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It's like an uncontrollable demon in your body: The lived experiences of youth using crystal meth during the COVID-19 pandemic in Witbank, Mpumalanga

Author

Listed:
  • Thembinkosi Peter Singwane

    (Lecturer, University of Limpopo, Department of Social Work, Sovenga, 0727, South Africa)

  • Dillo Justin Ramoshaba

    (Lecturer, University of Limpopo, Department of Social Work, Sovenga, 0727, South Africa)

Abstract

Crystal methamphetamine (meth) is quickly becoming one of the most used synthetic drugs worldwide, adding to the growing pandemic of substance abuse worldwide. Crystal meth may cause serious health effects including infertility, cancer and even DNA damage, especially among long-term users. Crystal meth users are often not aware of the serious health implications caused by crystal meth until it’s too late. This qualitative research paper employed the phenomenological research design to explore and describe lived experiences of crystal meth users. A total of 11 crystal meth users in the Witbank hotspots were identified through purposive convenience and key informants sampling. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and the thematic content analysis was used for analysis. The study's findings reveal that crystal meth users have an uncontrollable urge to use the substance which results in them being stigmatized in society and negatively affecting their family functioning. The findings also show that some crystal meth users engage in criminal activities. There is a need for further studies on lived experiences across all types of drugs. Policymakers in South Africa should work towards an Instant-admission policy for people who use substances, through the capacity of social workers. Key Words: Crystal meth, COVID-19, youth, uncontrollable demon

Suggested Citation

  • Thembinkosi Peter Singwane & Dillo Justin Ramoshaba, 2023. "It's like an uncontrollable demon in your body: The lived experiences of youth using crystal meth during the COVID-19 pandemic in Witbank, Mpumalanga," International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147-4478), Center for the Strategic Studies in Business and Finance, vol. 12(5), pages 286-294, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:rbs:ijbrss:v:12:y:2023:i:5:p:286-294
    DOI: 10.20525/ijrbs.v12i5.2726
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Dillo Justin Ramoshaba & Thembinkosi Peter Singwane, 2023. "Thematic content analysis of lockdown and domestic violence during the COVID-19 Pandemic in South Africa," International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147-4478), Center for the Strategic Studies in Business and Finance, vol. 12(2), pages 370-375, March.
    2. Fast, Danya & Kerr, Thomas & Wood, Evan & Small, Will, 2014. "The multiple truths about crystal meth among young people entrenched in an urban drug scene: A longitudinal ethnographic investigation," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 110(C), pages 41-48.
    3. Thembinkosi & Dillo Justin Ramoshaba, 2023. "Social workers' roles and contemporary responsibilities in addiction management: The case of selected treatment centres," International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147-4478), Center for the Strategic Studies in Business and Finance, vol. 12(2), pages 170-176, March.
    4. Frenkel, Marie Ottilie & Giessing, Laura & Egger-Lampl, Sebastian & Hutter, Vana & Oudejans, Raoul R.D. & Kleygrewe, Lisanne & Jaspaert, Emma & Plessner, Henning, 2021. "The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on European police officers: Stress, demands, and coping resources," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 72(C).
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