Does reducing substance use in adolescents increase their school attendance?

Schooling is an important predictor of economic and social functioning later in life. Students who use marijuana, alcohol, or other drugs typically do not attend school as frequently, they perform less well, and graduate less often than non-substance users. The possibility that reducing substance use in adolescents may improve school attendance and lead to successful school completion could represent one of the key benefits of teen substance abuse treatment and intervention programs. However, it has never been shown that reducing or quitting substance abuse reverses the damage substance use appears to do to schooling outcomes. In a year-long study of youths receiving substance abuse treatment, RAND researchers found evidence that ceasing or reducing substance use in adolescents increases school attendance, but results varied by substance. From the over 1,000 students studied, it was determined that abstinence from use of marijuana and reduction in alcohol and stimulants are associated with an increased rate of continued high school attendance.

Note: Blank areas indicate insignificant findings.

Source:

Reducing substance use improves adolescents' school attendance.

Engberg J and Morral A.

Full Article (Addiction) »

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