Alcohol Abuse, a rising problem

Alcohol remains the favored substance of abuse on college campuses by far, but the abuse of prescription drugs and marijuana has increased dramatically since the mid-1990s, according to the study released today by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University.

According to a study done by USA Today, nearly half of America's 5.4 million full-time college students abuse drugs or drink alcohol on binges at least once a month, according to a new study that portrays substance and alcohol abuse as an increasingly urgent problem on campuses across the nation.

Although heavy episodic drinking in college is a major public health problem, the majority of college students do not binge drink or drink heavily. In contrast, students who binge drink three or more times in a 2-week period consume very large quantities of alcohol.

White students are more likely to use drugs and alcohol than minority students, and students at historically black colleges have much lower rates of substance abuse than other students, the study found.

The percentage of students who reported smoking marijuana heavily — at least 20 days during the past month — more than doubled, from 1.9% in 1993 to 4% in 2005.

The percentage of students who reported using illegal drugs other than marijuana, such as cocaine and heroin, in the past month jumped from 5.4% in 1993 to 8.2% in 2005.

A study done by Sober Recovery, a rehab for people with alcohol problems, stated that, “with respect to alcohol abuse in higher education, many reactive AND proactive measures have been initiated at some colleges and universities that have reduced the availability, acceptability, and irresponsibility of alcohol use on and off campus. The result: a noticeable, if not a significant reduction in alcohol-related problems manifested by students.”

Since the holidays are here, the amount of gathering together and having fun will be higher than ever, especially on New Year's Eve. There is hope that everyone will be safe during the holidays and be aware of what is going on.

The Black Curtain Society proudly to presents, "Comedy Syndicate."

Someone once said that laughter is the best medicine, and with the help of the Black Curtain Society club, laughter is guaranteed. The Black Curtain Society is a theater club at Linn-Benton Community College. The Black Curtain Society was formerly known as the Theater Club, that is until performing arts teacher Dan Stone stepped in.

The B.C.S has been working hard to keep the club going. Anyone is welcome to join and participate. The club has been working diligently to raise money for the theater department.

The club had recently put on a variety show. It involved everything from music to sketch comedy and more. The show that was performed was titled, “Comedy Syndicate.” The show was put on by the theater club members. 

This was the B.C.S.'s first comedy show they are put on for the public.

“I had never heard of the Black Curtain Society at LBCC, I knew they had a theater department but I didn't know they had a club,” said Albany resident Monica Hollings who had attended the show. “I use to do theater in high school and so I love everything about it.”

Hollings had grown up in Southern Oregon and had always had a passion for the arts.

“I have always loved improv and plays so I was very excited to hear about this,” said Hollings, “I thought it was absolutely hilarious and incredibly well put together.”

“I would say we are funnier than Mad T.V.” said Denzel Barrie, a member of the Black Curtain Society and also a performer in the show.

“We are hoping to make this a regular thing,” said Kim Willaman, another member of the club. “We want to make it a monthly event.” Willaman has been in multiple theater plays at Linn-Benton Community College and is also in a few other performing arts groups such as the Concert Choir on campus.

“We are hoping that this show helped raise awareness about our club and also raised our funds,” said Willaman.

The Comedy Syndicate took place on Saturday, November 17^th. They had a dinner available to the public for an extra price which started at 6:30pm. The show started at 7:00pm and was held at the Eagles Club in down town Albany.

Anyone that is interested, or wants to see what the drama club is about, can join. They often meet in the theater and hold weekly and/or bi-weekly meetings. For more information contact Dan Stone.

Dan Stone

Instructor Website

Email Dan Stone

Office Phone:

541-917-4566

Everyone is welcome to join Black Curtain Society, if you have a passion for drama and love being with theater groups, this club is for you.