Many students in the United States are abusing illicit drugs unaware of the harmful effects of these unhealthy habits. Substance abuse, whether it is habitual or occasional, not only impacts the health, but also has many other negative effects. Read through the article to know the facts and harmful effects of student drug abuse.

Drug abuse common in students

Young people are more vulnerable to drugs as they easily get attracted to the pleasure associated with the drug abuse. Furthermore, drug abusing friends and acquaintances in school have the greatest influence during adolescence.

According to the Monitoring the Future Survey 2010, about half (48.2%) of the 12th graders have used any illicit drug at some or the time in their lives. More than one-third (37%) of the 10th graders and one-fifth (21.4%) of the 8th graders reported that they have used an illicit drug at least once in their lives.

Brain still in developing stage

Adolescence is a critical period in everybody’s life. During this period, the brain is still in a developing stage. So, young people are often impulsive, aggressive, emotionally volatile and are likely to take risks due to immaturity. They are also at high risk of drug abuse with such juvenile attitude. Further, taking drugs at this stage may arrest brain development causing various problems.

Poor academic progress

There is a strong correlation between the student drug abuse and declining academic performance. Substance abuse during adolescence may disrupt the brain function causing critical problems with respect to memory, motivation, judgment, learning and behavior control. Drug abusing students often skip classes and fail to complete assignments. A combination of these factors contributes to their poor academic performance at schools.

Health issues – short and long-term

Illicit drug abuse causes serious short-term and long-term health issues. Dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, etc. are some of the immediate effects seen in drug abused students. The teen drug abuse is also associated with depression, improper perception, and rise in heart rate, anxiety and panic. However, these effects remain for shorter period. With continuous use of drugs for a long time, teens experience long-term health issues which include life-threatening problems such as heart attack, respiratory failure, cancer, etc.

Involvement in crime

Students habituated to illicit drugs are seen with an unexplained change in behavior and attitude. They are often hyperactive, aggressive, irritated and fight for trivial issues with their peers and others. They may also involve in criminal activities. In addition, they frequently get into trouble including accidents and illegal activities. So, student drug abuse increases safety issues at schools and society as well.

Drug testing at schools/homes

Conducting regular drug tests at schools or homes helps to decrease drug abuse among students. Different types of drug testing kits are designed for school and home use. They can be easily available in the market. The fear of being tested positive at home or school encourages a teen to avoid drug usage.

The above mentioned harmful effects clearly state that the issue of student drug abuse cannot be neglected. It is very important for parents and teachers to monitor kids’ regularly and take necessary precautions to prevent student drug abuse.