An experiental case study of drug-taking.

Abstract

Five semi-structured interviews were held with key informants of various organisations both on and off campus in order to gain an understanding of the context of drug-taking by university students in Pietermaritzburg. Thereafter, an holistic, single case study was undertaken to describe and explain significant predisposing, precipitating and maintaining factors present in an experiential analysis of a university student's drug-taking. Two semi-structured, open-ended interviews were conducted in collaboration with Rory, and a diary was written by him for the duration of one month. He also submitted a poem which he previously wrote, as well as a letter addressed to himself, both which reflected on his experiences of drug-taking. The data was subsequently intertwined with a brief review ofthe literature as well as with the theories ofUrie Bronfenbrenner, Albert Bandura and Erik Erikson, in order to interpret and understand the data meaningfully. Authoritarian parenting style, poor family functioning, parental values regarding drinking, and lack of positive father-son interaction appear to have predisposed Rory to start drinking and taking drugs. Rory's sense ofidentity confusion, peer models ofdrinking and taking drugs, and lack of parental monitoring seem to have precipitated Rory's drug-taking. His continued association with drug-using peer groups, his search for a sense ofbelonging following his parents' divorce, permissive parenting style, as well as the availability and pleasurable effects of drugs have maintained his drug-taking. Experiential case studies can play a positive role in generating future conceptual frameworks to understand drug-taking, to prevent drug use, and to effectively treat drug-taking individuals. The Ecological Theory of Urie Bronfenbrenner The Social Learning Theory of Albert Bandura The Psychosocial Theory of Erik H. Erikson 8 12 16 18 5. 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 An Understanding of the Context The Student Counselling Centre The Campus Health Centre South Mrican National Council for Alcoholism South Mrican Narcotics Bureau A University Residence