CURRENT TRENDS IN SUBSTANCE
ABUSE AND ADDICTIONS ON
COLLEGE CAMPUSES
BY JEAN BASILE, LMSW, CASAC
Statistics
According to statistics from the Higher Education Center for Alcohol
and Other Drug (AOD) Abuse and Violence Prevention
1,700 College students die from alcohol related causes
1,300 deaths involve drinking and driving
600,000 suffer non fatal injuries from AOD abuse
696,000 victims of assault from another student on AOD
500,000 have unprotected sex
100,000 are to intoxicated to know if they consented to sex
97,000 are victims of AOD related sexual assault or date rape
1.2-1.5 percent attempt suicide due to AOD use
150,000 develop health related problems from AOD use
11 percent damage property while under the influence AOD
2.8 million drive while under the influence of AOD
25 percent miss classes, do poorly on tests and have declining grades
48 percent of collegiate alcohol consumption is done by underage students
44 percent of college students are binge drinkers
6 percent of college students are diagnosed as alcohol dependent and one third
with alcohol abuse
44 percent of students have at least one symptom of abuse or dependence
54 percent of binge drinkers experienced at least one blackout
Statistics from UMADD
• According to Lela Davidson in an article on HubPages, young people have
found a new way to get high by inserting vodka soaked tampons into the
vagina. And just so the boys won't be left out, it works rectally as well. Keep
in mind that many vaginal medications are routinely administered via tampon,
and that the unprotected membranes of the vagina and anus would allow
alcohol to enter the bloodstream faster than the acid protected
gastrointestinal tract.
**Although these are national statistics, they are indicative of our locality as well.
Alcohol, Marijuana, Rx and OTC meds, cocaine, and heroin are heavily abused
throughout the country. The other drugs are a bit more territorial, for example E
is still used, but concentrations are higher in more populated/urbanized areas and
the club scenes. Methamphetamines are primarily used on the west coast, but are
making its way east. Date rape and ‘Happy Cocktails’ (Alcohol, Xanax and
Vicodin) are more prevalent in campuses with dorms and fraternities.
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Alcohol
Alcohol is still the most abused drug on the college campus.
Alcohol is usually taken with other substances. Often students will pop a Xanax before
going out to intensify the effect of drinks so that two drinks /beers will feel like twelve.
Alcohol is the central ingredient in socializing. There are many websites that have
recipe’s, drinking games with rules and modifications to board games transforming
games such a Chutes and Ladders to drinking party games, or Beer Pong… etc. All you
need do is Google ‘Drinking Games’.
Jaeger Bombs are also big on campuses; that is mixing Jaegermeister & Beer. Recipe’s
are on the internet- You take a shot glass of Jaegermeister & drop it in a mug of Beer;
mostly Corona’s or Bud light; however the cheaper the beer the better- as “the
cheaper beers mess you up faster”.
Grey Goose vodka is popular because it is known to leave less of a hangover.
Also very popular on campus is mixing Alcohol and Energy Drinks such as Red Bull. The
energy drinks contain legal stimulants such as Caffeine, Guarana which contains three
times the caffeine than coffee beans, Taurine which is an amino acid and cardiac
stimulant, Ginseng which stimulates the nervous system, Insitol which participates in
the action of serotonin, Choline which improves neuromuscular transmission, Sugar,
and Carnitine which is also an amino acid. These can be dangerous when combined
with alcohol , as the stimulant effects can mask intoxication; once the stimulant effect
wears off, the depressant effects of alcohol remain and causes vomiting during sleep or
respiratory depression. Dehydration is intensified as both alcohol and energy drinks are
diuretics. Companies market these products as ways to ‘party all night’
Alco pops are popular with the sorority crowd and female collegians. They are bottled
alcoholic beverages that resemble soft drinks such as Mike’s Hard Lemonade.
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21 BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
Eighty-three percent of the students said they'd consumed alcohol to celebrate
this milestone birthday, by consuming excessive amounts of alcohol. Twelve
percent of men and women reported consuming exactly 21 drinks, while an
additional 22 percent of males and 12 percent of females said they'd exceeded
that number.
Based on the information supplied by the students, the researchers estimated that
49 percent of the men and 35 percent of the women had estimated blood alcohol
contents of 0.26 or higher, a level that could cause serious health problems such as
disorientation, coma and death. That means an average size woman would have to
drink between seven and nine drinks an hour to attain a blood alcohol content of
0.26, and an average man would have to drink between 10 and 12 drinks!
Since our bodies are designed for self preservation, we are normally protected by
passing out before you get too drunk and get to the stage of death. According to
Dr. Evaristo Akerele, vice president and director of medical and psychiatric affairs
at Phoenix House in New York City. "What happens here is somebody keeps the
mouth open and keeps putting more and more alcohol so you override [the
tendency to pass out first]. It's potentially fatal."
'21 for 21': A Deadly Binge Drinking Ritual on College Campuses, By Amanda
Gardner- June 6, 2008
Just last week, (Sunday, November 10, 2008) there was an incident on the news
where a local college student was at a frat party and died of alcohol poisoning.
SECONDARY EFFECTS OF OTHER STUDENTS AOD
• 65 percent of students experience secondary effects of
others drinking such as:
• 60.0 percent had study or sleep interrupted.
