Sidelines drugsedition oct2016 by MTSU Sidelines

10.27.2016

Vol.91 No.2

The Drugs Edition 04

One-third of college studends use medication for anxiety, depression

Tobacco vs. Marijuana comparing the consequences at MTSU

The most commonly abused drug among students Alcohol

He could have gone to Cancun, instead he went to jail.

Tobacco Free Depends on you and me

A Note from the Editor

Find the megaphone: While it’s logical for me to write about the danger of drugs due to the content of this edition, there’s a bigger problem looming over people our age that we need to talk about: voting. Early voting ends Nov. 3 and, by the time this newspaper lands on the rack, there will only 12 days left until we elect the next president. In that sense, I chose the word “we” very carefully. The millennial generation can finally all vote in this election. And our generation can make or break the election as, according to the Pew Research Center, we make-up nearly one-third of the electorate (31 percent). You might argue that your vote is wasted because your favorite candidate didn’t get the nomination, but it’s imperative that you understand that it’s our fault. In the primaries, only 28.5 percent of the electorate voted nationwide. That means, in theory, half of our generation could have determined the outcome of the primaries, but we didn’t show up. And while an abhorrently small fraction of our generation contributed to the

Search for the logo in our cover every edition this semester!

primaries, there’s still time for us to make a difference by voting for local, state and federal positions by or on Nov. 8. So, whether you’re rooting for Donald “the bad hombre” Trump, Hillary “private server” Clinton or Gary “Aleppo” Johnson, get out and vote. Vote for social issues, vote for the economy and vote for the future of our country. Perhaps most importantly, vote because otherwise you’re not allowed to complain about politics on social media for the next four years.

Student Abuse of Adderall and Ritalin

Vape culture is clouded by misinformation

Substance abuse in athletics: How MTSU steers clear of drugs

Meet the Crew

Study Drugs:

Editor-in-Chief / Sarah Grace Taylor Managing Editor / Tanner Dedmon Co-News Editor / Amanda Freuler Co-News Editor / Brinley Hineman Assistant News Editor / Andrew Wigdor Sports Editor / Tyler Lamb Lifestyles Editor / Olivia Ladd Assistant Lifestyles Editor / Sara Snoddy Design Editor / Samantha Wycoff

10.27.16

mtsusidelines.com

HEY ! Write for us We meet every Friday at 2 p.m. in the Center for Innovation in Media. We are looking for designers, writers, photographers, and videographers. Letters to the editor can be submitted to editor@mtsusidelines.com or managingeditor@mtsusidelines.com

Wishing a speedy recovery to co-news editor Brinley Hineman. Feel better, we miss you!

10.27.16

mtsusidelines.com

1/3

One-Third of college students use medication for anxiety, depression

10.27.16

mtsusidelines.com

By: Ashley Coker / Staff Writer Spread Designed by: Oukie Akins

he number of students visiting college counseling centers has increased 29.6 percent over the last six years, according to a 2015 report from the Center for Collegiate Mental Health (CCMH). The CCMH, housed at Penn State University, collected data from 139 college counseling centers across the country during the 2014-15 school year, including MTSU. Their report found that the demand for counseling services has grown approximately five times faster than the average college enrollment rate. “The findings in this year’s report strongly suggest that a decade of efforts, aimed at building communities that are responsive to the mental health concerns of at-risk students, have been successful, ” the report reads. Studies have consistently found anxiety and depression to be the two most common presenting problems at college counseling centers. In the CCMH report, clinicians listed anxiety as their “top-most concern” for 20 percent of the patients they saw, followed by depression at 15.8 percent of patients. A 2016 assessment by the American College Health Association (ACHA) uncovered similar findings. The report states that 17 percent of students surveyed said they have been diagnosed or treated by a professional for anxiety in the last 12 months, while 13.9 percent said they have been diagnosed or treated for depression. Moreover, 10.6 percent of students reported being diagnosed or treated for anxiety and depression concurrently.

Treatment: People suffering from anxiety and depression are typically offered similar treatment plans. Both disorders can be treated with psychotherapy, antidepressant medications or a combination of the two, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA). “As with any illness, treatment should be tailored to a specific diagnosis. Several forms of psychotherapy are effective,” the ADAA states on their website. “Medications can also be useful. Symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders often occur together, and research shows that both respond to treatment with medications. For people with severe symptoms or functional limitations, psychotherapy and medication treatment may be combined.” The CCMH found that about one-third of students who seek help at campus counseling centers have taken or are currently taking one or more psychotropic medications, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, stimulants and mood stabilizers. A survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) from 2005 to 2008 concluded that antidepressants were the most common prescription drug among people between the ages of 18 and 44 and the most prevalent psychotropic medications in the United States.

