Drug Use and Poor Academic Performance in College Students

Introduction

There are a wide range of factors that negatively impact the academic performance of college students. Some of the factors routinely mentioned on this front include, but are not limited to, failure to attend classes, inattentiveness in class, job-related stress, and depression and anxiety as a consequence of familial or marital problems. One factor that has in recent years received significant attention regarding its impact on college students' academic performance is drug and substance abuse.

Prevalence of Drug and Alcohol Use on Campus

From the outset, it is important to note that according to the World Health Organization (WHO), drug and substance abuse can be defined as "the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs." For most young adults, college is a period during which they learn and experiment with many things (Skidmore, Kaufman, and Crowell 737). It is also during this period that young adults are likely to engage in behaviors that could be deemed risky. This effectively explains why concerns relating to recreational drug use and alcohol abuse have long been significant problems on college campuses.

Indeed, according to Skidmore, Kaufman, and Crowell, "substance use is a significant problem among college students and is associated with a host of consequences, including increased risk of mortality" (736). From a broader perspective, drug abuse has also been linked to a wide range of other adverse outcomes, including preventable accidents, irresponsible behaviors such as unprotected sex, and the development of various health complications.

In one key study, it was found that marijuana and alcohol use among college students does indeed impede academic performance (Meda et al. 15). The authors note that the two most commonly abused substances in U.S. colleges are marijuana and alcohol — a finding corroborated by Skidmore, Kaufman, and Crowell. According to these authors, a staggering 79% of college students consume alcohol. An even grimmer picture is painted by Meda et al., who observe that four out of every five college students drink alcohol, with 50% of those classified as binge drinkers (15). Regarding marijuana use, "national surveys of individuals aged 18–25 indicate 52% report lifetime use, 31% report usage within the prior twelve months, and 21% within the past month" (Meda et al. 16). These figures illustrate just how prevalent substance and drug abuse is in the college environment.

How Substance Abuse Impairs Academic Performance

One adverse effect that has been receiving significant attention in recent times is poor academic performance. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) points out that surveys conducted in the past have clearly indicated a negative association between academic achievement and drug and alcohol use. In the CDC's own words, "students who do not engage in alcohol and other drug use behaviors receive higher grades than their classmates who do engage in alcohol and other drug use behaviors." This finding has been supported by numerous other studies conducted in recent years.

Various explanations have been offered in an attempt to clarify exactly how drug use and substance abuse impair academic performance. According to Meda et al., studies have indicated that marijuana use and alcohol abuse lead to impaired decision-making (17). It therefore follows that students who abuse substances are likely to make poor decisions regarding their studies — particularly when it comes to choosing to study, revise, or participate in group discussions with classmates. Other adverse outcomes associated with drug and substance abuse include disrupted sleeping patterns resulting in poor focus in class, decreased motivation to study, failure to allocate sufficient time to academic work, and a tendency to skip classes (Meda et al. 16).

Conclusion and Call for Intervention

Meda et al. point out that despite data clearly indicating that substance and drug abuse have an adverse impact on academic performance, there has been no significant change in drug and substance abuse trends among college-level learners. It therefore follows that it may be time for the relevant stakeholders — including the government and educational institutions — to step in and address this issue decisively. This is especially important given that the future of the nation depends largely on the capabilities and potential of young people.