• 47.6 percent had to take care of a drunken student
• 29.2 percent have been insulted or humiliated by a student
under the influence
• 19.5 percent of females experienced unwanted sexual
advances again, by a student under the influence.
• 19.0 percent had a serious argument or quarrel…
• 15.2 percent had their property damaged
• 8.7 percent had been pushed, hit or assaulted
• 1.0 percent of female respondents had been a victim of
sexual assault or acquaintance rape.
(www.higheredcenter.org)
THE SCOPE OF THE PROBLEM
• A survey done by Monitoring the Future (MTF) of only 1,350 college
students in 2006 report percentages of use by specific drugs:
(Many large campuses can have close to that amount of students in
one lecture hall)- Not included are Alcohol, Rx and OTC medications
• Marijuana:
30.2 percent
• Ecstasy:
2.6 percent
• Hallucinogens:
5.6 percent
• Amphetamines:
6.0 percent
• Tranquilizers:
5.8 percent
• Cocaine:
5.1 percent
• Barbiturates:
3.4 percent
• Inhalants:
1.5 percent
• Methamphetamine:
1.2 percent
• Heroin:
0.3 percent
MARIJUANA
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Marijuana use is still huge on campuses, there are shops such as “East West” &
“Utopia” in Hicksville, on 454, and on Old Country Rd in Centereach that sell drug
paraphernalia. The use of bongs is huge and there are websites filled with
instructions on how to easily make all sorts of bongs and bowls. Students like to
smoke blunts, which is a cigar wrapper filled with Marijuana which will intensify
their high.
Students believe that if a student studies high, then they need to take the test
high, the theory is that however you study, you need to take the test the same
way. Recently I was told of a professor that was not going to allow a student to
take a test because they were high; however, when the student explained that
since he was high when he studied, he needed to take the test high as well, was
allowed to take the test.
The old cooking with Marijuana has taken on a new look – they still bake with it,
but they will also add it as an ingredient to any dish.
Younger students will grind up Marijuana leaves and fold it into gum slices, then
put the gum back in the wrapper so that they can chew it while in school.
The harmful effects of Marijuana is especially great for teens and young adults, as
they may develop more slowly and are less able to master coping skills or make
healthy choices. Young people are more likely to get into car accidents under the
influence due to impaired judgment and perception; and are more likely to have
unprotected sex which can result in unwanted pregnancy or STD.
AS YOU KNOW….
• THC is a mind altering psychoactive drug, psychologically addictive which
comes in three forms: Marijuana- from the leaves, flowers and stems of
the hemp plant, Hash- a concentrated form of marijuana made by
compressing marijuana resin into small blocks, and Hash Oil made by
soaking marijuana in chemical solvents such as rubbing alcohol and then
evaporating the solvent to obtain a concentrated oil.
• Side effects include short term memory loss, dry mouth/throat,
sleepiness, increased heart rate, paranoia, hallucinations, panic attacks,
psychosis, loss of sexual drive, bronchitis, lung cancer and brain damage.
• Studies show an association between chronic marijuana use and increased
anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation and schizophrenia; although it isn’t
clear if the marijuana causes mental problems, exacerbates them, or is
used as an attempt to self medicate existing symptoms. Heavy users
impair important achievement in physical and mental health, cognitive
abilities, social life, increased absenteeism, lateness, accidents.
• Marijuana affects hormones and regular use can delay onset of puberty
and reduce sperm production in men, women may disrupt the normal
menstrual cycles and inhibit ovulation. If used while pregnant, there is a
higher risk of low birth weight babies with health problems.
• (Samhsa.gov)
SALVIA DIVINORUM
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Salvia divinorum is a common herb in Southern Mexico and Central and South
America. Salvia is growing very popular among young adults and teens, largely
due to hallucinogenic effects, legal status, undetectable in drug screen tests
Salvinorum A is the potent activator of kappa opioid receptors in the brain. It is
ingested by chewing fresh leaves or drinking extracted juices, or the dried leaves
smoked as a joint or water pipe. Salvia is not a regulated drug by the Controlled
Substances Act and is legal.
Effects: include hallucinations or delusional episodes that mimic psychosis,
psychedelic-like changes in visual perception, mood and body sensations,
emotional swings, feelings of detachment and a highly modified perception of
external reality and the self. The effects are intense but short lived and start
within 1 minute and last less than 30 minutes.
When smoked, it is not uncommon for Salvia divinorum to produce a very physical
sensation of pressure on the body. This is a relatively unique effect of S. divinorum.
Described variously as a pulling or pushing of the body in a particular direction,
some people find themselves pinned to the floor for the duration of their
experience, known as "Salvia gravity".
Some people find it extremely difficult, to achieve effects with Salvia divinorum. It
is not clear at this time whether this is primarily the result of differing body
chemistry, smoking techniques, material, or some other factor; however some
people find combining with Cannabis or MAOI’s more effective. (NIDA)
Recently Dr. Phil had a mother (who was a teacher) and her son that smoked Salvia
together. They both experienced negative effects in their functioning from the
drug, but continue to use TOGETHER!
