What Are the Effects of Substance Abuse in the Classroom?
For many children, school is a dominant part of growing up. From elementary to middle to high school and beyond, many great experiences and adventures happen during this time. Unfortunately, this is also the time young people are introduced to drugs and alcohol. Engaging in these substances can be detrimental to a student's success and can potentially lead them on a path to destruction.
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The Facts
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Kids are learning about drugs as early as elementary school and the potential to experiment and become addicted is high. They are being exposed to and using substances that they may not recognize or even understand. Taking part in such activities can severely affect the child's performance in school, relationships with friends, family, and their overall well-being. If the student doesn't find help, not only is his entire academic career in jeopardy, but possibly his life.
Types
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Whether kids are experimenting with alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana, prescription drugs or any other narcotic, all these substances can alter the mind and affect a student's ability to think. For example, some substances like alcohol, cigarettes and marijuana are common drugs school-aged children try at some point when experimenting. Other, less obvious substances, like prescription drugs, household cleaners, even correction fluid, can get kids high. These drugs, meant to serve a specific purpose like treating an ailment or cleaning, can have harmful effects on children.
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Effects
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Substance abuse has many negative effects on a student's academic career. For instance, depending on the drug, some students have a false sense of euphoria and happiness, while others experience feelings of violence and rage. Some of the most common effects of substance abuse are memory loss, lethargy, slow reflexes, lack of discipline and focus. As a result, many children stop doing schoolwork, miss class, and become friends with other kids engaging in similar activities. Even worse, drugs make kids lose the ability to think for themselves. This can spark violence, cause kids to drive while under the influence or engage in other risky activities.
Misconceptions
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Some people are under the false impression that substances such as cigarettes or alcohol, are not as bad as illegal or controlled substances. However, the reality is that if a school-aged child learns to abuse substances now, they are at risk for trying more dangerous, illegal substances later in life. In addition, another misconception is that some kids don't feel that they have a problem if they only abuse substances infrequently. The truth is that being drunk or high just one time is enough to cause serious damage.
Prevention
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Oftentimes, close relationships with an authority figure, such as a teacher or guidance counselor, can help a child stay on the right track and not become a victim of substance abuse. This is because during adolescence, children can be easily influenced and are faced with making decisions themselves. Having someone to guide them can help steer them in the right direction and teach them self value and esteem.
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