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DRUG-FREE CAMPUS AND WORKPLACE POLICY
STATEMENT
The
University of West Alabama is committed to providing a campus environment free
of the abuse of alcohol and the illegal use of alcohol and other drugs.
In order
to promote a safe and efficient educational as well as work environment, the
Drug-Free Campus and Workplace Policy Statement has been adopted to supplement
existing University policies, practices and procedures.
Implementation
of this policy statement is subject to restrictions contained in all local,
state, and federal laws. This
policy statement is in compliance with the Drug-Free
Workplace Act of 1988 and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act
Amendments of 1989.
STANDARDS OF CONDUCT
The unlawful manufacture,
distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of illicit drugs or alcohol by
students or employees is prohibited at any time on any University property or at
any University activity. No employee who is impaired by an illegal drug or by alcohol
will report to work or will work or be present in the workplace.
No student who is impaired by illegal drugs or alcohol will attend
classes or any University activity.
DISCIPLINARY SANCTION
The University will impose
sanctions (consistent with local, state, and Federal Law) upon all employees and
students who violate these standards of conduct.
Such sanction, may include but are not limited to:
TYPES OF DRUGS &
POSSIBLE EFFECTS
Alcohol
Alcohol is a powerful
depressant. Alcohol use decreases alertness and inhibition.
Accidents and/or risky behaviors occur with negative consequences to
health such as disease transmission. Long-term,
heavy drinking is linked to cancer, gastrointestinal problems, heart and liver
damage, birth defects, and psychological dependence develop.
Tobacco
Tobacco use in the form of
cigarette smoking is linked to emphysema, lung cancer, heart disease, and other
illnesses. Physical and
psychological dependence can develop. Smokeless
tobacco use leads to cancer of the head and neck areas.
Passive smoking increases upper respiratory illness.
Anabolic Steroids
Anabolic Steroids may produce
behavior effects including aggressiveness, irritability, impaired judgment,
impulsiveness, mania, and paranoid delusion.
Sexual functioning is frequently impaired.
Serious health problems include liver and heart disease, cancer, and
death.
Stimulants
Stimulants,
such as dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine) and methylphenidate (Ritalin) increase
blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration. Taking high doses of a
stimulant can result in an irregular heartbeat, dangerously high body
temperatures, and/or the potential for cardiovascular failure or seizures.
Taking high doses of some stimulants repeatedly over a short period of time can
lead to hostility or feelings of paranoia in some individuals. Tolerance as well as psychological and physical dependence develop. Continued
use can cause heart problems, malnutrition, and death.
Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine
is a highly addictive drug that strongly activates certain systems in the brain.
Methamphetamine is chemically related to amphetamine, but the central nervous
system effects of methamphetamine are greater. Methamphetamine is referred
to by many names, such as "speed," "meth," and "chalk." Methamphetamine
hydrochloride, clear chunky crystals resembling ice, which can be inhaled by
smoking, is referred to as "ice," "crystal," "glass," and "tina." The use
of methamphetamine can cause irritability, insomnia, confusion, tremors,
convulsions, anxiety, paranoia, and aggressiveness. Methamphetamine causes
increased heart rate and blood pressure and can cause irreversible damage to
blood vessels in the brain, producing strokes. Other effects of methamphetamine
include respiratory problems, irregular heartbeat, and extreme anorexia. Its use
can result in cardiovascular collapse and death.
Cocaine and Crack
Cocaine is a
powerfully addictive drug. The powdered, hydrochloride salt form of cocaine can
be snorted or dissolved in water and injected. Crack is cocaine that has not
been neutralized by an acid to make the hydrochloride salt. This form of cocaine
comes in a rock crystal that can be heated and its vapors smoked. The term
"crack" refers to the crackling sound heard when it is heated. The use of cocaine
or crack can cause confusion,
depression, and hallucinations. Tolerance
and physical dependence develop. Effects
are unpredictable; psychosis, convulsion, coma, cardiac arrest, and death are possible.
Nasal membranes may be destroyed. Smoking
causes lesion in the lungs. Brain
damage may occur.
Depressants
Depressants relax the central
nervous system. Barbiturates,
tranquilizers (Valium, Xanax), and Methaqualine may cause confusion and loss or coordination.
Tolerance as well as physical and psychological dependence develop.
Overdoses cause coma and death. Overdoses
taken in combination or with alcohol are especially dangerous due to their
combined effects.
Cannabis
Cannabis alters mood and
perception. Marijuana may cause
confusion and loss of coordination. Long-term
use leads to tolerance and psychological dependence.
Users frequently begin using other drugs. Long-term use causes damage to lung tissue and other
illnesses.
Hallucinogens
Hallucinogens temporarily
distort reality. Lysergic Acid
Diethyfamine (LSD causes hallucinations and panic.
Effects may recur (“flashback”) even after use is discontinued. Tolerance and psychological dependence develop.
Birth defects occur in user’s children.
Phencyclidine (PCP)
Phencyclidine causes
depression, hallucinations, confusion, and irrational behavior.
Tolerance develops. Overdoses
cause convulsion, coma, and death.
Mescaline, Ecstasy, and
other “Designer Drugs”
“Designer Drugs” cause
anxiety, depression, paranoia, illusion, and hallucination.
