A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Arts in fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Education in the Department of Educational Psychology & Special Needs Education at the University of Zululand, [2015] / Substance abuse is one of the major challenges experienced in our schools. If learners abuse substances/drugs, they do not learn and ultimately they fail or drop out of school. The researcher undertook a study on this challenge which reviewed research findings on substance abuse in South Africa. The study was aimed at finding out why learners abuse drugs, if there is any relationship between poor academic performance, school drop out and substance abuse. A quantitative study using semi structured interviews, focus groups and questionnaires as data gathering techniques focused on six learners that were referred to Education District offices for the substances abuse problem. These learners were selected from six secondary schools in the Nquthu area. Parents and educators of these six learners also participated in the study. The findings of the study showed that substance abuse negatively impacts effective professional practice that is teaching and learning. The study concludes with recommendations to educate learners on substance abuse prevention in schools and how to assist learners that are already abusing drugs.