There are websites such as www.erowid that give information on drugs
of abuse, how to use them, and what to use them with to intensify
the high. It also has detailed instructions on how to make bongs,
bowls and how to invalidate drug tests
The following is an excerpt from the site:
“If going to a test: 1. Have a friend fill a Bard Dispoz-a-Bag Drainage
Bad, and tape it to your abdomen. Run the tube down to your fly.
The piss must be fresh. 2. For women, a urine filled condom or
vanilla extract bottle inserted into the vagina can work wonders. 3.
Distract the distributor, or bribe him. 4. If your really fucked, add
toilet water to your sample, or a few draino crystals to lower your
pH. After you've been tested: 1. List over the counter drugs
medications which are cross-reactive, such as Advil, Nuprin, Motrin,
or Mydol. Remember: Using drugs at work is wrong when you are
operating heavy equiptment, or are responsable for people's lives.
PS2- Caught by your parents? Don't admit it! There's no way they
can prove your st0ned, just say you feel sick!.”
** content taken directly from the website, no corrections have been
made
PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS- PAIN KILLERS
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Abusing Rx meds is one of the most popular drugs of abuse- especially vicodin, percosett &
oxycotin. Often they will take a bunch of them with the goal of getting totally ‘messed up’
and take them with an alcohol chaser; or with coffee or espresso shots to intensify the high.
It is easy to get Rx; as they are sold all over campuses.
Unlike the trends of previous generations - which often followed drugs providing brief
euphoria's; the 18-to-25 set today are far more likely to use pharmaceuticals to enhance
pleasure, vary their conscious experience, self medicate, cope with trauma, relieve anxiety,
depression and insomnia, relieve pain, enhance social interaction, stimulate creativity and
performance, increase physical and mental acuity, lose weight , have fun and fend off
withdrawal symptoms.
According to www.drugfree.org, Nearly 1 in 5 students have used Vicodin, 1 in 10 oxy, 1 in 10
Ritalin or Adderall for non medical purposes; and 1 in 11 get high on cough medicines. Rx
and OTC’s are the new ‘party drugs’. ‘Pharming’ is a popular party activity- that is when each
person contributes Rx drugs, all the drugs are mixed and each person grabs a handful; most
often mixing them with alcohol.
Pain Medications: Vicodin- Oxycontin, Percocet, Darvon (propoxyphene) for pain, abused to
feel pleasure or sensations of well-being. Dangers: highly addictive, tolerance develops, if
stopped suddenly- may go through withdrawal (horrible physical experience of intense
restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, & cold flashes)
Overdose: breathing slows down & eventually stops, death may occur, time release
OxyContin (designed to deliver pain relief into the system slowly over hours) is crushed &
snorted causing the drug to enter the system all at once, & can result in death.
Cocktails are made of Vicodin or Percocet, to “numb out”, Xanax to reduce anxiety and
Alcohol- mostly Tequila. This combination is popular on the campus and is known as “Happy”
Cocktails.
Often it is taken in combination with other Rx or OTC drugs or alcohol, or stimulants like
coffee or espresso. These increase the risk of risks life threatening respiratory depression.
HEROIN
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Heroin crosses the blood brain barrier quickly and is converted into morphine and absorbed into the
opioid receptors in the brain. These receptors are specifically sensitive to morphine and are involved with
the perception of pain and reward. Users report feeling a ‘rush’ and the intensity of the ‘rush’ depends on
how much of the drug is used and how rapidly it enters the brain.
EFFECTS: Histamines are released into the bloodstream and can produce itching all over the body,
reddening of the eyes, dry mouth and flushing of the skin, heaviness of extremities, nodding out,
constriction of the pupils, diminished sex drive, depression of breathing and blood pressure, slows the GI
tract causing constipation. Long term use includes physical dependence, tolerance, change in brain
chemistry, withdrawal symptoms, increased risk of HIV, Hepatitis etc…, collapsed veins, infections of the
heart lining and valves, abscesses, pneumonia, and toxic additives clog blood vessels and cause
permanent damage to vital organs
Withdrawal can occur within a few hours of use and includes restlessness, heavy sweating, muscle and
bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, cold flashes and goose bumps, kicking movements, severe
cravings. Symptoms peak between 48-72 hours and subside in a week. (NIDA)
Heroin is still very big on campus; in fact in June Natalie Ciappa,18, a Plainedge High School senior, died
of a heroin overdose at a Seaford party.
Faced with an increase in heroin use among young people, a Nassau County legislator is proposing that
police be required to notify school officials of arrests for the narcotic. Legis. David Mejias (D-Farmingdale)
said he hoped the bill would become known as Natalie Ciappa's Law, after the 18-year-old Massapequa
girl who died of a heroin overdose at a Seaford party in June.
"The initial signs of heroin use are not easily detectable, and this would give schools and parents a headsup about a problem before it's too late," Mejias said the names of those arrested would not be revealed
to the schools. But police would notify the district about anyone arrested for heroin possession within the
district boundaries or the arrest of a district's student anywhere in the county
Natalie Ciappa's Law would require police to notify schools about drug arrests in their districts in an
effort to stem student heroin use. (Newsday)
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STIMULANTS
(www.drugfree.org) Stimulants: (Ritalin & Concerta (classified as methylphenidates), Adderall (mixed
amphetamine salts) & Dexedrine (classified as dextroamphetamines) are prescribed for ADHD. Although
stimulants, these drugs have a reverse- calming & focusing effect on those with a hyperactivity disorder.