Impaired perception occurs. Irreversible
brain damage may occur.
Narcotics
Narcotics lower perception of
pain. Heroin, Morphine, Codeine,
and Opium cause lethargy, apathy, loss of judgment and self-control. Tolerance as well as physical and psychological dependence
develops. Overdoses cause
convulsions, coma and death. Risks
of use include malnutrition, hepatitis and AIDS.
Deliriants
Deliriants cause mental
confusion. Aerosol products, lighter fluid, paint thinner, amyl nitrate
and glue cause loss of bowel and bladder control, confusion, and hallucinations.
Overdoses cause convulsions, cardiac arrest, and death.
Psychological dependence develops. Permanent
damage to lungs, brain, liver and immune system may occur.
LEGAL SANCTION
Possession, Use or
Distribution of Alcohol Beverages
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Alabama
state law prohibits the purchase, consumption, possession, or transpiration
of alcoholic beverages by persons under 21 years of age.
Penalties for conviction may include a fine and/or jail sentence.
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Public
intoxication, driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI), and the
unlicensed sale of alcoholic beverages are also against the law. Penalties for such convictions may include a fine, jail
sentence, suspension of driver’s license, and/or required completion of an
alcohol rehabilitation program.
Possession of Controlled
or Illicit Drugs
Marijuana
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Possession
of a small amount of marijuana for personal use only is a misdemeanor
punishable by a prison sentence of up to 1 year, a fine of up to $2,000, or
both.
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Possession
of marijuana for other than personal use or a second conviction for personal
use is a felony punishable by a prison sentence of 1 to 10 years, a fine of
up to $5,000, or both.
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Possession
of more than 2.2 ponds of marijuana is considered “drug trafficking” and
is punishable by a minimum prison sentence of three years and a fine of at
least $25,000.
All Other Controlled
Substances
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Possession
of a controlled substances other than marijuana is a felony punished by a
prison sentence of 1 to 10 years and a fine of up to $5,000, or both.
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Possession
of large amounts of a controlled substance other than marijuana is
considered “drug trafficking” and I publishes by a minimum prison
sentence of three years and a fine ranging from $50,000 of $500,000.
Sale of Controlled or
Illicit Drugs
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The
sale of any controlled substance is a felony punishable by a term of 2 to 10
years or a fine of up to $10,000, or both.
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The
sale or distribution of a controlled substance within a three –mile radius
of any school or college is punishable by a mandatory prison sentence of
five years in addition to other penalties described above.
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Federal
trafficking penalties for first offenses range from up to one year of
imprisonment and a fine of up to $100,000 to life imprisonment and a fine of
up to $4 million, depending on the illicit drug involved.
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Repeat
offense penalties range from up to two years of imprisonment and a fine of
up to $4millin, depending on the illicit drug involved.
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Repeat
offense penalties range from up to two years of imprisonment and a fine of
up to $200,000 to mandatory life imprisonment and a fine of up to $8
million, depending on the illicit drug involved.
DRUG
EDUCATION & TREATMENT PROGRAMS
A full range of education and
treatment programs is available to students and employees of The University of
West Alabama. Programs fall
generally into three categories.
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Information/Education/Referral
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Self-Help
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Professional
Treatment
Local Programs
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Counseling
Center, Foust Hall, Room 7
The University of West Alabama
Livingston, AL 35470
(205) 652-3651
Other Area Programs
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Bradford Health Services (Out Patient)
515 Energy Center
Blvd.
Northport, AL 35473
205-750-0227
800-891-9673
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Bradford Health Services (Residential)
1189 Allbritton Rd
Warrior, AL 35180
205-647-1945
800-333-1865
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Hill Crest Behavioral Health Services (Residential)
6869 5th Avenue South
Birmingham AL 35212
205-833-9000
FEDERAL
DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE ACT REQUIREMENTS
Each
employee who is employed under a federal grant will be given a copy of this
policy statement and will sign a statement certifying that the employee will, as
a condition of employment under the grant:
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Abide
by the terms of this policy statement on a drug-free
workplace, and
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Notify
The University of West Alabama of any criminal drug statute conviction for a
violation occurring in the workplace no later than five days after such
conviction.
Upon receiving such
notification from an employee or otherwise receiving actual notice of such
conviction, The University of West Alabama will:
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Within
ten days, notify the agency responsible for the grant, and
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Within
thirty days, take appropriate personnel action against any employee who is
so convicted, up to and including termination; and/or require such employee
to participate satisfactorily in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation
program approved for such purposes by a federal, state, or local health, law
enforcement or other appropriate agency.
IMPLEMENTATION
OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WEST ALABAMA’S DRUG
PREVENTION PROGRAM
An
Advisory Committee for a Drug-Free Campus and Workplace has been appointed to:
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establish
procedures and develop informational materials for annual
distribution to students and employees,
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provide
recommendations to promote and further develop the University’s drug
prevention program, and
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evaluate
the University’s drug prevention program biennially to determine its
effectiveness and ensure that disciplinary sanctions are consistently
enforced.
FURTHER INFORMATION
The
University’s full policy statement is available for review in the Student
Affairs Office. Inquiries concerning matters described here or the
full policy statement should be directed to the Office of Student Affairs at
205-652-3581.
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