Substance abuse is a silent epidemic that is posing a growing threat to South African students, both in academic performance and emotional health. The effects of drug and alcohol use on students are profound and far-reaching, ranging from high school dropouts to deteriorating cognitive abilities. In this article, we explore how substance abuse may affect learners’ academic performance and why early prevention and intervention is crucial to protecting South Africa’s youth.
“One in three learners between the ages of 13 and 18 uses drugs within school premises.“
Cognitive Consequences: A Mind in Decline
Cognitive functioning can be severely hampered by substance abuse. Students who abuse drugs like alcohol, marijuana, or nyaope frequently have trouble focusing, remembering things, and making decisions. Students with these cognitive impairments find it more difficult to grasp new information, finish assignments, or do well on tests.
According to the South African Medical Research Council, one in three learners between the ages of 13 and 18 uses drugs within school premises. This is especially concerning considering that the adolescent brain is still developing, making it more susceptible to long-term damage from substance use.
Emotional and Behavioural Struggles
Substance abuse has a severe negative impact on students’ emotional and social well-being in addition to its effects on the brain. Learners struggling with addiction are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, irritability, and low motivation. These emotional disturbances can manifest in aggressive behaviour, rule-breaking, and conflicts with both teachers and peers.
Teachers often stigmatise learners involved in substance use, leading to further emotional isolation and even increased usage as a coping mechanism. Rejection by parents and significant adults can deepen these emotional wounds, reinforcing the cycle of abuse.
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Declining Academic Performance
The decline in academic performance is arguably the most obvious indicator of substance abuse in students. Studies have shown that students who use drugs are more likely to miss class, perform poorly on tests, and eventually drop out of school.
A staggering 66% of learners in South African high schools have consumed alcohol, with many reporting absenteeism and declining grades as a result. Teachers report that substance-abusing learners often become disruptive in class, further impacting the learning environment for others.
Social Fallout: Isolation, Peer Pressure, and Crime
Learners frequently turn to substances due to peer pressure or to cope with difficult social environments, including parental neglect or abuse. Over time, these learners can become socially isolated, especially if they’re labelled or ridiculed by their peers or teachers.
More worryingly, some may resort to criminal activities—such as theft or violence—to fund their addiction. In certain communities, drugs like nyaope are so easily accessible that some learners even consume them mixed into food, such as “space muffins” sold on school grounds.
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Prevention and Support: Turning the Tide
So, how can we prevent substance abuse and support learners in South Africa?
1. Early Education and Awareness
Schools must implement comprehensive, age-appropriate drug education programmes. These should focus not only on the health risks but also on teaching resilience, critical thinking, and peer resistance skills.
2. Counselling and Mental Health Services
Many learners turn to substances as a way to cope with trauma or emotional distress. Access to mental health professionals and school-based counselling services can provide healthier alternatives for managing stress.
3. Parental Involvement
A strong parent-child relationship is key to prevention. Parents must engage in open conversations, monitor their children’s activities, and seek professional help when needed.
4. Rehabilitation Programmes and Community Support
When prevention fails, rehabilitation must step in. Small, community-based rehab facilities can offer personalised care, family involvement, and ongoing support, helping learners rebuild their futures.
5. Policy and Law Enforcement
The South African government’s National Drug Master Plan and Integrated School Health Programme are important steps, but consistent enforcement and community-level action are needed to make a lasting impact.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how substance abuse may affect learners’ academic performance is not just a matter of education policy, it’s a societal imperative. From memory loss and emotional instability to dropping out and criminal behaviour, the effects are devastating. But with the right support, early education, and compassionate rehabilitation programmes like those at Serenity House, we can help South Africa’s learners overcome addiction and thrive.
Donna
Recovery Assistant
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References
Distinctionpass. (2024, July 29). Four Contributing Factors to Substance Abuse Among Learners in South African Schools. Retrieved from distinctionpass: https:https://distinctionpass.com/four-contributing-factors-to-substance-abuse
Goldenkey. (2024, August 25). How Does Drug Abuse Affect Student Performance in the School. Retrieved from goldenkey: https:http://goldenkey.org.za/how-does-drug-abuse-affect-student
Purushothaman, D. (2013, September 4). Student Drug Abuse and Its Harmful Effects. Retrieved from livinginwellbeing: https://www.livinginwellbeing.org/student-drug-abuse-and-its-harmful-effects/
Nzama Muzi, O. A. (2021). Substance Abuse among High School Learners in South Africa: A Case Study of Promoting Factors. African Journal of Development Studies , 222,224,233.
