Community Empowerment in Preventing Juvenile Drug Abuse through Counseling and Skill Development Programs

Abstract

Adolescent drug abuse remains a critical social and public health issue in Indonesia, requiring community-based and participatory prevention approaches. This community service program aimed to empower youth and local stakeholders through counseling and skill development to reduce the risk of juvenile drug abuse. Conducted at the Al-Falah Youth Empowerment Center in Depok City, the program applied a community-based participatory approach involving adolescents, parents, and community leaders. Over 12 weeks, 60 participants engaged in group counseling and vocational training emphasizing motivational interviewing, social skills, and digital entrepreneurship. Quantitative pre- and post-tests revealed significant improvements in knowledge, attitudes, and preventive behavioral intentions (p < 0.001), while qualitative data showed enhanced self-confidence, communication, and family interaction. The formation of the Youth Anti-Drug Peer Group demonstrated the sustainability of empowerment outcomes. Overall, the program effectively fostered awareness, psychosocial resilience, and collective responsibility toward a drug-free lifestyle. This integrative model offers a replicable framework for youth-focused drug prevention through community engagement, counseling, and skill-based empowerment.