There are three main types of antidepressants: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Which drug a patient is prescribed depends on their specific disorder, medical history and past experience with antidepressants. SSRIs and SNRIs, which were first developed in the late 1980s, are the most widely prescribed antidepressants across every age group, due in large part to their reputation for being safe drugs with minimal side effects. SSRIs relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety by blocking the brain’s reabsorption of serotonin, therefore increasing the level of available serotonin in the body. SNRIs work the same way, but affect both serotonin and norepinephrine. MAOIs proceeded SSRIs and SNRIs, appearing on the scene in the 1950s, but are now prescribed much less often, as they are known to cause major

"Their report found that the demand for counseling services has grown approximately five times faster than the average college enrollment rate." side effects and interact poorly with certain foods and other prescription drugs, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These drugs limit the brain’s monoamine oxidase enzymes from removing serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine from the body. They are generally prescribed to people who have found SSRIs and SNRIs ineffective. SSRIs and SNRIs are considered safe for most people, but some patients do experience negative side effects. One of the most concerning adverse effects in young adults is an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and ideas. The FDA requires

that all antidepressants carry a black-box warning, their strictest labeling method, that indicates this risk. More common side effects include nausea, drowsiness, weight change and decreased sexual desire.

At MTSU: MTSU Counseling Services provides both in-house psychiatric services and referrals to professionals in the Murfreesboro community. MTSU is among 74 of the 139 schools contributing to the CCMH report to offer any kind psychiatric help on campus. Students seeking psychiatric help must make their first Counseling Services appointment with a therapist. From there, the therapist and the student will work together to determine the best course of action, according to Carolyn Jackson, a mental health counselor at MTSU. If a therapist decides a student would benefit from medication management, whether they see a psychiatrist on campus or are referred elsewhere depends on their specific challenges. Because Counseling Services is staffed with only seven therapists and two psychiatrists, they are unable to provide students with long-term treatment. “Students that are going through shorter-term issues, like freshman suffering from homesickness or seniors who are afraid to graduate and go out into the world, are perfect candidates to see one of our psychiatrists and receive medication,” Jackson said. “We also meet a lot of students who have more long-term problems, like a history of abuse. What we do for those folks is find someone in Murfreesboro who accepts their insurance and could see them as long as need to be seen.” Jackson sees multiple students who are new to Counseling Services each week. As research suggests, she said most of these students present with anxiety and depression symptoms. Jackson tells every student she counsels about the psychiatric services available to them, but she said she is “usually not one to suggest medication right off the bat.” “I tell students that starting medication is a very big and important choice that I want them to take seriously. They are considering taking a medication that will affect their mood,” Jackson said. “I think medication is helpful. I believe therapy is too, and I often encourage students to try coping skills like yoga and journaling before medication.”

MTSU Counseling Services is located in KUC 326-S. You can make an appointment with a counselor by calling (615) 898-2670 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Comparing the consequences: Tobacco vs. Marijuana usage at MTSU By: Andrew Wigdor / Assistant News Editor

obacco and marijuana have been aspects of the “college experience” for decades, despite the effort of lawmakers and

university faculty. Even with the ban of all tobacco products and the illegal status of marijuana, the use of both substances still occurs on the MTSU campus. The Core Drug and Alcohol Survey, conducted on the MTSU campus in Spring 2015, revealed the responses of 920 randomly selected undergraduate students asked to anonymously detail their use of tobacco and marijuana. Of the sample provided, the percentage of students who said they had used marijuana at some point in the past month was 20.2 percent or approximately 86 people. Within that group, 11.5 percent of students said they used marijuana at least three times a week. From the portion of the survey asking about tobacco usage, 22.1 percent or about 203 students said they used tobacco in the past 30 days, and 13.6 percent of students used tobacco at least three times a week. Since the last survey administration in 2012, the amount of tobacco users has declined by 20 percent among MTSU students. With the introduction of ordinances and bills regarding the potential decriminalization of marijuana, students may begin to experience increased exposure to the substance. Lisa Schrader, Director of Health Promotion at MTSU and administer of The Core Drug and Alcohol Survey, spoke about the further effect of the new legislation. “The trend that I see and hear within surveys, is the growing acceptance and approval of marijuana as a substance and the growing

Photo by: Sarah Grace Taylor / Editor-in-Chief

disapproval of tobacco as a substance,” Schrader explained. “As more municipalities and more states reduce punishments for use, there is less risk associated with it in the individual’s mind.” In addition to the The Core Drug and Alcohol Survey, Schrader conducts online classroom surveys that she administers throughout the year. Through this process, she was able to determine that marijuana use is higher in first year student populations than it is in junior, senior and graduate populations; and students in the College of Media and Entertainment are the most frequent users of marijuana among all MTSU majors. The JAMA Psychiatry Journal performed a 2015 national study to discover whether adults in the United States had increased the general usage of marijuana since 2001 and 2002. They surveyed 36,000 people and found that the usage grew by around 5 percent among study participants.

Determining whether or not marijuana is a healthier alternative to tobacco usage proves the usage grew by around 5 percent among study participants. Determining whether or not marijuana is a healthier alternative to tobacco usage proves difficult as the health effects of tobacco are clearly defined and the effects of marijuana remain somewhat evasive. Schrader explained some of the common health risks for tobacco users, saying, “We know it’s linked with lung cancer and can increase blood pressure. We have reached a point in our society where the risks of tobacco use really aren’t disputed.” Mentioning the addictive nature of nicotine, Schrader said that tobacco can also negatively effect your metabolism. “From a physical and psychological standpoint, the nicotine that’s in the smoke tobacco is causing dependence in the user over time,” Schrader said.

