The Effect of Drug and Substance Abuse on Academic Outcomes
EFFECTS OF DRUG ABUSE ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE
INTRODUCTION
Drugs are chemical substances either synthetic or natural when taken that alter the normal physiological functioning of the body. Drug abuse relates to excessive use of psychotropic substances resulting to changes in behavior and normal functioning of the body.
This paper looks into the effects of drug abuse (on academic performance), the common drugs abused and ways and means of mitigating the same. It also looks into the common types of drugs abused and the relationship it has on the performance. The paper highlights the causes of abuse among young students being peer pressure, frustrations at home and availability of drugs.
This study aimed at filling the gaps that exist on the effects of drugs on academic performance.
EFFECT OF DRUG ABUSE ON PERFORMANCE
Drug Abuse and Academic Performance
Drug abuse among teens and college students has a detrimental effect on academic performance. Young people are more susceptible to the short- and long-term cognitive effects of drug abuse while the social and emotional repercussions further increase risk factors for problems in school. It is important for parents and students to learn the risks of drug use and take action as soon as concerns are raised to avoid serious problems in school.
Drug Use and Brain Development
Advanced brain scan imaging has proven that the human brain is not fully developed at puberty as previously thought with maturation occurring as late as 24 years of age. While each drug produces different physical effects, all abused substances share one thing: repeated use can alter the way the brain looks and functions.
Common effects of drug use on the brain that impact academic learning includes difficulty concentrating, inability to process information and problems with working memory.
In 2007, almost 50 percent of high school and college students said that they had used drugs at least once in their lifetime, and 18 percent
INTRODUCTION
Drugs are chemical substances either synthetic or natural when taken that alter the normal physiological functioning of the body. Drug abuse relates to excessive use of psychotropic substances resulting to changes in behavior and normal functioning of the body.
This paper looks into the effects of drug abuse (on academic performance), the common drugs abused and ways and means of mitigating the same. It also looks into the common types of drugs abused and the relationship it has on the performance. The paper highlights the causes of abuse among young students being peer pressure, frustrations at home and availability of drugs.
This study aimed at filling the gaps that exist on the effects of drugs on academic performance.
EFFECT OF DRUG ABUSE ON PERFORMANCE
Drug Abuse and Academic Performance
Drug abuse among teens and college students has a detrimental effect on academic performance. Young people are more susceptible to the short- and long-term cognitive effects of drug abuse while the social and emotional repercussions further increase risk factors for problems in school. It is important for parents and students to learn the risks of drug use and take action as soon as concerns are raised to avoid serious problems in school.
Drug Use and Brain Development
Advanced brain scan imaging has proven that the human brain is not fully developed at puberty as previously thought with maturation occurring as late as 24 years of age. While each drug produces different physical effects, all abused substances share one thing: repeated use can alter the way the brain looks and functions.
Common effects of drug use on the brain that impact academic learning includes difficulty concentrating, inability to process information and problems with working memory.
In 2007, almost 50 percent of high school and college students said that they had used drugs at least once in their lifetime, and 18 percent