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Drug and Alcohol Abuse Policy

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Policy

DRUG-FREE CAMPUS

In accordance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989 and Policies of the Board of Trustees of Illinois Community College District 515, it is a violation of college policy for any member of the college community to engage in the sale, possession, use or distribution of any narcotic, drug, alcohol, or other addictive or hallucinogenic substance, except as permitted by law on the premises of, or in conjunction with, the operation of Prairie State College.

In addition to possible criminal prosecution under applicable local, state and federal laws that prohibit the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol, students and staff also may be subject to the college’s internal disciplinary procedures with possible sanctions ranging up to expulsion or job termination.

MANDATED STATEMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE DRUG-FREE SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITIES ACT OF 1989 DRUG POLICIES

The use of alcoholic beverages and illegal chemical substances is a concern on college campuses. The following information will serve to inform you of the health risks, available resources, current policies at PSC, and the legal ramifications regarding the use of drugs and alcohol.

ALCOHOL AND DRUG POLICIES

Board policies on student conduct in reference to drugs and alcohol state that the following conduct will be subject to disciplinary action:

  1. The sale, possession, use, or distribution of any narcotic, drug, marijuana, or other addictive or hallucinogenic substance, except as permitted by law.

  2. The possession and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages on campus, or at any off-campus collegesponsored activity, regardless of age unless specifically authorized. Violators will be subject to disciplinary action that could lead to suspension or dismissal. Every effort will be made to assist the person to seek help.

LEGAL RAMIFICATIONS

State and federal penalties for possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol vary a great deal, depending on the amount, type, and offense. This information is provided to you in accordance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989. To conform to the Federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989 (20 U.S.C.S 5145, Public Law 101-226), the college hereby enacts this policy. In conformance with the act, the president shall develop and implement a program and rules to prevent the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees.

  1. Definitions
    1. The term “student” is defined as any person who is taking/attending any credit or non-credit class facilitated by Prairie State College.
      The term “employee” is any full- or part-time employee of the college.
    2. The term “controlled substance” is used as defined in the Federal Controlled Substances Act and the Illinois Controlled Substances Act.
    3. The term “college property” is defined as any property or buildings owned, leased or controlled by the college whether on or off campus.
    4. The term “college activities” shall include all on-campus functions as well as any off-campus function sponsored by the college, such as officially sanctioned field trips, athletic events, social activities and professional meetings attended by college employees.
    5. The term “illicit alcohol” is defined as alcoholic liquor which is possessed, used or distributed in violation of federal, state or local laws or college regulations.

  2. Standards of Conduct No student, employee or visitor shall:
    1. Possess, distribute or use any controlled substance or any substance containing cannabis, in violation of the Federal Controlled Substances Act, the Illinois Controlled Substance Act or the Cannabis Control Act on any college property or at any college activity.
    2. Possess distribute or use any alcoholic liquor on any college property or at any college activity, regardless of their age, unless specifically authorized by the Office of the President.

  3. Statement of Sanctions
    1. Students: Discipline for violating the standards of conduct set out in Section II will be governed by college regulations and the student code of conduct, up to and including expulsion. Additionally, violators may be charged criminally under federal, state or local laws and ordinances.
    2. Employees: Discipline for violating the standards of conduct set out in Section II will be governed by the college’s employee disciplinary policies and rules, up to and including termination. Additionally, violators may be charged criminally under federal, state or local laws and ordinances.
    3. Visitors: Violations of the standards of conduct set out in Section II may result in criminal charges under federal, state or local laws and ordinances.

  4. Possible Legal Sanctions:
    1. Alcohol
      Poss. under 21: Class B misdemeanor Up to 6 months in jail Up to $1,500 fine DUI: Class A misdemeanor Up to 1 year in jail Up to $2,500 fine Open in Vehicle: Class A misdemeanor Up to 1 year in jail Up to $2,500 fine
    2. Cannabis/Marijuana
      Possession: Up to Class 1 Felony* Up to 15 years in jail Up to $25,000 fine
      Delivery: Up to Class X Felony* Up to 30 years in jail Up to $25,000 fine
    3. Controlled Substances – Includes any substance controlled under the Illinois Controlled Substances Act or similar federal statutes. These include cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, amphetamine, LSD, anabolic steroids, opiates, ketamine, PCP, methaqualone, pentazocine, ecstasy, barbiturates, peyote, hallucinogens, morphine, prescription drugs not prescribed to the holder, and any look alike substances. Possession: Up to Class X Felony* Up to 50 years in jail Up to $250,000 fine
      Delivery: Up to Class X Felony* Up to 50 years in jail Up to $250,000 fine
      • Penalties may be dependent on amounts possessed and prior convictions.
      • Penalties may be enhanced for possession or sale on or near college properties.
      • Convictions may result in loss of federal financial aid and other federal benefits.

HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH ALCOHOL ABUSE

Alcohol consumption causes a number of marked changes in behavior. Even low doses significantly impair the judgment and coordination required to drive a car safely, increasing the likelihood that the driver will be involved in an accident. Low to moderate doses of alcohol also increase the incidence of a variety of aggressive acts including spouse and child abuse. Moderate to high doses of alcohol cause marked impairments in higher mental functions, severely altering a person’s ability to learn and remember information. Very high doses cause respiratory depression and death. If combined with other depressants of the central nervous system, a much lower dose of alcohol will also produce the effects described.

