Role of a Community Health Nurse in Prevention of Substance Abuse Among Adolescents: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Adolescent substance abuse is a major public health concern affecting the physical, psychological, social, and academic well-being of young individuals. Adolescence is a transitional period characterized by rapid developmental changes, curiosity, emotional instability, peer influence, and experimentation, which increase the risk of substance use. Commonly abused substances among adolescents include alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, opioids, inhalants, and synthetic drugs. Early initiation of substance use is associated with addiction, mental health disorders, poor academic performance, violence, unsafe sexual practices, and chronic health complications. Community health nurses play a vital role in preventing substance abuse among adolescents through health education, screening, counselling, school health programs, family-centred interventions, community mobilization, and rehabilitation support. Nurses function as educators, counsellors, advocates, coordinators, and researchers within communities to strengthen protective factors and reduce risk behaviours. Community-based preventive strategies led by nurses have shown positive outcomes in improving awareness, coping skills, emotional resilience, and peer resistance among adolescents. This comprehensive review discusses adolescent substance abuse, associated risk factors, consequences, and the multidimensional role of community health nurses in prevention and management. Strengthening adolescent-friendly health services, school health programs, life skills education, and interdisciplinary collaboration can significantly reduce substance abuse and improve adolescent health outcomes.