The consumption of illicit substances and the impact on education has been the subject of national concern for decades. The intensity and importance of the topic has led to a significant amount of research, discussion, and various policy implementations to curb the use of drugs in American schools. The substances predominately consumed by adolescents are cigarettes, marijuana, and alcohol. Other illicit substances, such as cocaine, ecstasy, and prescription and nonprescription medications tend to make a much rarer appearance and do not present themselves with the consistency and severity of cigarettes, marijuana, and alcohol. No matter the substance, the use of illicit drugs are directly associated with poor educational outcomes, discipline problems, and legal dilemmas.

Drug use is associated with several interrelated risk factors and variables that ...