University Of Southern Nevada
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
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USN Students To Combat Drug Abuse
Prescription drug abuse has become a growing problem among America’s youth. In fact, according to a report by John Walters, the national drug policy director, 2.1 million teenagers misused prescription medications believing that prescription drugs are safer and less addictive than street drugs.
Due to this growing problem, a group of USN Pharmacy students have joined together to form the Drug Abuse Awareness Team (DAAT). DAAT is dedicated to educating the youth of Clark County about the abuse of prescription and nonprescription drugs and the dangers of addiction.
The idea for DAAT came from pharmacy student Erica Zelickowski while listening to a local radio program. The program brought forth the prevalence of prescription drug misuse in local high schools compared to illicit drug abuse and how easily the teens were acquiring these drugs.
She took the idea to USN Professor, Dr. Allison Welder, who allowed Zelickowski address the class with her idea. “I never expected to receive such an immediate response from so many of my classmates,” said Zelickowski. “In fact, by the end of the week we had created a mission statement and objectives for DAAT.”
She adds, “Without their help, I would not have had the knowledge or experience to organize such a successful group.” With a mission and a plan in hand, DAAT is ready to launch its message and disparage the myth that prescription drug use is safer and less addicting.
DAAT member, Krystal Ricco, explains that this is a belief among teens she has spoken with, saying “They wouldn’t dare try marijuana and drink alcohol (they’ve heard too many lectures on that), but these are prescription drugs, so they’re safe, right? It is shocking to hear these youths talk about drugs that many of us did not even learn about until our first year in the Pharm.D. program.”
DAAT hopes teens will realize prescription painkillers and other medications help people live more productive lives, freeing them from the symptoms of painful medical conditions. Taking prescription drugs in a way that hasn’t been recommended by a doctor can be more dangerous than people think, including leading to the common result of addiction.
“It is our hope that we can influence and educate as many children as possible about prescription drug misuse so they can be armed with the knowledge about the possibilities and consequences of these destructive behaviors,” said DAAT member Susan Armino.
DAAT recently presented its program to the Clark County School District. According to DAAT Co-Faculty Advisor, Dr. Paul Oesterman, CCSD was impressed with the presentation and is making arrangements for DAAT to make some preliminary presentations to teachers and kids/parents with documented problems. CCSD is also in the process of selecting pilot schools for the presentation in each of the school district’s regions.
DAAT invites all students at USN to get involved. The organization currently has more than 35 members, and participation does not require a membership fee but rather a posture of compassion for the youths in the community.
Item of note: The United States Public Health Services selected the University of Southern Nevada’s DAAT to receive a Public Health Practice Pharmacy Award.