Al-Hikmah University Journal

Drug use and abuse is a major problem among tertiary institution students. The issue has been examined from various perspectives including the physical, psychological and social implications. This paper delved into the implications of drug abuse among tertiary institution students in terms of their behavioural counselling. The paper discussed the prevalence of drug abuse among tertiary institution students and the associated risks. Consequently, the paper reviewed existing literature on the problem, focusing on drug use, drug abuse, causes, symptoms and effects of drug abuse among students of tertiary institutions. The paper concludes that drug use in students partially mediated the effect of their externalizing behaviors on college completion, students externalizing also had direct effects on both students reading achievement and on degree completion among others. The paper therefore, suggested among others that schools and governments should create and promote-alcohol free events for students, support students club and organizations that are substance free create and promote service learning and volunteer opportunities, require community service work as part of the academic curriculum and promote consumption of non-alcoholic beverages and food at events; schools should enforce strict rules on alcohol and drug abuse by requiring all social events during orientation of first year to be alcohol free, disseminate responsible host guidelines for both on and off campus parties, install a responsible beverages service program, advertise food and activities such as dancing or sport; lastly, an effective and functional counselling unit in tertiary institutions will go a long way to play a major role in preventing and rehabilitating drug abusers.