“As more municipalties and more states reduce punishments for use, there is less risk associated with it in the individual’s mind.”

mtsusidelines.com She discussed the potential hazards for those who use marijuana as being “a little more blurry.” Schrader mentioned that marijuana use has not shown a consistent connection to lung cancer. However, it has been linked to speeding up heart rates, causing those with a predisposition to higher heart rates to risk cardiac failure. She acknowledged the federal ban on marijuana use may have hindered the research necessary to discovering some of the major health risks. With some of restrictions now loosened, long-term health risks have begun to be studied more rigorously. According to the American Lung Association, the health risks for marijuana are widely based on how it is consumed. Regular intake of smoke from a marijuana cigarette provides higher probability for illnesses, such as chronic bronchitis. “Some of the health risks have more to do with mental and psychological health issues than they do with physical health. Marijuana can impact the way that connections are formed in the brain in people who begin to use it before the age of 18,” Schrader said. The developmental growth of students has become the focus of some of the more recent marijuana studies. The Lancet Psychiatry, a British health research journal, completed a study in 2014 with the purpose of finding the long-term effects of marijuana on the adolescent mind. The researchers first discovered how frequently the substance was used among 3,725 students under the age of 17 from Australia and New Zealand. They then studied the students’ development up to the age of 30. The article released by The Lancet Psychiatry following the study stated, “We recorded clear and consistent associations and dose-response relations between the frequency of adolescent cannabis use and all adverse young adult outcomes.” Therefore, the young people who consistently used marijuana were more likely to fall short of success in their academic and professional endeavors. The article mentions that the daily marijuana users who were under 17 had “clear reductions in the odds of high-school completion.” “We know that marijuana impacts motivation in a negative way. For students who have a dream for their occupation, will marijuana use help them reach that goal? That is something that they individually have to decide for themselves,” Schrader said. Students can contribute to Lisa Schrader’s marijuana and tobacco research by participating in her echeckup to-go online survey found at www.mtsu.edu/healthpro.

10.27.16

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW Mac Miller

OCTOBER 22 8:00 p.m.

NOVEMBER 12 8:00 p.m.

NOVEMBER 3 9:00 p.m.

Catch the latest ATTIC SESSION with 10 String Symphony! YouTube.com/ WMAROCKSNASH

WMAROCKS.COM 615-782-4030 FRE E PA RKI NG from 6:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. in the State lots behind the Supreme Court Building

WAR MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM In the heart of Nashville, 301 6th Avenue N.

WMArocks.com is the official online source for buying tickets to War Memorial Auditorium events.

10.27.16

mtsusidelines.com

By: Steve Barnum / Staff Writer

s there an alcohol abuse problem among students at MTSU? According to Lisa Schrader, Director of Health Promotion and adviser for the Raider Health Corps student organization, alcohol is the most commonly abused substance among students. Schrader, who has been involved in MTSU’s Health Services since 2008, reports that “a significant percentage of students report experiencing some consequence over the past year, whether that is academic, social or personal, as a result of their drinking.” In the past three months, 37 alcohol related incidents have happened involving students, according to the MTSU Crime Log. Of those incidents, the most common violation was driving under the influence or DUI followed by public intoxication, and then alcohol violations. While these incidents are happening everywhere on campus, the most common locations have been at the East Main Street and Middle Tennessee Boulevard intersection, the SCB Sports Complex and at the James Union Building. It is also good to note that alcohol consumption on campus is extremely limited to designated areas assigned by the school President and approved events. That rule, and others, can be found in MTSU’s policy code I:13:02 on alcoholic beverages. According to Schrader, in comparison to other colleges across the country, MTSU is actually lower than the national average when it comes to drinking rates, with about one-third of MTSU students choosing to not consume alcohol. “If you choose to use alcohol, recognize that it affects the body in two phases. In the first phase, users report a lot of positive effects: Feeling more social, feeling relaxed, having a pleasant ‘buzz,’ etc.,” Schrader explained. “But in the second phase, more negative effects set in: feeling sick, feeling out of control, loss of motor skills, next day hangover, etc.” Schrader said the negative phase begins to take effect for most people at about a .06 blood alcohol content (BAC). Having a BAC over the legal limit of .08 and getting behind the wheel will result in a DUI as well, and according to dmv.org, under certain circumstances you can still receive a DUI even if your Bac isn’t even that high. “If students would limit their drinking to a level that would not exceed that BAC, they could experience the positive effects without having to pay a price from them later,” Schrader said. Safe alcohol consumption is a focus for MTSU’s Health Services educational programs, according to Schrader. “We host educational workshops for student groups, we offer risk management training to student organizations and we run media campaigns around drunk driving and high-risk drinking behaviors,” Schrader said. MTSU has several options for students who would like to seek help with alcohol abuse. Students can see providers at MTSU’s Counseling Services and in the Health Services office without paying fees. There is also an online assessment available on the MTSU Health Promotion website for students who want to seek help but need a starting point. “For students who do drink, I want them to plan ahead with risk reduction strategies so that they can avoid the consequences that can come from drinking too much,” Schrader said.

