Opioid Misuse Among Students and Its Impact on Educational Outcomes: A Systematic Review

• In Event: Saturday Roundtable Session 9:45 am
  In Roundtable Session: Individual, Familial, and School Contributors and Hinderers to Adolescent Mental Health (Table 2)

Abstract

This study explores the impact of opioid misuse on educational outcomes at individual, institutional, and community levels. It reviews academic articles published between 2000 and 2023, revealing a strong link between non-medical opioid use and other substance misuse, primarily among adolescents and young students. Opioid misuse negatively affects students' behavioral and psychological well-being, resulting in declining cognitive abilities, attention deficit disorder, and aggressive behaviors. Consequently, students experience lower academic performance, as reflected in lower GPAs and test scores. The research suggests educators should be equipped to address opioid use disorder among students. Furthermore, opioid misuse is associated with increased out-of-school suspensions due to aggressive behaviors and detrimental effects on cognitive functions and psychological challenges in adolescent students.

Authors

• Lilian Naa Obiorkor Tetteh, Texas Tech University

• Kwanghee Jung, Texas Tech University