"The students that come for counseling for the use of drugs, experience lack of interest in school. As a consequence they find themselves skipping class because of 'hangovers' and have difficulties studying," said Tracey Williams, licensed professional counselor at Tyler Junior College.
According to the National Crime Prevention Council, during 2008 the use of prescription drugs increased 18 percent between young adults compared to the 2006 statistics.
Young adults who drink alcohol are 7.5 times more likely to use prescription or illicit drugs and 50 times more likely to use cocaine than those who never drink alcohol.
According to police reports, on Feb. 9, during a fire alarm test in Lewis Hall, any students who did not follow procedures were required to participate in a room check. While checking these rooms, Campus Safety found many dorm violations.. In one room, alcohol bottles were discovered. Angela Nunez, director of residential life and housing, perceived an odor of marijuana and two pipes were discovered and a glass pipe was confiscated; the residents are under investigation.
"It is hard to avoid drugs when you know that many of your friends have tried them and they tell you it is an experience like any other, but they don't tell you about the negative effects," said Eric Tarango, student at TJC.
According to Medlineplus.com, 20 percent of people in the United States have used prescription drugs for non-medical reasons. In 2003, more than 6.3 million Americans reported use of prescription drugs for non-medical purposes. Prescription drugs like OxyContin cause constipation, drowsiness and slow breathing when used without professional supervision. Stimulants like Adderall increase attention, but also raise blood pressure and heart rate.
