Recovery From Substance Abuse Among Zimbabwean Men: An Occupational Transition

Abstract

Substance abuse is a rising global problem, associated with medical, psychiatric, family, occupational, legal, political, financial, and spiritual problems. Recovery is an important area of consideration in occupational therapy's quest to promoting health and well-being. This narrative inquiry explored the journey of recovery from substance abuse among young adult Zimbabwean men. Three men were purposively selected to participate in in-depth narrative interviews about their occupations during recovery. Data were analyzed using a narrative analysis. Explanatory stories and three superordinate themes illustrated how substance abuse was associated with both positive and negative outcomes. The recovery process emerged as an ongoing occupational transition, influenced by occupational identity and involving changes in occupational participation. Recovery from substance abuse can be conceptualized as an occupational transition. Ongoing participation in "healthy" and meaningful occupations is key factor in this process. Construction of a positive occupational identity is also central.

Drug and Substance Abuse Problem by the Zimbabwean Youth: A Psychological Perspective

“…One of the causes of drug abuse by the youths in Zimbabwe is that they lack of empathy, understanding and unconditional positive regard from parents and family being structures where youth expect care, understanding and kindness (Nhapi, 2019). Due to unemployment and having no income for entrepreneur projects, these youths leave the country to be expatriates providing menial labour to neighbouring countries (Nhunzvi et al, 2019;Nhapi, 2019). After enduring these endeavours, families fail to understand what the youth are going through and they do not share the same frustration with the youth or put themselves in the youths' shoes (Nhunzvi et al, 2019;Nhapi, 2019).…”

“…Instead, families become impatient, unsupportive and disrespectful to youth who spend a prolonged period without a meaningful livelihood after school (Nhunzvi et al, 2019;Nhapi, 2019). Rogers (1959) highlights that for a person to "grow", they require a genuine, open to share true feelings environment, acceptance, unconditional positive regard and empathy from their beloved ones.…”

“…The youth in Zimbabwe also expressed low self-esteem as one of the factors leading to drug abuse (Mahiya, 2016;Nhunzvi et al, 2019). The youth highlighted that due to forced mobility (migration) because of limited opportunities in the country, they end up lacking confidence and incompleteness, by getting menial jobs they did not train for in college (Mahiya, 2016;Nhunzvi et al, 2019).…”

“…The negative effects of this problem have been felt by the drug abusers, their families, communities and nation at large (Chikoko, 2019). Zimbabwean youth (10-35 years) are the most affected age group by drug abuse (Nhunzvi et al, 2019;Rwafa, 2019;Nhapi, 2019) and this age group constitutes 67.7% of the total population (Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, 2018). Zimbabwe's population is generally young (Zimstat, 2012).…”

Substance abuse rehabilitation needs to be guided by well-developed practice model(s)

“…1 It can be achieved by enabling them to identify their meaningful occupations and occupational roles, and supporting them to re-engage in the occupations that they value, which would help empower them to overcome abuse. 2 The interventions around the world include brief intervention, motivational strategy, cognitive behavioural therapy, outreach vocational rehabilitation and a community reinforcement approach. 3 4 Nevertheless, there seems to be no well-formulated practice model which can denote the uniqueness of these occupational therapy interventions.…”