Abstract
Background: Substance misuse exists as a worldwide pandemic that creates destructive effects on millions of people and their families and communities because it damages economic stability and social structures, and health systems. Existing strategies for rehabilitating service users do nothing to prevent most people from returning to substance misuse once recovery is complete. The study explores Tshwane, Gauteng, South Africa, which has many rehabilitation centres, offering rehabilitation and aftercare, but many relapse rates have been explored before. Research on the efficacy of aftercare and on the maintenance of sobriety of persons within the post-rehabilitation period is limited. This research examines how aftercare programmes contribute to people’s continued sobriety, mainly in the Tshwane region of Gauteng in South Africa.
Method: Qualitative methods were applied in this study for exploratory and descriptive findings. The researcher used an interpretive phenomenological design to investigate the perception of recovering individuals in substance use aftercare programmes regarding their recovery. The investigator interviewed 7 participants through a semi-structured interview; sampling was purposive (6 male and 1 female). Consent to participate in the research was obtained from all individuals taking part in the research in their full knowledge and consent. Thematic analysis was used by the researcher to analyse the overall data.
Findings: Study results show that aftercare programmes are an important resource for individuals to achieve and maintain sobriety from substance use disorders. Aftercare programmes provide comprehensive care that comprises physical, psychological, and emotional support. A set of key factors contributes to success in the aftercare program, which includes peer learning, self-motivation, group support, family reintegration, and spiritual practices. Positive benefits are present, yet participants experience barriers with repetitive content and a varied peer community, as well as a gap between training for new skills and preparation for work.
Conclusion: The findings of research will improve the currently known information about substance misuse treatment and recovery. The study seeks to generate policy reforms and improve care, as well as to develop recovery assistance services for professionals who treat the recovering population. It will shed light on aftercare programmes working in South Africa’s Tshwane Gauteng that help people maintain their sobriety and prevent relapse. These results will build on existing literature and assist practitioners with better interventions to aid recovered individuals. The study will also demonstrate what impacts aftercare programmes have on sobriety and relapse rates for individuals with substance misuse problems.