Abstract
Substance abuse among adolescents in Nigerian secondary schools has emerged as a critical public health and educational concern, particularly in urbanized and densely populated areas such as Obio/Akpor Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State. Adolescents are often exposed to a variety of risk factors, including peer pressure, poor parental monitoring, academic stress, and socioeconomic challenges that increase their vulnerability to drug and substance abuse. This opinion paper explores the significance of counselling interventions as a preventive strategy aimed at addressing substance abuse among adolescents in selected secondary schools within Obio/Akpor LGA. Drawing insights from developmental and behavioural counselling theories, the paper discusses various counselling approaches such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), group counselling, peer education, school-based drug education programs, and parental involvement counselling. It argues that these interventions, when effectively implemented within a supportive school environment, can enhance students’ decision-making skills, boost resilience, and foster healthy coping mechanisms. The role of trained guidance counsellors is emphasized in early detection, risk assessment, psychoeducation, and intervention. The paper further highlights the socio-cultural dynamics of the Obio/Akpor area, which influence both the patterns of substance abuse and the efficacy of counselling strategies. The challenges hindering effective counselling practices in schools such as inadequate personnel, stigma, limited resources, and lack of policy support are also examined. The paper concludes by recommending a multi-stakeholder approach involving counsellors, teachers, parents, policymakers, and health professionals in creating sustainable and culturally-sensitive intervention models tailored to the realities of adolescents.