How Does Substance Abuse Affect Students?

When we say “students” and “substance abuse”, we immediately think of how it will affect their grades. But just like anyone else, students may also suffer from various physical and mental health problems if they engage in substance abuse.

There are many different ways substance abuse can impact a student’s physical health.

Regular substance abuse, especially alcohol and certain drugs, can weaken the immune system, making students more susceptible to infections and illnesses. Certain substances, like alcohol, can cause severe damage to organs such as the liver, kidneys, heart, and brain. Long-term abuse can even lead to irreversible harm.

Substance abuse can increase the risk of developing chronic conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, respiratory issues, liver diseases, and certain cancers.

When a person abuses these substances, they tend to adopt poor dietary habits and neglect nutrition. This results in various deficiencies that can impact their health and growth.

Speaking of growth, substance abuse during adolescence can hinder physical development and growth, affecting height, weight, and overall body composition.

Many substances disrupt sleep patterns, leading to insomnia or other sleep disorders. This can have a detrimental effect on a student’s physical health and well-being.

It can even negatively impact reproductive health in both men and women, affecting fertility and increasing the risk of complications during pregnancy.

Finally, there’s also the increased risk of accidents and injuries. Substance abuse impairs judgment and coordination, increasing the likelihood of vehicular accidents or serious injuries, which can have long-term physical consequences. Students involved in alcohol and other drugs face an increased risk of death through suicide, accident, illness, or homicide. [1]

Combating substance abuse among students involves education, support, and access to resources that address the underlying causes and provide assistance in breaking the cycle of addiction. Additionally, promoting a healthy lifestyle, emphasizing the importance of nutrition, exercise, and mental well-being, plays a crucial role in mitigating the physical impacts of substance abuse.

Drug abuse does not just affect a student’s physical health but also their mental health. Substance abuse can lead to various psychological problems such as anxiety, depression, paranoia, and mood swings. Drugs can alter brain chemistry, leading to imbalances that affect mental health.

Among adolescents, mental health problems like depression, apathy, developmental lags, and other psychosocial dysfunctions are often linked to substance abuse. [1]

In fact, substance abuse is often linked to the development or exacerbation of mental health disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorders. It can trigger latent mental health conditions or worsen existing ones.

Drug abuse can also impair cognitive abilities, affecting memory, concentration, and decision-making skills. This can hinder academic performance and overall functioning.

Remember that mental health and substance abuse have a complicated relationship. Mental illnesses and substance use disorders tend to co-occur. Even if one does not necessarily cause the other, they can still happen simultaneously and worsen each other.

For students who are struggling with co-occurring disorders, proper dual diagnosis treatment is necessary. These addiction treatment programs are designed to address both problems at the same time in order to enable long-term recovery.

Drug abuse among students often leads to various behavioral changes. The decline in academic performance is just one of them. Parents will notice the drop in grades, the decreased participation, and the frequent absences, but there are many other changes to watch out for.

Sudden mood swings, irritability, increased secrecy, and unexplained changes in personality may sometimes point towards substance abuse.

You may notice changes in their physical appearance or hygiene. They may suddenly lose or gain weight. They may also have unusual smells on them like smoke or alcohol.

Some students engage in risky behaviors, such as driving under the influence, unprotected sex, or illegal activities to obtain drugs. Also pay attention to sudden requests for money without a clear explanation of its use or stealing money or valuable items to support their substance abuse.

Students might distance themselves from friends, family, or social activities they previously enjoyed. They may focus more on obtaining and using drugs, losing interest in hobbies or activities they previously enjoyed. As addiction develops, it becomes their main priority.

They may isolate themselves or associate more with a new group of friends who are also involved in substance abuse. Therefore associating with a new group of friends, avoiding old ones, or having sudden changes in social circles may indicate substance abuse.

These changes might not necessarily indicate drug abuse by themselves, but when observed collectively and consistently, they could be indicative of a substance abuse issue that requires attention and support.

The thing about substance abuse is that it doesn’t just affect the individual but also the people around them. This is why it is also important to talk about its social and economic impact.

Drug abuse can lead to isolation from peers and social groups. Students may withdraw from activities they once enjoyed, distancing themselves even from friends and family. They may even be stigmatized by their peers. [1]

Students struggling with drug abuse might face stigma and discrimination from their peers, teachers, or the community, making it harder for them to seek help or support.

In some cases, peers are the ones to influence students into taking drugs or abusing alcohol. Teens and young adults are particularly vulnerable to peer pressure. Students might feel pressured to conform to certain social groups or behaviors, which can potentially lead to substance abuse.

