Drug, alcohol use inappropriate

editorial cartoon by Melinda Sanchez
editorial cartoon by Melinda Sanchez

On the way to class, a student speaks openly to his walking companion, “Hey, can we get high tonight?”

Does two college students on a university campus discussing the illegal things they do to pass their leisure time sound out of place? What is it about drugs that intrigues and captivates the ambitious and growing minds of these young adults?

It seems that too commonly students at the University of La Verne feel the need to occupy themselves with things that completely do the opposite of what they are trying to accomplish here.

Not only does the use of drugs hinder learning capabilities, but it has also been shown to cause an increase in violence and threats of violence and sexual violence.

According to a survey on alcohol and other drug use on American campuses, conducted by the Core Institute, the percentage of students (30.6) who had encountered an argument or fight sober, nearly doubled to 54.4 percent when drugs or alcohol was involved. The percentage of actual physical violence that was 5.1, skyrocketed to 43.6 percent, and the percent of unwanted sexual intercourse (3.7) increased almost 15 times that amount to 52.3 percent.

It seems that the use of drugs and alcohol have more of a negative influence than most college students would like to admit. But why do students not realize this? The Core Institute researched exactly what students thought drugs and alcohol did for them.

The statistics showed that 74 percent of students believe that drugs and alcohol help to break the ice, 72.8 percent said it enhances social activity, 69.3 percent said it gives people something to do, and 51.6 percent said it facilitated sexual opportunities. As for being a more sexually appealing person, only 14 percent of students believed that drugs and alcohol made him or herself sexier.

Through the use of drugs and/or alcohol can a student say that he or she has had a “good” experience, or in another case, been able to even remember the so called “experience?”

If a student wants to go out with friends and have a good time, then why is it necessary to be high or drunk? If the student wants to be able to remember the occasion then they should know that the use of drugs or alcohol would only make that more difficult.

After all, who likes to wake up the next morning and have to ask themselves if they had fun the night before, what they did, or not even know where they are?

Even though most students may claim they are not addicted or just do it every now and then, it is important to remember that using drugs can lead to serious problems.

Students who do use drugs on campus or own drug paraphernalia should also remember that the University has a drug and alcohol policy stating that “the University prohibits the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages and full or empty alcoholic beverage containers (even as mementos or decorations) anywhere in or around the Residence Halls, as well as on the University campus.” The University also states that “the use, possession, distribution, or sale of illegal drugs and marijuana is not permitted on campus.”

The University’s stance against drugs and alcohol is clearly to enhance the proper learning environment that each student deserves. The University is also in compliance with state and federal laws, and in asking students to yield to that higher authority. They are only following the laws given to them by the nation in which they abide.

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Unsigned editorials represent the opinion of the Campus Times Editorial Board.

Melinda Sanchez, Arts Editor
Melinda Sanchez

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