Those without ADHD use the drugs for the stimulant effect. They increase the amounts of circulating brain
chemicals that raise blood pressure & heart rate, speed up breathing, decrease appetite, increase
concentration & wakefulness, gives a sense of euphoria & causes insomnia. Students often abuse these
drugs to stay awake & alert so that they can study or party beyond their natural ability. They may take
them orally or crush the tablets & snort or inject them.
The pressures of college coursework often moves students to depend on drugs like Adderall as a
substance for academic success rather than for an occasional high, and as many as 20 percent of college
students have used Adderall or Ritalin.,according to a study released by the National Center on Addiction
and Substance Abuse in 2004. The big thing on campuses now is abusing Adderrall and Ritalin; taking two
pills at a time to stay up and study, or with a chaser. "I don't know what I would do without it," said
Catherine, who earlier had taken a dose of Adderall. "There's no way I could have kept my scholarship if I
didn't use it."
Supply of these drugs is readily available through students who are prescribed them may hoard the pills &
sell them, may fake symptoms & get a prescription, or get them through online pharmacies. There may be
a false sense of safety because the pills are prescribed, however when used for intensive studying or
recreationally for partying, are dangerous. The side effects include headaches, fatigue, depression, sleep
disorders, anxiety, paranoia, malnutrition, cardiac irregularities, convulsions, seizures. When mixed with
AOD, especially decongestants, the effects are exaggerated.
Dangers: addictive, high doses taken over a short time can lead to feelings of hostility, intense fear &
paranoia. High doses may result in dangerously high body temperatures & irregular heartbeat w/ possible
cardiovascular failure. If injected the risks include infection, HIV, hepatitis, blood vessel blockages & risk
of toxic overdose. (www.higheredcenter.org)
Prevention: limit access by prescribing small quantities, requiring confirmation of ADHD diagnosis,
investigating reports of loss of pills & requests of replacement Rx, block access to online pharmacies.
COCAINE
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Cocaine is a crystalline white powder from the coca plant that acts as a central nervous
system; by interfering with the body’s re-absorption of dopamine, a chemical in the brain
that controls pleasure, alertness, and movement.
Cocaine is used for its exhilarating and intense high, its anesthetic properties can be felt
without a sense of intoxication. Students who abuse the drug do so for its high, increased
energy and confidence they feel on the drug. Cocaine can be snorted or injected, or crack
cocaine—cocaine mixed with baking soda—can be smoked. The fumes from crack cocaine are
said to reach the brain in as quickly as ten seconds
Cocaine depletes all of the body’s feel-good chemicals after the user’s high is over, thus
causes depression and other symptoms, called a cocaine crash. It is often mixed with
marijuana, heroin, and alcohol. Alcohol, a depressant, can cause serious interference with
cocaine, a stimulant.
The drug is often processed with dangerous and volatile solvents like benzene, gasoline, and
kerosene, combined with talcum powder to reduce its purity, and mixed with other
substances like amphetamines and anesthetics.
The drug’s high lasts only about five to 30 minutes, and side effects include nausea, increased
blood pressure, headaches, and insomnia. Cocaine can cause seizures and erratic heart beat,
the heart may even stop beating while a user is on cocaine. Cocaine also causes permanent
and severe liver, heart, and lung damage, addiction, and compromises the immune system.
Cocaine is still big in the college crowd and is very vogue to continue to use after graduation
and into their professional lives. One student I interviewed spoke of a young teacher who
graduated 2 years ago who is still using coke. Since coke leaves the system within a few days;
it may not be picked up in occasional drug screenings.
SEDATIVES, SEDATIVE-HYPNOTICS & TRANQUILIZERS
Affects brain systems to produce a drowsy or calming effect, sometimes to the point
of inducing sleep.
• Benzodiazepines: Valium(diazepam), Xanax (alprazolam), Ativan (lorazepam),
Klonopin (clonazepam), Restoril (temazepam)
• Non-Benzodiazepine Sedatives: Ambian (zilpidem), Lunesta (eszopiclone) Ambian
abuse is very big on our college campuses now.
• Barbiturates : Mebaral(mephobarbital) and Nembutal (pentobarbital)
• Used for treating anxiety, reduce stress, panic attacks, insomnia, seizure disorders
and muscle spasms.
• Abused to feel calm and sleepy, less tension, reduce anxiety or panic, feelings that
go away as the body becomes drug-tolerant
• Xanax is another drug that is highly abused; students will take Percocet or Vicodin,
Xanax and chase with alcohol; to reduce anxiety, numb out feelings and give a
sense of euphoria or happiness.
• To study, they will mix Xanax and Adderall to decrease test anxiety and help to stay
focused.
• Stimulants, Ritalin and Adderrall, are also crush and snorted; all the time, but
especially during midterm and final weeks.
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Dangers: addictive, when use is reduced or stopped- seizures and withdrawal
symptoms may follow; can be deadly
DATE RAPE DRUGS
• Particularly disturbing is the popularity of Date Rape Drugs including GHB,
Rophynol and combinations of Xanax bars with alcohol. These are
particularly popular in the fraternities and club scenes.
