cannot use similar methodologies. Policy makers also ought to refine existing policy and align in to current needs, such as harsher penalties for the dealing of nyaope.