He could have gone to Cancun, instead he went to jail. By: Sarah Grace Taylor / Editor-in-Chief Spread designed by: Oukie Akins

n Oct. 13, 2015, a Murfreesboro man (let’s call him Ed) hit the road in his girlfriend’s mother’s car under the influence of both marijuana and alcohol. A few minutes after midnight, Ed plowed through a red light at the intersection of Middle Tennessee Blvd. and Greenland Drive. He T-boned a Mazda that had the green light. My friend, Meagan, was driving. I was in the passenger seat. The impact sent us spinning. He could have gone to Cancun, but instead he plowed his little red Honda through the side of Meagan’s car. While I could see in his bloodshot eyes that he knew he was in trouble, it was clear that, like the other 26,321 people arrested for DUI in Tennessee last year*, Ed lacked concern for the physical, financial and legal ramifications of driving under the influence. The most immediate and substantial impact of the wreck on our lives was the physical damage to Meagan, her car and I. After the her car stopped, Meagan was disoriented and hyperventilating. We searched for her inhaler, thinking her response was related to stress and asthma, but her chest pain and confusion did not improve. Overcome by concern for Meagan and disdain for the other driver, I paid no attention to my injury until I saw my bloody arm. Twenty minutes or so later, I realized it was more than cuts and bruises. As I sat in the front seat of the ambulance I felt a sharp, nauseating pain shoot up my side. Meanwhile, in the back I recall hearing Meagan try to remember her birthday. After hours of X-rays and testing, Meagan was diagnosed with a concussion and a fractured sternum while I was found to have ribs. Breathing deeply hurt for about seven weeks and neither of us noticed before how heavy the doors on campus were until we had to open them with abdominal injuries, Meagan and I made it out fairly lucky. The National Highway Traffic Safety Association’s most recent report (for 2014) shows that 10,265 people died in DUI-related crashes, making up nearly one third (31%) of all traffic fatalities in the U.S. that year. Moreover, the NHTSA reports that

Photo by: Sarah Grace Taylor / Editor-in-Chief

290,000 people were injured in DUI wrecks in the same year. Unfortunately for Ed, he was not traveling lightly through that red light. Along with an impaired driver, the police found 14 grams of pot and a handgun in the front seat of that dilapidated and subsequently impounded Honda. Ed was arrested on the scene and charged with possession of a Schedule VI substance (weed), carrying a weapon under the influence and, you guessed it, driving under the influence. Remarkably, Ed was only charged with misdemeanors as it was his first DUI and he was barely teetering on the edge of intent to distribute. However, in addition to the mandatory minimum 48 hours to 11 months 29 days in jail, Ed faced revocation of his license, an unknown sum in legal fees and court-ordered community service. While I don’t know the fees or service hours he endured, I doubt Ed had any easier of a time with the next 11 months of convoluted legal, insurance and medical battles than Meagan and I did. While he walked away physically unfazed, and reasonably scott-free in the legal system, his wallet took a substantial blow. A national survey by BACtrack, a blood alcohol

content testing company, suggests that the average DUI or DWI costs the driver at fault between $13,000-$27,000 in court costs, bail, towing, license reinstatement and other fees.This does not include the cost of medical or damages claimed by others involved in the crash. Even if we estimate Ed’s overall DUI arrest costs on the low side at $13,000, once you factor in an ambulance ride, two rooms in the emergency room, about a dozen X-rays, and a replacement for Meagan’s vehicle, Ed and his insurance were out about $30,000 for his joyride. While none of us know where Ed was heading or even where he was coming from, I can assure you a designated driver, even a paid one, would have cost Ed, and anyone else considering diving under the influence, far less. According to the app, an Uber X ride from campus to Cancun would cost $2,543-$3,100. He could have gone to Cancun 10 times, but instead he went to jail. *DUI count according to the State Justice Department

mtsusidelines.com

10.27.16

Tobacco Free Depends on You and Me By: Tanner Dedmon / Managing Editor

ike many schools across the country, MTSU has a tobacco policy in place to limit the drug’s use on campus. While the tobacco-free policy is among the strictest at Tennessee colleges, implementation has not been effective, school officials note. The stamping out of tobacco in higher education settings is nothing new, though; in 2008, East Tennessee State University was the first Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) institute to take a firm stance against tobacco. The policy outlined by ETSU -- which MTSU based its tobacco policy on -- prohibited all tobacco use on school grounds, including e-cigarettes and vaporizers, with the only exception being its permitted use inside private vehicles. The push against tobacco was a long time coming, preceded by the Tennessee Non-Smokers Protection Act of 2007 that prohibited smoking inside restaurants, hotels and other establishments. Despite experiencing restricted use in colleges across Tennessee, the amount of tobacco use students and faculty can get away with depends both on the campus and where the use occurs. MTSU, ETSU, Tennessee State University and Tennessee Tech University are four of the six TBR institutes that have imposed an all-out ban, including the use of of e-cigarettes and vaporizers, with use in private vehicles being the only exception. The first policy was implemented by ETSU, and the last by MTSU that went into effect in 2011 but was implemented in 2012 to allow a transition period for smokers who wished to quit. The other two TBR schools, the University of Memphis and Austin Peay, still allow smoking in designated areas marked around campus, with the policies enacted in 2012 and 2015. In an even smaller minority, the Knoxville, Martin and Chattanooga campuses of the University of Tennessee, all non-TBR universities, still allow all tobacco use on campus as long as the users are at least 25 feet away from windows and doorways.

