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Trendy Drug abuse:
from Miss Teen Utah to Mr.
America
By Janee Mitchell
Drug consultant Trinka Porrata spoke at UIS on Tuesday, Oct. 12,
about trendy drugs and their effects. There were two sessions
held, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and then from 6:30 to 8:30p.m.
The sessions were held in Brookens auditorium.
 The
sessions included a wide range of people, from students to other
drug consultants, medical personnel and school officials. The
sessions included information on meth, ecstasy, ketamine and
other drugs that have become popular in the rave scene and among
youth.
People attending the sessions were greeted with refreshments and
allowed a chance to view some of the props for the presentation,
which included caps with hidden pockets and nail polish remover
which proved to be a common source of drug use.
Porrata told the stories of River Phoenix and other big names in
the world of entertainment who fell to drug use. One popular
story was the story of former Mr. America Mike Scarcella, who
died of withdrawal to the drug GHB. Porrata said that Scarcella
was on steroids and GHB, a difficult to recognize drug. He
tried to seek help, finally going to a hospital, but was turned
away. Scarcella ended up dying of seizures brought on by GHB
withdrawal.
Porrata also spoke of Miss Teen Utah and her brush with ecstasy
and GHB. The experience did not prove fatal for the teen and she
was able to have a normal life, but Porrata used her story to
show people that teens as well as adults can be affected by drug
use.
During the sessions, Porrata raised awareness of various drugs
through showing popular fliers and signs used for raves that
advertises the use of drugs like ecstasy. She also addressed the
clothing worn by both users and dealers of the drug.
Springfield woman
abducted from Lincoln Residence Hall
By Heather Shaffer
An 18-year-old female was allegedly abducted from Lincoln
Residence Hall while visiting a UIS student Sunday evening.
According to Cheryl Peck, associate
chancellor for public and campus relations, the female was
allegedly taken by her estranged husband Thomas Ray, 19.
John Ringle, director of campus
housing, said that Ray allegedly abducted and forcefully removed
his estranged wife from the patio on the side of LRH. According
to Peck, Ray threw the woman over his shoulder and then forced
the her into a red four-door vehicle against her will.
An LRH worker and Resident Assistant
witnessed the alleged kidnapping and notified the UIS Police
Department of the abduction at 6:18 p.m. on Sunday. The campus
police asked for assistance from the Springfield Police
Department.
Authorities spotted the vehicle in
front of an apartment complex at 6 Candlewood Drive, where Ray
and his wife shard an apartment. According to a report released
by the UIS Police Department, Ray and the women were found
inside and Ray was taken into custody.
Peck said that Ray was arrested on
charges of domestic battery, kidnapping, and unlawful
restraint. As of Tuesday morning, Ray was being held at the
Sangamon County Jail.
"This is an unfortunate situation
because it happened on our campus, but it did not involve our
student," Peck said. |
