A new study found that 20%, or one in five, college students in the United States are taking prescription drugs to get high. Students that choose to take drugs for non-medical reasons are at least 5 times more likely to develop an addiction problem versus students that take prescription drugs are prescribed for medical reasons. The students were asked if they had taken opioids, stimulants, sleeping pills, and sedatives or anti-anxiety medicines. An outstanding 20% said they have taken at least one of these for non-medical reasons. This is particularly alarming because while use of illicit drugs has been dropping consistently for the past decade, abuse of prescription drugs has increased significantly. The perceptive risks of abusing prescription drugs is low because they are prescribed by a doctor which makes teens and young adults more likely to indulge in their abuse.
Click here to read more information on alcohol consumption on college campuses.
| 19841486 |
This article brings to light the extensive abuse of prescription medications by college students through the statistics stated. As a person in recovery, who has abused prescription medications in the past, I am glad to see the recognition of this growing problem. I completed the one year residential stay at Gatehouse Academy and currently work as a residential director at the main property. The ability for those commencing from the main property to go to the campus located in Prescott, where a variety of college opportunities are available, is a perfect situation for those wanting to continue their education. I beleive all colleges and universities should make available sober housing for students, as this type of living environment is so important for those early in sobriety. At Gatehouse College Campus in Prescott, commencing residents are able to live with friends who are sober and supportive. This is such an important part of phasing from a residential community back into the “real world”!
As a past perscription abuser myself I believe that awareness is key. I would go from doctor the psychiatrist to get narcotics and benzodiazapens. Doing so contributed to my addiction problems that I have been sober from for over two years. Today if I am pescriped medications from the doctor I take exactly as directed. As a result life is good today and I am living one day at a time helping others and enjoying recovery.
A lot of students use Adderall, Ritalin, or other amphetamines to study, take tests, pull all-nighters, cram for exams, or crank out papers. The last 2 weeks of the semester are perhaps the most stressful for any college student– you have last tests, semester projects/presentation, final papers, and Final Exams (on top of the last tests). Most students will inevitably sleep less than 4 hours for those 2-3 weeks– How many of us wouldn’t contemplate using a stimulant to help us along a little bit?
The entire system is flawed. Drug companies should not be allowed to give doctors incentives to hand out prescriptions. Doctors should not be so lax about handing out medications. Colleges and Universities should somehow address the work load and ways for students to cope with it.