The arrest of Al Gore III on charges of illegal possession of marijuana, Adderall, Xanax, Valium and Vicodin is helping to raise awareness about the problem of prescription drug abuse, the Associated Press reported July 6.

Addiction experts say that the prescription drugs found in Gore's possession are favorites among college students looking for a quick high or study aid. "[Former U.S. Vice President] Al Gore's son is just like everyone else's," said Donald Misch, director of health services at Northwestern University. "The only thing missing was the No. 1 abused drug, which is alcohol."

College students may buy prescription drugs from classmates with prescriptions, order them online or take them from their parents' medical cabinets. Tips on drug use are swapped on Facebook or other social-networking sites.

In response, the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy is planning a campaign urging parents to clean out their medicine cabinets and secure any current prescription drugs.

The elder Gore said his son, 24, is getting treatment following his arrest after driving more than 100 mph on the San Diego Freeway.

"This is an opportunity for people to understand this is happening in your household," Misch said. "These are your kids. The drug dealers they're going to are their doctors, their parents and their friends."