• Rohypnol: Fluritzrazepam, is a CNS depressant ten times stronger than
Valium; and is ingested orally in pill form or dissolved in a beverage. It
may also be ground up and snorted. It is known as the ‘Date Rape Drug’
due to it’s high association with sexual assaults due to the drug leaving it’s
victims in a coma like state and amnesia after the attack.
• GHB: Gamma Hydroxylbuteric acid is a Benzodiazepine and a CNS
depressant that sometimes cause hallucinations. It’s a clear liquid with a
slightly salty taste, but can also come in a small tablet or capsule which
disolve quickly; and is sold by capful which equals one ‘dose’. AKA Georgia
Home Boy, Liquid X, Gamma X, Gook, Fantasy and Grievous Bodily Harm.,
• Side Effects for both are generally are felt within an hour of ingestion and
include Dizziness, nausea, slurred speech, vertigo/sight problems, reduced
inhibitions, grogginess and Coma sometimes even death.
• Often bartenders are given cash to slip it into drinks, or it is put into drinks
while at a party or when a young woman is on the dance floor. There is a
slight taste and if a drink is shaken, the drug will cause it to fizz on the top,
making it somewhat detectable to the educated consumer.
• Xanax bars (4 doses) and alcohol are also used to induce a coma like state
and used in date rape attacks.
OTHER DRUGS STILL ON CAMPUSES
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STEROIDS: Anabolic steroids effect the growth of the skeletal muscle, the
androgenic effects promote the development of male sexual characteristics and
enhances an athlete’s performance. They are taken orally by pill or liquid,
intravenously or rubbed into the skin as a gel. Mixing different types to increase
effects is called ‘Stacking’. Side effects are baldness, sterility, brain damage, blood
clotting, high blood pressure, hepatitis, liver cancer, eye infections, kidney disease,
depression, memory loss and ‘Roid Rage’- over aggressive sometimes homicidal
attitude.
SHROOMS: Psilocybin or ‘magic mushrooms’ are very popular on the campus,
they contain hallucinogenic properties and alter states of consciousness. They can
be eaten raw or cooked, made into a tea or soup and drank, or ground into a
powder and smoked, often on top of marijuana. Side effects include stomach
pain, increased heart rate, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, anxiety/panic attacks,
mental disorders, flashbacks and impaired judgment. One college student I
interviewed spoke of how his friends just stared at an object for hours as it
changed shapes and colors.
MDMA: (E) is a psychoactive drug similar to methamphetamine and mescaline. It
effects the neurons in the brain that use serotonin, by causing excessive release of
serotonin which produces an energizing effect and feelings of euphoria, emotional
warmth and distortions in time perception and tactile experiences. Side effects
include confusion, depression, insomnia, drug craving and severe anxiety. It is
popular on campus and club scenes or long dance parties; raves are still around to
some degree.
HAZING- FRATERNITIES AND SORRORITIES
• Hazing: Higher Education Center) Initiating new members into
sororities or fraternities, gangs. Studies conducted by Alfred
university reported , 76 percent of students in fraternities or
sororities were hazed & 22 percent of students in art, music or
theatre groups were subject to hazing. The psychological, &
emotional effects of Hazing including depression, discomfort, low
self-esteem, negative feelings, sense of hurt, betrayal,
worthlessness, loneliness & hatred. Hazing may also be physically
dangerous when initiation rites include substance abuse & illegal or
dangerous acts. Hazing often goes unreported because they don’t
want to or are afraid to ‘rat’ on their peers. Hazing has decreased
over the past several years however, it is still a very real part of
campus life as demonstrated by the recent report of a student
dying of alcohol poisoning at the University of Delaware at a
fraternity function.
• Prevention: Campus administration & staff need to investigate &
discipline hazing on campuses, & provide avenues for positive
bonding activities to include those that are physically &
intellectually challenging. (www.higheredcenter.org)
OVER THE COUNTER MEDICATIONS
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DXM (Dextromethorphan) is a synthetically produced substance related to codeine; an over the counter
cough suppressant which, when taken in high doses, can produce effects similar to PCP and Ketamine.
This dissociative drug acts by altering distribution of the neurotransmitter glutamate throughout the brain.
Glutamate is involved in the perception of pain, responses to the environment and memory. DXM is
found in over 100 OTC medications, often combined with antihistamines, expectorants, decongestants or
pain relievers.( ie: Coriciden cough & cold, Alka Seltzer plus cold & cough medicine, TheraFlu cough
products, several Robitussin cough products, Tylenol cold & cough products & many store brands.
Products will list dextromethorphan in the list of ingredients. Teens and young adults get high by taking
excessive amounts of cough/cold medications. DXM produces feelings of euphoria, enhanced awareness,
distortions of color & sound, visual hallucinations & “out of body” sensations, a feeling of loss of contact
with their senses. DXM effects last 3-6 hours . It is also thought that DXM can cause the release of
serotonin, which if used with a SSRI antidepressant , can cause a fatal condition known as Serotonin Excess
Syndrome.
