Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Drug abuse and crime – Macau'

Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2015
ENGLISH ABSTRACT : In this study we look at the syndemic of substance abuse and drug-related crime in the Western Cape province of South Africa. The intent of this study is to provoke critical thinking about the possibilities systems thinking and system dynamics posses for social and health challenges in a diverse and complex environment like that of South Africa, especially the Western Cape. This study ventures into cross-discipline work between Epidemiology, Biomathematics and System Dynamics, with the hope of encouraging researchers from different fields to collaborate in order to curb the scourge of substance abuse and drug-related crime in South Africa. Substance abuse and the associated health and social hazards such as drug-related crime is a major problem in the Western Cape. Drug-related crime cases reported by the South African Police Services (SAPS) for the Western Cape exhibited a 311.5% growth in the past decade. This highlights how the reduction of substance abuse and drug-related crime within theWestern Cape province, will be an elixir for the safety and development of the communities. The fight against substance abuse has been driven by a multi-sectorial approach involving several government departments, non-governmental organisations and communities. With systems thinking the assumption is that the world is systemic, which means that phenomena is understood to be an emergent property of the interrelated whole. Firstly, using non-linear ordinary differential equations, we formulate a deterministic mathematical model for the substance abuse and drug-related crime syndemic, evaluate the threshold number and use sensitivity analysis to analyze the model. Secondly, a dynamic system, called the Substance Abuse and Drug-related Crime in theWestern Cape (SADC-WC) system is constructed using the STELLA in order to explore and classify the underlying relationships and structures within the substance abuse and drug-related crime system. Both the sensitivity analysis, and the simulations of the SADC-WC system indicate that an increase of successful convictions will have a significant influence on the syndemic, and promise to reduce drug-related crime cases.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING : In hierdie studie ondersoek on die syndemie (‘syndemic’) van dwelmmisbruik en dwelmverwante misdaad in die Wes-Kaap provinsie, in Suid-Afrika. Die moontlikhede wat sistemiese denke en dinamiese sisteme inhou vir sosiale en gesondheid kwale in ’n diverse en komplekse omgewing soos Suid-Afrika, word ondersoek. Hierdie studie waag interdisiplinêre werk tussen Epidemiologie, Biowiskunde en Dinamiese sisteme, met die hoop om navorsers van verskillende velde aan te moedig om saam te werk om die plaag van dwelmmisbruik en dwelm-verwante misdaad in Suid-Afrika te bekamp. Dwelmmisbruik en die gepaardgaande gesondheid en maatskaplike gevare soos dwelmverwante misdaad is ’n groot probleem in dieWes-Kaap. Die SAPD se vermelde dwelmverwante midaad het ’n groei van 311,5% ondergaan in die afgelope dekade, en is aanduidend vir hoe die beheer en beperking van dwelmmisbruik en dwelm-verwante misdaad in die Wes-Kaap provinsie bevordering van beide die veiligheid en ontwikkeling van die gemeenskap sal verseker. Dit beklemtoon hoe die vermindering van dwelmmisbruik en dwelm-verwante misdaad in dieWes-Kaapland, sal ’n elikser vir die veiligheid en ontwikkeling van die gemeenskappe. Die stryd teen dwelmmisbruik is gedryf deur ’n multi-sektorale benadering waarby verskeie regeringsdepartemente, nie-regerings organisasies en gemeenskappe. Stelsels denke en dinamiese sisteme is gebasseur op die aanname, dat die wÃłreld is sistemiese en dat verskynsels verstaan word ten opsigte van die ontluikende eienskap van die omvattende geheel. Eerstens stel ons ’n kompartementele model op wat deur nie-liniêre gewone differensiële vergelykings beskryf kan word vir die dwelmmisbruik en dwelm-verwante misdaad epidemies. Ons evalueer die drumpel getal en gebruik sensitiwiteitsanalise om die parameters van die model te analiseer. Tweedens, is ’n dinamiese sisteem genaamd die Middelmisbruik en dwelmverwante misdaad in dieWes-Kaap (SADC-WC) stelsel gebou met behulp van die STELLA platform om te verken en klassifiseer die onderliggende verhoudings en strukture binne die dwelmmisbruik en dwelm-verwante misdaad stelsel. Beide die sensitiwiteitsanalise, en die simulasies van die SADC-WC stelsel dui aan dat ’n toename in suksesvolle vonisse ’n beduidende invloed op die epidemies sal hê; en beloof om sake van dwelmverwante misdaad te verminder.

This thesis analyses the construction of the risk environment with the emergence of a harm reduction policy in Macao, which, I propose acts as a regulatory regime to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic among injecting drug users (IDUs). On the one hand, the policy has endeavoured to address the various levels of the risk environment on the IDUs; on the other hand, it is also portrayed as a bio-political project situated in the history of drug control and public health surveillance in Macao. With harm reduction imperatives such as the methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) and needle and syringe programme (NSP), addict citizens are refashioned and made up to be a particular form of drug using subject – health conscious citizens who rationally and calculatingly perform in the use of drugs in a controlled manner in order to minimise drug-related harm to themselves as well as the general society. With the conferral of neoliberal subjectivity, they are offered political benefits in symbolic and material resources, such as recognition, trust and legitimate status, to obtain welfare. However, the tradeoffs are their freedom and mobility in being constrained by the methadone treatment, which is metaphorically represented as “liquid handcuffs”. The study utilises ethnographic research methods, such as video-recording, photo-taking, field observations and in-depth interviews, as its data sources. The data analysis is informed by a thematic approach, especially discourse and content analyses. Inspired by risk governmentality, IDUs are not passively subjugated to the surveillance of the treatment regime. Contrarily, they actively display modest amounts of agency, which they assert themselves by developing various streetwise risk strategies to handle overdosing. A code of ethics with regards to moral economy and responsibility are cultivated in the drug user community under the impacts of harm reduction (expert) discourses. In the face of entrenched double stigma around drug addiction and HIV/AIDS which shape their risk environment and spoiled identity as junkies, the drug users in this study endeavour to innovate strategies of resistance with the use of harm reduction measures to properly manage their spoiled identity and reclaim their citizenship. This gives them more freedom, autonomy and pleasure in their life experiences through the negotiation process that is embedded in the risk environment. The theoretical implications of this study include: the integration of risk governmentality with risk environment, and an assessment of harm reduction imperatives, including their effect as a newer form of governance on IDUs, which might conceal the material constraints that they face. In short, harm reduction requires a critical focus on the benevolence of biopolitical projects, such as the MMT and NSP, which, while not intentional, might legitimise the repressive measures directed at drug users – who ultimately are not willing to trade their freedom to take part in ―healthy self-care‖ projects under a neoliberal drug policy.
published_or_final_version
Sociology
Doctoral
Doctor of Philosophy

This study presents a discursive journey with regard to the risk and protective factors confronting individuals who engage in methamphetamine use within the Manenberg area. Given that this journey requires a cautious and sensitive approach to the meaning making of the lived experiences of the six (6) individual users (the informant base)
the study adopted an analysis process that would allow for a guided &ldquo
tour&rdquo
of these experiences. In doing so, the study made use of the grounded theory method that allowed for this guided &ldquo
tour&rdquo
to be fully anchored in the collected data. External to this data, and once the data emerged as engageable themes, the study introduced, relevantly so, Bronfenbrenner&rsquo
s social-ecological model of human development, so to multiply and deepen the meanings embedded within the data. The merging of this external frame, provided by Bronfenbrenner&rsquo
s model, and the rich data provided by the six (6) informants, uncovered critical themes in understanding the risk and protective factors at play within Manenberg. These themes relate to the historical identity of Manenberg, given the history of Apartheid, the role of the local community and its perceived tolerance of the practice of drug use, which is further echoed in the identity of the family and its limited ability to support drug users in the face of ever-growing poverty. The themes also uncovered the bipolarity in the practice of drug trade and gangsterism as serving a subsistence function, at one level, and an exploitative function at another. Furthermore, the study solidified traditional views that the peer collective is, indeed, a critical actor on the stage of drug use and that the individual (as an actor) continues to be confronted by a script of poverty and disillusionment. This script, as will be illustrated, is also active in preconceived notions of gender stratification.

