Reason 5: Drug or Alcohol UseIn a national research study on student alcohol and drug use, between eighth grade and college, it was reported that during 2008 roughly 39% of eighth grade students reported having tried alcohol, 21% had already tried smoking cigarettes, and 15% had tried marijuana (Johnston et al., 2009). These numbers indicate that early substance use is becoming more prevalent, especially in the middle school levels. According to the National Cannabis Prevention and Information Center, there is a debate about whether or not heavy marijuana use causes “amotivational syndrome,” a term that refers to a student becoming withdrawn and apathetic or whether such a syndrome even exists. While we do know that heavy marijuana use can lead to poor attention, memory loss, and a higher school drop out rate, the research into amotivational syndrome is inconclusive. Findings are inconclusive because marijuana users have other factors in their life that may lead to apathy such as poverty, unemployment, or pre-existing mental health issues.
Common Signs and ExamplesAlcohol, tobacco, and marijuana use can negatively impact students in several ways. One study conducted in Canada found that alcohol, drug use, and a sedentary lifestyle was positively correlated with health related absenteeism, truancy, and low academic motivation (Pathammayong et al., 2011). Furthermore, the study found that boys were more likely than girls to become unmotivated and skip class and any student who regularly smoked marijuana was five times more likely to exhibit high truancy levels, missing more than six classes in the past month (Pathammayong et al., 2011). This study seems to indicate the absenteeism from class could be related to alcohol, drug, and tobacco use, which can negatively impact academic motivation.
Potential Interventions
Additional Resources Relating to Substance AbuseMarijuana Use and Apathy Fact Sheet
A quick fact sheet about amotivational syndrome Amotivational Syndrome An article describing amotivational syndrome, its symptoms, and the brain. |