Illicit (Illegal) Drugs
College students are at increased risk for using and abusing drugs.
Which drugs are college students using?
Marijuana
- Composed of dried leaves of the cannabis plant
- Contains THC, a chemical that alters perception
- Short-term effects: feelings of relaxation, paranoia, euphoria, slowed thinking and reaction time, confusion, impaired balance and coordination
- Long-term effects: memory loss, shortened attention span, colds, breathing problems, increased heart rate, apathy, weight gain, gynecomastia (males developing breasts), and smoking related cancers
Cocaine
- White powder stimulant extracted from coca plant leaves
- Short-term effects: energy bursts, increased heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate increased body temperature, mental “clearness” while high and fatigue and insomnia after the high
- Long-term effects: addiction, paranoia, violent behavior, aggression, depression, loss of interest in food or sex, destruction of nasal passages (if snorted), lung damaged (if smoked), stroke, hearth attack, and death
MDMA or Ecstasy
- Manufactured drug that acts as both a stimulant and a hallucinogen
- Short-term effects: increased tactile sensitivity, empathic feelings, increased physical energy, paranoia, hallucinations, nausea, chills, dehydration, sweating, teeth clenching, muscle cramping, increased heart rate, blood pressure and blurred vision
- Long-term effects: damage to dopamine- and serotonin-releasing neurons, impaired memory and learning, hyperthermia, cardiac toxicity, renal failure, muscle breakdown, liver toxicity, depression and/or other mental health conditions, and death
Steroids
- Manufactured substance that contains male sex hormones
- Short-term effects: increases muscle mass, strength and endurance, acne, water retention, high blood pressure, “bad” judgments due to feelings of being invincible, mood swings, and other negative behavioral effects.
- Long-term effects: hypertension, high cholesterol, stunted growth, liver tumors and cancers, and heart damage. For males, side effects may include shrinking of the testicles and breast development. For females, side effects may include growth of facial hair, menstrual changes, and deepened voice.
Addiction
Drug addiction is commonly understood as a biopsychosocial disease, meaning that biological, psychological, and social (behavioral/environmental) factors all contribute to the disorder. There are two forms of addiction:
- Physical dependence: drug taken long enough that the body develops tolerance for the drug, thereby increasing craving
- Psychological addiction: preoccupation with obtaining and using the drug despite the consequences
Treatment
Treatment for addiction may include medication, behavior therapy, social services, or rehabilitation services. The type or combination of treatments—individual counseling, group counseling, or participation in an intensive rehabilitation program (inpatient or outpatient)—is usually determined by the severity of the drug use and the availability of resources in the area.
Where can you go for help if you are worried about your drug use or that of a friend?
Campus Experts
Student Health Services:
- Appointments with Betsy Foy , Substance Abuse Specialist. Call 314.935.7386. Services are free and confidential.
- Appointments with counselors in Mental Health Services. Call 314.935.6666.
- Appointments with medical staff in Medical Services. Call 314.935.6666.
All services are confidential. If requested, these services can be anonymous.
Peer
Uncle Joe’s Peer Counseling and Resource Center , 24 hour hotline, 314.935.5099. If you wish to speak to someone in person, visit the Uncle Joe’s office in the basement of Gregg Hall, 10pm-1am nightly.
For alcohol- or other drug-related emergencies, contact the Emergency Support Team (EST) by calling 314.935.5555.
On-Line Resources
http://www.factsontap.org/factsontap/drugs/index.htm
How can you learn more?
Professional
Health Promotion Services provides brochures and other resources. To request a program, contact Melissa Ruwitch at 314.935.7139.
