Alcohol – Alcohol is a sedative hypnotic drug.  At WFU, 85% of male students and 80% of female students report using alcohol in the last 30 days.

Marijuana – Marijuana is a psychoactive drug extracted from the plant Cannabis sativa. Marijuana is a Schedule 1 narcotic.  Although students believe that 80% of their peers at Wake Forest smoke pot, in fact only 30% of male students and 16% of female students report using marijuana in the last 30 days.

Prescription Drug Abuse- While alcohol abuse and binge drinking still top the list of substance abuse issues on college campuses, the non-medical use of prescription drugs—most notably stimulants, sedatives and pain relievers—is a growing, yet unaddressed problem (SAMHSA, 2009; NCASA, 2007). In fact, about one in four college students has illegally used prescription drugs, and many more have been offered these medications by friends or fellow students.

Opiates – Opiates are narcotics and used for their sense of pleasure and relaxation. Some drug names are opium, heroin, morphine, oxycodone (Percodan, OxyContin), meperidine (Demerol), and hydrocodone (Vicodin).  Nationally, there is a 64% increase in the last five years for emergency department visits involving heroin.

Sedative Hypnotics – Sedative-hypnotics are drugs that depress the body’s function, which results in a feeling of relaxation, reduced anxiety, and sleepiness.  Nationally, 6% of 12th graders have used prescription sedatives or tranquilizers illegally within the past year.

Stimulants – Adderall (amphetamine) is the most commonly misused stimulant on Wake’s campus.  We do not officially know the rate for the last 30 days – but it is believed to be the fourth most abused drug on campus behind caffeine, alcohol, and marijuana. In a recent survey, 25% of male students and 17% of female students used a stimulant in the last 12 months.

Tobacco – At WFU, 19% of males and 16% of females reported smoking cigarettes in the last 30 days.

To learn more about Truth About Drugs.