A lesson learned

Real world problems are prevalent at the 'U'

Last Tuesday, the University community was shocked and saddened by the tragic, drug-related death of LSA sophomore Chris Giacherio. Even those who did not know Giacherio are affected by the loss; it is a harsh reminder that one doesn't need to be a drug addict or a reckless drunk driver to be forced to deal with the often unpredictable consequences of substance use.

Drugs are a fact of life on the University campus and other college campuses nationwide. One doesn't have to look too hard to find students using everything from nicotine and alcohol to marijuana and illegal narcotics. A variety of drugs are used by college students in a number of ways - socially, experimentally, habitually and sometimes quite dangerously. Despite the prevalence of drugs and drug use, there generally is not a corresponding amount of drug awareness and education. The main drug education many University students have received was probably from high-school health classes and the "Just Say No" campaign.

While drugs can be used to produce temporarily attractive effects, they can also pose serious risks. Responsible use of controlled substances means making an informed decision about whether the seemingly beneficial effects of use outweigh the potential dangers. To make an informed decision, one should know how the substance works on the body, what the effects are, and how to get help should the need arise.

College students, in particular, are at risk. A campus setting can create a dangerous atmosphere of false security from the social perils of the outside world. It is not uncommon for first-year students to go overboard with their new-found freedom. But with this freedom comes the responsibility to make careful decisions and watch for others who might abuse their freedom.

It is not always easy to tell when drug use becomes a serious problem. Alcohol, for example, is so widely used and accepted that it is not generally viewed as a drug, making it probably one of the easiest substances to abuse. Students should take care of themselves and watch out for their friends. Students should learn to look for the signs typical of drug abuse in their friends and be willing to intervene if the situation becomes serious. Further, it is important for large campus groups to work with the University to ensure that a lack of education is not a problem when dealing with drug abuse.

The University offers many resources that can offer support and intervention options, such as the University Health Services, the Psychological Clinic and the services of the University Hospital. Nationwide toll-free numbers, like The Alcohol and Drug Help Line at 800-821-4357 and the Cocaine Abuse Hotline at 800-262-2463 are also available for students in any situation - emergency or otherwise.

Whether recreational or habitual, drug use can be dangerous. University students need to be aware of all possible risks, but more importantly, they must be aware of the resources available to help them out. While the college environment may seem sheltered from many of the problems of the outside world, it is important for students to remember that they are not immune from the greater social ills that plague the country.

09-21-98