Dangers: rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, diarrhea, seizures, panic, drowsiness, confusion, dizziness,
blurred vision, impaired physical coordination & coma. Side effects worsen if combined with other
medications or AOD. Combining multiple medications can be dangerous even if abiding by the
recommended dosages to treat medical conditions. Overdoses of other ingredients found in DXM
products include: Acetaminophen (pain reliever)= liver damage, Chlorpheniramine (antihistamine) =
increased heart rate, lack of coordination, seizures & coma, Guaifenesin (expectorant)=vomiting,
Pseudoephedrine (decongestant)= irregular heartbeat, headaches, difficulty breathing, anxiety & seizures..
Information from internet sites give explicit instructions on how to “trip” using DXM, called “roboing”,
“robo-tripping”. The sites also provide access for purchasing purified pharmaceutical-grade powdered
DXM via mail order; complete with instructions in mixing the powder with juice to avoid the bitter taste,
or how to obtain gelatin capsules to fill with DXM.
Prevention: Educate yourself about recreational use of prescription & OTC drugs. Look for drug
paraphernalia in the home, learn about abusable drugs at www.drugfree.org.
INHALANTS
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Most inhalants are readily available, inexpensive or free and legal to purchase and possess,
and give an instantaneous high. Therefore, are extremely popular among younger students.
However, according to studies conducted by SAMHSA 13.4 percent of young adults (18-25)
continue to use inhalants. The most popular among this age group is nitrous oxide or
‘whippets’, amyl nitrite ‘poppers’ and Locker Room Odorizers or ‘Rush’.
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Inhalants are breathable chemical vapors and gases that produce psychoactive effects; and
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include a wide range of volatile solvents- (such as paint thinners, dry-cleaning fluids, gasoline,
glues and some felt-tip markers); aerosols (propellants in spray paints, deodorants, vegetable
oil sprays, fabric protector strays), gases and nitrites (butane lighters, propane tanks and
refrigerants). Most of these act directly on the Central Nervous System (CNS) and activate
the brain’s dopamine system which result in mood altering effects – an instant ‘rush’ and
euphoria, followed by CNS depression.
EFFECTS: Deep breathing of the toxic vapors result in losing touch with their surroundings,
loss of self-control, violent behavior, nausea, unconsciousness, giddiness, loss of inhibition,
loss of appetite, and hallucinations.
Nitrites, dilate blood vessels and relax muscles and are abused for sexual enhancement.
Inhalants are abused by ‘sniffing’ through the nose, ‘Huffing’ which is inhaling fumes through
the open mouth, ‘bagging’ by spraying the substance into a bag and huffing or placing the
bag over their head or ‘dusting’ by inhaling compressed air from sprays used for cleaning
computer keyboards. The median ages of those who died from Inhalant abuse is between
19-24.
Gambling
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Gambling is increasing popular among college students. Occasional betting on a sports team or during a
card game poses little harm. However, when a student starts gambling in excess and going into debt, it
becomes a problem. College students may develop an addiction to gambling to win money, for excitement,
for intellectual challenge, and to have something to do away from the regular routine of college life.
Online gambling only takes a credit card or debit card and an Internet connection. Which puts pretty every
college student at risk. Poker has grown increasingly popular over the last few years, even ESPN covers the
World Series of Poker, which is an annual poker tournament in Las Vegas.
Warning signs may include: Constantly thinking about gambling, using financial aid money for gambling or
to replace money lost at gambling , relies on others to get out of debt, uses credit cards for cash advances,
has unexplained money or new possessions. Frequently missing, or late for classes and decline in
academic performance, lying about the extent of gambling, gambles for longer periods of time, and
despite negative consequences.
Legal gambling age varies throughout the United States from age 18 to age 21, minors are participating in
all forms of wagering activities beyond sports betting, including cards, especially Texas Hold’em poker,
games of skill (like basketball or pool), lottery games and gambling on the Internet. Some students, both
athletes and non-athletes, are experiencing severe difficulties due to gambling, some forced to leave
school. Pressures brought about by gambling, such as debts owed, at times can prompt some students
with significant gambling problems to consider illegal acts or to abandon their beliefs and principles for
what may be perceived as an easy pathway to fame and/or fortune. It is also true that people with serious
gambling problems often consider or attempt suicide as a way out. Greg Hogan Jr., a 19-year old
sophomore went from class president, chaplain assistant, academic and musician (who had performed
twice at Carnegie Hall by age 13), to bank robber within a 16-month period to pay off debts accrued from
playing poker online. (The New York Times Magazine article, “The Hold-‘Em Holdup”)
According to an article in the Associated Press, another example is Max Pergament, a well-mannered 19year old Long Island, Nassau County Community College student, who staged a chase with police officers,
resulting in his death (i.e. suicide by cop), on account of a $6,000 debt he incurred while gambling on
sports.
EATING DISORDERS
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Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a disorder in which individuals exhibit significant weight loss and extreme restrictions in their food
intake.
While it has been estimated that up to 90%1 of those suffering from this disorder are women and girls, the prevalence rate
of eating disorders among men is on the rise. Although not limited to, this disorder is primarily seen among individuals of
middle and high socioeconomic statuses2.
