STUDY: PRESCRIPTION ABUSE INCREASES AMONG STUDENTS

Abuse of prescription and illegal drugs among college students is on
the rise, according to a recent report conducted by the National
Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University.

The report revealed that approximately 49 percent of college
students binge drink or abuse prescription or illegal drugs.

"We have had one case this school year, last semester, where a
student was charged with having Ritalin in his possession that was
not his," University Police Capt. Eddie Rector said.

Scientists and professionals are speculating as to what the many
factors could be that stimulate students to abuse prescription and
illegal drugs.

"Certainly there are mindsets that prompt people to desire to alter
their moods," Dr. Kurt D. Michael, a clinical professor of
psychology, said. "Some of these mindsets might include stress, a
desire to have a good time, or as a form of distraction."

The report also confirmed that the amount of students who abused
prescription painkillers like Percocet and Vicodin from 1993-2005
rose by about 300 percent, or by about 240,000 students, according to CNN.

Students' abuse of prescription stimulants like Ritalin and Adderall
also rose to 2.9 percent, or by 225,000 students.

"Last semester during the week of exams, I felt a lot of pressure to
perform well, and, as a result, I needed to stay up later to provide
myself more study time," Alexandra. R. Kothmayer, a freshman nursing
major, said. "The only way I thought I could do this was by taking
an Adderall."

"A recent study conducted across 119 campuses found that 7 percent
of college students use stimulant medications for reasons that are
not prescribed," Michael said. "Two prime reasons for which students
abuse stimulants like this are to get better grades or as a party
drug to have fun."

Illegal drug use has also increased on college campuses. Appalachian
has had many marijuana and other drug paraphernalia cases this year,
as it has had in past years, Rector said.

According to the report, the amount of students who use marijuana
daily doubled to 4 percent, or by 310,000 students. Students' use of
other illegal drugs, such as cocaine or heroine, also increased to
8.2 percent, or by 636,000 students.

Other factors that may be biological or social in nature can also
have an effect on the probability of a student's abuse of drugs.

"If someone has a family member who was dependent on drugs, then
their own susceptibility to become dependent on drugs would
increase, merely due to family history," Michael said. "Drugs can
also be used as a form of social lubricant."

Appalachian offers an opportunity for students to seek help, with
regards to drug addictions, through the Alcohol and Drug Assistance
Program. The program provides confidential individual consultations
or counseling as well as a group counseling option.

"Counseling often involves helping a student resolve the ambivalence
they may feel about using the drug, helping one reflect on the
discrepancies one may be experiencing between their true values and
goals and what is really happening in their life," Dale E. Kirkley,
Alcohol and Drug Assistance Program director and counselor for the
Counseling and Psychological Services Center, said.

Appalachian has begun to take new initiatives to help cut back on
the occurrence of drug-related issues among students.

"This year, we have started a new investigation process, where
anyone that is caught with any kind of drugs or paraphernalia comes
in to speak with an investigator," Rector said. "We check to see if
they have ever had a prior drug violation, speak to them about
dangers and consequences and what to expect with their case now and
if it occurs again. It seems that it has helped cut down on prior offenders."

For more information about drug related issues or recovery options
please call the Appalachian's Counseling and Psychological Services
Center at 262-3148 or www.counseling.appstate.edu.