Uncovering the Roots of Substance Abuse: Teachers’ insights into Precipitating Factors Among Secondary School Learners in Capricorn District, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

Globalisation has brought the world closer. As a result, most goods including drugs from one continent to another have increased. Every drug available in the world is within reach and thus has led to the early access of drugs in South African schools. This study aimed to explore and describe the teacher's perceptions of precipitating factors of substance abuse by learners at Selected Schools in the Capricorn district of Limpopo Province, South Africa. A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual research design was utilised. The schools were purposively selected based on the high percentage of learners who abuse substances and learners were conveniently sampled used to select teachers to participate in the study. The sample of 23 participants was determined by data saturation. Data were collected through in-depth individual interviews using audiotape, field notes were also taken. Data were analysed employing thematic, Tesch’s method. Measures of trustworthiness were ensured. Results indicate that learners abuse substances because of peer pressure, and lack of or inadequate role models; learners feel more wise and courageous to deal with personal issues when they are under the influence and feel that substances can enhance confidence and performance. Learners who abuse drugs mostly live in households that are headed by elder brothers and sisters; parents stay away from them. Alcohol, cigarettes, inhalants and marijuana are drugs mostly used by learners at the selected high schools. The study recommends that Schools should implement substance/drug abuse policies that are easily communicated to and understood by learners. It was also recommended that the community should make sure that it deals with those adults who sell alcohol and tobacco to learners during school hours and the laws should also take its course.