Drug abuse among students can also strain family relationships. It can create tension, conflicts, and stress within the household, affecting the well-being of the entire family. Siblings and parents alike are profoundly affected by drug-involved youth. They can drain the family’s financial and emotional resources as they engage in drug abuse. [1]

Their substance abuse can even impact the community and society at large. Substance abuse among the youth can result in financial losses and increased strain on the healthcare industry.

Addressing drug abuse among students involves comprehensive approaches that include education, prevention programs, support networks, counseling services, and fostering a supportive environment within schools and communities. Encouraging open conversations, providing access to resources, and promoting a healthy lifestyle are crucial in mitigating the social effects of drug abuse among students.

When we talk about substance abuse and students, we need to consider the future opportunities that can be jeopardized by drugs and alcohol. All of the effects mentioned above can get in the way of future opportunities.

Decreased academic performance can result in lower grades, missed classes, or even dropping out of school, limiting future educational opportunities.

Substance abuse can lead to various health problems, including mental health disorders, cardiovascular issues, liver damage, and more. It can also impair cognitive functions, memory, and concentration. These health issues can interfere with a student’s ability to participate in activities and pursue certain careers.

Involvement with drugs can even lead to legal problems, including arrests, convictions, and criminal records. This can severely limit future job prospects and opportunities, especially in fields that require a clean record.

Many employers conduct background checks and drug screenings as part of their hiring process. A history of drug abuse can significantly reduce job prospects or even lead to termination if discovered during employment.

And because substance abuse strains relationships with family, friends, and peers, it can limit social support networks and positive influences.

Overall, drug abuse can have far-reaching and detrimental effects on a student’s life, hindering their academic, professional, and personal growth, thus impacting their future opportunities. Seeking help and support to overcome substance abuse is crucial to mitigate these negative consequences and regain control of one’s future.

It’s clear that substance abuse has a significant impact on students, but what can be done to address this issue? Schools and parents need to do their part in protecting students from the effects of substance abuse.

One of the most effective ways to address substance abuse among students is through education and drug prevention programs. These programs can provide students with information about the dangers of drug and alcohol use, as well as teach them healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with stress and peer pressure.

Drug prevention programs can enhance students’ problem-solving skills, evaluate the influence of media, boost their self-esteem, set expectations about drug use, reduce stress and anxiety, and increase their engagement in meaningful activities. [2]

By educating students about the risks of substance abuse, we can help prevent them from experimenting with drugs and alcohol in the first place.

For students who are already struggling with substance abuse, early intervention and treatment are crucial. Schools need to encourage counseling, therapy, and support groups, as well as medical treatment for students with a substance use disorder. By addressing substance abuse early on, we can prevent it from becoming a more severe and long-term issue.

Creating a supportive environment for students is also essential in addressing substance abuse. This can involve providing access to mental health resources, promoting a culture of open communication and support, and implementing policies that discourage drug and alcohol use.

Creating a safe and supportive environment will help students feel more comfortable seeking help and addressing their substance abuse issues.

Meanwhile, parents can establish open and honest communication with their children about substance use. Parents who engage in regular conversations about the risks of substance abuse are more likely to influence their children’s choices. Being role models can also help model healthy behaviors for your children. Be an active part of your child’s life and give them emotional support when they need it so they don’t turn to illicit substances. [3]

Schools and parents both play crucial roles in addressing substance abuse among students. They form a vital support system that can educate, prevent, and intervene when needed. Collaboration between schools and parents is vital.

When schools and parents work together, they create a more holistic support system for students dealing with substance abuse issues.

If a student is struggling with substance abuse, it’s important for parents and schools to seek help from professionals. This can involve consulting with a therapist or counselor, as well as seeking treatment at a rehabilitation facility.

Substance abuse has a significant impact on students, affecting their academic performance, mental health, and future. By addressing this issue through education, prevention, and treatment, we can help prevent and reduce the negative effects of substance abuse on students.

It’s essential for schools, parents, and organizations to work together to create a supportive and healthy environment for students, and to provide resources and support for those who are struggling with substance abuse. By doing so, we can help students lead healthier and more successful lives.

If you or someone you love is struggling with a substance use disorder, look for a rehab near you today and learn about the available treatment options.

Treatment is an addicted individualʼs best option if they want to recover. Beating an addiction not only requires eliminating the physical dependence, but also addressing the behavioral factors that prevent them from wanting to get better. Simply quitting may not change the psychological aspect of addiction. Some people quit for a while, and then take drugs or alcohol again, only to overdose because they did not detox properly. Recovery involves changing the way the patient feels, thinks, and behaves.

Sources:

[1]: https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh176/files/pubs/drugid/ration-03.html

[2]: https://isminc.com/advisory/publications/the-source/how-schools-can-work-prevent-substance-abuse-0

[3]: https://americanaddictioncenters.org/blog/5-ways-help-protect-your-child-from-drug-abuse