CHALLENGES FACED BY SOCIAL WORKERS IN RENDERING SERVICES TO NYAOPE SUBSTANCE USERS

Use of nyaope amongst South Africans has risen dramatically. Concerns have been expressed about the negative effects this illicit drug has on communities. Currently, there is a dearth of scientific evidence on the challenges facing social workers rendering services to nyaope users. This study adopted a qualitative approach guided by ecological systems theory; data were collected through semi-structured interviews through purposive sampling and analysed through identifying themes. The study established that there are many challenges facing social workers working with nyaope substance users such as dishonesty and unreliability of clients; dealing with reluctant and non-voluntary clients and dealing with clients who return to using illicit opioids.