The Social Welfare Science Study Program, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FISIP USU), in collaboration with the National and Political Unity Agency of North Sumatra Province, the Indonesian Association of Addiction Counselors (IKAI) of North Sumatra, and the North Sumatra Anti-Drug Community Information Center (PIMANSU), conducted an Addiction Counselor Training for Guidance and Counseling (BK) teachers across Medan City.

The increasing threat of drug abuse among adolescents demands the active role of schools in prevention and early intervention efforts. In response to this issue, the Social Welfare Science Study Program of FISIP USU, in collaboration with the National and Political Unity Agency of North Sumatra Province, IKAI North Sumatra, and PIMANSU, organized an intensive training titled “Addiction Counselor Training for Guidance and Counseling (BK) Teachers,” which was held at the FISIP USU Meeting Hall on 15 December 2025.

This training aimed to equip guidance and counseling teachers with clinical skills and psychological approaches to detect and manage students who are indicated to have substance dependence (addiction).

“Guidance and counseling teachers are at the frontline in schools. They are not only educators, but also mentors. Through this training, we want BK teachers to have the competence of addiction counselors who are capable of providing early intervention before students fall deeper into addiction,” said the Secretary of the National and Political Unity Agency of North Sumatra Province, Harry, S.STP., M.Sc., in his opening remarks.

The training materials covered the identification of addiction symptoms, motivational interviewing techniques, and referral procedures for medical rehabilitation. Through this program, it is expected that schools will become safe and responsive environments in addressing addiction issues, in order to safeguard the nation’s golden generation.