How does alcoholism affects academic performance of a student?
Alcohol is the most widely abused, legalized substance among students of all ages. Despite the recent decline of alcohol use in teenagers, the likelihood of abusing it continues to increase with age. Alcohol abuse is a real problem in the school environment which affects students between the ages of 13 and 24. The use of legal and illegal substances persists throughout high school and college, increasing their risk for drug abuse.
The National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism states that underage alcohol consumption may have negative effects on the brain’s development and alter its structure and function. As a result, learning problems may arise and a student’s academic performance will be less than optimal. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recognizes the same problems with underage and college drinking, citing poor or failing grades, higher absence rates, and memory problems as direct consequences to their school performance.
 One study shows that alcohol use reduces a person’s capacity for learning, memory, and attention by suppressing the activity of neurons which are necessary for staying attentive and focused. This is why students who drink alcohol everyday suffer from reduced intellectual capacity most, if not, all of the time. Students who regularly drink alcohol also had poorer educational outcomes and were less likely to graduate than those who didn’t drink alcohol. Students abuse prescription medications for various reasons. For instance, stimulants such as enhance brain activity, increase alertness and attention, and improve energy levels. Because of these, students usually take them to help with their studies or as a replacement for alcohol.