Preventing Generation Rx

Student Health Promotion has teamed up with the Georgia Prevention Project to help prevent prescription drug abuse on campus. Recent studies show that by sophomore year, about half of all college students will have the opportunity to abuse prescription drugs. The most common forms of prescription drugs abused by college students are stimulants (Ritalin, Concerta or Adderall), sedatives (Valium, Xanax, Ambien) or opioids (OxyContin, Percocet or Vicodin). While some students abuse prescription medication to feel food or get high, many others turn to these medications to help manage their daily lives.

Even the best and brightest students feel the pressure to fit in socially and excel academically. Many students abuse prescription drugs to cope with the stress and anxiety of college life. For example, some use to increase stamina in an attempt to improve grades, lose weight, maintain focus during late-night student sessions, reduce stress, enhance athletic performance or even forget about problems. Many students who use prescription drugs to improve performance do not see their behavior as risky or illegal, even though it is. Using medications without a prescription or medical oversight can lead to addiction, overdose and even death. Student Health Promotion encourages students who are prescribed sedatives, stimulants or pain relievers to take steps to keep their medications safe. If you have a prescription, you should only take your medication as directed by your doctor. If you live in a shared space, take steps to secure your medications and properly dispose of them when they are no longer needed to prevent misuse or abuse by others.

Students who think they or someone they know is abusing prescription drugs should consult with the Substance Use Risk Reduction Program to get assistance. The video below provides more information on the potential impact of prescription drug abuse.