Misunderstanding Suffering: Witchcraft Misconceptions, Myths, And Hidden Reality of Substance Abuse In Black African Communities

Calphurnia Mmathato Matheba

doi:10.36923/ijsser.v8i1.302

Open Access Article Sociology and Social Policy

Calphurnia Mmathato Matheba ⁽¹⁾

(1) Department of Social Work, University of South Africa, South Africa, South Africa

https://doi.org/10.36923/ijsser.v8i1.302

Issue
Vol. 8 No. 1 (2026): Continuous

Submitted
February 20, 2025

Published
September 21, 2025

Keywords:

Witchcraft and misconceptions, African families, substance abuse, drug rehabilitation treatment, traditional and cultural practices

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Abstract

This study investigates the myths and misconceptions surrounding witchcraft and their influence on substance abuse, with particular attention to the long-term negative effects on treatment and recovery. The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework to ensure transparency, comprehensiveness, and unbiased reporting. A content analysis approach was employed, drawing on literature retrieved from major databases including Google Scholar, Taylor & Francis, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and ResearchGate. Articles published up to 20 February 2025 were considered. The findings reveal that misconceptions about witchcraft significantly hinder effective treatment and rehabilitation. When substance use disorders are attributed to witchcraft by users, families, or communities, psychosocial interventions often fail, and recovery efforts are undermined. Therapy is further hampered by entrenched cultural assumptions that interpret dependency as a spiritual or supernatural issue. Nonetheless, cultural and religious beliefs should not be dismissed but rather acknowledged and integrated into intervention strategies, as many African communities already do. The study concludes that collaboration between professional social workers, traditional healers, and religious leaders is essential to developing effective, culturally sensitive responses to substance dependency. While not universal across Africa, myths and misconceptions about witchcraft are particularly prevalent in communities with limited knowledge and resources. By raising awareness of how such beliefs obstruct recovery, this review contributes to a deeper understanding of the intersection between cultural practices and professional treatment of substance abuse in African contexts.

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Authors

Calphurnia Mmathato Matheba

Department of Social Work, University of South Africa, South Africa

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8141-7198

mathebacalifornia@gmail.com (Primary Contact)

Author Biography

Calphurnia Mmathato Matheba, Department of Social Work, University of South Africa, South Africa

Ms Rammutla

is a lecturer in the Department of Social Work at the University of South Africa and a dedicated PhD candidate at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Her role involves providing guidance to students in their experimental learning. Ms. Rammutla has extensive experience and knowledge in the field of substance abuse, trauma, and attachment. She is an enthusiastic community developer who has made remarkable contributions to various engaged scholarship projects. Ms. Rammutla has made significant contributions to the curriculum development for different higher learning institutions.

Matheba, C. M. (2025). Misunderstanding Suffering: Witchcraft Misconceptions, Myths, And Hidden Reality of Substance Abuse In Black African Communities. Innovation Journal of Social Sciences and Economic Review, 8(1), 12–19. https://doi.org/10.36923/ijsser.v8i1.302

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