YOUTH SUBSTANCE USE: THE URGENT NEED FOR FAMILY SUPPORT AND EFFECTIVE INTERVENTION

By Morapedi Sibeko

• In South Africa, youth substance use disorder (SUD) poses serious challenges to individual health, family stability, and community well-being.
• Parental involvement and open communication are crucial in preventing substance abuse, particularly as alcohol misuse and binge drinking continue to have severe physical and mental health consequences for young people.
• Effective intervention strategies, including harm reduction and targeted support, can help young individuals make healthier choices and reinforce family structures, ultimately fostering stronger, more resilient communities.

In a society where young people are exposed to substances, parents are expected to play an active role in their children’s lives, staying informed about their whereabouts and activities. As South African communities witness the toll that Substance Use Disorder (SUD) takes on young people, this proactive engagement is essential. Youth SUD impacts not only their health and well-being but also their families and communities.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), alcohol is a depressant that can lead to various physical and mental health issues, including hallucinations, impaired judgement, and increased accident risks. Many young people mistakenly believe that alcohol can lift their spirits or relieve stress. Mr Mfundo Khumalo, a Social Crime Co-ordinator from the Umzinyathi district office, has observed that this misconception is widespread. Khumalo explains, “People think alcohol will make them feel better, but it’s actually a depressant. Not only does it impact mental health negatively, but it also affects their physical appearance, causing weight gain and bloating, which contradicts the healthy lifestyles we’re all aiming for today.”

The pattern of excessive alcohol intake over a short period, known as binge drinking, poses significant long-term and immediate health risks. The NIAAA defines binge drinking as consuming five or more drinks for males and four or more for females within two hours, raising blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to risky levels. This behaviour is common during weekends, holidays, and social events, where there is often pressure to consume large amounts of alcohol.

The dangers of binge drinking are considerable and complex. Immediate repercussions include alcohol poisoning, memory loss or blackout episodes, and impaired judgement, often leading to accidents and risky behaviours. The long-term effects are also severe; regular binge drinking has been linked to liver disease, cardiovascular problems, brain damage, and gastrointestinal issues. Binge drinking can worsen mental health over time, feeding a destructive cycle of alcoholism by exacerbating anxiety and depression.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed concern about the high prevalence of alcohol misuse in South Africa, highlighting its negative social and economic impact and the medical costs associated with binge drinking. Promoting responsible drinking practices, such as limiting alcohol intake, abstaining from drinking while driving, and eating meals to slow alcohol absorption, is essential to reducing the negative effects of this risky behaviour.

Social worker Agriment Tshabalala, from the Polokwane Secure Centre, promotes a careful approach when working with adolescents struggling with SUD. Tshabalala commented during a Social Development training currently underway in Boksburg, Johannesburg. She emphasised that, rather than providing new information about unknown substances, it is crucial to build on what the child already knows. When offering SUD counselling, it’s important to ask open-ended questions about what the young person already knows or has experienced. “This approach allows us to understand their exposure and knowledge without unintentionally promoting curiosity about other substances,” Tshabalala explains.

This strategy aligns with international standards. It avoids creating interest in other drugs while allowing counsellors to tailor interventions that focus on harm reduction, giving young people the tools they need to make better decisions.

Addressing youth substance misuse requires a team effort, beginning at home. Parents are advised to stay vigilant and hold frequent conversations with their children, fostering trust and using open-ended questions. Knowing their children’s friends, social circles, and challenges can significantly reduce the risk of substance misuse. By staying informed, acting responsibly, and staying engaged in their children’s lives, parents can be powerful allies in the fight against SUD.

As SUD significantly affects not only individuals but also their families, a compassionate, informed approach is essential to treatment. Families are the foundation of society, and when SUD harms them, it impacts entire communities. Counsellors can support young people in making healthier choices and alleviate the strain on family structures by focusing on open communication, harm reduction, and personalised support. By addressing substance use disorders holistically, families become stronger, enabling them to support each other and contribute positively to a healthier society.