Addiction and Bullying

It’s no secret that bullying can have a devastating impact on a person’s life. Bullying can lead to mental health disorders and addiction (substance use disorder) in adulthood. A study by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), people who were physically bullied as children are more likely to experience drug abuse and alcohol abuse in adulthood. Do you have any students that are experiencing bullying? Bullying is repeated physical, verbal, or socially aggressive behavior involving an imbalance of power. Bullying can occur in person or online and can have a lasting impact on the victim’s mental and physical health. According to the PACER National Bullying Prevention Center, bullying can lead to mental health disorders and addiction in adulthood. People bullied often use drugs or alcohol to cope with their trauma and are twice as likely to commit suicide. Suicide is now the SECOND leading cause of death for individuals 10-34 years old. 20% of all middle and high school students report being bullied. 

Addictionguide.com has put together information that educates about the connections between bullying and substance abuse. Please share it with your students Here is the link: https://www.addictionguide.com/addiction/bullying/