Background rnSubstance abuse is a patterned, harmful and hazardous use of psychoactive substance (drug)rnincluding alcohol and illicit drugs in which the user consumes the substance in amounts or withrnmethods which are harmful to them or others. Globally, drugs and substance abuse continue to bechallenge, especially among the youth in school and out of school. It negatively impacts thernacademic, social, psychological and physical development among the abusers. Schools may will bernable to influence drug use behavior and the primary role of the school is to teach skills, to impartknowledge and establish a sound value base in relation to health and drug use. rnObjectives rnThe objective of this study is to explore the perspective of teachers on substance abuse among TikurAnbessa secondary school students. rnMethod rnA qualitative research design was used. Target population of this study were teachers in TikurrnAnbessa Secondary school. Participants were recruited using purposive sampling technique.rnSampling continued until theoretical saturation was achieved and twelve in depth interviews weredone. The interviews were audio recorded, transcribed in Amharic and translated into English. Tdata were coded using Open code software 4.03. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themernResults rnThis study showed teachers had good understanding about adolescent substance use. The studyrnidentified respondents had knowledge on the possible factors that led to substance use. All of thernteachers mentioned the possible consequences of drug use on the studentâ€™s life. The teachersrnmentioned themselves as responsible on mitigation of drug besides other responsible bodies likernfamilies, other school community, neighbors, governmental and non-governmental bodies and rnreligious institutions; they also said prevention of drug use is everyoneâ€™s responsibility, but still rnsome teachers mentioned having knowledge gap on drugs. rnRecommendation rnSchools are the best places to teach students about the harms associated with substance misuse. Ifrnthe Ethiopian Ministry of Education applies organized school-based prevention programs, it willrnprevent harm associated with using substance. It is recommended this school-based preventionrnprogram includes providing adequate training to teachers, integration into curriculum, involvementrnof parents and collaboration with other stakeholders. Regulating school environment and itsrnsurroundings is also recommended to limit access to substances. rnPunitive measures such as expulsion of students who are found using substances from school shoulbe done in a less psychologically traumatic way.