THE ROLE OF COUNSELLOR IN PREVENTING DRUG ABUSE AMONG SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL ADOLESCENT IN EDO STATE
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This study examined “the role of counsellor in preventing drug abuse among senior secondary school adolescent in Edo state”, with particular focus on Egor Local Government Area. Drug abuse among adolescents has become a growing public health and educational concern due to its negative effects on students’ academic performance, behaviour, emotional stability, and social development. The study sought to determine the prevalence of drug abuse among students, assess their level of awareness about the dangers of substance abuse, examine the impact of counselling services on drug abuse prevention, and investigate whether sex differences exist in
how counselling influences prevention efforts. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population consisted of 5,788 senior secondary school students (SS1–SS3) in the 12 public senior secondary schools in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State. From this population, a sample of 200 students was
selected using an appropriate sampling technique. Data were collected using 200 copies of a structured questionnaire developed by the researcher. The instrument was validated by experts in Guidance and Counselling, and its reliability was established using the Cronbach Alpha method, which yielded a coefficient of 0.78, indicating good internal consistency. Data collected were analysed using frequency counts, percentages, and mean scores. The findings revealed that the prevalence of drug abuse among senior secondary school students,
though not extremely high, remains a significant concern. While many students showed awareness of the dangers associated with drug abuse, awareness alone was not sufficient to completely prevent involvement. The study also found that counselling services play an important role in preventing drug abuse by providing guidance, emotional support, awareness programmes, and early intervention for at-risk students. Slight differences were observed between male and female students in drug abuse involvement and response to counselling. The
study concluded that strengthening school counselling services is essential for reducing drug abuse among adolescents. It recommended increased government support for counselling units, regular drug education programmes, early identification of at-risk students, parental involvement, and collaboration between schools and health agencies.
how counselling influences prevention efforts. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population consisted of 5,788 senior secondary school students (SS1–SS3) in the 12 public senior secondary schools in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State. From this population, a sample of 200 students was
selected using an appropriate sampling technique. Data were collected using 200 copies of a structured questionnaire developed by the researcher. The instrument was validated by experts in Guidance and Counselling, and its reliability was established using the Cronbach Alpha method, which yielded a coefficient of 0.78, indicating good internal consistency. Data collected were analysed using frequency counts, percentages, and mean scores. The findings revealed that the prevalence of drug abuse among senior secondary school students,
though not extremely high, remains a significant concern. While many students showed awareness of the dangers associated with drug abuse, awareness alone was not sufficient to completely prevent involvement. The study also found that counselling services play an important role in preventing drug abuse by providing guidance, emotional support, awareness programmes, and early intervention for at-risk students. Slight differences were observed between male and female students in drug abuse involvement and response to counselling. The
study concluded that strengthening school counselling services is essential for reducing drug abuse among adolescents. It recommended increased government support for counselling units, regular drug education programmes, early identification of at-risk students, parental involvement, and collaboration between schools and health agencies.
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