After recent arrests of Fairfield students on drug dealing charges, administrators interviewed by The Mirror said they are concerned about drug abuse on campus, but said it wasn’t a major problem.
“I do not think Fairfield has a drug problem,” said Dean of Students Mark Reed. “Fairfield, like most other colleges and universities with a majority of traditional age college students, deals with students who use alcohol and or drugs.”
“The recent arrests by the state police of two former students are troubling,” Reed said.
Reed also said more students should report illegal activity.
“What troubles me most about those recent arrests were that other students, even if it were only a few, knew that these students were involved in illegal activity yet did nothing about it,” he said.
“I understand the reluctance that some students feel towards becoming involved or holding other students accountable, but it speaks to good and responsible citizenship-something that is important and necessary for life beyond Fairfield.”
Director of Wellness and Prevention Jeanne DiMuzio concurred, adding that marijuana is the most popular drug at Fairfield.
“The culture of Fairfield is a reflection of trends nationwide but in my recent focus group work, students shared with me that ‘drugs’ a.k.a. mushrooms, ecstasy and cocaine were isolated but that marijuana was more noticeable,” DiMuzio said. “Most students interviewed had not seen or heard of any but marijuana use.”
Associate Director of Security Frank Ficko cautioned against the negative impacts that drugs have on a person’s life.
“Drug use can be very destructive and impact a person’s life in ways they may not fully understand,” Ficko said. “It’s a tragedy when a young person’s life is affected so negatively by substance abuse. Equally tragic is the impact their decisions may have on other people such as family and friends who care a great deal about them. I think that’s a part about substance abuse that often gets overlooked. It’s not just about the abuser. It also affects those who love them.”
Despite downplaying the problem, administrators said that drug use by students is still a concern.
“There are several things that I, along with many others, ‘worry about’ when it comes to undergraduate students,” said Reed. “I suppose alcohol, drugs or other destructive behavioral choices or actions top the list. Mostly, however, I worry about students making decisions without consideration of the consequences of their actions or decisions.”
“Any drug use is a concern to us, even on the smallest of scales,” said DiMuzio. “The immediate, short-term and long-term effects of substance use can wreak havoc on a student.”
DiMuzio also commented on the rising number of drug abuse referrals in recent years.
“Regardless of whether it is a handful of referrals or a significant number, the team of administrators will always be concerned about a student’s choice to use illegal and harmful substances,” DiMuzio said.
Ficko said the university follows strict guidelines when it comes to drug enforcement.
“The possession, use and distribution of drugs is a violation of university policy, including state and federal laws,” he said. “The university has always been proactive in its approach towards illicit drug use.”
Ficko also said students should look out for the well-being of people they know who abuse drugs.
“Students are urged not to turn their backs to someone they suspect as having a problem or dependency on substance abuse,” Ficko said. “Be a friend…get them help.”
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