The Center for Addiction and Behavioral Health and Research (CABHR) held a research seminar in the UW-Milwaukee Union Wednesday addressing the longitudinal study of drug exposure opportunity and abuse among college students.

The research began in 2004, and will continue for the next five years, following over 1,000 college students.

Presenter Dr. Amelia Arria, Associate Director of the Center for Substance Abuse at the University of Maryland, revealed that early intervention is necessary for preventing alcohol and drug dependency. “Early intervention, before entry into college, is key,” Dr. Arria said. “Programs such as regular, confidential screenings and brief interventions are needed.”

The study has shown that students who experimented with

drinking in high school are at a greater risk of alcohol dependency later in life.

Dr. Arria noted that as students get older, drinking increases. When a student turns 21, “the keg party doesn’t turn into a wine and cheese party,” Dr. Arria said.

“Colleges tell me all the time that it’s their job to give an education, not be a doctor,” Dr. Arria said. She further pointed out that parents and schools should get involved in preventing alcohol and drug abuse.

Research also focused on drug abuse among college students, such as the use of stimulant drugs and pain medications.

“We found that 60 percent of students give away their prescribed ADHD medications,” Dr. Arria said. “And 35.4 percent give away pain medications.”

Regarding academic achievement and substance abuse, Dr. Aria noted that there hasn’t been a definite link found yet. The study has shown that skipping class and academic achievement are related. The study also found that skipping class can be linked to marijuana dependency and other drug dependency.

More information on this longitudinal study can be found at www.collegelifestudy.umd.edu.