New Student Seminar Promotes Awareness of Club Drugs

By: Emily Sirois
Posted In: News

Freshmen in the New Student Seminar classes attended a lecture on club drugs last month, which has been an important issue for college students.

A panel of speakers including Sgt. Russell Carlone, a 19-year veteran of the Newport Police Department; Sandra Langlais, a part-time professor of Administration of Justice at Salve and a community oriented police officer; and Jim Carlton, a member of CODAC, shared their views on the dangers of club drugs for college students.

“We are truly concerned about this, but we have had no significant incidents to report so far this year,” John Quinn, Dean of Students said.

Carlone said the accessibility of drugs in Newport is a major problem and that, “if you want it, it’s available.”

Some of the advice the panelists gave for protection against being a victim of club drugs included: watching your drink, never leaving your drink unattended and not letting a stranger pour you a drink. Because certain drugs like GHB are colorless and odorless, the panelists agreed that someone could very easily slip this into your drink without your knowledge and you could end up a victim of date rape without remembering what happened.

Langlais said that it’s important to be aware of the side effects of these drugs, such as vomiting, kidney failure and unconsciousness, in case anyone ever comes in contact with these drugs. Carlton said that many people stumble into these drugs, becoming victims. Carlone also said that these drugs are not necessarily associated with violence like other drugs such as LSD or Ecstasy. Students caught with possession of these drugs will end up with a criminal record and some penalty from the school, Carlone said.

Treatment recommended for victims of club drugs includes counseling and seeing your primary care physician, Carlton said.

The panelists also encouraged students to make good choices because anyone is at risk for assault when they are under the influence of alcohol.

Ralph Detri, a member of the counseling services at Salve Regina University, said that trends show that during the first 5-6 weeks of school students are very vulnerable and should be very careful. Detri also said that a buddy system should be used in social situations, especially since our awareness and judgment become distorted when drinking.

“The panel provides a wealth of experience for students, especially since they have seen the use of club drugs in the Newport area,” said Detri.