A mixed methodological approach with two different analytic procedures and multiple data sources was used to examine narcotics hot spots. The first phase compares two methods of hot spots identification; the prediction model and the actual crimes. The second phase involves an intensive study to better understand the phenomenon of drug hot spots areas consistently shown to be repeat hot spots.

The purpose of this study was to examine prescription drug abuse among the adolescent population and analyze factors that may contribute to or influence adolescent drug abuse. This study examined 3 waves of a secondary data set from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) entitled the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). The data from these surveys are nationally representative and include data on several types of drug use and mental health conditions. Results from the current study indicate that there were significant relationships among age, gender, race, previous alcohol use, school enrollment, general health, mental health treatment, and the use of prescription drugs in the adolescent populations. Future research should be conducted to investigate the severity of the impact adolescent prescription drug abuse will have on society and to investigate possible solutions to this problem.

The current research analyzed the relationship between methamphetamine use, cocaine use and marijuana use within the last 12 months and crime committed within the last 12 months. Crime is defined as drug sales, property and violent crime. The research design is a quantitative approach which uses secondary data analysis of the National Longitudinal Survey of Adolescent Health (Add Health) to provide evidence toward the research question; does illegal drug use increase the risk of committing a crime?The public access, 2008 Wave III data results of this nationally representative sample of adolescents in grades 7 through 12 in the US in the 1994-95 school year was used for analysis. Methamphetamine use was associated with an increased risk of committing all crime, only until cocaine use was controlled for. Once cocaine use was controlled for, methamphetamine use became non-significant. Cocaine use and marijuana use were significant and associated with an increased use of committing a crime.

The purpose of this study is to examine three factors relating to drug arrests using secondary data analysis. First, ethnic characteristics of a dealer were analyzed according to the location from where they sold their product. Next, possible factors associated with a police officer using force at the time of a drug arrest were also analyzed. Finally, factors associated with a gun being present at the time of a drug arrest were also analyzed.

This study is designed both as a case study and a literature-based policy analysis to assist interested parties in gaining a better understanding of controversial “narco-terrorism” phenomenon. The objectives of this study are to show the existing connection between some terrorist organizations and drug trafficking to provide academic information about and explanations for terrorism and drug trafficking, to critically analyze the biases of many current narco-terrorism doctrines and to offer a comprehensive and neutral typology that elucidates all types of narco-terrorism. This thesis is presented in four parts. The first part includes an introduction to narco-terrorism and provides a historical background of drug dilemma and terrorism. A number of definitional and conceptual arguments constituting the backbone of the study are laid out in the second part of the study. Third part consists of case studies of three different insurgent groups. An analysis of the information uncovered and presented in previous chapters and a typology of narco-terrorism are provided in the last part. Thesis is concluded with recommendations in an attempt to inspire useful policies for individuals or institutions operating on the field.

This dissertation explores the impact of policy and economic conditions on the current economic crises of crime, substance abuse, and financial exclusion faced domestically and abroad. Although these issues span the income distribution, impoverished regions are disproportionately affected by the highest rates of risky behaviors such as drug abuse and crime. The ability for public policy makers to affect large populations of at-risk individuals can be difficult; oftentimes, these groups operate outside of the public sphere and large-scale interventions can miss the mark. In my first substantive chapter, I investigate the efficacy of state-wide insurance reform aimed at reducing drug dependency by requiring insurance providers to cover rehabilitation and detoxification. Utilizing state-level panel data in a generalized differences-in-differences framework, I find that states which enact laws expanding insurance coverage are successful at encouraging treatments for some types of conditions but are limited in their ability to reach individuals struggling with opiate addiction and, correspondingly, have little impact on deterring accidental overdose deaths. In my second substantive chapter, I question the assumptions made in previous empirical work regarding the relationship between economic conditions and crime. Existing literature finds that property crime rates are positively correlated with the unemployment rate. In this paper, I investigate whether this relationship is evolving over time and find that the relationship between property crime rates and unemployment has diminished toward zero. Moreover, I find evidence that there is a non-zero relationship between unemployment and violent crimes during certain periods in time. In my last substantive chapter, we develop a theoretical model illustrating the basic trade-offs in the functioning of financial institutions (Village and Savings Loan Associations) designed to provide financial inclusion to under-served populations in developing countries. We develop a theoretical model which suggests that these groups lack a mechanism to ensure equilibrium in the supply and demand for funds. We test the predictions of this model using experimental data from newly formed groups in Uganda and find that groups operate with excess demand for loans but are often able to generate a high return on savings. This dissertation includes previously unpublished co-authored material.

Introduction Child sexual abuse is a common problem. Psychological and behavioural problems in children and adults who have experienced child sexual abuse have been associated with the abuse. Little research has been conducted which has been long-term, prospective, involved substantiated sexual abuse, included a control group, took into account mediating factors, utilised multiple data sources, relied on standardised measures and had a high follow-up rate. Aim The aims of this study were to compare a cohort of sexually abused young people with a group of nonabused peers and to establish predictors of psychological and behavioural outcome. Method This study was a follow-up which was long-term, prospective, involved a sample of children with substantiated sexual abuse, included a control group, took into account mediating factors, utilised multiple data sources, relied on standardised measures and had a high follow-up rate. Eighty-four sexually abused young people were followed up five years after presenting to Children�s Hospitals� Child Protection Units for sexual abuse and were compared to a group of 84 nonabused young people of similar age and sex. The two groups were compared on the basis of demographic variables, family functioning, mother�s mental health and life events; the outcome measures of depression, self-esteem, anxiety, behaviour, criminal activity, alcohol and other drug use, eating problems, running away, suicide attempts, self-injury, hopefulness, despair and attributional style; and potential mediating factors such as further notifications to the Department of Community Services, receipt of psychological treatment, legal action against offenders and victims compensation. Potential predictors of outcome were (1) demographic variables, (2) sexual abuse characteristcs, (3) intake data and (4) five year follow-up variables. Main findings Follow-up rates were 81percent (n equals 68) for cases and 89percent (n equals 75) for controls. Five years after presenting for the sexual abuse, the sexually abused young people were performing more poorly than their nonabused peers on various measures of psychological state and behaviour. Although the abused children had experienced more negative life events (p<.001), were from lower socio-economic groups (p<.0001), had more changes in parent figures (p<.001) and had mothers who were more psychologically distressed (p equals .03), multiple regression analysis showed that after allowing for these and other demographic and family factors, there were still significant differences between the groups after the 5 years. The abused children displayed more disturbed behavior (p equals .002), had lower self-esteem (p<.001), were more depressed or unhappy (p<.001) and were more anxious (p equals .03) than controls. Sexually abused children had significantly higher levels of bingeing (p equals .02), self-injury (p equals.009) and suicide attempts (p equals .03). Significant predictors of psychological and behavioural outcome were significantly related to family and parent functioning variables. Abuse status was not a significant predictor when offered to each of the predictive models. Significant predictors of outcome included the following intake variables: family functioning, mother�s mental health, whether parents were employed or not, behaviour scores, prior notifications for neglect, history of parental discord and whether there were caregiver changes or not prior to intake. The classification of the index sexual abuse event as indecent assault and whether there were notifications for sexual abuse prior to the index event also significantly predicted outcome. Five year follow-up variables which were significant predictors of outcome were the young person�s age, number of negative life events, attributional style, self-esteem, depression, number of parent changes, anxiety, despair, whether there were notifications for abuse/neglect after intake and having a parent with a history of drug/alcohol problems. Conclusions Difficulties associated with child sexual abuse continue for some years after the abuse event. Child sexual abuse needs to be considered as a possible antecedent of behaviour and psychological difficulties in young people. Treatment and monitoring should continue for some years after the abuse. Treatment may need to be directed more towards young people�s psychological states rather than focusing specifically on the sexual abuse. Family and parent functioning may need to be addressed early in order to prevent some of the behavioural and psychological difficulties associated with the long-term outcome of child sexual abuse.

