EFFECT OF DRUGS ON

ACADEMICS OF
STUDENTS

INTODUCTION
The

major question that the article answers is that

what are possible consequences of drug usage
among students in regard to their studies
How the academic attainments, educational
achievements, and personal interest of students is
effected by excessive drug consumption.

What are drugs?

Any substances that modify (either by enhancing,

inhibiting, or distorting) mind and/or body
functioning.

Researchers in the field of drug or substance abuse

use a more precise term psychoactive drugs
(substances). The term psychoactive drug is more
precise in referring to how drugs affect the body..

Classification of drugs
Licit (legal) drugs:
Licit drugs are legalized drugs such as coffee, alcohol,
and tobacco.
Illicit drugs (illegal drugs):
Drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, and LSD.
Most commonly abused drugs are
Nicotine
Alcohol
Marijuana
Cocaine
Inhalants
Heroin

LITREATURE REVIEW

According to Henry et al. (2006) the drug use

among students can lead to harmful consequences
both long runs as well as in short run like excessive
drug usage can lead to high dropout rates and low
grades. And that there is a strong relationship
between drug usage and academic achievements.
Richardson and Barrow (2000) found through their
research that students who are observed taking
heavy drugs usually have poor grade point average,
and poor class performance. Among these students
there is an increased probability of missing classes.
They also tend to have poor performance in class
tests, activities and projects.

Lynskey & Hall (2000) suggested that drugs used

excessively among students can have highly negative
impact on students because it can cause cognitive
impairment, which is the ability to think, concentrate,
formulate ideas, reason and remember.
According to Masten et al. (2008) high use of
substance among students is associated with high
absenteeism and also with increased likelihood of
dropouts
In 2002 Sullivan M, Risler conducted a study in which
he found that college drinking is a major factor poor
performance on assignments and missed classes as
well as high student dropout rates.

DISCUSSION
It is evident from the studies that heavy drug usage among students
is associated with:
Low performance in class
Decreased levels of concentration in lectures
Poor performance in exams, class tests, activities, and projects
Low grade point average
Higher dropout rates
Less attachment with class as well as negative attitude towards
class
Higher level of absenteeism
Decreased levels of motivation towards studies

Who are the students that are

more likely to engage in drug
consumption???

Studies continually show that the majority of young

drug users come from homes in which drugs are
liberally used. These children frequently witness
drug use at home.
It is believed by some social scientists that
consumption of drugs such is influenced by the pace
of modern lifestyles and greatly accelerated by
todays increasingly sophisticated mass media. Drug
advertising, is executed mostly through and it
remains the most influential medium
It is also observed that students who experience
peer group pressure are more likely to take drugs

The degree of attachment of individual with his or her

family is also a strong determinant of whether he or
she is likely to be attracted to substance
consumption. It is seen that children who are more
attached with family have less chances to be
influenced by drugs and alcohol.
Another predictor of the individuals who are engaged
in drinking and other drugs is the type of the role
model the individual has.
Another type of individuals who are too much
dependent on drug consumption is the ones who
seek some of psychological advantage from it, such
as release of depression.

Why are individuals indulged

in drug consumption???
There

are a variety of reasons that motivate

people to take drugs. Some search for
pleasure and use drugs to heighten good
feelings.
Others take drugs to temporarily relieve
stress or tension or provide a temporary
escape for people with anxiety.
Taking drugs to fit in with peers, especially
when peer pressure is strong.

CONCLUSION

It is henceforth concluded that drugs jeopardize the

academic achievements as well as performance of
students because it has adverse effect on both mind
and body. Also because it cause more dropouts,
absenteeism, poor class performance, lack of
motivation for studies, less attachment with class,
and low grade point average. All of which are not
feasible to maintain high standards of academic
achievements. Therefore students must abstain
from drugs for their own welfare as well as the
societys.