Drugs and Violence in the Schools

Use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs among teens is a serious public health issue. Though it occurs in the community more than in the classroom, it is a major concern of educators, particularly as it relates to violence. What part do alcohol and other drugs play in youth violence? They are involved in two ways.

The first involves the actual use of alcohol and other drugs. Drug use impairs judgement, reaction time, and inhibitions. Faulty judgement can quickly lead to conflict or violence. The student may either initiate or escalate a conflict that s/he would have "blown off" under other circumstances. As Rob Lugo tells us, "Even if the students have the skills to resolve conflict, as they drink, or smoke, or sniff, it impairs their judgement. They become bolder, they don't think as much, and the violence consumes them." Even if the disputing students in school are not using, a fight may erupt over a dispute that occurred outside school when they were under the influence.

Another way that drugs affect violence in the schools is through drug sales and related activities. Disputes between rival dealers, between dealers and buyers, and even between rival gangs, can set the stage for fighting and violence. Students involved in drug-related activities may be more likely to carry weapons. Even if a conflict arises that has nothing to do with drugs, the presence of weapons raises the stakes.

Clearly the issue of violence in the schools is a complex issue. Conflict relates to drugs. Drugs relate to gangs. Gangs relate to violence, and so on. Efforts to prevent drug abuse can have an impact on decreasing conflict and violence as well.