Exploring Psychoactive Substance Use among Secondary School Learners in Bulawayo Metropolitan Province

This research sought to explore psychoactive substance use among secondary school learners in Bulawayo Metropolitan province. The constructivism research philosophy with qualitative research approach and constructivist grounded theory design were used to enable an in-depth exploration of the rise of psychoactive substance use among secondary school learners in Bulawayo Metropolitan province. Purposive sampling and theoretical sampling techniques were employed in the selection of a rich data source sample. Open-ended questionnaires and structured interview guides were employed for in-depth generating data from a sample size of 40 participants (30 secondary school learners psychoactive substance users and 10 parents of substance users) in Bulawayo district determined by theoretical saturation. An iterative and simultaneous process data analysis approach was used to analyse data which was qualitatively presented. The results of this study revealed and concluded that secondary school learners experienced addiction to psychoactive substances, mental health disorders. Secondary school learners indicated that persistent substance use affected their attention, memory, and decision-making abilities leading to poor academic performance. Results also disclosed that secondary school learners were struggling with managing their emotions after taking psychoactive substances. They also experienced mood swings, irritability, impulsivity recklessness and aggression as well as risk of suicidal thoughts. The study recommended that there is need for the educational or community psychologists and psycho-counsellors to provide counselling and therapy to the secondary school learners using family therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy and client centred therapy. There is need for the government to strengthen law enforcement efforts to combat drug trafficking and distribution to prevent the availability and accessibility of psychoactive substances in communities and secondary schools. Education campaigns need to target both adults and secondary school learners to help to reduce the stigma around addiction and encourage individuals to seek help. There is need for the government to develop an independent school curriculum to educate secondary school leaners on the effects of substance abuse, addiction problems, and prevention strategies. Finally, there is need for the adoption of the proposed Unhu/Ubuntu Psycho-counselling Model (UUPCM) to address psychoactive substance use among secondary school learners (see fig 3)

Psychoactive substance use, learners, secondary schools, Unhu/Ubuntu Psycho-counselling Model (UUPCM)

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