Syftet med studien är att studera subjektiva upplevelser av vilka faktorer som varit bidragande till ett upphörande med brottsligt beteende, samt de faktorer som enligt egna upplevelser leder till ett upprätthållande av en mer konventionell livsstil. För att studera detta har en kvalitativ metod tillämpats och semistrukturerade intervjuer med fyra före detta kriminella individer genomförts. Studiens resultat visade att kärleksrelationer och föräldraskap, att sluta med alkohol- och narkotika missbruk, bryta upp från tidigare omgivning samt egen vilja är faktorer som i samspel med varandra påverkat de intervjuade att upphöra med brottsligt beteende. Rutiner, nytt socialt nätverk och stöd är faktorer som enligt intervjupersonerna möjliggjort ett upprätthållande av en mer konventionell livsstil. Studiens viktigaste slutsats är att samspel mellan yttre och inre faktorer även kallade vändpunkter, är av största vikt för att en upphörandeprocess skall vara framgångsrik.
”It´s never too late.” - Four stories about the path out of crime. The purpose of this paper was to study the subjective experiences of factors that have contributed to desistance from criminal behavior, and the factors which, according to the interviewees own experiences lead to the maintenance of a more conventional lifestyle. The study was performed using qualitative semi-structured interviews with four ex-offenders. The results have shown that factors, such as love relationships and parenting, as well as desistance from alcohol and drug abuse and changing their environment are factors that in interaction with each other have affected the interviewed individuals desistance from criminal behavior. Routines, new social network and support are factors which, according to the interviewees made it possible to maintain a more conventional lifestyle. The study's main conclusion is that the interaction between external and internal factors so called ”turning points”, is crucial to a desistance process to be successful.

Universally it has been reported that the fundamental change in or breakdown of traditional patterns of family living is a major cause of juvenile crime around the world. Researchers argue althought sequential violence may originate from certain important social and historical conditions - substance abuse primarily fules the cycle of violence. The major causes of delinquency in various countries are related to each nation's economic and social environment. The present study took place in the Correctional Services of the Boland Overberg region. The study aimed to examine the impact of risk factors (environmental conditions) and it's contribution to substance abuse and to determine how these risk factors and the prevalance of substance abuse contributes to criminality.

