Impact of Substance Abuse on Academic Achievement Ofsecondary School Students in Kaduna Metropolis

This research explores the impact of substance abuse on the academic achievement of secondary school students in Kaduna Metropolis. The study examines the prevalence ofsubstance abuse among students, identifies factors contributing to this behavior, andevaluates its efects on their academic performance. Descriptive survey research design was employed. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire through arandom sampling technique, a sample size of 200 students was used. Descriptive statistics of percentages, means, and standard deviations was used to analysed the data. The study reveals that approximately 40% of students reported engaging in substance abuse, with marijuana and codeine being the most commonly abused substances. It further highlights that peer pressure, family background, and accessibility to substances are major contributors to substance abuse, which adversely impacts students’ academic performance through absenteeism, reduced concentration, and declining grades. Aditionally, the study highlights the adverse efects of substance abuse, including decreased focus, absenteeism, and deteriorating grades. The study concludes that while drugs have legitimate medical uses, their misuse among student’s leads to severe academic, psychological, and social consequences, damaging traditional values and undermining students' ability to learn. Based on the findings it was recommended that proper orientation on the dangers of drug abuse, provision of counseling services, stricter enforcement of drug-related policies, and collaboration between parents and educators to monitor substance consumption and implement preventive campaigns.