Effect, Prevalence and Impact of Substance Abuse on Academic Performance of Students in Secondary Schools in Abuja Municipal Area Council, Abuja”
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Date
2026-02-11
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Abstract
Substance abuse among adolescents poses a growing threat to public health and academic
achievement, particularly within secondary schools’ students in Abuja Municipal Area Council
(AMAC), Nigeria. This study investigates the prevalence, factors influencing, and
consequences of substance abuse among senior secondary school students in AMAC, with a
specific focus on its impact on academic performance. Using a cross-sectional design, data
were collected from 361 students across ten (10) randomly selected public and private schools,
supplemented by insights from parents, teachers, and school counselors. The results revealed a
high prevalence of substance use (54%), with alcohol being the most commonly abused
substance (45%). Most students obtained substances from peers, with many using them during
school hours and struggling to discontinue usage. Although socio-demographic factors such as
age, gender, and school type showed no statistically significant association with substance use,
peer influence, perception of substances as anxiety relief and exposure to substance-positive
media and community environments were significantly linked to usage. Surprisingly, the
correlation between substance abuse and academic performance, though trending toward lower
achievement among users, was not statistically significant. Nonetheless, stakeholders perceived
significant societal effects, including increased crime, psychological distress, and school
dropout rates; although only one-third believed sufficient efforts were being made to address
the issue. The study concludes that peer influence, social media, and community norms are
major drivers of substance abuse, underscoring the need for collaborative, multi-sectoral
interventions involving schools, parents, health authorities and media to mitigate the trend and
safeguard youth development.
Description
Substance abuse among secondary school students has become a significant Public Health
concern worldwide. This phenomenon not only affects the physical and mental health of students
but also has a profound impact on their academic performance and overall well-being (Khoza,
2021). The period of adolescence is marked by significant physical, emotional, and psychological
development, as well as a heightened susceptibility to external influences, such as peer pressure,
family dynamics, and social media (Smith, 2021). During this time, many adolescents
experiment with various substances, including alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and prescription
drugs, often underestimating the potential long-term consequences (NIDA 2020). This
experimentation can quickly escalate into regular substance use, leading to abuse, which can
have devastating effects on their academic performance, health and future prospects (Jones et al.,
2019).
The impact of substance abuse on secondary school students is particularly alarming because
this stage of education is crucial for setting the foundation for future success (DoE 2018).
Academic performance during these years not only determines students' immediate educational
outcomes, such as grades and graduation rates but also influences their opportunities for higher
education and career paths (Garcia et al., 2020). Substance abuse can severely impair cognitive
functions, including memory, attention, and decision-making, all of which are essential for
learning and academic achievement (Weinstein et al., 2019). Students who engage in substance
abuse are also more likely to exhibit behavioral problems, such as truancy, aggression and
defiance, further disrupting their education and the overall school environment (Miller et al.,
2019). More elaborately, the issue of substance abuse among secondary school students is not
isolated but is influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including socio-economic
conditions, familial relationships and mental health challenges (WHO 2020). For instance,
students from lower socio-economic backgrounds or those with a family history of substance
abuse are at a higher risk (Richard et al., 2021). Similarly, mental health issues, such as
depression and anxiety, can drive students to self-medicate with substances, exacerbating their
academic and personal struggles as well as behavioural and cognitive responses (Green et al.,
2019).
Given the profound implications of substance abuse on students' academic performance and
overall development, it is imperative to address this issue comprehensively (NIH 2019).
Understanding the factors that contribute to substance abuse and its consequences on students'
academic performance is crucial in developing effective prevention and intervention strategies.
A recent systematic review in sub-Saharan Africa estimated the prevalence of substance use
among adolescents (10–19 years) to be 41.6%, with alcohol being the most prevalent (40.8%)
compared to other substances (UNODC, 2021). Substance use is a leading cause of death and
disability worldwide; at the early stages of adolescents it increases the risk of developing
addiction, mental disorders and substance use disorders which accounts for a substantial amount
of impact on the health. In the United States alone, drug overdoses claimed the lives of over
100,000 people in 2022, with opioids, particularly synthetic opioids like fentanyl, being
responsible for the majority of these deaths (CDC, 2022).The economic cost is staggering, with
the total burden of substance abuse in the United States estimated to exceed $740 billion
annually. This figure includes healthcare costs, lost productivity, and crime-related expenses.
Specifically, alcohol misuse accounts for about $249 billion, while illicit drug use costs around
$193 billion (NIDA, 2022; HHS, 2022). Regarding public safety, substance abuse significantly
contributes to crime and violence. About 21% of state prisoners and 18% of federal prisoners in
the U.S. reported committing their most recent offense to obtain money for drugs (BJS, 2021).
Additionally, alcohol is involved in approximately 40% of all violent crimes (U.S.
Department of Justice, 2021).
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Citation
1Dada Sholadoye, 2Mene Sarah Sholayemi, 3Omoloye Precious Adekunle, 4Olaolu Oyinlola Bilewu