Texan Mosaic

by VANESSA DELGADO//Staff Writer

In this day and age, medications are being over used and abused.

Being a college student is stressful, and apparently many students are taking that same complaint to the doctor. Many of my friends are on several medications for various reasons. Some of these include anxiety, depression, and ADHD.

Only recently, has medical drug abuse become a pandemic among college students. For even the slightest reason, a student can acquire prescription medication.

It is no secret that college students tend to be broke. Many students who are on these medications tend to sell them to others who do not have prescriptions. So for those who may be recovering, it is still easy to get their hands on more and relapse.

It seems that students are becoming mama’s boys. They depend on medications to overcome their own obstacles instead of dealing them head-on with a clear mind.

In some cases, medication is required. But I feel that many students exaggerate their supposed diagnosis. This causes many people to become addicted to medications.

Many people may be ignorant to the truth, but it is there nonetheless. Not only are many people overusing these drugs, they are using them recreationally and not for their intended purpose.

Medication also has side effects. When they are abused, the chance of these side effects surfacing is increased.

When college students misuse or abuse medications, they are also more likely to turn to illegal drugs such as cocaine and marijuana. They are also more likely to be binge drinkers. These are messy and dangerous combinations.

Most students indulge in drinking throughout their years in college. So those who take drugs such as Adderall and Vyvanse while drinking have an even higher risk for alcohol poisoning, heart problems, and behavioral issues.

Medical drug abuse may only be the beginning for some students. It can lead to even harder drugs that have the potential to ruin lives. It’s crazy that I am only 20 years old and I have known countless people who have had to go to rehab in order to treat their addiction.

I had heard stories but never thought it would happen to people I was close to. Thankfully, many of my friends have turned their lives around.

One of the best and simplest things that someone can do to help someone in the same situation is to provide moral support and encouragement.

With drug abuse in colleges rising, more actions needs to be taken in order to get the situation under control. The majority of the people I have met throughout college have at least tried one drug.

One is just the beginning. One leads to two, and then three. The goal should be to stop it in its tracks.

Apparently, in college, some students seem to think it is cool to use drugs. Many users don’t understand the serious risks that come with many of these drugs. More information should be available to college students.

The situation needs to be taken more seriously by college campuses and students.