The New Drug Trend With Students

The common assumption regarding drug abuse among students is usually regarding alcohol and marijuana. However, according to the Wall Street Journal, "a growing number of young people have begun abusing prescription opiates". 

Many students are given prescriptions for attention-deficit drugs such as Adderall and Ritalin to help improve concentration and even aide on weight loss. Now there is evidence that many students are moving to more powerful painkillers such as Vicodin and Percocet. 

Although college students use these pain killers much less often than alcohol and pot, the pain killers are highly addictive and is partially the reason for the trend. Not only are they addictive, but the painkillers are surprisingly highly available to students as well, whether they find them in their parents homes or simply order them from online pharmacies. 

The Wall Street Journal said that students also are getting these drugs from "pharm parties". The Drug Enforcement Administration defines these parties as a gathering where kids bring "whatever pharmaceuticals they can find, mix the drugs up in a big bowl and eat them like candy". 

View full story

National Eating Disorder Awareness Week

This week, March 24-28, is "National Eating Disorder Awareness Week" at CSULB.

Although the campus is not holding any specific events in honor of the week, the week was noted in the student calendar available at the University Student Union.

National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (NEDAW) is recognized nationally throughout schools of all grades, hospitals, churches, fitness centers, and community centers. It is a week started by the National Eating Disorders Association and provides guidelines for organizations wanting to participate in the awareness week. These organizations hold conferences, fashion shows, discussion panels, and give away prizes- anything to get people involved and aware of the seriousness of an eating disorder and the benefits of having a balanced diet.

According to the National Eating Disorders Association, "eating disorders, such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorders include extreme emotions, attitudes, and behaviors surrounding weight and food issues." There are serious health and psychological problems that can be associated with eating disorders.

The main goal of the awareness week is to help people understand the seriousness of eating disorders, not only for those with one, but for the people around them as well. The aim of the National Eating Disorders Association is to work to "prevent eating disorders and body satisfaction while reducing the stigma surrounding eating disorders and improving access to treatments".