Reducing Substance Use Tendencies among University Students

Effects of the ABCDEF Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Model

Authors

  • Umoh Ekaette Fabian Veritas University, Abuja, Nigeria Author
  • Dr Uchenna Eucharia Enem Veritas University, Abuja, Nigeria Author
  • Iliya Ibrahim Tsigah Veritas University, Abuja, Nigeria Author
  • Biin Godwin Tarnongu Veritas University, Abuja, Nigeria Author
  • Benjamin Nasara Veritas University, Abuja, Nigeria Author
  • Yaganama Gambo Veritas University, Abuja, Nigeria Author
  • Oluwakemi Abigail Popoola Veritas University, Abuja, Nigeria Author
  • Victoria Chinyere Wilson-Woko Veritas University, Abuja, Nigeria Author

Keywords:

ABCDEF model, Abuja, alcohol, cognitive behavioural therapy, nicotine, Nigeria, university students

Abstract

This quasi-experimental study examined the effect of the ABCDEF model of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in reducing the tendencies of nicotine and alcohol use among university students in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Using a pretest-posttest control group design, 120 undergraduates were assigned equally to an eight-week ABCDEF intervention (n = 60) or a no-treatment control (n = 60). Paired-samples t-tests revealed significant reductions in nicotine, t (59) = 27.93, p < .001, d = 3.61, and alcohol scores, t (59) = 39.55, p < .001, d = 5.11, among the experimental group. Independent-samples t-tests confirmed significantly lower posttest scores for the experimental group on both measures, with no baseline differences between groups. Findings support ABCDEF model as a viable, low-cost intervention for reducing substance use tendencies among Nigerian undergraduates, warranting multi-campus replication.

 

Author Biographies

  • Umoh Ekaette Fabian, Veritas University, Abuja, Nigeria

    Umoh Ekaette Fabian holds a Master's degree in Public Health and is currently pursuing a PhD in Guidance and Counselling at Veritas University, Abuja, Nigeria. Her research interests centre on peer counselling programs and their application in addressing substance use among university students.

  • Dr Uchenna Eucharia Enem, Veritas University, Abuja, Nigeria

    Dr. Uchenna is a Lecturer and researcher specializing in Adolescent Psychology, Guidance and Counselling. She/He holds a Ph.D. with research focus on youth development in career decision-making, psychoactive substance use prevention. With over years of experience in teaching, research, and student mentorship, She is committed to bridging the gap between research and practice to improve adolescent well-being and educational outcomes in Nigeria. Current research interests include AI-powered career guidance systems, mental health screening in schools, and evidence-based counselling interventions for adolescents. Dr. Uchenna has published in reputable journals and presented papers at conferences. She is a registered member of Association of Professional Counsellors (APROCON) and others

  • Iliya Ibrahim Tsigah, Veritas University, Abuja, Nigeria

    Iliya Ibrahim Tsigah holds a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology and is currently pursuing a PhD in Guidance and Counseling at Veritas University, Abuja, Nigeria. His research interests centre on the application of Social Learning Theory to academic performance among university students.

  • Biin Godwin Tarnongu, Veritas University, Abuja, Nigeria

    Biin Godwin Tarnongu holds a Master's degree in Counselling Psychology and is currently pursuing a PhD in Guidance and Counselling at Veritas University, Abuja, Nigeria. His research interests centre on guidance and counselling interventions in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). 

  • Benjamin Nasara, Veritas University, Abuja, Nigeria

    Benjamin Nasara holds Master's degrees in Marriage and Family Therapy and Ethics and Philosophy of Religion. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Guidance and Counselling at Veritas University, Abuja, Nigeria. His research interests centre on couples' therapy. 

  • Yaganama Gambo, Veritas University, Abuja, Nigeria

    Gambo Yaganama holds a Master's degree in Child and Adolescent Mental Health and is currently pursuing a PhD in Guidance and Counselling at Veritas University, Abuja, Nigeria. Her research interests centre on child and adolescent development, with a particular focus on behavior, learning, emotional wellbeing, and school adjustment. 

  • Oluwakemi Abigail Popoola, Veritas University, Abuja, Nigeria

    Popoola Oluwakemi Abigail holds a Master's degree in Guidance and Counselling and a Master's degree in International Management. She also holds a Bachelor's degree in Guidance and Counselling and is currently pursuing a PhD in Guidance and Counselling at Veritas University, Abuja, Nigeria. Her research interests centre on pastoral frameworks, behavior modification, and organizational management. 

  • Victoria Chinyere Wilson-Woko, Veritas University, Abuja, Nigeria

    Victoria Chinyere Wilson-Woko holds a Master's degree in Early Childhood and Special Education and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Guidance and Counselling, with a research focus on communication, behavior, counseling interventions, and emerging approaches that improve educational outcomes within African contexts. Victoria is a registered member and a licensed teacher with the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).

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Published

2026-09-04

Issue

Vol. 11 (2026): STAR Open: An International Multidisciplinary Journal

Section

Education, Leadership, and Human Development

How to Cite

Reducing Substance Use Tendencies among University Students: Effects of the ABCDEF Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Model. (2026). STAR Open: An International Multidisciplinary Journal, 11. https://journals.starscholarspress.org/index.php/staropen/article/view/193

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