Substance Abuse and the Classroom
Substance Abuse and the Classroom
How Drug and Alcohol Use Among Young People Impacts the Teaching Environment
Abstract
The issue of adolescent use of illicit drugs and alcohol has become more widespread over the last several decades than ever before. This paper explores the various areas of substance abuse as it effects young people today in Canada, primarily students. A brief history is addressed and statistics regarding substance use by young people in Canada are given (as they influence the teaching world). Motivations for usage are addressed, including peer pressure, the desire to be accepted, and family struggles. Along with motivations, negative consequences of drug and alcohol use are discussed. Furthermore, important difficulties that youth substance use and abuse pose for teachers and the educational environment and how they influence treatment of students. Lastly, possible methods of prevention potentially to be exercised by teachers and parents are explored, as well as difficulties that may arise when attempting to implement such prevention methods with young people.
Keywords: Youth, drugs, alcohol, abuse
Introduction
Drugs and alcohol are substances prevalent in North American society, and their prevalence effects both youth and adults. When something effects young people in a society, it is bound to come into the halls of schools and classrooms, as well as homes. The authors of a book titled, “Classrooms Under the Influence” says it this way: “In every community and in each and every school, there are classrooms under the influence of chemicals, alcohol, extreme lifestyles, and out of control behavior of students, parents, stepparents, guardians, siblings, and others within the home” (Powell, Zehm, & Kottler, 1995, p. viii). This quote may sound slightly extreme, but it addresses how drugs and alcohol effect not only those who use them, but the
How Drug and Alcohol Use Among Young People Impacts the Teaching Environment
Abstract
The issue of adolescent use of illicit drugs and alcohol has become more widespread over the last several decades than ever before. This paper explores the various areas of substance abuse as it effects young people today in Canada, primarily students. A brief history is addressed and statistics regarding substance use by young people in Canada are given (as they influence the teaching world). Motivations for usage are addressed, including peer pressure, the desire to be accepted, and family struggles. Along with motivations, negative consequences of drug and alcohol use are discussed. Furthermore, important difficulties that youth substance use and abuse pose for teachers and the educational environment and how they influence treatment of students. Lastly, possible methods of prevention potentially to be exercised by teachers and parents are explored, as well as difficulties that may arise when attempting to implement such prevention methods with young people.
Keywords: Youth, drugs, alcohol, abuse
Introduction
Drugs and alcohol are substances prevalent in North American society, and their prevalence effects both youth and adults. When something effects young people in a society, it is bound to come into the halls of schools and classrooms, as well as homes. The authors of a book titled, “Classrooms Under the Influence” says it this way: “In every community and in each and every school, there are classrooms under the influence of chemicals, alcohol, extreme lifestyles, and out of control behavior of students, parents, stepparents, guardians, siblings, and others within the home” (Powell, Zehm, & Kottler, 1995, p. viii). This quote may sound slightly extreme, but it addresses how drugs and alcohol effect not only those who use them, but the
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