The Counselling Center applies drug abuse prevention programs for high school students, which aim at the development of basic skills for handling difficult situations and the encouragement of students to adopt a healthy way of life. Experiential techniques are used in the groups, which are coordinated by a specialist or a trained teacher.

The approach of this age group within the school and the incorporation of the meetings in the school program give the opportunity for an intervention which is regardless of socio-demographic characteristics.

The programs include 5–7 two hours sessions, but can be expanded since they are part of a broader health education program which includes creative activities and activation of students in the community by sensitizing others in issues such as drug abuse, racism, social exclusion, etc.

The active involvement of students in such activities reinforces effectiveness of prevention programs and willingness for participation. One more factor that plays positive role in the effectiveness of such programs is the participation not only of specialists, but of trained and sensitized teachers as well.

It seems that the careful planning of prevention programs, the incorporation of the interventions in the school program, and the active participation of the educational community contribute greatly to the achievement of the programs' objectives which are the change of the attitudes towards drug abuse through the development of social and personal skills, as well as the adoption of principles such as respect of self and others, cross-cultural communication and support.