In each of the six TBR schools, students in violation of the tobacco guidelines are handled by the respective school’s student affairs department, a process that typically involves sending a charge notice, meeting with the student in violation and issuing sanctions, if necessary. “I have been on some community college campuses where I’ve seen it enforced differently,” said Director of Health Promotion Lisa Schrader. “I’ve seen police officers be the ones approaching the violators, which I don’t see here necessarily.” From records kept by the MTSU Office of Judicial Affairs and Mediation Services, the number of cases brought to Judicial Affairs remain low since the policy went into effect. From 2011-12, only one out of 617 cases involved smoking. For the next few school years, the number of cases fluctuated from one to 11 with no recognizable trend. When looking at just the numbers, it paints a positive picture for smoking on MTSU’s campus. The number of smoking violations is always topped by alcohol and drug charges that consistently break 100 infractions per year, and it never even comes close to the over 400 academic dishonesty cases from 2015-16. But according to MTSU health professionals and administration within Judicial Affairs, the low numbers may not be a true indication of tobacco use at MTSU. Rather, they suggest that the violation is being underreported due to the enforcement relying on all members of MTSU -- students, staff, faculty, administration and even visitors -- to report prohibited use of tobacco.

Photo by: Sarah Grace Taylor / Editor-in-Chief

10.27.16

mtsusidelines.com

"Confrontation is a key component in making the policy effective"

Photo by: Samantha Wycoff / Design Editor

“I think that there are a couple different phenomenon that are taking place,” said Schrader on why people choose not to report others’ tobacco violations. “One of those is the diffusion of responsibility in that if someone sees someone violating the policy, they know that anyone else who also sees that is just as accountable as they are to do something about it, so it can be easy to tell has heard staff discuss their concern with confronting individuals or groups of smokers. She noted that some people may feel they lack the social skills to deal with the situation while others even express fear of verbal or physical retaliation. Laura Sosh-Lightsy, the Assistant Dean of Judicial Affairs and Mediation Services, expressed concern at the effectiveness of the policy that relies so heavily on community enforcement. She said that many cases go unreported simply because when someone is asked by students or faculty to put out a cigarette and they comply, the situation is resolved and no further action is taken. Aligning with Schrader’s views, she also noted that many people choose not to have a confrontation at all. “The reality is that most people don’t confront it, and just a handful complain,” Sosh-Lightsy said. “It is almost as if everyone expects there to be ‘smoking police’ to confront people as no one sees it as their responsibility to confront people, which is not practical or feasible.” But a “smoking police,” or something of that nature, may do wonders to solve the problem of tobacco use on campuses. “I do think that there would be some benefit to having a group of some kind, whether it’s student or whether it’s security figures at the staff level, but

to have a specific group that’s tasked with that being their job in addition to the community enforcement that we already have,” said Schrader. “If there were a group in some type of uniform or with some kind of perceived authority over that specific issue, that could be an additional asset in the process.”. While Schrader says she has heard the “smoking police” idea discussed at a student level, she is unaware of any administrative talk about policy changes. That’s not to say that it couldn’t happen though, but with many of these tobacco policies implemented in the past 5-10 years, additional changes will take some time to come to fruition. “Social change takes a long time,” said Schrader on past and future policies. “We’ve had changes to tobacco policies going on for 50-60 years now to get to where we are. Relative to what you do with those, I think it's going to be a longer term encounter than anything that’s going to be fixed within the academic year, or even within the next two academic years.”

10.27.16

mtsusidelines.com

Student Abuse of Adderall and Ritalin

Photo by: Sarah Grace Taylor / Editor-in-Chief

By: Emily Neal / Staff Writer

College can enhance stress for students struggling to live up to expectations, deal with heavy course loads and maintain a social life.

ome students learn to manage their stress and responsibilities while others turn to prescription drugs, like Adderall or Ritalin, to stay focused. Adderall, often referred to as the “study drug,” is a prescription drug given to people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and people that suffer from narcolepsy. “Adderall is a brand of Dextroamphetamine prescribed for ADHD, but it has the opposite effects if you don’t have the disorder,” said Jayda Fuqua, Director of Nursing at NHC Springfield. “For people with ADHD, Adderall is supposed to slow you down and calm the brain, but if you don’t have that, it makes your body work faster. So students tend to take this because it makes them concentrate and study better. You see the same effects with Ritalin.”

