Substance use and educational attainment : youth's substance use and the meaning they attribute to educational attainment : taken from the perspective of the professionals who work with them

Abstract

Background: Education has become fundamentally important in modern society. Considering the recent increase in illicit substance consumption in youths, it is intriguing to explore the influence on the youths’ educational experience. This study will explore the perception of such a reality by the professionals who work with such a population. Aims: The current study aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of the experience of six professional who work with youth who attend a non-compulsory educational institution and consume illicit substances. The study sought to explore the following: How do professionals perceive illicit substances to influence educational meaning making in youth’s? How do professionals perceive this use to impact youth’s educational attainment? Methods: Semi-structured interviews were carried out with six participants. Verbatim transcripts of the interviews were then analysed using Thematic Analysis. Results: The analysis produced four overarching themes which were; Professional understanding of illicit substance use in youth; Professionals perspective of use and deviant behaviour in Youth; Professionals Perspectives of user’s backgrounds and education; Professionals perspectives of factors influencing drug use and education in youths. A description of these overarching themes and the related sub themes is presented Conclusion: The results showed that youth who make use of illicit substances value education. In addition, it resulted that youths’ willingness to succeed academically supported the reduction of illicit substance consumption in youths.