Background: Substance abuse remains one of the serious and devastating public health problems in South Africa, which presents multiple challenges that threatens the social, economic and health of the society. In South Africa currently the drug trending is Nyaope as known in Pretoria region which is known by different names in different areas. Nyaope is a mixture of street drugs, commonly used by the youth from poor socioeconomic background due to its availability and affordability. There is limited research on the effects of Nyaope on quality of life and physical function of the users. Therefore, the overall aim and objective of the study is to test the effect of a 10 week physical activity program for people using nyaope by exploring the experiences of using nyaope, quality of life and global physical functioning. For this paper we only looking at exploring their experience of using nyaope emphasis being on effects on quality of life and physical function. Methods: An exploratory qualitative approach was used to gather data through in-depth interviews, with purposive sampling to select participants. The study aimed to explore the effects of Nyaope on the quality of life and physical function of users at a drug recovery center in Tshwane. Ethical clearance was obtained from the SMU Research and Ethics Committee (SMUREC/H/366/2018:PG). Permission was granted by the Centre Manager, and informed consent was obtained from participants. Ethical considerations, including confidentiality, voluntary participation, and the disclosure of risks and benefits, were addressed before the interviews. Demographic data was collected prior to the interviews, twelve interviews were conducted of which the first interview was used as a pilot to validate the tool. Results: The study involved 12 male adults aged 22 to 40, with an average age of 27. Most participants were single, while a few were married or cohabiting. Their educational levels varied, ranging from Grade 10 to tertiary qualifications, with some having completed matric. Data saturation occurred after twelve interviews. NVivo Pro 14 was used for data analysis. Data transcribed and translated into English. Ten Themes and sub-themes emerged from the data. Only three themes were used for this paper. The study revealed that Nyaope use led to compromised physical appearance, challenges in managing daily life, and strained social and romantic relationships. It disrupted sleep, caused emotional regulation issues, and negatively affected family members’ mental states. Users also experienced hallucinations, along with a decline in basic daily functions and sexual performance. Discussion: The study found that Nyaope use significantly compromised the users’ quality of life, making them dependent on the drug for nearly everything and unable to function without it. Participants showed poor self-care, including hygiene issues, weight loss, coughing, and sleeping on the streets. Another done study found same results that users of Nyaope often show visible signs such as weight loss, skin infections, and needle marks due to its method of administration, typically through injection or inhalation The study revealed that participants did not have energy to perform basic activities of daily living (ADL) such as bathing and house chores without smoking nyaope. A study on families of Nyaope users found that the drug’s addictive nature severely disrupts household responsibilities and social interactions, placing a heavy burden on family members who take on the roles left by the users. Additionally, Nyaope use causes physical deterioration and organ dysfunction, impairing users’ ability to perform physical tasks. Conclusion: The study revealed that nyaope use severely impacted the participants’ quality of life, as they were unable to function or complete tasks without it. Personal hygiene and self-care were compromised, and their sleeping patterns became dependent on the drug, leading to occasional hallucinations. Physical activity was also affected, as they struggled with tasks like bathing, house chores, and sex without nyaope. To perform these physical tasks, participants resorted to smoking nyaope with marijuana or injecting it diluted in water for energy. Contribution: Drug rehabilitation centers should incorporate exercise programs as part of treatment regimens for nyaope users. Substance abuse education should be integrated into school and university curricula. Further research is needed, and the physiotherapy profession should become more involved in substance abuse recovery.