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Bombarded with images and stories of celebrities' drug-induced deaths, America is starting to get the picture.

In recent months, Michael Jackson's life was snuffed out by a lethal smorgasbord of Oxycontin, Demerol and the anesthesia Propofol.

Heath Ledger, DJ AM and Anna Nicole Smith are also among the list of those killed by improper use of prescription drugs.

But the most disturbing reality is that this is not a celebrity epidemic. It's become a social pandemic.

Even in rural America, "pharming" is taking the place of farming. Pharming, or the abuse of prescription drugs, is at the root of some sobering statistics.

Illegal use of prescription drugs kills more people than alcohol in the state of Florida. Among young people ages 18 to 25, overdose deaths are second only to automobile crashes. It's estimated that one in five college students take prescription medicines.

Residents need look no further than the local paper, where the case of Jeremiah Reese has been in the headlines. The 14 year-old died from an overdose of prescription medication in September.

"The issue today is not as much the drug dealer on the street, but more what they are getting out of the medicine cabinet," Tim Egnor, principal at Spruce Creek High School, told a Daytona Beach News-Journal reporter who wrote about the case.

He and many other experts recommend that communities become aware of medication in their homes that may be potential sources for abuse.

Prescription abuse is centered on three major types of drugs: opiates, clinically known as "opiods"; central nervous system depressants; and stimulants. Major brands such as Zoloft, Vicodin, and Ritalin and are a part of many Americans daily life. A 2004 survey conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found that some 6 million people, ages 12 and older, use psychotherapeutic drugs for nonmedical purposes.

According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement in a 2008 Florida Medical Examiner's report, prescription drugs were found more often than illicit drugs in the bodies of their victims. Of all Florida fatalities for that year, 4,924 died with one or more prescription drugs in their system. Alcohol caused 4,070 deaths, including those who died in traffic accidents. Given these figures, it's no surprise Florida ranks number one in the country for prescription drug abuse.

College students say they abuse drugs for recreational purposes, but others blame their abuse on heavy loads thrust on them by professors, parents and society as a whole.

"Students face lots of pressure at home. They have to deal with expectations placed by parents, relationships, course work and the economy. All these things cause anxiety and depression," says Joan Rademacher, a counselor at the Daytona campus.

But things are not always so black and white. When prescribed by physicians, prescription drugs taken over a long period may cause users to become dependent. Also, misdiagnosis of conditions, such as hyperactivity, can result in the use of a drug that is not needed at all.

Students should be aware of the effects these drugs have, especially when mixed together or taken with alcohol. Used in a proper and prescribed way, drugs help many cope and overcome painful illnesses.

Although students may think they are embarking on a temporary high, drug addiction is a biological and pathological process. It alters how the brain functions. Extended drug use distorts the brain in essential and long-term ways. It's as if a "button" is being pushed at some point during a person's drug use, transforming them from drug abuser to drug addict to death from overdose.

What can be learned from those who suffered the ultimate effects of irresponsible prescription drug use?

Perhaps news reports and personal tragedies will teach society not to be herded like sheep to social as well as personal slaughter.

Depression and anxiety are serious illnesses that do not have specific symptoms. For students who feel unable to cope with the obstacles life presents, there are many counselors on all the Daytona State campuses who are able to help. In addition, Daytona State College is launching a mental health initiative, with its focus on suicide prevention (see this month's News section for the story by Matt Lupoli).

As outlined in the course catalog, counselors are helpful when life becomes overwhelming and a student needs someone to listen and help them sort things out. Difficulties that are ignored may grow into serious problems of stress, anxiety or depression. Some students may also struggle with relationship problems, low self-esteem, substance abuse and eating disorders. Counselors are sensitive to challenges that can interfere with success in college. DSC wants to work with students, advocate for them and help them find the support that meets their needs and helps accomplish future goals.

Following are Counseling Services Contacts (Please specify your campus when calling):

* ATC-386-506-30388 a.m. to noon Wednesday

* Daytona-386-506-30388 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday & Wednesday

* DeLand-386- 785-20728:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday;8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday

* Deltona-386-785-20728:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday

* Flagler/Palm Coast-386-506-30388 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday

* New Smyrna Beach/Edgewater- 386- 506-30388 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday

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