99. SKIPPING SCHOOL

What Research Shows

School attendance is often one of the first casualties of substance abuse. For a young person, school is their primary obligation, and a sudden pattern of unexplained absences, tardiness, or "cutting class" is a significant indicator that their priorities have shifted toward the drug lifestyle. The most direct reason for truancy is simply to create time to use. By skipping school, a young person secures the unchecked hours needed to obtain and consume drugs or alcohol, often congregating with peers who share the same habits. The classroom is an obstacle to their high; the empty house or the park is an invitation. Skipping school is also a tactical maneuver to avoid getting caught. If a student has been using drugs the night before or the morning of, they may be physically visibly impaired—marked by bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, or the lingering odor of smoke or alcohol.

What You See

Finally, the physical toll of addiction often makes a 7:00 AM alarm impossible to manage. The "crash" following stimulant use, or the hangover from heavy drinking, leads to extreme lethargy. What looks like a teenager sleeping in or feigning illness may actually be the body recovering from the previous night's toxicity. Parents should investigate frequent "sick days" or unverified absences immediately, as they often signal that the student is prioritizing substance use over their education.

What You Can Do

When confronting this pattern, immediately contact the school to track attendance and close unsupervised gaps. Do not ignore physical warning signs of impairment, like bloodshot eyes or unusual odors. Initiate a direct, calm conversation about their absences and set firm, strict daily boundaries. Seek professional evaluation and addiction treatment to address the root issue before the crisis escalates even further.