The role of the school social worker in reducing and preventing the risks of drug abuse among high school students

Abstract

This research aims to determine the role of the school social worker in reducing the spread of drug abuse and preventing the resulting psychological and social risks among secondary school students. The researcher utilized the descriptive analytical method. The study concluded that drug abuse leads to many psychological risks, such as chronic anxiety, depression, memory loss, and personality trait disorders, as well as severe social risks, such as family disintegration, loss of trust, and social deviations like theft and assaults. The results confirmed that the school social worker plays a vital role in raising awareness about the risks of abuse and prevention by promoting curricula and targeted programs to build self-confidence, develop adolescents' coping abilities, and integrate comprehensive educational programs into curricula to protect youth and strengthen their psychological defences. The study recommended the necessity of integrating community and educational efforts to instil authentic values and develop awareness among youth to resist psychological and social pressures away from drugs.