It has been estimated that 0.5 to 3.7% % of the population suffers from anorexia nervosa 3. However, this prevalence rate
does not consider the amount of individuals who exhibit extreme restrictions in their food intake, but who do not qualify for
a formal diagnosis. Additionally, with the mortality rate of females with AN estimated to be around 10%, AN is considered to
have the highest mortality rate among any psychological disorder4.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 4th Edition (DSM-IV) lists the following criteria for diagnosis of anorexia nervosa:
• Refusal to maintain what is considered a normal body weight for that person’s age and height
• Intense fear of gaining weight
• Distorted view or denial of their actual body weight and/or shape
• Loss of menstrual cycle
Anorexia nervosa is specified into two types:
1. Restricted Type:
• This type of anorexia is categorized as a severe restriction of food intake with the absence of binge-eating or purging.
2. Binge-Eating/Purging Type:
• This type of anorexia is categorized as engaging in binge eating or purging behavior while exhibiting behaviors classified as
anorexia. Purging is characterized as a way to eliminate food from your body either through self-induced vomiting, excessive
exercise, or through laxatives, diuretics, or enemas.
In addition to the diagnostic criteria, the following are considered warning signs, or possible precursors, of anorexia nervosa:
• Restricting certain types of food and the amount of food intake
• Preoccupation with weight, body shape, and calorie and fat content of food
• Dramatic weight loss
• Excessive exercise
• Distress over body weight and shape
• Withdrawal from previously enjoyed activities, and from family and friends
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EATING DISORDERS
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Estimates suggest that 5-10 million men and women of all ages suffer from eating disorders
annually. College students commonly express concerns with body image, body shape, body
size and weight control.
Disordered eating behaviors and attitudes are increasingly prevalent among undergraduate
students, athletes, and sorority women. Over the last decade awareness of eating disorders
has increased, Health Educators and National Prevention Agencies have implemented eating
disorder awareness and prevention campaigns from elementary age children through college
students. Specialized treatment centers have become increasingly available with various
treatments to aid those with eating disorders in their recovery. However, eating disorders,
and body-image concerns continue to be a major concern for college students.
The most common features associated with eating disorder and body image concerns among
college students is a pattern of distressing or dysfunctional over-concern about body image
and self-esteem, usually with day-to-day stress and intermittent depression. These
distressing and consuming issues threaten the health and wellness of college students and
has a negative impact on their academic success.
" 91 percent of women on college campuses report dieting;
22 percent have dieted often or always
" 35 percent of normal dieters progress to pathological dieting
" 95 percent of ALL dieters will regain their lost weight in one to five years
" 5-10 million women and men suffer from an eating disorder or borderline conditions
DRUNKOREXIA
• One of the latest phenomenon afflicting those trying to stave off pounds,
especially on the college campuses is known as drunkorexia. It is a trend
in which women skip meals in order to spend their daily calorie intake on
alcohol.
• Many weight-loss clubs assign food points to edible items, with dieters
sticking to a daily point limit, The Telegraph reports. Experts believe this is
contributing to the drunkorexia problem, with women consuming the
same number of points, but replacing food points with alcohol points.
• Fear of consuming the high-calorie count in alcohol, coupled with the
pressure on young women to binge drink, contributes to the problem. A
large glass of wine holds as many calories as an average light lunch, the
Telegraph reports.
• Professor Janet Treasure, the head of the eating disorder unit at the
Institute of Psychiatry in London, told the Daily Telegraph drunkorexia is
very dangerous because it effectively combines binge drinking and
disordered eating patterns.
• "They get fully hooked, it is an extremely noxious thing,” Treasure told the
Daily Telegraph. “It is more common with bulimia than anorexia but you
get the combination of empty calories with no nutritional value and the
risky behavior that goes with being drunk."
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Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia nervosa (BN) is a disorder in which individuals eat excessive amounts of food in a short
period of time and afterwards eliminate this food from their body through some type of purging
behavior. It is estimated that 1.1 to 4.2% of the female population suffers from BN5. However, less is
known about the population of males suffering from BN. As is the same with estimates of AN,
prevalence rate does not consider the amount of individuals who are experiencing similar
behaviors as seen in BN, but who do not qualify for a formal diagnosis.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 4th Edition (DSM-IV) lists the following criteria for diagnosis
of bulimia nervosa:
• Recurring episodes of binge eating, characterized as an uncontrollable consumption of food in a
short period of time
• Episodes of purging behavior following binging episode in which the individual tries to prevent
weight gain through self-induced vomiting, laxatives, diuretics, enemas, fasting, or excessive
exercise
• Self-evaluation is influenced by weight and body shape.
Bulimia nervosa is specified into two types:
• Purging Type: In this type of bulimia, purging behavior is in the form of self-induced vomiting or
through the use of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas.
• Nonpurging Type: In this type of bulimia, fasting or excessive exercise is the compensatory
behavior that is used to prevent weight gain. There is no self-induced vomiting.
Binge Eating Disorder
Recent attention has been paid to another category of eating disorder, binge eating disorder.
Similar to those suffering from BN, individuals with binge eating disorder consume large quantities
of food in a short amount of time. However, these individuals do not use compensatory behavior in
an attempt to eliminate their food. Prevalence of binge eating disorder is on the rise; however,
more research is needed to fully understand the scope and nature of this disorder.
