Hunter katoma

Global perspectives

Group project

Slide 1

Good morning today I will be presenting on drug abuse by students. I will be looking at how drugs
affect students mentally. As a team, we have been researching and finding out more on the causes
of the abuse on drugs by students and the effects they are encountering.

Slide 2

My presentation is structured in a way, that i will start of by defining key terms. Students abusing
drugs are at a higher risk than nonusers for mental health problems that include depression, conduct
problems, personality disorders, suicidal thoughts, attempted suicide and suicide. Drug abuse has
led to many students becoming drop outs in many schools. This had affected their future in a
negative way. However this problem can be tackled by campains and taking those who would have
fell victim to drugs to rehabilitation centres where they can get help instead of putting them in
prison.

Slide 3

Hallucinagens are a large and diverse class of psychoactive drugs that can produce altered states of
consiciouness characterized by major alterations in thoughts, mood and perception as well as other
changes. Most hallucinogens can be catergorized as either being psychodelics dissociatives or
deliant. Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we
think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy
choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through
adulthood, according to the U.S department of health and human services. A student is a person
formally engaged in learning, especially one enrolled in a school or college.

Slide 4

Drug use has significant negative impacts on the mental health of students. Many of the drugs are
known to cause changes in brain chemistry, leading to alterations in mood, emotions, and behavior,
for example, caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, and marijuana can all produce feelings of euphoria,
relaxation, or sedation, which can be addictive and detrimental to mental health over time.

Long-term drug use can also lead to more severe mental health problems, such as depression,
anxiety, and psychosis. These illnesses can impair a student's ability to focus, learn, and participate
in school and can lead to poor academic performance, social isolation, and even addiction.
Additionally, drug use can interfere with the development of emotional regulation skills, which are
critical for a student's mental health and well-being. Therefore, it is important for students to be
aware of the risks associated with drug use and to seek help if they are experiencing any negative
psychological effects from substance abuse. In Zimbabwe a study revealed that peer pressure, family
problems, experimenting and exposure are the major causes of drug use or abuse by adolescents in
schools. Drug abuse is a serious concern among students in Zimbabwe and can severely impact their
physical and mental health, academic performance, and overall wellbeing. Joblessness and limited
employment opportunities have contributed to the prevalence of drug abuse. Using drugs or alcohol
for a long time can cause dehydration-induced seizures and damage immune systems. This increases
susceptibility to infection and further complications, psychotic behavior, and serious cardiovascular
conditions, including heart attacks and collapsed veins leading to students dying in schools because
of the use of drugs.

Slide 5

According to the Canadian Addictions Survey 2005 roughly 62.3% of youth aged 15-17 engaged in
early use of alcohol and 29.2% in early cannabis use in the 12 months prior to the survey. The survey
also shows that compared to earlier studies, the age of first use tends to be lower. Conversely, recent
data from provincial student drug use surveys suggests that age of first use has risen in recent years.
Nevertheless, early drug and alcohol use and later problematic use are known risk factors for future
delinquency among students. In fact, subsequent problematic substance abuse can lead to individuals
engaging in criminal activities in schools in order to support their addiction they could end up stealing
money from other students. Students most commonly engage in shoplifting, prostitution and breaking
and entering as a method to obtain alcohol and illicit drugs.

Slide 6

In conclusion the possible solution could include taking the students to rehabilitation centers and
helping them by giving them lecturers. It is also important for schools and communities to raise
awareness about the risks and consequences of drug abuse, to promote positive coping strategies, and
to create safe and supportive environments for students to thrive in. This will help students mental
health as they would have stopped taking drugs that have been destroying their mental health.