Thesis (M Social Work)--Stellenbosch University, 2012.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The Western Cape is notorious for its high prevalence of gangs and resulting gang violence. This is confirmed in the multitude of frequent reports of homicides attributed to gangs. This area of South Africa further has elevated substance abuse statistics. Literature clearly states that gangs and drugs are inextricably linked. The nature of the interaction is however unclear, although the effects of the interaction is significantly apparent as the consequences of gang activities is often felt by innocent bystanders. It is concerning that gangsterism and drug usage is normalised and ceases to be viewed as deviant in some communities. The consequences of the interaction between gangs and drugs has ramifications for community safety and further places much strain on the health, social welfare, as well as defence sectors. Effective interventions need to be informed by insight into the interaction between gangs and drugs. The best source of reliable information in this regard would be gang members. A dearth of research with regards to the gang members‟ perspective on the connection between gangs and drugs thus motivated the study. The study was conducted with male gang members within the setting of a substance treatment centre, where drug usage is normalised. An empirical study with a combination of a qualitative and quantitative approach was used, where a semi structured questionnaire was administered with individual participants as well as a focus group. The study illustrated that gangs attract members through their ability to meet the individuals‟ needs. These needs are linked to those indentified within motivational theory. Gangs met physiological needs through access to drugs, safety needs through providing protection, and self esteem needs through the provision of money and status. Significantly, gangs were identified as meeting individuals‟ belonging needs. Commonality was established in risk factors for involvement in a gang and as well as in the usage of substances. The study showed unstable home environments with absent fathers and multiple stressors such as exposure to high levels of violence and abuse. Disconnectedness within families was further highlighted. The participants were exposed to elevated levels of substance misuse within their families as well as elevated levels of familial involvement in the sale of drugs. Familial involvement in gangs was also high within participants. The findings of the study indicate that drugs are enmeshed within gang activities. Drug usage occurs before and after going out and committing crimes. Drugs were used to heighten gang members‟ fortitude, diminishing inhibitions. Participants spoke about being incapable of undertaking violent acts, without first using drugs. Gang members used drugs to quieten the conscience and in self medicating after completing a task, in order to cope with flashbacks and intrusive thoughts and images. Gang norms with regards to the sanctioning of drugs is a complex issue. The study demonstrated that gangs make a distinction between drugs, for example heroin usage is not encouraged by all gangs due to the associated tolerance and severe withdrawal symptoms. Gangs tread a thin line between condoning and discouraging drug usage. Supporting drug usage may benefit the gang, as it encourages and motivates gang activities. Gang members who become dependent on drugs are however a risk for the gang, as they become unreliable and disloyal, as their absolute devotion to the gang is challenged by their physiological needs. Gang members however perceive the gangs‟ prohibition of certain drugs, as motivated by a concern for their wellbeing rather than self interest. The temporal order of drug usage and gang membership illustrated that drug usage preceded involvement in a gang. Drug usage however significantly increased and progressed after inclusion in a gang. Recommendations emphasised a need to acknowledge the link between drugs and gangs. Insight provided by gang members is needed in order to inform effective interventions. Within the substance dependence field, the gang member presents with unique treatment needs, which must be understood in order to gain optimum results. Ill-informed, generic treatment is ineffective, irresponsible and costly for service providers, communities affected by gangsterism, and those gang members with some willingness to change.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die Wes-Kaap is berug vir dié provinsie se hoë voorkoms van bendes en gepaardgaande bendegeweld. Dít word bevestig deur die menigte gereelde berigte van moord waarby bendes betrek word. Hierdie gebied van Suid-Afrika toon boonop verhoogde middelmisbruik-statistieke. Literatuur stel dit onomwonde dat bendes en dwelmmiddels op onlosmaaklike wyse verbind is. Die aard van hierdie wisselwerking is onduidelik, hoewel die uitwerking daarvan onmiskenbaar is: Veral onskuldige omstanders word dikwels deur die gevolge van bendebedrywighede geraak. Dit is kommerwekkend dat bendes en dwelmmisbruik oënskynlik genormaliseer en in sommige gemeenskappe nie meer as afwykend bestempel word nie. Die wisselwerking tussen bendes en dwelms hou ernstige gevolge in vir gemeenskapsveiligheid, en plaas daarbenewens heelwat druk op die gesondheid-, maatskaplikewelsyn- sowel as verdedigingsektor. Doeltreffende intervensies moet gerig word deur insig in die wisselwerking tussen bendes en dwelms. Die beste bron van betroubare inligting in hierdie verband is natuurlik bendelede self. Tog is daar ‟n gebrek aan navorsing oor bendelede se eie beskouings van die verband tussen bendes en dwelms, en dít het dus as beweegrede vir hierdie studie gedien. Die studie is onder manlike bendelede in ‟n behandelingsentrum vir middelmisbruik onderneem, waar dwelmgebruik genormaliseer word. ‟n Empiriese studie met ‟n kombinasie van ‟n kwalitatiewe en kwantitatiewe benadering is gebruik, en ‟n semigestruktureerde vraelys is onder individuele deelnemers sowel as ‟n fokusgroep afgeneem. Die studie toon dat bendes lede werf deur hul vermoë om in die individu se behoeftes te voorsien. Hierdie behoeftes stem ooreen met die behoeftes wat in motiveringsteorie uitgewys word. Bendes voorsien in sielkundige behoeftes deur toegang tot dwelms te bied; hulle voorsien in veiligheidsbehoeftes deur beskerming te verleen, en hulle voorsien in selfbeeldbehoeftes deur geld en status beskikbaar te stel. In die besonder is bevind dat bendes in individue se behoefte voorsien om iewers tuis te hoort. Daar is ‟n gemeenskaplikheid uitgewys in die risikofaktore vir bendebetrokkenheid en vir middelmisbruik. Die studie lewer bewys van onstabiele huislike omgewings met afwesige vaderfigure en veelvuldige stressors, soos blootstelling aan hoë vlakke van geweld en misbruik. ‟n Gebrek aan familiebande kom voorts aan die lig. Die deelnemers is in hulle families aan verhoogde vlakke van middelmisbruik sowel as verhoogde vlakke van betrokkenheid by dwelmhandel blootgestel. Familiebetrokkenheid by bendebedrywighede blyk ook algemeen te wees onder deelnemers. Die bevindinge van die studie toon dat dwelms en bendebedrywighede ineengevleg is. Dwelmgebruik vind plaas voor sowel as nadat misdaad in bendeverband gepleeg word. Dwelms word gebruik om bendelede moed te gee en hul inhibisies te laat verdwyn. Deelnemers noem dat hulle nie geweld kan pleeg sonder om eers dwelms te gebruik nie. Bendelede gebruik dwelms om hul gewete te sus en hulself ná die voltooiing van ‟n taak te behandel om terugflitse en aanhoudende gedagtes aan die gebeure te kan hanteer. Bendenorme met betrekking tot die goedkeuring van dwelms is ‟n komplekse saak. Die studie toon dat bendes tussen verskillende soorte dwelms onderskei: Alle bendes moedig byvoorbeeld nie heroïengebruik aan nie weens die verwante toleransie en ernstige onttrekkingsimptome. Vir bendes is daar ‟n baie fyn lyn tussen die kondonering en ontmoediging van dwelmmisbruik. Die ondersteuning van dwelmgebruik kan tot voordeel van die bende wees, want dit dien as aansporing en motivering vir bendebedrywighede. Tog hou dwelmafhanklike lede ook ‟n gevaar vir die bende in, aangesien hulle onbetroubaar en ontrou raak wanneer hulle absolute toewyding aan die bende teen hul fisiologiese behoeftes te staan kom. Bendelede beskou egter die bende se verbod op sekere dwelms as ‟n teken van hul besorgdheid oor hulle lede se welstand eerder as selfbelang. Die tydsorde van dwelmgebruik en bendelidmaatskap toon dat dwelmgebruik bendebetrokkenheid voorafgaan. Dwelmgebruik het egter beduidend toegeneem en verhewig ná insluiting by ‟n bende. Aanbevelings beklemtoon die behoefte om die koppeling tussen bendes en dwelms te erken. Insigte wat van bendelede bekom word, is nodig ten einde doeltreffende intervensies te rig. Op die gebied van middelafhanklikheid het die bendelid unieke behandelingsbehoeftes wat verstaan moet word ten einde optimale resultate te behaal. Generiese behandeling sonder die nodige agtergrondinligting is ondoeltreffend, onverantwoordelik en duur vir diensverskaffers, gemeenskappe wat deur bendebedrywighede geraak word, sowel as daardie bendelede wat wél bereid is om te verander.

This research was completed to deal with many unanswered questions regarding drug use, specifically drug use in areas of rural poverty. Look at any "Faces of Meth" billboard or listen to any corporate-news program and one might assume there is a drug epidemic in rural areas. Without research, this allows the viewer to assume that poverty is the fault of the drug user who happens to live in rural places. This study sought to take a qualitative and ethnographic methodology to "embed" the researcher in this setting to see for himself whether these views were valid or invalid. The questions of functional drug use were at the forefront of the study, as was the possible relationship between drug use and rural poverty. This study transformed into a serious analysis of a network of drug users in the town of Mulch Valley. While standard sociological (and policy issues) concerns are dealt with, this thesis moves beyond such concerns. Theoretical concerns are brought into questions as new concepts, such as: cultural narrative of addiction, master sociality, slave sociality, and Derridity." "Crushing. Cheating. Changing. Am I deaf or dead? Is this constricting construction or just streets with rusty signs of something violent coming?" (Manson, 2012)

Thesis (M.S.W.)--Smith College School for Social Work, Northampton, Mass., 2007
Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment for the degree of Master of Social Work. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 15-17, 39-42, 60-63).

Research was completed on a 300-person sample of 1985 arrestees in Jacksonville, Florida. The original focus of the study was to explore the possible relationship between crime and chemical use. Data was obtained from forms that were routinely used in the jail booking and interview process. Two booking/intake forms were used: The Arrest and Booking Report and the Medical Screening Information (P-075) form. Only 24 arrestees in the 300-person sample admitted to using chemicals. Hence, the data did not support the hypothesis of this thesis that a correlational relationship exists between crime and chemical use. This researcher observed and interviewed medical personnel closely and reviewed both forms used in the study to determine why chemical use data was under-represented in the sample. Organizational and individual deviance by the medical staff was discovered. The nurses had not asked chemical use questions during a majority of the medical screening interviews.

