Pubdate: Tue, 04 Feb 2003
Source: Daily Targum (NJ Edu)
Copyright: 2003 Daily Targum
Contact:  http://www.dailytargum.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/715
Author: D.J. Curry

SEMINAR FOCUSES ON DRUG USAGE

A seminar titled "Drug Use on Campus" took place in the Rutgers Student 
Center on the College Avenue campus Friday afternoon that focused on the 
drug epidemic on-campus and University students' need for drug education. 
In an effort to remedy the problem, small groups of University faculty and 
students collaborated to generate possible remedies.

Panel members agreed a University-wide census of drug behavior is important 
to gather statistics for drug regulation policies.

Most University students said they did not know the rules about getting 
caught with or selling drugs, or underage drinking.

Michael Reyna, a Rutgers College junior, said, "Alcohol, marijuana and 
ecstasy are the most popular drugs on campus, but cocaine is on the rise as 
well." He said through his experiences working with the Hurtado Health 
Center on the College Avenue campus, he has learned about the 
overwhelmingly destructive power of cocaine.

Groups at the convention suggested the University provide alternative 
activities to lure students away from substance abuse like a Big Brother 
program.

Reyna said students are especially prone to increased drug intake when 
pressure is highest -- like during exam week. The addictive nature of drugs 
comes out at this time "because students use them to escape their 
problems," Reyna said.

Hurtado offers free professional assessments for addiction counseling for 
University students.

Students can also find information online. Several Alcoholics Anonymous and 
Narcotics Anonymous groups meet every night in the area and are free of 
charge. Recovery Rutgers also offers substance-free residence halls that 
provide an alcohol- and drug-free atmosphere.
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MAP posted-by: Alex