Substance use and abuse in marginalized communities in the Western Cape during the COVID 19 pandemic

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to conduct research into marginalised communities, focusing on individuals’ experiences related to the abuse of substances, particularly, during the COVID-19 pandemic. In so doing, this study hoped to shed light on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on those who abuse substances, and how they coped during the pandemic, with regard to accessing substances and also accessing support systems that may have been previously available to them, A qualitative research design was implemented. Snowball sampling was used to identify 17 participants to engage in individual as well as focus group interviews. A thematic approach was be used to analyse the data. The findings of the study, report on users’ experiences during the pandemic with regard to: the frequency and pattern of drug use, the access to illicit substances, the means to finances to purchase drugs, and the sources of support received. Recommendations are then offered to support people abusing substances in marginalised communities and to inform policy makers in the City of Cape Town about how the City of Cape Town, could improve support to marginalised individuals with substance abuse challenges.