Causes and effects of substance abuse on the academic performance of students of Berekum SHS,Berekum

Abstract

There are growing numbers of students worldwide using drugs that the law does not permit. The existence and extent of drug use have been identified as one of the greatest problems in learning institutions. This affects various aspects of learning such as students’ discipline and interest in learning hence affecting academic performance of which the senior high students of Berekum SeniorHigh School are not exception. The study is conducted in the Berekum Senior High School in Berekum in the Bono Region of Ghana. The sample for the study consisted of eighty students and ten teachers of Berekum Senior High School.A cross sectional survey was used for the study. The data for the study was collected by administering questionnaire to the participants. The study revealed that, A high proportion of students use alcohol and marijuana and continue to abuse these substances which could lead them into becoming addicts and eventually crave other dangerous substances. There is also a clear indication that students’ interactions on the school campus with their peers is very strong. This has resulted in close interaction of both users and non-users of drugs that influence attitudes. Again, innocent students are pressurized by friends into the abuse of drugs out of ignorance. For academic reasons, a number of students agreed to have used certain drugs they believe could help them study for excellent performance but which eventually were found to be false and failed them. The home and school environment contribute to students’ abuse of substances. Some parents have been selling and using substances in the presence of students, others have involved their children or wards in the sale of alcohol and cigarettes at home thus exposing them to their use and subsequent abuse. There is misinformation or inadequate education on the dangers of drug abuse and most students do not have a clear view of the issue