This research examines the substance abuse severity problem of the male narcotics arrestees of Turkey within the framework of Akers' Social Structural and Social Learning (SSSL) model. The SSSL model is tested to understand the impact of social structural factors on drug abuse severity of narcotics offenders, in mediation of social learning process. The research design consists of secondary data analysis and modeling techniques to test the hypotheses pertaining to the SSSL model. The data, consisting of 1,647 male cases, have been obtained from the TUBIM Program. The U.S. ADAM Program year 2003 data including 6,730 cases have also been utilized with the purpose of observing the similarities and/or differences among substance abusers across the nations, as described in Chapter 5. Accordingly, the narcotics criminals of Turkey and the U.S. were compared in terms of demographic status, criminal background, substance abuse behavior and state of substance related treatment. Eventually, it was found that substance abusing populations across these two nations are significantly different. In the second phase of the study, Akers' SSSL model was developed and tested on the male narcotics offenders of Turkey. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis was used to test the hypotheses of the study. A model for the drug offenders whose last charge is drug related (substance abuse or substance distribution) was developed and the model's robustness was tested on those narcotics offenders who have reported committing property and violent offenses before the last charge. It is found that the impact of the social factors on drug abuse and dependence behavior through social learning constructs is non-significant except for the age variable for the drug related offenders subset. Furthermore, the impact of all social structural factors on the seriousness of substance abuse in the mediation of social learning constructs is insignificant for the property and violent offenders subset. Also, the social learning construct of the property and violent offenders' subset does not significantly influence the seriousness of substance abuse.

Detta är en kvalitativ studie vars syfte är att undersöka vad som karaktäriserar ungdomars sociala relationer. Mer precist är vi intresserade av att undersöka i) ungdomarnas relationer till familj, vänner och myndigheter ii) vilka emotioner som ungdomarna associerar med sitt drogmissbruk och/eller kriminalitet samt iii) vilken betydelse relationerna har haft för utvecklingen av drogmissbruk och/eller kriminalitet.

Vi utförde intervjuer med fyra ungdomar inskrivna på ett behandlingshem för missbruksproblem. Ungdomarna har varit i behandling mellan en och sex månader. Frågorna ställdes utifrån en intervjuguide som bygger på uppsatsens syfte, tidigare forskning och teori.

Vår tidigare forskning består av studier om sociala relationers inverkan på ungdomar med allvarlig social problematik såsom drogmissbruk och brottslighet. Teorierna handlar om sociala band, skam, skuld och stolthet samt Hirschis sociala kontrollteori.

Resultatet av undersökningen visar att samtliga respondenter hade försvagade sociala band till sina föräldrar under uppväxten och fram tills de slutade missbruka, vilket troligen har påverkat deras utveckling av drogmissbruk och/eller kriminalitet. Sedan ungdomarna blev drogfria har relationen med familjen förbättrats. Samtliga umgås mest med andra antisociala ungdomar, vilket antagligen har haft betydelse för deras egen negativa utveckling. När det gäller relationen till myndigheter hade alla negativa erfarenheter av socialtjänsten och myndigheterna har troligen inte haft någon inverkan på ungdomarnas livssituation. Det har framkommit att samtliga ungdomar bär på skam- och skuldkänslor och att de ofta blir aggressiva när de är påverkade.

This qualitative study aims to examine what characterizes the adolescent’s social relations. More specific, we are interested in examining the adolescent’s relations to family, friends and authorities ii) which emotions the adolescent’s associate with their drug abuse and/or crime and iii) what importance the relations have had for development of drug abuse and/or crime.

We performed four interviews with youths registered in a treatment clinic for drug abuse. The adolescents have been in treatment for one to six months. The questions were asked from an interview-guide based on the purpose of the essay, previous research and theory.

Our previous research consists of studies concerning the impact social relations have on youth with serious social problems such as drug abuse and crime. The theories are about social bonds, shame, guilt, pride and Hirschi’s social control theory.

The result of the study shows that all respondents had weak social bonds to their parents during their childhood and until they ended their drug abuse. That has probably influenced their drug abuse and/or crime development. The adolescent’s relation with their families has improved since they got drug-free. They all spent time with other antisocial youths which probably had an impact on their own negative development. Concerning their relations to authorities they all had negative experiences of the social services and the authorities have most likely not had an impact on the youths life-situation. It emerged that they all carried feelings of shame and guilt and that they all became aggressive when they were under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Georgia State University, 2009.
Title from title page (Digital Archive@GSU, viewed July 22, 2010) Sheri Joseph, committee chair; John Holman, Josh Russell, committee members. Includes bibliographical references (p. 38).

Thesis (MTh)--Stellenbosch University, 2013.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The researcher’s purpose for writing this paper is first to tell the story of one particular community of faith called the Mount Hope church. In doing so, the spotlight would be placed on the plight and challenges of the Mitchells Plain township life, conditions and ministry. Secondly, the research was seeking to challenge the status quo of a serious lack of human dignity by showing how and why it needs to be restored. Lastly, to then answer the research question: “How does one minister to marginalized and outcast people in such a way that their human dignity is restored?” The researcher has furnished a definition and description of the background of the word township as well as follow four tasks of doing Practical Theology as reflected in the work of one scholar Richard R Osmer. The descriptive empirical section has highlighted the researcher’s life story as key to the research, provided statistical details of the research context as well as individual testimony accounts of lives that have been transformed. The normative section has shown the importance of the prophetic mandate to discern the will of God for the research context. In the interpretive section the researcher has facilitated a dialogue between the descriptive and the normative sections to clarify the importance of system sensitive leadership. The pragmatic section is the last of the four sections where the researcher has shown the strategic output of the Mount Hope church through its leadership. The researcher has concluded by bringing all the chapters together again for the purpose of answering the research question: “How does one minister to marginalized and outcast people in such a way that their human dignity is restored?” It is clear that once they discover the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ and the acceptance and guidance of a faith community, they are on the road to restored human dignity.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die navorser se doel met die skryf van hierdie artikel was om die verhaal van 'n geloofsgemeenskap, die Mount Hope gemeente, te vertel. Sodoende is die klem geplaas op die uitdagings van Mitchell’s Plain se “township” lewe, toestande en die bediening. Tweedens was die doel van die navorsing om die ernstige gebrek aan menswaardigheid en die herstel daarvan, uit te beeld en aan te spreek. Die navorsing was gefokus om die volgende vraag te beantwoord: “Hoe bedien jy mense wat gemarginaliseer en verworpe is dat dit hul menswaardigheid herstel?” Die navorser verskaf 'n definisie en beskrywing van die agtergrond van die woord “township” sowel as vier take van Praktiese Teologie, soos weerspieël in die werk van die bekende praktiese teoloog, Richard R Osmer. Die beskrywende gedeelte van die navorsing beklemtoon die navorser se lewensverhaal as sleutel tot die navorsing. Empiriese gegewens wat in statistiese besonderhede die navorsing-konteks verreken sowel as individuele getuienisse van mense wie se lewens getransformeer is, word vertel. Dit illustreer die praktyk van die herstel van menswaardigheid. Die normatiewe afdeling het die belangrikheid van die profetiese mandaat om die wil van God vir die navorsing-konteks om te onderskei, aangetoon. In die interpretasie-afdeling het die navorser as 'n dialoog tussen die beskrywende en die normatiewe gedeeltes gehanteer om die belangrikheid van die sisteem sensitiewe leierskap aan te toon. Die pragmatiese artikel is die laaste van die vier afdelings waar die navorser die strategiese uitset van die Mount Hope gemeente deur sy leierskap aantoon en beskrywend vertel hoe mense opgevang, aanvaar en volgens bybelse beginsels ingeskakel word en op die wyse hulle menswaardigheid herontdek in die liefde van Jesus Christus en sy kerk. Die navorser sluit af deur al die hoofstukke byeen te bring om die navorsings vraag te beantwoord: “Hoe bedien jy mense wat gemarginaliseer en verworpe is dat dit hul menswaardigheid herstel?”

