Link Between Bullying and Drug Abuse

A study from Addictive Behaviors suggests that students who are classroom bullies are more likely to fall victim to alcohol and drug abuse when compared to children who are not bullies. There is a strong correlation between bullies and substance abuse. While children not involved in a bully- victim relationship were less likely to abuse substances, bullies and bully-victims are more likely to use cigarettes, alcohol and marijuana.

The study surveyed over 75,000 students and when high school students were middle school students, they more likely to be involved in a bully-victim relationship. Those involved in bullying were more likely to abuse substances in high school. In high school students, 31.7 percent of bullies reported marijuana use compared to the 13.3 percent who were not involved in bullying.

Kisha Radlif of Ohio State University stated in a news release that one deviant behavior may be related to another. It is important for schools to enforce rules and regulations that prevent bullying in middle school children. As suggested in Partnership for Drug-Free Kids, intervening at this stage can help children before they start experimenting with drugs and alcohol once they get to high school.

ADAPT is currently working towards preventing some of issues relating to drug and alcohol abuse through the use of education. The members of ADAPT conduct activities with the youth to teach them about the dangers of substance abuse which can aid in prevention at a young age