Substance Abuse and Mental Health Effects among the Youth in Botswana: Implications for Social Research

Aims: To explore mental health effects of substance abuse among youth in Botswana in order to inform research, policies and social work interventions; to examine services put in place in assisting mentally disturbed as a result of substance abuse.

Study Design: The study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive research design.

Place and Duration of Study: Sekgoma Memorial Hospital, Psychiatric Unit, Botswana between November 2015 and December 2015.

Methodology: The study used the qualitative method and adopted non-probability sampling to select participants that were divided into two groups being youth and key informants (13 men, 5 women; age range 18-50 years). The youth participants comprised of young people using drugs who have sought medical help before at Sekgoma Memorial Hospital. The key informants where staff dealing with cases of substance abuse. Purposive and snowball sampling was utilised to select all participants and the in-depth face-to-face interview was used for data collection. Data were qualitatively analysed.

Results: The findings confirm that substance abuse is high among youth in Botswana and that the early onset of substance abuse is often preceded by mental disorders comprising depression, suicidal tendencies and personality disorders. The findings also unveil the significance of rehabilitation centers in Botswana.

Conclusion: The study concludes by recommending that specific prioritized interventions be identified for support by social workers, psychiatrists and other professionals dealing with cases of substance abuse. Lastly, future research and policy direction and implications are discussed.