Abstract
BACKGROUND: Substance use relapse among the youth is a worldwide concern with negative ramifications on their lives, families, communities and nations at large. AIM: The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a programme for the prevention of substance use relapse among youth with substance use problems in Lobatse, Botswana. SETTING: The research was conducted at a referral psychiatric hospital in Lobatse, Botswana. METHODS: A multiphase approach was used, which included an integrative literature review in phase one and two qualitative studies (exploratory, descriptive and contextual design) in the empirical phase. The survey list of the practice-oriented theory was used for concept classification and guided the programme's development. RESULTS: The findings from the studies indicate that the programme for preventing substance use relapse among youth should focus more on aftercare initiatives such as tracking and assessment of those under this programme. CONCLUSION: A substance use relapse prevention programme for the youth should entail and provide impetus on the aftercare of the youth substance users to prevent their relapses. CONTRIBUTION: The programme provides a robust strategy for preventing substance use relapse with actionable approaches for mental health professionals to effectively address the unique needs and circumstances of youth substance users through ongoing support and active engagement in recovery activities.