'Pharming' a Growing Problem on College Campuses

'Pharming' a Growing Problem on College Campuses
July 16, 2001

News Summary

College students have found a legal, less expensive and more accessible way to get high by "pharming," or consuming a cocktail of prescription pills, Substance Abuse Funding News reported June 26.

Pharming involves mixing a variety of depressants and stimulants, such as Adderall, Ritalin, Percocet, Valium, Tylenol, Vicodin, Xanax, and Zoloft.

The prescription drugs are easier to obtain and are less costly than illegal drugs, experts say. Students obtain the drugs by researching the Internet to learn which symptoms to fake so they can trick a doctor into prescribing the medicine.

Some students have rifled a doctor's supply of drugs while waiting in the office, or have stolen prescription pads so they can fake prescriptions.

Students typically crush and inhale the drugs to get high.

COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE:

Prescription Drug Use Joins Binge Drinking as Campus Drug Problems

Ecstasy Outdated as Young Britons Find New Dance Drugs

ADHD Drug Abuse Gets Colleges' Attention

Adderall Preferred by College Students Who Misuse Prescription ADD Meds

Results from the 2006 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: National Findings

The NSDUH Report: Nonmedical Use of Pain Relievers in Substate Regions: 2004 to 2006