The opioid epidemic is very real, and very much alive in all demographics of the population — including college students.
Roughly 52 million people have tried opioids and one in 12 high school seniors reported having tried Vicodin for recreational use, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. With such staggering numbers, it's time we do more to try and stop this epidemic and keep our friends and family from unnecessary deaths.
Drugs such as heroin, morphine, Oxycontin, Vicodin and Codeine are classified as opioids. Opioids act upon the receptors in the brain in order to temporarily block the body's interpretation of pain. They are often said to also alleviate emotional pain as these receptors are also located in the part of the brain that regulates emotional activity. Opioids can give the user a rush of euphoria, which can temporarily relieve negative emotions. But after coming down from the high, emotions will inevitably return, which is one of the reasons users become addicted so quickly.
It is difficult to combat this crisis as many opioids are legal and safe when used properly. The danger stems from the dependency people prescribed can potentially develop. Users begin to crave that euphoric feeling, and after 90 days or longer on an opioid, the user has a higher chance of developing depression. Thus, making the usage a vicious cycle of trying to relieve pain and recreate euphoria.
Once someone is addicted, they'll quickly find the cost of buying prescription opioids on the street is quite expensive. In talking with a recovered addict, the cost of buying one Vicodin pill on the street just last year was roughly $5. At $5 a pill, the costs rack up very quickly when it takes multiple pills to get high. Many addicts often end up turning to heroin to get their high as it's significantly cheaper at around only $10 per bag.
In an environment like college, the possibility of a student trying drugs, as many are already aware, is higher than in other environments. The idea that college is a time to "find yourself" is sometimes misconstrued by America's youth to give them a reason to put themselves into risky situations. The leading mental health issues on college campuses are anxiety and depression. In using opioids, it's no wonder college students could develop a dependency quicker than the average American. Likewise, with the high rates of alcohol usage among college students, using opioids is significantly more dangerous as using these pills while drinking triples the euphoric feeling as well as the chance for an overdose.
Like any drug, overdose is an increasingly common outcome. When prescribed a painkiller from a doctor, taken in the proper dosage over the course of the correct amount of time, these drugs are typically safe to use for temporary pain relief. However, when abused, the dosages increase, the time of use increases and the possibility of an overdose death becomes more and more likely. Symptoms of an overdose include the body becoming limp, breathing slowing or stopping completely, choking or gurgling, vomiting and losing consciousness. It's vital to know the symptoms of an overdose in order to know when to react.
As citizens, we should understand that this issue isn't just something our doctors and government should be reacting to. It's something us as individuals should be reacting to simultaneously.
There are things one can do to help in combating this epidemic, especially as college students. First, write to your school's officials requesting campus police carry Narcan. Narcan is a drug that is an excellent tool in reversing opioid overdose. Within minutes of administering it, the recipient can go from full on overdose to standing upright and coherent again. All first responders in Massachusetts are allowed to carry it, therefore, it should be in every campus police's tool-kit.
Secondly, never share your prescription painkillers. Sharing those painkillers you were given after your wisdom teeth removal is not the same as sharing some Advil you bought at CVS. If it has your name on the bottle, you should be the only one using it. Keep your medications out of sight, and be aware how much you have of your prescriptions in case any go missing.
You should also be aware of odd behaviors. If you notice someone demonstrating concerning behaviors that could be linked to a drug dependency, say something. If you're close enough, tell them directly that you're concerned for their well-being. If you're not comfortable directly telling them, tell your Resident Assistants if you live on campus or a counselor at your campus health center. if you think you or your friend has developed a dependency, go to your campus health center, they can help you. If you do not have access to a campus health clinic, there are many other ways to receive treatment like primary care physicians and local drug abuse treatment centers.
Many police stations are also working towards solving the drug epidemics in their towns because most police officers have witnessed the horrific scene that is an overdose during their time on duty. Many of them will actually help you find treatment if you go to them for help. So, do your part in combating this issue. No one ever wants to hear the news that their loved one has died of something so preventable.
