Tackling drug addiction in schools

Counsellors to undergo psychoeducation training to help students

PETALING JAYA: School counsellors will soon undergo psychoeducation training to help students with drug problems.

The course module, developed by the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), will produce counsellors with additional training in dealing with addiction and substance abuse.

AADK director-general Datuk Dr Abd Halim Mohd Hussin said given the right training, school counsellors could effectively prevent highrisk students from becoming addicts.

“There are 12 critical areas of knowledge and skills in dealing with addiction and substance abuse. Not everyone understands it, what more to deal with the problem effectively.

“Addiction is a chronic relapsing disease. You have to treat not only the child, but provide consultation and guidance to the families too,” he said, adding that there is a need for more counsellors in schools.

Currently, schools adopt a ratio of one counsellor to 500 students.

“We instead need a ratio of one counsellor to 300 students,” he told Sunday Star.

“Our module, which won two gold medals at the International Trade Fair on Ideas and Innovation in Nuremberg, Germany, last month, is based on psychosocial intervention education.

“We’re working with the Education Ministry to offer training for school counsellors, especially those in problematic schools. The training will start next year,” he added.

The Star reported on Aug 18 that the ministry and police have complied a list of schools that are at risk.

Of the 402 schools, 311 were under Category 1 for disciplinary problems while another 91 under Category 3 for disciplinary and drug issues.

These schools will get the resources they need to overcome the situation. A special committee has also been set up under the ministry to handle the problem.

Dr Abd Halim, who is a psychoeducation practitioner for substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation expert, said under the new course, counsellors must complete 380 learning hours which includes theoretical and practical perspectives, and on-the-job field work.

After completing their training, he said these counsellors will become trainers to their counterparts.

If a student is found to be doing drugs, he or she is probably doing it with other students, he added.

This, he said, is a form of peer pressure.

“Hedonism is starting at a younger age because children are becoming Internet-literate much earlier in life.

“They’re exposed to so much more these days in music, pop culture, and social media,” Dr Abd Halim said.

He added that it is crucial to increase the “protective factor” in order to reduce the risk of youth abusing drugs.

The individual, he said, must be taught skills like how to cope with stress, and values such as respect.

“If a student hates school because he is being bullied or pressured, then he is vulnerable.

“This is a risk factor that can lead to drug abuse.

“If a student does not get enough love and care at home, or if the parents show favouritism among the siblings, that could also increase the risk factor,” Dr Abd Halim said.

He said an environment that allows youth to engage in unhealthy activities will increase their likelihood of exploring risky behaviours.

Parents, teachers, adults and the community, must enhance developmental assets in children, Dr Abd Halim said.