Counselling Strategies for Preventing and Addressing Substance Abuse Among Tertiary Institution Students in South-East Nigeria
Abstract
Substance abuse among tertiary institution students remains a significant educational, psychological, social and public health concern in Nigeria. This conceptual article examines counselling strategies for preventing and addressing substance abuse among tertiary institution students in South-East Nigeria. The article draws on relevant literature on substance abuse, its associated factors and consequences, and the role of guidance and counselling in prevention and intervention. The analysis identifies peer pressure, curiosity, stress, availability of substances, and social and environmental influences as important considerations in counselling intervention. It proposes psychoeducation, peer counselling, stress-management counselling, life-skills training, individual and group counselling, motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioural counselling, early identification, referral and follow-up support as key strategies. The article is anchored on Social Learning Theory and Cognitive-Behavioural Theory. It concludes that effective counselling should be preventive, developmental, therapeutic, student-centred and continuous, with tertiary institutions strengthening counselling services to reduce substance abuse and promote students’ academic and psychosocial well-being.
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