RESPONSIBILITY AND COMMUNITY

Despite the controversy surrounding The Greyhound's first installment
of its series, "A Costly Habit" on cocaine use at Loyola, we are glad
to see the story raised reactions both positive and negative. As the
sole newspaper on campus, we must take into account our effect on the
college community, and of course, how the Loyola student community
views, itself, as a result. Either way, any sort of discussion that
takes place must examine both the positive attributes of Loyola's
community, of which there are many, and the negative in order to
educate ourselves about campus realities.

Indeed, the majority of Loyola students lead healthy lifestyles,
however, students must not ignore the destructive behavior of their
peers, even if it is uncommon. While marijuana, cocaine and other
drugs may seem like mere recreational forays, the long-term effects of
addiction can be utterly crippling. And as demonstrated by some of the
students we have spoken with, addiction can overtake a person more
quickly than he or she imagined. Moreover, the effort it takes to get
out from a drug's influence can be astounding, and without help,
nearly impossible.

Whatever the stigma, if you see a friend slipping into addiction -
help them. Some students exhibit a sense that interfering in such
situations is neither their place nor their responsibility. Even more,
some might fear that their actions will get friends or roommates into
serious trouble. The Greyhound wants to emphasize that students are
responsible for each other, and there are ways to help somebody
without getting them into trouble. In the end, more harm will be done
if they are caught, or continue to use a drug until serious medical
problems result.

Avenues of help include the Counseling Center and the ADESS office,
among others. These programs exist to serve students in their times of
need, and they will gladly provide advice, counseling, and education
to those who ask.

At the very least, have a conversation. Speaking with one another
about difficult subjects such as addiction may seem like a topic best
left for the classroom, but there will not always be a classroom to
learn these lessons in. The time for responsibility and community is
now, for yourself and those around you.