Newspapers / Brevard College Student Newspaper / March 31, 1994, edition 1 / Page 12
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The Clarion March 31, 1994 Page 12 Voices On Campus Do you think that the recreational use of marijuana should be legalized? "No, it destroys your body." ■ Kenya Simpson Sophomore Forest Park, Ga. "Yes. It's a herb from Mother Earth. As long as it is not abused, it should be used." - Elmario Clayton Sophomore Brooklyn, N.Y. "Yes.If they legalize it, it would cut down on the illegal drug use." - P.F.C. Robert Reed Freshman Boone, N.C. "Yes, because it is safer than tobacco and it's not as addictive. I have also heard there are some other health benefits." -Devan Fitzpatrick Freshman Macon, Ga. "No. The memory and motivation problems that marijuana use causes are well docu mented." - Kathy Meehan Professor of Psychology Hendersonville, N.C. "No. Unfortunately people are using it." Thomas Weber Freshman Spartanburg, S.C. Drugs (Continued from Front Page) drug and physical and psychological dependence. Withdrawal is very painful. Overdoses can cause coma, convulsions, respiratory arrest, or even death. Risks from long-term use include malnutrition, infection and hepatitis. In the the last year or so the drug Ritalin has become used more by college students on campus. Ritalin is a prescription stimulant for people who have Attention Deficit Syndrome. People who take this drug who do not need it often believe that they are able to concentrate more, but in fact they cannot; use of the drug can cause nervousness, insomnia, dry throat, heart palpitations, heart rate increases, nausea and anorexia. The most common use of the drug, crushing the tablets and then snorting the powder, can also cause damage to the mucous membranes and the lungs. Another problem on campus is the use of over-the-counter drugs being used in excess or in direct opposition to the instructions on the bottle. Many students use common medications such as ephedrine or caffeine pills (diet pills or drugs such as No-Doz or Vivarin) to stay awake to study. In fact, the use of these drugs in excess can be extremely dangerous, with many of the same harmful side-effects of more powerful amphetamines. Even more dangerous is the practice of mixing different types of drugs with alcohol. Some students seek to increase the effects of over-the-counter drugs by adding the effects of alcohol, a dangerous combination that can lead to unconsciousness, coma or death. The fact that drugs are being circulated on campus is not a secret. The administration and faculty are well aware of the fact that these drugs are in fact being used. Some students have told administrators of the drugs that they know. Some administrators and faculty also may have a suspicion about a student and may ask them if they are using drugs. “We are not out to catch the students, but to get the drugs off campus and to get the students to stop using them,” Martin said. There are many preventions for drug abuse. For example, more education, good law enforcement, and the student body wanting their campus to be drug- free. But the best prevention starts with the user, according to Martin. The school psychologist, Kathy Meehan says, “I will help anyone who has a problem with drugs or alcohol. When the students come to me they can turn in the drugs that they have to me and I will then give them to Steve Wxxison. The student who turns in the drugs doesn’t have to worry about getting in trouble, because no court has the right to make me tell who gave me the drugs, because of the confidentiality of the client” On Apr. 11, at 7 p.m., in MG125, there will be a speaker on campus. Nicola Karesh will be talking and sharing on the topic of “When is it a problem? A look at Substance Abuse. Karesh is a certified Substance Abuse counselor with Trend Mental Health.
Brevard College Student Newspaper
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March 31, 1994, edition 1
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