Det övergripande syftet med föreliggande studie var att undersöka levnadsförhållanden bland arbetslösa ungdomar. Syftet var även att undersöka vilka konsekvenser som arbetslösheten kan föra med sig för ungdomarna. Konsekvenser som har undersökts är inom livsområdena 1)hälsa 2) sociala relationer och fritid 3) konsumtion 4) rökning, alkohol och droger 5)kriminalitet och 6) livet i sin helhet. Metoden som använts är en kvantitativ metod med enkäter, som har delats ut till arbetslösa ungdomar i två kommuner i Sverige. För att ta reda på varför vissa ungdomar påverkas negativt av arbetslösheten, medan andra förblir nästintill opåverkade har ekonomi- skammodellen använts. Utgångspunkten för ekonomi-skammodellen är att desto högre den ekonomiska påfrestningen är i relation till skamgörandeeffekter, vilka uttrycks genom en negativ attityd från omgivningen, ju mer negativ inverkanhar arbetslöshet i människors liv. Studiens resultat och analys bekräftar denna teori. En större andel av ungdomarna som upplever högre grad av ekonomisk påfrestning och skamgörande effekter har även en sämre hälsa, röker mer, dricker oftare och har provat droger i högre utsträckning samt uppskattar livet i sin helhet att vara sämre, jämfört med ungdomar som upplever lägre grad av ekonomisk påfrestning och skamgörande effekter. Oavsett påfrestning bedömer ungdomarna generellt sett sina sociala relationer och fritid på likartade sätt, varpå modellen ej kan användas för att förklara variationer inom detta livsområde. I föreliggande studie undersöktes även hur ungdomarna påverkas av att vara arbetslösa i ett konsumtionssamhälle där normen är att konsumera. Resultat och analys visar att det är de ungdomar med mest påfrestning som konsumerar i högre grad, vilket förklaras utifrån att de kompenserar för den statusförlust som arbetslösheten medfört.
The aim of the study was to investigate living conditions amongst unemployed youths. The aim was also to examine the effects unemployment can have on young people. Consequences that have been explored are within the following areas of life: 1) Health 2) Social relationships and leisure activity 3) Consumption 4) Smoking, alcohol and drug abuse 5)Crime and 6) Life in its entirety. The method used is a quantitative method with questionnaires, which were distributed to unemployed youths in two towns in Sweden. To find out why some young people are adversely affected by unemployment, while others remain virtually unaffected the economy-shame model was used. The starting point for this model is that the higher the economic stress is in relation to the humiliating effects, which are expressed through a negative attitude from people in the environment, the more negative impact unemployment has in people's lives. The results and analysis in this study confirms the theory. A greater proportion of young people who experience higher levels of economic stress and shame also have poorer health, smoke more, drink more often and are more likely to have tried drugs and have a negative outlook on life, as opposed to adolescents who experience lower levels of economic stress and shame. Overall the model can not be used to explain variations in areas of life concerning social relations and leisure activities. The study also looked into how young people are affected by being unemployed in a consumer society where the norm is to consume. Results and analysis shows that it is young people who experience a greater level of economical distress and shame who consume the most. The explanation for this might be that they are compensating for the loss of status resulting from unemployment.

Med en explorativ ansats syftar denna studie till att kartlägga samband och jämföra grupperingar bland klienter som fått genomföra en ASI-intervju hos Kriminalvården. Studien bygger på 2 317 intervjuer med fokus på missbruksproblematik, gjorda under perioden 2008-2010. Vi illustrerar grafiskt intressanta samband och tittar även på hur klienternas hjälpbehov varierar inom olika livsområden. Ytterligare en aspekt av studien är att utvärdera datamaterialets kvalitet samt att studera eventuellt bortfall för de olika variablerna. Materialet är av relativt god kvalitet och förekomst av respondenters vägran är inte tillräckligt omfattande för att påverka analyser och slutsatser. De felaktigheter som kunde konstateras härhör nästan uteslutande från tillvägagångssätt vid inmatning av data i systemet. Eftersom flertalet av variablerna är kvalitativa visade sig lämpliga analysmetoder vara chi-två-test, korrespondensanalys samt associationsanalys. Den stora majoriteten av våra resultat bekräftar den bild flera tidigare studier ger av gruppen missbrukare och få oväntade samband kunde konstateras. En majoritet av klienterna är män (85%) och den genomsnittliga åldern är 34 år. Intervjuarskattningar av klienternas hjälpbehov visar att narkotika och kriminalitet utgör de absolut största problemen. Dominerande drog är amfetamin (18%), följd av alkohol (15%) och cannabis (10%). Vi kan konstatera att ett flertal signifikanta skillnader föreligger mellan män och kvinnor samt mellan olika åldersgrupper. Unga klienter uppvisar överlag större problem med kriminalitet, narkotika, arbete/försörjning och psykisk hälsa. Med ökande ålder följer istället svårigheter med fysisk hälsa och alkohol. Män uppger vanligen att de har större problem med kriminalitet och narkotika, medan kvinnor ofta redovisar ett större hjälpbehov inom områdena familj/umgänge, fysisk hälsa och psykisk hälsa.
With an explorative approach, this master thesis attempts to map associations and compare groupings of clients who have undergone an ASI Interview by The Swedish Prison and Probation Service, Kriminalvården. The study is based on 2 317 interviews carried out during the period 2008-2010, focusing on abuse of alcohol and narcotic substances. We will graphically illustrate interesting associations and study how the need for help varies throughout different areas of the respondents’ lives. Another aspect of this study is to evaluate the quality of the data material and to investigate non-response in the different variables. The quality of the material is fairly high and non-response is not extensive enough to affect analysis and inference. The errors found are almost exclusively due to how data is fed into the system. Since the majority of variables are qualitative, appropriate methods of analysis proved to be chi-square tests, correspondence analysis and association analysis. Most results confirm the existing image of an abusive personality, which has been presented in several studies before this one. A majority of the clients are men (85%) and the average age is 34 years. Interviewer estimates of the respondents’ need for help show that narcotic substances and criminal behavior are by far the greatest problem areas. The predominant drug is amphetamine (18%), followed by alcohol (15%) and cannabis (10%). We have established several significant differences between men and women, and between clients of different age groups. Young respondents show greater problems concerning criminal behavior, narcotic substances, work/providing and psychological health. With increased age we see enhanced difficulties regarding physical health and alcohol. Men more often exhibit problems concerning criminal behavior and narcotic substances, while women need increased help in areas of family/social life, physical health and psychological health.

