For many students, drinking can become more than just a way to relieve stress and have fun on the weekends.

Nearly one out of 10 people who use alcohol or drugs becomes addicted, according to the Center for Addictions Recovery, Inc. (CFARI). People who become addicted usually turn to counseling as a way to treat alcoholism and drug dependency.

According to CFARI’s 1997-98 annual reports, 42 percent of the clients served are between the ages of 18 to 24.

“Most of our clients started using drugs or alcohol at an early age. For example, 82 percent started using before age 21,” said David Sahr, executive director of CFARI, 511 Duff Ave.

Steve, a junior in agriculture business who did not want his last name disclosed, said he started experimenting with drugs and alcohol in high school.

“It seemed like everyone was doing it,” he said.

Jeanne Burkhart, psychologist for the Substance Abuse Intervention Program at Iowa State, said the program helps people figure out if they have a problem.

“We do an assessment of the person; if it’s a serious problem, we’ll refer them off-campus,” Burkhart said.

“We don’t do treatments; we just make sure the student is at their best,” she said.

Three primary treatment groups are offered at CFARI. The groups include Extended Outpatient Treatment, Intensive Outpatient Treatment and a program for people who have been convicted of operating while intoxicated.

A total of 170 people have been discharged as having successfully completed all treatment requirements.

CFARI also offers education, prevention, assessment counseling, support and referral to other community resources.

According to CFARI, 18 out of 22 patients felt their treatment experience was beneficial.

However, Steve said the programs will be successful only if the person wants help.

“I feel that counseling would have worked for me if I really wanted help and thought that I had a serious problem, but I don’t,” he said. “I had to go to counseling for probation.”