Alcohol and substance abuse in schools in Botswana: The need for social workers in the school system

The study explored social work interventions on alcohol and substance use amongst students in Botswana. The objectives of the study were to identify social work interventions on alcohol and substance use, to explore the prevalence of alcohol and substance amongst students, to ascertain students knowledge of the interventions, and to recommend effective and efficient social work interventions. The sample was made up of 100 students. A group administered questionnaire with closed ended and structured questions were prepared and distributed to students. Statistical Package for Social Sciences was used to analyse data. The study found that students were abusing alcohol and drugs, with 9% alcohol prevalence rate. It emerged from the study that most prevention programs are not effective and social workers were unable to assist those who abuse alcohol and substance effective. This study recommends that Social Work Education should have more specific modules on alcohol and substance. Moreover, this paper argues that school social workers are needed in Botswana.