Prescription Drugs
Abuse of prescription drugs has become increasingly prevalent among college students. Many students believe that prescribed medications are safe and legal. However, when taken by someone other than the person for whom they are prescribed, or when taken in excess, these drugs can pose serious dangers.
Definitions
Prescription drugs are defined as drugs prescribed by a doctor or health care provider. All drugs alter body chemistry. Recommended dosages have been researched and tested to treat specific symptoms or illnesses.
What are prescription stimulants used for?
Prescription stimulants are indicated for many illnesses, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This is a common medical illness with symptoms that may negatively impact multiple areas in students’ lives. Medications such as Adderall and Ritalin influence particular neurochemicals. The treatment should reduce the many symptoms of ADHD, including disorganization, impulsivity, restlessness, and inattention.
How are prescription drugs abused?
Use is considered “abuse” when a prescription drug is used for something other than its intended purpose, is taken in excessive dosages, or is used by someone for whom it was not prescribed.
Some students who have not been prescribed stimulants choose to buy or take someone else’s medicine because they believe that taking “study drugs” can improve their study behavior and in turn improve their grades. These students may not be aware that the drugs do not perform for them in the way they do for a person with a diagnosis.
Why are prescription drugs abused?
- The “need” to study all night for an exam or to stay up to write a paper/assignment
- To improve ability to focus
- To suppress appetite
- To increase energy
- To party or get a euphoric effect/rush similar to cocaine
Some dangers associated with abuse:
- Short-term: increased or irregular heart beat and respiratory rate, elevated blood pressure, nervousness, sleep difficulty, appetite loss, blurred vision, and risk of overdose
- Contraindications: adverse effect on some pre-existing medical conditions including heart conditions and/or adverse interactions with other drugs
- Other potential risks: sudden death, abuse potential, worsening mental illness, decreased growth and weight loss, and danger to fetus or breastfeeding infants
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 own drug use or that of a friend?
Campus Experts
Student Health Services (all services are confidential.)
- Appointments with Betsy Foy , Substance Abuse Specialist. Call 314.935.7386.
- Appointments with mental health staff in Mental Health Services. Call 314.935.6666.
- Appointments with medical staff in Medical Services. Call 314.935.6666.
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) at 314.935.5555.
National
- http://www.factsontap.org/factsontap/wrong_prescription/index.htm
- www.drughelp.org
- Center for Substance Abuse Treatment Hotline 800.662.HELP
How can you learn more?
Health Promotion Services provides brochures and other resources. To request a program, contact Melissa Ruwitch at 314.935.7139.