Graphic images of meth addicts have swept across Montana in television, radio and print ads as part of the state's latest anti-drug campaign, the Montana Meth Project. From a labeling perspective, the negative portrayal of meth addicts in these ads has significant implications for meth addicts in terms of their reintegration. The unintended population of drug addicts potentially affected by public service campaigns has failed to gain attention in the literature despite the implications suggested by labeling theory. This poses a significant gap in our knowledge and understanding, which this study addresses through the voice of recovering meth addicts. This study explored the significance of the campaign with regard to the worldview of recovering meth addicts and the implications of this worldview with regard to their reintegration. In particular, the study examined 1) addict perceptions of the campaign's impact on community 2) addict perceptions of the campaign's personal impact 3) addict perceptions of the significance of social bonds 4) the implications of these perspectives from the theoretical standpoint of Labeling and Social Bond theory. In-depth interviews were conducted among a sample of twenty recovering meth addicts at a treatment facility in Grenadier, Montana as well as one active meth user. This form of data collection was chosen due to the exploratory nature of the study as well the significance of perception suggested by the Symbolic-Interaction perspective (Cooley 1902). The study revealed that the Montana Meth Project does have a significant impact on the worldview of the participants. When the participants believe the campaign has a positive impact on the community - creating awareness, understanding and acceptance - the campaign is viewed as a tool in their reintegration. However, as the bulk of the findings suggest, when the participants believe the campaign has a negative impact - stereotypes, labeling, stigmatization and differential treatment - the campaign is viewed as a barrier to their reintegration. With such a negative reaction in the worldview of the participants, the mainstream world including family, friends and the community did not appear to be at the forefront of their reintegration. Rather, a subculture of recovering addicts acts as the source of positive social bonds and the most significant in the reintegration of the participants. The findings of this study demonstrate the impact anti- drug campaigns, and particularly scare campaigns using a public service approach, can have on the unintended audience of drug addicts.

Thesis (MEdPsych (Educational Psychology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die Kaapse Vlakte, die konteks vir die studie, word onder andere gekenmerk deur sy lae sosio-ekonomiese status, hoë werkloosheid, bende-aktiwiteite, gesinsgeweld, gebroke gesinstrukture en dwelmafhanklikheid. Tienerdogters wat in gemeenskappe op die Kaapse Vlakte opgroei, word daagliks aan hierdie hindernisse blootgestel, wat hulle meer vatbaar maak vir die misbruik van dwelmmiddels. Die doel van die studie was om tienermeisies in ’n benadeelde gemeenskap wat dwelmmiddels gebruik, se perspektiewe met betrekking tot dwelmmisbruik te ondersoek. Die studie het ’n genderperspektief aangeneem, met ander woorde dit het vroue as subjekte sentraal geplaas en hulle probleem met dwelmmisbruik ondersoek. Min navorsing oor dwelmmisbruik fokus op vroue, ten spyte van ’n veronderstelling dat misbruik onder vroue ernstige gevolge vir die samelewing inhou. Aangesien ek gepoog het om hierdie tienermeisies se behoeftes aan ondersteuning en moontlike maniere waarop hierdie behoeftes aangespreek kan word, te verstaan en te beskryf, het ek van ’n kwalitatiewe navorsingsontwerp gebruik gemaak en die studie vanuit ’n interprevistiese paradigma benader. Data is met behulp van onderhoude, persoonlike refleksies en observasies bekom. Die navorsingsbevindinge het getoon dat die tienerdogters se huislike omstandighede deur enkelouerskap en afwesige vaderskap vererger word, dat daar ’n gebrek aan kommunikasie tuis is en dat hulle behoeftes aan liefde en emosionele sekuriteit uitspreek. Die tienerdogters voer aan dat hulle dwelms gebruik om van hul probleme tuis te ontvlug. In hierdie studie oor tienerdogters se redes vir en perspektiewe ten opsigte van dwelmmisbruik, toon data dat hulle duidelike behoeftes aan ondersteuning het - tuis sowel as in die samelewing waarin hulle leef.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The Cape Flats is characterized by low socio-economic status, high unemployment, gang activities, crime, domestic violence, broken family structures and drug dependency. As a teenage girl, living in communities on the Cape Flats, there is often the possibility of being vulnerable to the misuse of drugs. The aim of this study was to investigate the perceptions of teenage girls using drugs in a disadvantaged community. The study adopted a gendered perspective that places women as subjects central to the problem of drug abuse. Little research focuses on women using drugs despite the consequences it poses for society. The study attempts to understand and describe teenage girls’ need for support as well as ways in which their needs can be addressed. A qualitative interpretivist research design was used to gain insight into and understanding of the participants’ perspectives. The data were collected by means of interviews, reflective diaries and observations. The research findings indicate that single parenting and absent fathers worsen the teenage girls’ home circumstances, that there is a lack of communication at home and that they express a need for love and emotional security. Furthermore, teenage girls use drugs to escape from the problems they face at home. The results suggest a need for adequate and appropriate support in the home environment as well as in society.

A multidimensional approach, using individual, social structural and process and system theories, is applied to examine the role of drugs in child abuse within the dysfunctional family system. By means of a saturation sample seventeen files were selected from Phoenix House and the South African National Council For Drug and Alcohol Abuse. A research schedule was developed and an analysis of the seventeen cases was done. The drug dependent parent is discussed and abuse in the family system are identified. Throughout, the influence of (the) parental drug dependency is illustrated and it is shown how dependency in a parent may influence family functioning and parenting skills. A literature study brought to light aspects in families which contribute to child abuse. Recommendations are made for further research on aspects highlighted by the findings.
Criminology and Security Science
M.A. (Criminology)

Thesis (LL. M.)--York University, 2000. Graduate Programme in Law.
Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 156-168). Also available on the Internet. MODE OF ACCESS via web browser by entering the following URL: http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/yorku/fullcit?pMQ56200.

Thesis (MTech. in Policing)
The sugars drug has affected Indian communities in KwaZulu Natal, and has resulted in the collapse and disintegration of socio economic conditions. There has also been a rise in crime. This research outlines the findings of questionnaires given to residents of communities, drug users and drug rehabilitees. It aims to provide recommendations to curb the sugars problem, and see a decrease in crime with regards to sugars.

The subject of this thesis is criminal justice sentencing policy. The thesis examines the role of the Drug Court in diverting drug dependent offenders from the conventional Criminal Justice System. A large percentage of convicted offenders have a drug addiction problem and such offenders impose staggering burdens on an already overwhelmed Criminal Justice System. Diversion programs offer a practicable alternative to the traditional court system, and this thesis will investigate the feasibility of a Drug Court in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. In examining the advantages and disadvantages of this method of sentencing, the thesis assesses the value of compulsory treatment and determines whether criminal justice sanctions should incorporate compulsory treatment initiatives. To aid in this analysis, additional diversion programs for drug addicted offenders are examined. The Drug Court is assessed through a comparison of the court with traditional sentencing principles. This thesis analyses the success of the Drug Court in other jurisdictions and looks at how the Drug Court deals with the sociological and environmental factors linked to drug abuse and criminality. In determining whether a Drug Court is a feasible option for Vancouver, the thesis examines these external crimogenic factors and the strategies undertaken by the City to combat drug-related crime. It is argued that the conventional criminal justice system provides little, if any, progressive and pro-active drug abuse intervention. This thesis concludes that Vancouver should implement a Drug Court to divert offenders from the traditional court system, and argues that the Drug Court diversion program should be available for drug-dependent property offenders. It identifies how the court can operate alongside pre-existing community services to ensure that post-release environmental conditions are conducive to drug abstinence and legitimate activity. In recommending adoption of the drug court program, the thesis stresses the importance of making this diversion scheme part of a community-based, long-term, holistic intervention strategy. The thesis ends with practical suggestions for implementation of a Drug Court program in Vancouver.

