Substance abuse can have a significant impact on a child's academic performance.
Drug and alcohol use can lead to lower grades, missed classes, and even expulsion from school.
This blog post will discuss the effects of substance abuse on children and how it can affect their grades. We will also provide tips for parents to know what to look for in their children to identify if their abuse impacts them.
Many people who abuse alcohol, marijuana, and prescription drugs often separate themselves from the "harder" drug users and think their addiction is not a problem or is not hurting their families. The truth is, it doesn't matter if a substance is legal or illegal. What matters is how the importance affects the person using or abusing it.
Alcohol or drug addiction in the family is messy and hurts everyone. Often families don't want to admit that there is a problem. They may try to hide it or lie about it. Some adults who are addicted may look like they are doing okay. Others may not. Every person and family is different.
The effects of substance abuse on children can be devastating. It can lead to lower grades, expulsion from school, and even death. Some common signs that a child is affected by substance abuse are:
- Be mean to others
- Be quiet or keep to themselves
- Act like a parent and try to take care of everyone
- Get in trouble at school or have falling grades
- Have nightmares or other sleeping problems
- Not be able to focus or finish tasks
- Miss many days of school or daycare
- Believe the issues in the family are their fault
- Worry about what will happen next
- Hurt themselves or others
- Feel helpless
- Feel scared
- Be sad, angry or cry a lot
- Feel bad about themselves
The substance abuse of one family member can affect other members in different ways. The child using drugs or alcohol may have lower grades and be absent from school more often. They may also begin to get into trouble with the law. Their siblings may feel scared, embarrassed, or resentful. Parents may feel overwhelmed, frustrated, and guilty.
These are just a few examples of how substance abuse can affect children's grades. If you are concerned that your child's grades have been affected by substance abuse in your family, there are things you can do to help them.
Tips for parents:
- Talk openly with your children about substance abuse and what it means
- Ask questions about their
- Skipping school or falling behind in school work
- Having trouble concentrating or paying attention in class
- Acting out or being disruptive in school
- Not wanting to go to school
- Falling asleep in class
- Lying about where they were or what they did last night
- Being secretive and not wanting to talk about their activities
If you suspect your child is abusing drugs or alcohol, it is important to get help right away. Talk to your pediatrician or another trusted adult about what you should do. There are many resources available to help families affected by substance abuse. You are not alone.