Abstract
Background: Adolescence is a unique and distinct stage of development that involves changes
in the physical, psychological and social aspects of adolescents. It is a critical transition into
adulthood whereby heightened risk-taking and sensation-seeking takes place, such as
substance abuse. In a South African context, this transition sometimes occurs under economic
stress, poverty, unemployment, high levels of crime and political instability. This can place
adolescents at risk of substance abuse.
Objectives: To explore and describe the lived experiences of adolescents abusing substances in
the Greater Giyani Municipality in the Limpopo province, South Africa.
Method: A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design with a
phenomenological approach was used. Data were collected through individual, in-depth,
phenomenological interviews and field notes. Thematic coding was utilised to analyse
the collected data, and literature was reviewed to support the findings. Moreover, measures
to ensure trustworthiness and ethical principles were applied throughout the research
process.
Results: Five themes were identified: substance abuse behaviour among adolescents,
adolescents’ motivation for continuing substance abuse, the effects of substance abuse on the
lives of adolescents, factors affecting adolescents’ discontinuation of substance abuse and a
need to discontinue substance abuse.
Conclusion: The study concluded that adolescents abusing substances in the Greater Giyani,
Limpopo province, experience loss of control, broken relationships, poor academic
performance, stigma attached to mental illness and negative emotions. The adolescents
foresaw their future as uncertain and without direction. It is recommended that mental
healthcare professionals introduce and implement interventions that will assist the adolescents
who abuse substances in the Greater Giyani, Limpopo province.
Contribution: The findings in this study could add knowledge in developing and implementing
of strategies for psychiatric nurses to support adolescents abusing substances in the Greater
Giyani, Limpopo province.