HILARY HOSIA
The College of Marshall Islands is preparing to combat the spread of cocaine and methamphetamine following a survey indicating some college students are using illicit drugs.
The survey of 326 students shows 12 percent have tried cocaine while 13 percent have experienced methamphetamine (also known as “ice”). One third of the students who said they tried either of these drugs used them five or more times.
Another startling piece of information from the survey: one in three students personally know someone who uses ice or cocaine.
A majority of CMI students surveyed were aware of these drugs or have seen or used them. Nearly 80 percent of the students said both drugs are dangerous.
Of the 326 surveyed, 13 percent showed no knowledge of cocaine while 37 percent said they haven’t heard of meth.
Peer to Peer Advisor Ninitha Note, an advisor and student advocate at the college, said both male and female students have been referred to her and the nurse’s office for being high during class and in some cases, vomiting — while not showing symptoms of any illness. Note said the students later confessed of using these drugs.
In response, CMI P2P Educators and members of the Student Body Association have put up informative banners across campus in the hope of raising awareness.
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