This study was designed to understand the meaning of the lived experiences of incarcerated male juveniles who had committed drug-related crimes and to suggest guidelines for their rehabilitation with specific reference to their health care needs. In order to achieve these objectives, the researcher used Parse’s (1998) Theory of Human Becoming as a theoretical framework for the study and Parse’s (1998, 2005) phenomenological-hermeneutic research method. This study was restricted to three juvenile correctional centres in the Gauteng province, Republic of South Africa (RSA). A sample of 15 male juveniles (5 at each of the three juvenile correctional centres) was used for the purpose of individual dialogical engagements with the participants. Focus group interview sessions were held with two groups (5 members per group) at two identified juvenile correctional centres. A qualitative content analysis according to methods recommended by Graneheim and Lundman (2004) was performed on the data that was collected from the individual dialogical-engagements and the focus group interviews. The researcher attempted to elucidate the meanings that the participants attached to their experiences of incarceration as narrated by them and analysed the data according to Parse’s (1998; 2005) phenomenological-hermeneutic method comprising of extraction-synthesis and heuristic interpretation. The findings of this research confirm that problems of drug abuse and criminal activity represent a multifaceted, complex and often intractable phenomenon. The research also confirmed that the participants suffer from a variety of emotional and psychological problems such as depression, anxiety, fear, guilt, remorse, regret and a craving for the drugs that they had abused before their incarceration. It appears that the participants find it extremely difficult to deal effectively with these disorders on their own and that they are generally averse to asking for professional help and assistance. Interventions to alleviate these problems are crucial for the success of the current rehabilitation programmes being pursued in the correctional centres where the participants are accommodated.
Health Studies
D. Litt. et Phil. (Health Studies)

This study was designed to understand the meaning of the lived experiences of incarcerated male juveniles who had committed drug-related crimes and to suggest guidelines for their rehabilitation with specific reference to their health care needs. In order to achieve these objectives, the researcher used Parse’s (1998) Theory of Human Becoming as a theoretical framework for the study and Parse’s (1998, 2005) phenomenological-hermeneutic research method. This study was restricted to three juvenile correctional centres in the Gauteng province, Republic of South Africa (RSA). A sample of 15 male juveniles (5 at each of the three juvenile correctional centres) was used for the purpose of individual dialogical engagements with the participants. Focus group interview sessions were held with two groups (5 members per group) at two identified juvenile correctional centres. A qualitative content analysis according to methods recommended by Graneheim and Lundman (2004) was performed on the data that was collected from the individual dialogical-engagements and the focus group interviews. The researcher attempted to elucidate the meanings that the participants attached to their experiences of incarceration as narrated by them and analysed the data according to Parse’s (1998; 2005) phenomenological-hermeneutic method comprising of extraction-synthesis and heuristic interpretation. The findings of this research confirm that problems of drug abuse and criminal activity represent a multifaceted, complex and often intractable phenomenon. The research also confirmed that the participants suffer from a variety of emotional and psychological problems such as depression, anxiety, fear, guilt, remorse, regret and a craving for the drugs that they had abused before their incarceration. It appears that the participants find it extremely difficult to deal effectively with these disorders on their own and that they are generally averse to asking for professional help and assistance. Interventions to alleviate these problems are crucial for the success of the current rehabilitation programmes being pursued in the correctional centres where the participants are accommodated.
Health Studies
D. Litt. et Phil. (Health Studies)

Drug policy and the treatment of drug offenders' is an area that receives much attention worldwide. Because of the authorities' apparent inability to deal with this form of crime, it has universally been deemed necessary to look generally at the punishment of this category of offender and specifically at alternative methods to deal with these perpetrators. An extensive study of drug treatment approaches and models used by various countries merely highlights and emphasises the need for the creation and implementation of a suitable treatment modality for drug offenders. Other countries do not and cannot offer solutions to South Africa's dilemma in the handling of its large offender population. It is for this reason that the researcher has selected workable aspects from various systems in a multidimensional and multidisciplinary management approach to the handling of drug offenders in the South African context. The researcher utilises certain components of the systems theory to describe the manner in which the criminal justice system processes drug offenders. For this purpose, the researcher uses the systems theory as a framework for the application of the drug model that takes place on all levels within the criminal justice system. The researcher aims to use existing drug policy to form the basis of the drug model, and sets structural and procedural guidelines for dealing with this category of offender. The researcher furthermore calls for the implementation of such a model.
Corrections Management
D.Litt. et Phil. (Penology)

Substance abuse amongst children is a major problem in South Africa and world-wide. The trend of new drugs entering the drug market has increased in South Africa. Currently in South Africa, there is a new drug on the market known as “nyaope” being abused mostly by adolescents in the Townships. The negative consequences of substance abuse affect not only individuals who abuse substances but also their parents and significant others. The researcher observed that most literature in the field of substance abuse focuses on the children addressing issues such as causes, effects, psychological impact and others. Very little is documented on parents‟ experiences and coping capabilities as well as the support they need or receive. This further contributed to the researcher‟s purpose of conduct this study to explore parents‟ experience and support needs with regard to their children‟s addiction to nyaope.
MA (Social Work)

The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia is located in the Horn of Africa and bound on the northeast by Eritrea and Djibouti, on the east and southeast by Somalia, on the south-west by Kenya and on the west and north-west by Sudan. In a 2003 report, the Ethiopia Central Statistical Authority (2003:24) estimated the population of Ethiopia to be 71,066,000. The Ethiopian economy is mainly based on agriculture, which contributes 47% to GNP and more than 80% of exports and employs 85% of the population. Ethiopia nowadays governs under a federal system and due to the governance system there are nine regional states in the country, which are composed of specific ethnic groups. The regional states, which have a significant degree of autonomy, are Tigray, Afar, Amhara, Oromia, Somalia, Benshangul-Gumaz, Gambela, Harar and the Southern Nations, nationalities and peoples, which comprise about 41 ethnic groups. Hence, the structure of the police service in the country follows the characteristics of the federal system. Accordingly, the regional states have their own police service, which is responsible to the regional states and at the federal government level, the Federal Police Service (FPS) is responsible to federal government.
Police Practice
M.Tech. (Policing)

Substance abuse is a pervasive problem across the world. The most commonly abused substanc-es include tobacco, alcohol and dagga. In teenagers, research has found out that substance abuse is often linked to multiple factors such as scholastic problems, mental and health problems, risky sexual behaviour, accidents, crime and violence. The present study aimed to explore the level of knowledge and attitudes of teenagers towards substance abuse in an informal settlement. The target population were teenage girls and boys between the ages of 13 and 19. A mixed method approach was employed in this study. A self-administered questionnaire was designed and used to collect data. This questionnaire contained both closed and open ended questions. The Statis-tical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyse the data. Findings show that teen-agers have adequate knowledge and appropriate attitudes towards substance abuse. However, the results also indicate that the provision of information on substance abuse remains important in shaping attitudes of young people. Interventions such as awareness campaigns, focus group discussions, education and developmental programmes that contribute to knowledge on the impact of and ways to control substance abuse are recommended
Psychology
M.A. (Psychology)