Thomas Zaniboni

Connie Douglas
UNWT 1101

November 2,2074

Prescri ption Medications,(ses on Col I ege

Ca m

puses

Research is key to any observers work. With that being said observer A,has done

extensive research and observations dealing with prescription drug use with students at the

University of North Carolina at Charlotte. It is not unheard of that drug use is more common on
college campuses across the nations than anywhere else (Stone

3i

6). Observer A has observed

the transaction of prescription medications at two different locations at the university's campus.

Adderall, Dexedrine. Valium are just a few and most common being sold tretr.veen students.
When is it crossing the line to sell prescribed medications? According to sources any distribution

of prescription medications other than a medical doctor rnill be against compliance of the FDA
regulations and subject to prosecution (317). Observer A has witnessed a comucopia of drug
related transactions and trades for other drugs both prescription and non-prescription. The
smoking area between Friday and McEniry, campus buildings at LiNC-Charlotte, has been a hub

lbr most drug transactions and majority of the students had

a business related major.

Do the different type of degrees play a role in students turning to drugs for help with
studying? According to a study done at the Universiti, of Central Florida the answer to the above
question is, yes. Cortelations between friends studying within the same major have been linked

to higher volume oldistribution of prescription drug use (Ford 281). Observer A has witnessed
this parallel on numerous occasions. Another source has done a series of surveys that collates

'Le,F&"L
with observer A's work. Q&A surveys based on a number scale determined

b1/

a'otrue", "false",

or "very true" answering systems has shown a79o/o of students have either lied to a nredical
doctor for medications or bought from a friend that lied (Stone 317-318). Undergraduates
between the ages 18-25 years o1d have a 9}o/o chance of being asked

if they would buy

prescription medications, a near 460/o will conclude they need it, but only

34o/o

will actually

proceed with a transaction (Egan 71-72). According to data from a 201 1 survey, students w-ho

took prescription medication that were not prescribed to them had average or below average
l:

..

GPA. The students that had the prescriptions had higher GPA's (Ford 280). So studies show that
the misuse of these drugs are not changing the outcome on students academically, at least not in
a good

way (280-281).
Observer A has only w'itnessed a small group of individuals that have shown interests in

purchasing aodlor selling of prescription medications. However, according to recent studies in

the past ten years drug abuse in the college environment tbr'oacademic purposes" has jumped
(Egan 76). This indicates that there is a larger amount of students who have tried or are

continuing to pursue the sales of non-prescribed medications (76-77). The current study fills an
important gap in the literature by examining a theoretical explanation. These findings have
important implications for college health protbssional (Ford 281). Unfortunately, the use of
prescription stimulants, much like binge drinking has become a pafi of college life and culture.
Observer A, believed that the observation was a success. To notice a problem that not only does
the University ofNorth Carolina at Charlotte has, but all colleges and universities nationwide
deal with. "Smart drug" is the term students use to help persuade their fellow peers to buy and

continue using non-prescription drugs (281).

In retrospect, students are not getting the adequate knowledge about using these drugs
without a doctor's inforrned decision. With that being said" in conclusion, medical prescription
drug use without a doctor's approval is indeed a waste of time and moneyican also be
dangerous.

Work Cited

Andes, Stacy, et al. "Employing Strategic Campus-Community Partnership to Address Nonmedical

Prescription Drug Use on College And University Campuses." Journa! Of Social Work Practice ln
The Addictians 3.4.1{201a}: 27-4L. Academic Search Cornplete. Web. 9 Nov. 2014.
Egam, Kathleen 1., et al. "Simultaneous Use Of Non-MedicalADHD Prescription Stimulants And Alcohol

Among College Students." Drug & Alcohal Dependence L31.L/2 (2013): 71-77 . Academic Search
Complete. Web. 9 Nov. 2014.
Ford, Jason A., and Julianne Ong. "Non-Medical Use Of Prescription Stimulants For Academic Purposes
Among College Students: A Test Of Social Learning Theory." Drug & Alcohol Dependence

M4.QALZ):31.4-32L. Academic Search Complete. Web. 9 Nov. 2014.

Stone, Amanda M., and Lisa J. Merlo. "Psychiatric Medication-Seeking Belief And Behaviors Among
College Students." American Journal Af Drug & Alcoltol Abuse 38.4l2}12l:3L4-321. Academic
Search Complete. Web. 9 Nov. 2014.