Resilience amid adversity: The lived experiences of youth affected by parental alcohol abuse in Ha-Makuya village, Limpopo province, South Africa

Parental alcohol abuse remains a persistent global public health concern with far-reaching implications for child and adolescent development. While international research continues to demonstrate the correlation between parental alcohol misuse and adverse behavioural outcomes in children, limited attention has been directed toward the experiences of youth in rural African contexts. This study explores the effects of parental alcohol abuse on youth behaviour in Ha-Makuya Village, a rural community in South Africa’s Limpopo Province. Guided by Social Cognitive Theory, the study adopted a qualitative exploratory design. A purposive sample of eight youth aged 18–30 who had been exposed to parental alcohol abuse was selected, with seven ultimately participating in the study. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using a six-phase thematic analysis within an interpretivist paradigm. The findings reveal that parental alcohol abuse destabilises family functioning, resulting in financial strain, emotional distress, inconsistent parenting, and social stigma. Participants further described behavioural consequences such as withdrawal, anger, and difficulties forming healthy social relationships. Owing to the absence of formal support services in the village, youth relied mainly on informal coping strategies, including peer support, involvement in community activities, and avoidance-based behaviours. The study highlights the urgent need for rural mental health support, school-based counselling, community education, and family-centred rehabilitation services. It also recommends further research into gendered experiences and intergenerational patterns of alcohol-related behaviours in rural societies.