According to the Medicine Abuse Project, students abuse non-prescribed stimulants, believing the drugs will enhance their performance in school or improve their focus when studying. In a report from the Medicine Abuse Project on non-medical use of prescription stimulants from 2011, over 60 percent of college students were offered either Adderall or Ritalin by their peers, and roughly 31 percent of college students reported using Adderall or Ritalin. The group also reported during the same year that only a little over 5 percent of college students were prescribed ADHD medications. The national average of Adderall usage among college students has risen to 33 percent as of December 2015, according to the Addiction Center, a group founded by recovering addicts and funded by

Recovery Worldwide LLC. non-medical use of prescription stimulants from 2011, over 60 percent of college students were offered either Adderall or Ritalin by their peers, and roughly 31 percent of college students reported using Adderall or Ritalin. The group also reported during the same year that only a little over 5 percent of college students were prescribed ADHD medications. The national average of Adderall usage among college students has risen to 33 percent as of December 2015, according to the Addiction Center, a group founded by recov ering addicts and funded by Recovery Worldwide LLC.risen to 33 percent as of December 2015, according to the Addiction Center, a group founded by recovering addicts and funded by Recovery Worldwide LLC. Student abuse of prescription drugs is statistically low on MTSU’s campus. MTSU’s Health Promotion Office reported in August that 75 percent of MTSU students have never taken a prescription drug without a prescription, while 25 percent of students have used a drug without a prescription. “I’ve used Adderall once to pull an all-nighter because I got stuck at work on a double, and I had a big test the next day,” an MTSU senior explained. “It helped keep me awake to study that one time, and I think that’s why most people, especially students, take it. They just want to stay awake.”

Vape culture is clouded by misinformation

By: Olivia Ladd / Lifestyles Editor

ape shops are like the new Walgreens: there seems to be a shop selling the electronic cigarettes on every corner. In Murfreesboro alone, there are 16 vape stores; in Nashville, there are at least 37. They are quickly becoming a hangout equivalent to bars or hookah lounges, as they’re a popular spot for groups to congregate. Vaping has led to a $3.5 million, still-growing, industry and has manifested itself as one of the newest subcultures in the United States. “It started as getting people off cigarettes,”said Graham Vickers, an employee at Smoke and Mirrors Vapor House in Murfreesboro. “That’s the main goal, but it turned more into a hobby, a very social thing.” Vape culture came to existence over the past few years when e-cigarettes and vaporizers came into popularity. Often mocked initially, the culture is typically associated with fedora-wearing bros and “cloud” memes. “Working at a vape shop, we have everyone from 18-year-old freshman college kids to 60-year-old war vets who are coming in and buying stuff,” Vickers said. “It doesn’t have an age, besides 18 and up, obviously. It’s universal in its own way.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, vapes are used regularly by several million people worldwide. With such wide usage, one wonders why vapes and the culture attached have broad appeal yet foster negative stereotypes. The main reason is that vapor and e-cigarettes are not FDA-approved. To do so would be a difficult process, because each electronic cigarette is different, as they can be customized and changed. Vapers can purchase kits, or buy completely separate parts and build their own vape. The “juices” (liquid that creates the vapor when heated) used are typically made of propylene glycol or a mixture of vegetable oils and nicotine. Since the invention of the devices 13 years ago,

Photo by: Sarah Grace Taylor / Editor-in-Chief

which most people do,” Tyler said. “But the average there is little known about long-term effects. would be around $70-$80 once you get started.” According to a 2015 study by Britain’s As far as customizing and upgrading your vape, Department of Health, vaping can be up to 95% Vickers says there is “almost an infinite amount healthier than smoking cigarettes, but a similar of possibilities.” study by the University of California suggest that Despite a high initial investment, vaping is still vaping is just as bad as smoking. a cheaper option. According to smokefree.org, a While data remains ambivalent on the non-profit effort against tobacco consumption, the consequences of vaping, participants in the average smoker spends around $8,600 a year culture feel largely misunderstood. on cigarettes. Vickers says anyone who is For many vapers, however, low against vaping is so “purely cost and health [because of] a lack of "Once it becomes a hobby, improvements are just addiknowledge or, you know, benefits to being misinformation.” your wallet is screwed" tional a part of a culture of their own. Vape culture began through Masses of people have very the Internet when like-minded recently started vapers began sharing videos attending vape conventions. These host both men and selling devices and equipment to each other. and women of all ages to come sample and buy The online community is still thriving and has products. VapeCon holds events in three cities expanded with new mediums, such as Snapchat across the country, including Chattanooga, and Vine, where vapers share videos. Tennessee. They host vape trick and “There’s Facebook groups, Reddit, there’s cloud-blowing competitions, as well as a Instagrams that are solely for vaping,” said Jon Miss VapeCon USA pageant. Tyler, an employee at Smoke and Mirrors Vapor “The appeal of conventions is you have a hundred House in Murfreesboro. large companies that you would typically not get Many vapers take the culture seriously, spending to meet face-to-face or try their products,” Vickers hundreds of dollars a year on vape equipment. said. “And you get all of that at once.” “Once it becomes a hobby, your wallet is “Vape” was Oxford English Dictionary’s word of screwed,” Vickers said. the year in 2014; it’s definitely a subculture that is “There are people who come in and buy $200 gaining traction and making their presence known. of stuff every time,” Tyler said. “It’s a very social thing,” Vickers said. “It’s the same For newcomers, prices range, but the investment thing as people who go to the bar and spend builds with prolonged usage. $50 every weekend.” “You could get a kit for around $25 and start there,

