Television and radio personality Drew Pinsky, better known as Dr. Drew, attracted more than 400 attendees in Akin Auditorium on Sept. 26 during his presentation about addictive behaviors on college campuses and relationship advice for the first event of the Artist-Lecture Series.
“I like talking about trusting your instincts because young people have great instincts,” Pinsky said as he casually addressed the crowd. “I don’t have those type of instincts anymore.”
Pinsky is a board-certified practicing physician and earned his fame by starring on the reality show Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew and his own talk show Dr. Drew on Call. He also stars on his nationally syndicated radio talk show Loveline.
Before the event, students and community members lined up outside the auditorium hoping for a good seat.
Specifically, Pinsky discussed issues related to social drinking among college students.
“The way you change young people’s behavior is by giving them a relatable source,” Pinsky said.
During his presentation, Pinsky allowed members of the audience to guide the show by asking personal questions. The attendees discussed everything from drug addiction recovery to the impact of media on society.
“Binge drinking and illegal substances are a phenomenon on college campuses,” Pinsky said.
He continued to talk about the academic stresses and social anxiety among college students and the effects of drug and alcohol use. Pinsky also discussed the correlation between having sex and using illegal substances.
“If hooking up is so glorious, then why must you be effed up to do it?” Pinsky asked the audience.
Pinsky also answered questions about dating during addiction recovery and drinking socially to alleviate stress and inhibitions. Although Pinsky touched base on several topics, some members of the audience said they would have liked to hear more.
“I wished he talked about dating when you’re a single parent because it’s a hard thing to do when you’re single,” Amanda Chandler, senior in finance, said.
Pinsky stayed after his presentation to give autographs and take pictures with fans. The line of awaiting audience members extended out the door.
“It was a great turnout and the crowd really enjoyed this event in particular,” Rickey Santellana, chair of the Artist-Lecture Series committee, said.