Repeated use of alcohol can lead to dependence. Sudden cessation of alcohol intake is likely to produce withdrawal symptoms including severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations, and convulsions. Alcohol withdrawal can be life threatening. Long-term consumption of large quantities of alcohol, particularly when combined with poor nutrition, can also lead to permanent damage to vital organs such as the brain and the liver.

Mothers who drink alcohol during pregnancy may give birth to infants with fetal alcohol syndrome. These infants have irreversible physical abnormalities and mental retardation. In addition, research indicates that children of alcoholic parents are at greater risk than other youngsters of becoming alcoholics.

CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE USES AND EFFECTS

  1. NARCOTICS
    DRUG NAME/TYPE: opiates, opium, morphine, heroin, codeine, synthetic non-opiates, demerol
    PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL EFFECTS/COMPLICATIONS: drowsiness, sedation (nodding), stupor, euphoria, relief of pain, impaired intellectual functioning and coordination, constricted pupils that do not respond to light, excessive itching, constipation, loss of sexual desire, temporary impotence or sterility, slow pulse, and respiratory and cardiovascular depression and collapse, severe infection at injection sites. (needle marks and tracks) 

  2. ANESTHETICS:
    PHYSICAL & EMOTIONAL EFFECTS/COMPLICATIONS: amnesia, sleep, anesthetic state, blood pressure drops, heart rate drops, immobilizes; can result in coma or death.

  3. BARBITURATES
    DRUG TYPE/NAME: nembutal, seconal, amytal, rohypnol (date rape drug). Sedatives: doriden, chloral hydrate, milrown, equanil, and quaalude
    Minor Tranquilizers: Valium, Librium
    PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL EFFECTS/COMPLICATIONS: relief of anxiety and muscular tension, relaxation, sleep, euphoria, impaired emotional control, judgment and coordination, irritability, weight loss, death from overdose, psychosis; possible convulsions or death from abrupt withdrawal of barbiturates.

  4. INHALANTS
    DRUG TYPE/NAME: none
    STREET NAME: glue sniffing, aerosols, airplane glue, amyl nitrate, nitrous oxide.
    PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL EFFECTS/COMPLICATIONS: excess nasal secretion, watering of eyes, poor muscular control, lack of coordination, appears dreamy or blank. Impaired perception and judgment, possibility of violent behavior, damage to lungs, nervous system, brain, and liver, death through suffocation, choking or overdose.

  5. STIMULANTS
    DRUG TYPE/NAME: amphetamines, cocaine
    PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL EFFECTS/COMPLICATIONS: giggling, silliness, rapid speech, dilated pupils, hypertension, tachycardia, loss of appetite, loss of weight, extreme fatigue, dry mouth, bad breath, chills, sweating, increased muscle tension, shakiness, tremors, restlessness, irritability, confused thinking, mood swings, aggressive behavior, feelings of persecution, delusions, hallucinations, toxic psychosis, possible seizures; may cause heart damage or heart attack; death from cardiac damage, hypertensive crisis, or overdose.

  6. CAFFEINE
    DRUG TYPE/NAME: found in tea, coffee, cocoa, cola and tablet form and including many over-thecounter drugs.
    PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL EFFECTS/COMPLICATIONS: restlessness, disturbed sleep or insomnia, nausea, abdominal distention myocardial stimulation, palpitation, and tachycardia; large amounts have led to irrational or hysterical behavior and cardiac standstill.

  7. HALLUCINOGENS
    DRUG TYPE/NAME: Type 1: synthetic: D-lysergic acid (LSD), 4-methyl-2 (STP, DOM) and Dimethyltrypiamine (DMT) Type 2: natural: cactus (mescaline), mushroom (Psilocybin)
    PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL EFFECTS/COMPLICATIONS: severe hallucinations, feelings of persecution and detachment, incoherent speech, laughing, crying, exhilaration, depression, panic, suicidal or homicidal tendencies, cold, sweaty hands and feet, shivering, chills, vomiting, irregular breathing, flashbacks, exhaustion, brain damage from chronic use, accidental death. May intensify existing psychosis; long-lasting mental illness has resulted. Symptoms may persist for an indefinite period after discontinuation of drug.

  8. MARIJUANA AND HASHISH
    PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL EFFECTS/ COMPLICATIONS: relaxation or euphoria, pupil dilation, conjunctivitis, lack of coordination of walk, increased appetite and craving for sweets, mood swings from joy to extreme anxiety or depression, erratic behavior, withdrawn, impaired memory, judgment or problem solving, distortion of time and space, possible cause for bronchitis. Acute panic or hallucinations are symptoms of overdose.

  9. NICOTINE
    DRUG TYPE/NAME: found in cigarettes, cigars, pipe and chewing tobacco and snuff.
    PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL EFFECTS/COMPLICATIONS: can have stimulating and/or calming effect. Factor in lung cancer, coronary artery disease, circulatory impairment, peptic ulcer and emphysema.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE

Employees can obtain free and confidential assistance with drug and alcohol abuse concerns from our Employee Assistance Provider (EAP), Perspectives, Inc. at www.perspectivesltd.com or 800.456.6327 and employees with PPO or HMO coverage through our health insurance provider Blue Cross Blue Shield at www.bcbsil.com or 888.630.2583.