One of the negative consequences associated with drug abuse is its impact on a user’s education. Drug abuse negatively impacts education in several ways. And here are some:
Impaired Short Term Memory
Even students who use marijuana, which is considered a gateway drug, are doing themselves a disservice. Marijuana limits the brain’s ability to retain information.
Inability To Focus
Drug abusers find it difficult to focus, particularly on tasks that require mental effort. A lack of focus generally leads to poor performance on school work.
Reduced Cognitive Efficiency
Persistent drug use affects the user’s brain. For example, adult marijuana users have demonstrated lower ability than non users on both math and verbal tests. Inhalants, methamphetamine and cocaine lead to cognitive impairment; and this has been documented by some research institutes.
Preoccupation With Drugs
When drug abuse leads to addiction, the user spends increased amounts of time and energy on getting and using drugs. This leaves less time to concentrate on school work, which means grades suffer.
Vicious Cycle
The United Nations International Drug Control Programme suggests that when a student’s educational performance goes down, their self-esteem suffers. This can cause a cycle of even lower academic performance and lower self-esteem that often drives students toward further drug use.
Start clean. Stay clean. Be healthy.
Say No To Drugs!