The use of illicit substances(and resulting addiction) by adolescents and young adults has many adverse consequences both for the individual and for society. This article aims to explore the prevalence, factors and practices of illegal drug use by youth and adults in the Frances Baard District Municipality, Northern Cape Province, South Africa. A categorical data method was adopted. Acquisition of information were through in-depth focus group interviews. A thematic analysis was utilised to analyse audio-taped data. Various substances are abused by the youth and adult population as revealed by the findings. Peer pressure, stress, and depression are some intermediary influencing utilization of these solidity. Significantly, the findings disclose substance abuse is conduct that is learned or done deliberately, in spite of users knowing the risks and potential negative side effects. This study concluded that adolescents and young adults are mindful of the intent unfavorable drug habits, but justify their use at a moment that means to cope with pressures of, inter alia, unemployment. It is acknowledged that illicit substance use among the youth and adults often occurs due to the level of ‘freedom’ they experience because they often live with abusive parents or come from broken homes where care is lacking. Measures need to be implemented to address substance abuse among youth and adults to prohibit the spread. Therefore, there is an urgent need to guarantee proper implementation of support structures, including legislation and legal action, to eradicate substance abuse among the youth and adults in the Frances Baard District Municipality, Northern Cape.

Keywords : Drug Abuse, Addiction, Substance Abuse, Perception, Risk factor, Drug, Effect, Youth, Adults, South Africa.