© 2008 Reaching Out Against Eating Disorder • Site Designed by Adam Wanderman Design
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A review of the research on the impact of under-nutrition found :
Detrimental effects on cognitive development in children;
Negative impact on student behavior and school performance;
Makes students feel irritable, decreases ability to concentrate and focus, decreases ability to listen
and process information, may cause nausea, headache, and makes students feel fatigued and have
lack of energy;
Students with disordered eating behaviors less able to perform tasks as well as their adequately
nourished peers;
Leads to deficiencies in specific nutrients, such as iron, which has an immediate effect on students’
memory and ability to concentrate;
Can make students become less active and more apathetic, withdrawn, and engage in fewer social
interactions;
Impairs the immune system and make students more vulnerable to illnesses; and
Increases absenteeism in affected students because of the above impairments.
Despite malnourishment, the perfectionist attitude of those who suffer from anorexia and bulimia
may compel them to maintain a high level of academic performance, which is even more difficult
given their compromised physical and mental status.
In addition to the effects described above, preoccupation with food often dominates the life of a
student with an eating disorder. A study on people with eating disorders indicated a preoccupation
with food.
In our clinical practice we surveyed over 1,000 people with clinically diagnosed eating disorders. We
found that people with anorexia nervosa report 90 to 100 percent of their waking time is spent
thinking about food, weight and hunger; an additional amount of time is spent dreaming of food or
having sleep disturbed by hunger. People with bulimia nervosa report spending about 70 to 90
percent of their total conscious time thinking about food and weight-related issues. In addition,
people with disordered eating may spend about 20 to 65 percent of their waking hours thinking
about food. By comparison, women with normal eating habits will probably spend about 10 to 15
percent of waking time thinking about food, weight, and hunger.
NEEDA- 2008
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NEDA-LI runs several support groups, led by professionals in the field. There is no fee required, but donations are accepted.
Women and men with eating problems, and their families and friends are invited.
If you are looking for support groups outside of the greater Long Island area, you can get help today with a list of support
groups and care providers on the national NEDA website.
For additional information on the Mather and Manhasset Groups, please call NEDA-LI at 516-794-0415.
Local support groups:
John T. Mather Hospital
75 North Country Rd
Pt Jefferson, NY 11777
7:00-8:30 pm-Conference Room 3
Meetings are held on the 1st Monday of the month.
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North Shore University Hospital at Manhasset
300 Community Drive
Manhasset, NY 11030
Main Entrance to the Hospital
10:00 - 11:30 AM
Third Sat of each month
Monte Conference Room
Enter the main entrance of the hospital for all meetings.
For treatment professionals – Learn about our training series
NEDA-LI 2008-2009 PROFESSIONAL CASE DISCUSSION WORKSHOPS - OUT ON THE LIMB SERIES
all workshops are held at:
50 Charles Lindbergh Blvd
Lower Level Conference Room
Uniondale, NY 11553
Friday, December 5, 2008 - 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
DID I SAY THAT: DEALING WITH TRANSFERENCE AND COUNTER TRANSFERENCE IN THE TREATMENT OF EATING
DISORDERS
facilitator: Robert Fox, PHD, CEDA, President, NEDA-LI
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Friday, February 6, 2009 - 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
BEYOND TALK THERAPY: USING THERAPEUTIC EATING SESSIONS, MEALS AND TECHNIQUES IN TREATMENT
facilitator: Sondra Kronberg, MS, RD, CDN, National Liaison, NEDA-LI, Nutritional Director of the Eating Disorder Associates
Treatment and Referral Centers
SELF INJURY
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Self Mutilation, self injury or self inflicted violence is defined as the intentional
harm of one’s own body tissue without conscious suicidal intent. The vast
majority of self mutilators or ‘cutters’, are often young middle to upper class
adolescent or young adult women.
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May 6, 2008, Jane E. Brody of The New York Times reported on an increasingly
prevalent phenomenon among our teenagers. That phenomenon is that
teenagers and college students are cutting themselves. The reasons these
young people give for this self harming behavior range from reporting that it
reduces their anxiety, to allowing them to feel a sense of control over their
bodies when they feel they have no other kind of control over their lives.
Others state that it expresses emotional pain for which they have no words or
that pain is better than feeling nothing.
One of the most worrisome things about self injury is that it can become
addictive. Self injury leads to neurons in the brain releasing endorphins that
act like opioids in creating a pleasant and high feeling. The release of these
natural brain opioids then becomes reinforcing of the self harming behavior.
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THE PEDERSON KRAG CENTER
• Over 25 years of outpatient treatment experience; we have
seen the need and provide individual and group sessions for
all stages of recovery. We offer a wide range of chemical
dependency outpatient services from one to five times a
week, which includes:
• Alcohol and Drug Psycho-education
• Adolescent Programs
• Women’s Day Intensive Program
• Evening Phase Groups for Dependent Adults
• Dual Recovery-Co Occurring Disorders
• Significant Other and Family Treatment
• Relapse Prevention
• Psychiatric Evaluation and Medication Management
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Three locations to choose from
Huntington –(631) 920-8036
Smithtown –(631) 920-8300
Wyandanch-(631) 920-8250
Day and evening hours available. Length of
stay is dependent on diagnosis.