A PHENOMENOLOGICAL ANALYSIS ON THE CONTINUED ABUSE OF TRAMADOL AMONG YOUTH IN PIASSA CATHEDRAL AREA: IMPLICATIONS FOR YOUTH DRUG ADDICTION REHABILITATION.

Abstract

Social workers play a vital role in the lives of vulnerable children and youth, particularly those struggling with addiction. This qualitative study aimed to investigate the factors that contribute to young people's abuse of tramadol, a highly addictive pain medication that has become a growing concern in our communities. This study's design was qualitative and followed an interpretive phenomenology tradition with a focus on understanding the lived experiences of those who have struggled with tramadol addiction. A snowball sampling technique was used to identify and recruit a total of 20 participants who met the study's inclusion criteria. Data were collected through interviews, non-participant observation, and focus group discussions. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to analyze the data. The results of the interpretive phenomenological analysis containing seven themes indicated for the continues abuse of tramadol drug among youth were triggers of abuse, abuse for pleasure, favorable physical impact, availability (easy access), unwanted effect, Desire to quit and Help Seeking behavior and barriers to accessing help. Based on the finding of the study, it was recommended that the involvement all segments of society and health care centers is imperative to provide holistic support for the youth. The findings suggested of all the actor’s family plays the initial and most important role in this battle of addiction.