You're a millennial thinking here comes my mom or dad again about to lecture me on the damaging effects of alcohol and marijuana. Well, it's not just your parents' word you have to take into account now. A new study proves that marijuana use and alcohol intake lead to poor grades.
As per Daily Mail, the research took seven years to complete and now it divulges its findings that verify what your parents had been nagging you about. Those who drink alcohol and smoke weed result to poor school performance and affect mental health as well.
Researchers from RAND Corporation surveyed 6,500 Los Angeles students seven times during their middle and high school years. Throughout the whole duration of the study, the researchers monitored the students, 11 to 17 years old, of their drug and alcohol consumption alongside their grades, behavior and mental health (via Daily Mail).
The findings showed that active Black, Asian and Hispanic alcohol and drug users had poorer academic and behavior turnout than white students. Ironically, the study also found that white students have the highest risk of substance use while at school (via Daily Mail).
As per National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, the effects of alcohol on the brain are clearly shown when a person is drunk such as difficulty in walking, blurred vision, slurred speech and impaired memory. However, when a person is a heavy drinker, the effects on the brain can persist even during the person's sober state. The heavy drinker's memory can permanently be damaged.
On the other hand, as per National Institute on Drug Abuse, marijuana use has been found to cause cognitive impairment. Some studies observed that taking marijuana alters connectivity and reduces the volume of particular brain areas that affects learning, memory and impulse control.
This information supports RAND Corporation's findings. However, the new study does have its drawbacks. It did not consider other contributing factors that may have led to the participants' poor school performance aside from drugs and alcohol (via Daily Mail).
Do you think that the study is enough to prove that alcohol and drug use leads to low grades in school? Share your thoughts on the Comments section below and follow Parent Herald for more news and updates.
