The Role of Online Seminars in Preventing Drug Abuse Among Adolescents and College Students

Abstract

Drug abuse is a serious issue affecting various sectors of society, especially adolescents who are the nation's future generation. Adolescence is a vulnerable period to the influence of drugs as it marks the transition from childhood to adulthood. In an effort to prevent drug abuse, an online seminar was conducted for high school students and college students regarding drug education. The seminar titled "Talking about Drugs" was held on February 13, 2022, via the Zoom Meeting application with participants comprising high school students, college students, and the general public. In this activity, participants were provided with an understanding of the types and dangers of drugs as well as skills in preventing and addressing drug abuse. The discussion results showed the enthusiasm of participants in understanding issues related to drugs, such as the effects of drugs on physical and mental health, prevention methods, and rehabilitation strategies. In conclusion, although some participants already have an understanding of drugs, further efforts are needed to enhance their understanding from both scientific and legal perspectives. This seminar is expected to be a starting point in addressing the issue of drug abuse among adolescents and the wider community.