Abstract:

In this study, school counselors' opinions, knowledge and competencies on substance addiction were investigated. Three hundred and forty school counselors participated in the study. Findings stated that, school counselors consider substance addiction as a problem in Turkey. It was found that the participants' level of knowledge about how to communicate with addicted students and their parents is relatively higher than their level of knowledge about substance abuse and addiction treatment. In addition, the findings indicated that participants considered themselves as more competent on implementing preventive studies and assessing addicted students but they found themselves less competent in subjects related to substance addiction. Lastly, the results revealed that school counselors with professional experience between six to ten years have been found to report significantly higher level of knowledge and competence in some items than school counselors with fewer and more seniority.

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