Substance abuse in Athletics How MTSU steers clear of drugs Story by: Tyler Lamb / Sports Editor and Rusty Ellis / Staff Writer

hile the Middle Tennessee Blue Raider football team is off to its best start since 2001, the school continues to do better than other athletic departments in one important off-the-field statistic. Namely, the department has a clean history with minimal incidents regarding substance abuse. At MTSU, Director of Sports Medicine, Assistant Athletic Director and Drug Prevention Coordinator, Drew Shea has the task of overseeing the drug testing for the athletic department. The drug he sees as most prevalent in sports is marijuana. “Marijuana is the number one thing we see,” Shea said. “That’s just a mainstream drug... It’s legal in many states, but not in Tennessee.” He goes on to say that even in states where marijuana is legal, it is still a banned substance in the NCAA. The MTSU athletic department also tests for cocaine, opiates and recreational drugs such as Rohypnol, the date-rape drug. Athletes can be tested any time, any day. Just ask former University of Tennessee defensive lineman, Danny O’Brien. On Oct. 8, O’Brien went to make a routine tackle in a game against Texas A&M. On the play, O’Brien took a direct hit to the helmet and had to be carted off the field and transported directly to the hospital. O’Brien’s time in Knoxville, while productive on the field, was mired by multiple off-field issues related to illegal alcohol consumption and marijuana use. O’Brien also tested positive in a drug test in 2015, leading to a suspension for UT’s game against Oklahoma. Before that, O’Brien was arrested for criminal impersonation, underage alcohol consumption and resisting arrest in 2014. Each school has its own disciplinary methods, and after he had been examined by the hospital staff in College Station, Texas, the University of Tennessee Athletic Department decided it was time for the team and O’Brien to part ways. Two days later, he was dismissed from the team. Just like that, his career was over, leaving Volunteer fans stunned, but not surprised.

UT released this press release on O’Brien’s dismissal: "Defensive lineman Danny O'Brien has been dismissed from the Tennessee football team for violation of team rules. This news is unrelated to the injury he suffered against Texas A&M. However, should he require any additional care, it will be provided by the University of Tennessee."Whatever was found in his system in the hospital, O’Brien held himself accountable and relayed a message to his fans on Twitter on October 10. “I take full responsibility. I'm grateful for my teammates, coaches, and Vol nation. It has been an honor to help bring this program back.” Three days later, UT insider and WNML’s Jimmy Hyams confirmed on Twitter that a third failed drug test led to O’Brien’s dismissal. “UT DT Danny O’Brien was dismissed after failing another drug test, according to 2 sources. He had 2 previous drug-related suspensions.” While marijuana is the primary banned substance that Shea encounters, there are rare cases where performance-enhancing drugs are discovered in college athletes who believe they can beat the system. Just last year, University of Florida

"MTSU has only had one player dismissed from any of its teams in recent years due to drugs" quarterback Will Grier was suspended for taking a supplement that contained the banned substance Ligandrol. The illegal drug, which is popular with bodybuilders, is an alternative to steroids. With just a 10mg dose per day, Ligandrol can boost muscle mass by 10-15 pounds in a month. Grier said that he took the over-the-counter supplement, but failed to check with the medical staff to make sure it was okay. While schools have their own drug policies, the NCAA administers two mandatory drug tests every year. A day in advance, they will send a roster of 40 random names to the school. In Grier’s case, his name was on the list, and the substance didn’t have enough time to clear his system, resulting

in his suspension from NCAA eligibility for one calendar year. When an athlete signs to play for MTSU, they agree to drug testing at any time throughout the year. If someone refuses to be drug-tested, they have to take it up with the athletic director, according to Shea. “I have never had a kid say that they won’t drug test,” Shea said. In recent history, MTSU hasn’t had to deal with repetitive or substantial incidents. While they have had to dismiss players due to team policy violations, they have never turned into a national story. The other major universities in Tennessee can’t make such a claim. In 2008, the University of Memphis backup point guard Andre Allen was suspended for failing an NCAA-mandated drug test. To make matters worse, the contests he was suspended for were Memphis’ two Final Four games against UCLA and Kansas. While he may not have made a huge difference in the stat sheet, Allen’s suspension forced then-coach John Calipari to play star point guard Derrick Rose for 82 minutes out of a possible 85 minutes over those two games. This hurt Memphis as they fell in overtime to Kansas in the National Championship. In July 2016, former University of Vanderbilt players Corey Batey and Brandon Vandenburg were both found guilty of different counts of aggravated rape charges. Following a night of drinking, Vandenburg brought an unconscious woman to his dormitory, where the woman was raped. Testimony showed Batey’s blood-alcohol content was believed to be anywhere from .23 to .41. The legal threshold for intoxication in Tennessee is .08. Vandenburg, was considered the leader in the gang rape trial that still hasn’t reached its conclusion. Batey received 15 years. Vandeburg was also found guilty and will be sentenced on Nov. 4. Two other defendants still remain to go on trial. MTSU has only had one player dismissed from any of its teams in recent years due to drugs, making a splash in local news only. On February 27, 2015, senior forward Cheyenne Parker was dismissed from the Lady Raider basketball team for a marijuana-related incident, she revealed one week later in an interview with MTSU Sidelines. Parker told Sidelines that she came from a university in North Carolina where smoking cannabis was almost routine. “At High Point [University], it had become a norm,” Parker said in the March 6, 2015, interview. “I’m going to keep it completely honest, it was something that I did, and it wasn’t a big deal at High Point. And so, when I came here, it was just a complete different outlook on the subject of marijuana.” MTSU athletes face a three-strike policy for illegal substance use. The first doesn’t result in a suspension, but the offender is required to do 10 hours of community service, seek counseling and meet with the coach, athletic director and the athlete’s family. “The first time you test positive, you’re on every drug test,” Shea said. “We will test you anytime. You don’t know when it’s coming, and you don’t want to get strike two.” Strike two results in a suspension that is equal to 15 percent of the total games on the schedule as well as being immediately suspended from all activities for

