0 Page 12 -The Michigan Daily - Thursday, September6, 1984 ALCOHOL TOPS LIST OF CAMPUS DRUGS Substance abuse grows M irror, m irror Daily Photo by CAROL L.FRANCAVILLA The Power Center presents a strange reflection of the world in addition to presenting various theatrical and musical events on the inside. By ERIC MATTSON "People like to drink these days - it's the new drug," said Ann Arbor resident Derrick Pinnix, an employee of a local party store. While Pinnix may not have a medical degree, he does have a handle on the drug scene in Ann Arbor and the University. Use of marijuana has declined steadily over the past few years, but alcoholism is still a big problem. One out of every nine people has or will become an alcoholic, according to Penny Tropman, a senior counselor in student counseling services. However, help is available for studen- ts who become hooked. According to Dr. Richard Morin, director of the University Hospital's Alcohol and Substance Abuse Depar- tment, alcoholism is a disease which is treatable. At Riverview Clinicnwhere Morin works, between five and ten people seek out help every week in solving substance abuse problems. But those who seek out help are a minority. About 90 percent of the people with alcohol or drug problems do not get help, Morin said. And while it is im- possible to determine exactly how many University students have a sub- stance abuse problem, the number ranges somewhere in the thousands, he said. Those who abuse drugs usually rely on other substances, Morin said. Most also abuse alcohol. On the other hand, alcoholics usually rely solely on booze to get high. Compared to other communities, Ann Arbor has more than its fair share of substance abusers. Experts say this rs largely due to the high number of young adults here. But considering the num- ber of young people in Ann Arbor, there is "probably less (abuse) because of your educated kids," Morin said. "A lot of people realize they can't get involved (in drugs) because they have to finish school," Morin said. According to Morin, there are a num- ber of reasons why social use of alcohol or drugs can get out of control. For many, drugs are "a certain escape from reality," Morin said, and when someone is totally unable to deal with reality, the problem becomes more acute. Pinnix listed "depression, anxiety, escapism" as reasons why casual use of drugs can lead to dependence. "It's just ari escape," he said. But "I don't think (drugs) are as popular as they were," Pinnix said. "With the price, the conservatives are the only ones who can afford it." "Students don't get involved with narcotics," Morin said. Instead, students rely on alcohol; but marijuana, valium, Librium, cocaine, and amphetamines are the most popular drugs at the University, he ad- ded. Although anyone can become an alcoholic, Morin said there is growing evidence that alcoholism is hereditary. And even though it can be controlled the problem never vanishes for an alcholic. "I believe in the old adage, 'Once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic; once a substance abuser, always a substance abuser," Morin said. There is however, a big difference between being able to control a sub- stance and being a substance abuser. According to Morin, the key differen- ce between using drugs sociably and" having a serious substance abuse problem is control. And once someone drinks or uses drugs when they them- selves don't really want to, the problem escalates rapidly. Even though Morin said it's easier for people to admit to substance abuse problems mainly because so many celebrities have made their problems and treatments known, people still abuse drugs for different reasons. "Many people abuse drugs becamse they have a low sense of self-esteem," Tropman said. "I think women do have more problems with self-esteem," she added. In fact, women become alcoholics faster than men. However, it is the male 18- to 30-year-old age group that has the greatest chance of developing a problem with alcohol or drugs. Tropman attributed some of the alcohol abuse problem to its relative social acceptance. "You watch the Tigers' game and it's Miller time," she said. "All you see are people having a good time around drinks." Students often don't realize that they have an option of not drinking, Trop- man said. "It's so ridiculous, the em- phasis of alcohol being a norm." - Daily staff writer Georgea Kovanis filed a report for this story. PACKARD ROAD BAPTIST CHURCH 2580 Packard Road} DR. PAUL CALMES, PASTOR "a church family for students" providing opportunities to expand your spiritual knowledge as you expand your intellectual knowledge at the university. Stwiibe I# T4e 764-0559. SUNDAY MORNING: 9:45 Student Bible Study 11:00 Worship Come to a "CHRISTIAN HAPPENING" Entertainment and Refreshments Sept. 14, 7:00 p.m. Student Union Pendleton Room Transportation from your door. Call 971-0773 or 971-0718 Straight So WELCOME BACK SALE! STRAIGHT LEG - a DENIM JEANS 100% cotton denim. Stock up and save at Sage- brush. Waist, sizes: 28-38. f .5501 BUTTON FLY JEA The original Levi bl jean. Preshrunk 501 butt fly jeans. Waist sizes2 28-36. I 6 a ue IN, for the good times Prices good thru Sunday, September 16, 1984 YPSILANTI STORE ONLY 3825 CARPENTER ROAD We've Got What You Need! 20 r The HP-11C and The HP-15C From Hewlett-Packard We've got two powerful, sophisticated calculators that answer your scientific and mathematical needs. 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