The New Face of Drugs

by Angel Jackson and Mamie Cargile

Xanax. Lortab. Vicodin. Adderall. You have heard them all before. You may not know, however, how many of these prescription drugs are changing hands in Athens area high schools. On an average school day, there are students selling and taking these drugs on school grounds.
“I've never been offered any, but I could probably get it,” said Trey Spires, a senior at Oconee County High School. Spires, from Bishop, Ga., refers to a number of prescription drugs that he is aware of being sold at his school. He does not know where students get their hands on these drugs. What he does know is that it is not uncommon for students to make money by selling pills. “A lot of them get it prescribed to themselves. Then they take them to school to sell,” said Sydney Jessup, also a senior at Oconee County High School from Watkinsville, Ga.
According to the Georgia Student Health Survey from 2008-2009, which obtains information from a random sample of public middle and high school students about various health risk behaviors, 44 percent of students agreed that it is easy to obtain prescription drugs not prescribed to them. Prescription drugs are reportedly easier to obtain than “street drugs” such as marijuana, cocaine, or methamphetamines. Barbara Emmanuel, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a private practice in Decatur, GA, explained that ease of access is one of the main factors for teens taking prescription drugs by saying, “unfortunately, with teenagers and prescription medication, the access can be far too easy, with parents, siblings, and grandparents who may have meds in the medicine cabinet that they do not think of as ‘abusable.’”
Those not selling the drugs are simply taking them. “They'll do it anywhere,” said Spires. Students often do not know the drawbacks to taking such drugs when there is no medicinal need for them. There are numerous health effects that can be linked to taking unnecessary prescription drugs.
According to WebMD, Adderall is used for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD affects 8-12 percent of children and four percent of adults worldwide. The drug helps those affected to stay focused and pay attention. For those who are not in need of Adderall, taking it can increase heart and energy rates, as well as suppress appetite. It can be addictive and cause withdrawal symptoms upon ceasing to take the medication. Xanax produces the opposite effect. It is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Those who take Xanax usually feel calmer. It is very addictive as well, and will also cause withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation of use. Vicodin and Lortab are prescribed to reduce pain. They are addictive when not used properly, and even sometimes when they are prescribed.
Emmanuel said, “a factor that is discussed when looking at the time it takes for recreational or social use to develop into addiction is age of first use, and age regular use began. Unfortunately for teens, this can lead to early and serious problems with addiction.” Heidi Nibbelink, a counselor at Clarke Central High School, said, “age of onset of prescription drug use often occurs around age 11, when prescription drugs are easier to access for younger children than other types of drugs.” The early onset of use coupled with easy access provides a prime breeding ground for addiction among teens.
Recreational use of these drugs can be extremely detrimental and have severe or even fatal side effects if mixed. This, however, is not the only downfall. Anyone caught in possession of prescription drugs (controlled substances) not prescribed to the person is subject to jail time and/or steep fines.
So who exactly is distributing and taking these drugs? “A lot more guys than girls,” said Hailey McCommons, a senior at Oconee County High School from Watkinsville, Ga., “Mostly the older guys, but I'm sure the younger ones do it, too.” Spires concurs, “I would lean more towards the upperclassmen guys, but people are starting in ninth grade.”
Even though high school students in the Clarke County School District take a health class that includes curriculum about illegal prescription drug use, the trend of prescription drug use still seems to be highly popular among Athens area teens.