10.27.16

mtsusidelines.com a week. In addition, the player is required to do 20 more hours of community service on top of their previous 10 hours. This also results in a loss of trust between the player and their coach, team and family. When a player reaches strike three, they are dismissed from the program. “Strike three, see you later,” Shea says. “You’re done."In very rare cases, there is a clause in student-athlete handbooks that states anyone who tests positive for the third time can appeal at the written request of head coach detailing the reasons for their appeal. At MTSU, if this is successful per Athletic Director Chris Massaro, the athlete is reinstated with the condition that they will be routinely drug-tested during an eight week period. If for any reason there is the presence of a banned substance after this period, the athlete is deemed permanently ineligible, no questions asked. Because cases are so few and far between, this is a clause that has rarely been invoked. While MTSU has a three-strike penalty, the standards change from school to school. Some universities have a two-strike policy, while some are more relaxed and give five strikes. Occasionally, some are even more lenient to the point that they don’t record any drug tests. The system in place at MTSU holds players accountable, starting when coaches walk into high schools to recruit good character prospects, as MTSU has done over Massaro’s tenure. At any university, it starts with the athletic director, trickling down to the head coach and their specific philosophy with how they want to run their program. “I think any drug that is illegal should not be used period, whether you’re in athletics or non-athletics,” Football Coach Rick Stockstill said. “I’m against illegal drug use by anybody.” Stockstill constantly informs his team to always bring any substance they purchase to the strength coach Jason Spray and Shea so they can confirm that it’s clean. “In 12 years, I have had one case,” Shea said. “He bought a substance at GNC. A lot of these kids are told they have to get bigger and that they aren’t going to play unless they put on 20 pounds. It happens all over the country.” The player, who remains unnamed, bought the substance, figuring it was approved by the NCAA. When he was evaluated later, it showed up on the test, shocking the athletic department. Only six games into the football season, MTSU has already been tested once by the NCAA. No player was found using banned substances. “I talk to them all the time about street drugs,” Stockstill said. “We try to do as good a job as we can to educate our guys.” Coach Stockstill knows that illegal drug use can happen to anyone, so he makes sure his guys understand the message to the core. “I hate to even talk about that, because it can happen to anybody, especially in football when you’ve got 125 guys out here and you’re not with them 24/7,” Stockstill said of his team. “It means our guys are listening. They’re hearing our message, but they’re also listening and understanding the message.”

As MTSU student, faculty, or staﬀ

YOU CAN JOIN OUR

CREDIT UNION

Why should you join Heritage South?  More than just an account

As a member of Heritage South, you are more than just an account number - you’re an owner. We answer to you, not corporate stockholders.

 Less Fees, Fewer Hassles

Try our Free Checking Account*. No really, it’s free! No hoops to jump through, no account maintenance fees.

 Open Late

Our branch just oﬀ campus at 1115 Mercury Blvd is open till 7pm weekdays and 10am - 2pm on Saturdays.

www.heritagesouth.org • 615-410-2027 Membership is open to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Bedford, Marshall, or Rutherford Counties. *Members qualify for free checking if they are not currently in ChexSystems. Second chance checking accounts are available with a monthly fee.

Federally insured by the NCUA.

mtsusidelines.com

Contact Sidelines: Phone: (615) 904-8357 Editor: editor@mtsusidelines.com Managing Editor: managingeditor@mtsusidelines.com News: newsedition@ mtsusidelines.com Lifestyles: lifestyles@ mtsusidelines.com Sports: sports@mtsusidelines.com Contact us with any questions or if you would like to write for the next edition.

10.27.16

mtsusidelines.com

Look for the next edition in our sex, drugs & rock 'n' roll series this November

10.27.16

Find us on Social Media mtsusidelines.com

MTSU Sidelines

@mtsusidelines

editor@mtsusidelines.com