BACKGROUND: This study specifically aimed to identify factors contributing to drug abuse among secondary school students in Nigeria and the commonly abused drugs as reported by school counsellors. It also examined the influence of sex and length of experience on school counsellors’ reports of trigger factors and commonly abused substances among secondary school students.

METHODS: The target population comprised all school counsellors in Nigeria. Using a survey design with a convenience sampling technique, data were collected from 384 school counsellors. A structured questionnaire titled "Trigger Factors of Substance Abuse Questionnaire (TFAQ)" was used. The Cronbach formula was applied, and a reliability coefficient of 0.91 was obtained. Hypotheses were tested at a 0.05 alpha level.

RESULTS: The trigger factors of substance abuse among secondary school students, as reported by school counsellors, include peer pressure, availability of substances, media and technology influence, and curiosity. The predominantly abused substances are marijuana, codeine, and tramadol. Female school counsellors reported more trigger factors of substance abuse than their male counterparts.

CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight the importance of addressing the trigger factors of substance abuse at both the student level (especially giving in to peer pressure) and the systemic level (especially the availability of substances and media influence). It is therefore imperative to develop and implement school-based programmes to inform students about the risks associated with substance abuse, focusing on the negative contributions of peer pressure, media influence, and curiosity. School-based interventions should prioritise peer resistance training programmes that equip students with the skills to navigate social pressures.

KEYWORDS: Trigger factors, Substance abuse, Secondary school students, School counsellors