Experts: Drug In Minnesota Wrestling Investigation Is Rising Problem

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Experts say the sedatives reportedly sold and abused by University of Minnesota wrestlers aren't getting as much attention as opioids, but they are a fast-rising cause of overdoses and deaths.

University police are investigating allegations that several wrestlers sold and used drugs including the anti-anxiety medication Xanax.

Xanax is among the prescription drugs most frequently seized by law enforcement in drug stings.

Carol Falkowski, a former director of state abuse prevention programs, says some college students abuse medications that enhance alertness and help studying - and then need a calming drug, which is where Xanax comes in.

But the drug can become habitual, and too much of it can relax the respiratory system so much that a user stops breathing.