LOYOLA UNIVERSITY MARYLAND
Drug and Alcohol Policies, Health Information, and
Services: Graduate Students 2012-2013
Introduction
This document provides
students enrolled in Loyola UniversityÕs graduate programs at the Evergreen,
Columbia, and Timonium Centers information about community standards and
regulations governing illegal alcohol or other drug use, health risks
associated with use of these substances, and the services available to graduate
students through the Alcohol and Drug Education and Support Services Department
(ADESS) for problems related to substance abuse or dependence. ADESS Counseling
services are free for graduate students enrolled in courses at any of the
Centers. For more detailed information please contact the Director of ADESS, Jan
Edward Williams, at 410.617.2928, jwilliams@loyola.edu.
The ADESS office is located on the Evergreen (main) campus in Seton Court 02B,
on the West side of campus. Call for directions.
I.
Points of Emphasis
● Loyola, through ADESS, provides confidential
intervention, support, and referral services for students with, or at risk to
develop, alcohol or other drug problems, including individual and group
counseling and an on-campus state-certified Outpatient Treatment Program.
Help
is also available to students experiencing difficulty due to the alcohol or
other drug use of someone close to him or her, including a friend, significant
other, spouse, or parent, in the latter case often called "Adult Children
of Alcoholics" (ACOAs). There are twelve step meetings on and close by
campus, (e.g., Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Al-Anon). ADESS has a
solid core of Loyola students and recent graduates in recovery to act as
contacts to aid a student new to recovery.
● LoyolaÕs policies and regulations, consistent
with federal, state, and local laws, prohibit unlawful possession, use, or
distribution of alcohol or other drugs on its property or as part of its
activities.
● Students illegally using a drug(s) face
consequences that include suspension and expulsion from the university.
●
Material in this document is not intended to be, and is not, a
comprehensive statement of applicable laws. Students are subject to all
applicable local, state, and federal laws regarding alcohol and other drugs,
and are not exempt from enforcement of these laws by virtue of their status as
Loyola University students or their presence on Loyola University property.
Concerned individuals should consult state or federal prosecutors or their own
attorneys for legal advice or clarification of legal matters.
II. Alcohol and Drug
Education and Support Services (ADESS)
This Department is staffed by
a full time Director, Jan Edward Williams, MS, JD, LCADC; a part time educator
and counselor, Cindy Parcover, MS, LCPC; a full time educator and counselor,
Zachary Hitchens, MS, NCC; and an Administrative Assistant Danielle Avent.
Department offices are located in Seton Hall 02B on the west side of
campus. Call 410-617-2928 for information or for a confidential individual
session with Jan Edward Williams to discuss any of the information in this
document, or visit our Web Site:
http://www.loyola.edu/campuslife/healthservices/adess/index.html, which
provides information about alcoholism and related problems and ADESS services.
ADESS services are free to Loyola undergraduate and graduate students.
The following points deserve
special emphasis:
1. Severe
consequences can result from the use and abuse of alcohol and other
psychoactive substances, without the development of alcoholism or other
drug dependence.
2. Alcohol
or other drug dependence can and does develop rapidly in teenagers and young
adults.
3. Although addictive
disease can develop in almost any chronic user of psychoactive substances, persons
from families with a history of alcoholism, especially in parents or
grandparents, are at a greater risk to develop alcohol problems
themselves. Students with such a family history tend also to be at risk to
develop other problems, including eating disorders and difficulties in intimate
relationships.
4.
Use of any non-physician prescribed
medications, especially pain killers such as OxyContin,
can result in addiction and carries dangers of overdose.
5.
A number of
college students dies each year from excessive alcohol use. Drinking too much
alcohol too fast can kill you. Mixing alcohol and other drugs, whether
prescribed, over the counter medications, or street drugs, can also be deadly.
If you encounter a person who is passed out, or unconscious and cannot be
easily aroused, or appears to have trouble breathing, it can be a fatal
decision to put the person to bed, unattended, "to sleep it off.Ó The
safest action is to call for help. Call Campus Police ext. 5911 and 911.
Health Risks: Alcohol
Alcohol, a drug, is a central
nervous system depressant. With moderate drinking a person may experience
flushing, dizziness, dulling of senses, and impairment of coordination,
reflexes, memory and judgment. Taken in larger quantities, death may occur due
to depression of the parts of the brain that control breathing and heart rate.
Drinkers who also smoke are more at risk for developing certain cancers.
Pregnant women who drink risk fetal alcohol syndrome in the newborn. It is
important to read labels of over-the-counter medications for cautions about the
use of alcohol while on a particular medication.
College students who drink
to get drunk are at significant risk while drinking for personal injury,
acquaintance rape, and unplanned, unprotected sexual activity which could
result in pregnancy and exposure to sexually transmitted infections (STIs),
including the AIDS virus, and genital human papillomavirus (HPV), Chlamydia, and genital herpes.
The dangers of drinking and
driving cannot be overemphasized. Data suggest that despite widespread
knowledge of these dangers, a significant number of students continue to drive
under the influence of alcohol.
Health
Risks: Controlled Psychoactive Substances
For a listing of possible
effects, effects of overdose, withdrawal signs and symptoms, and potential for
dependence of substances regulated under the Federal Controlled Substances Act
(21 U.S.C. 811), refer to Table 1, attached to this document.
Prescription Pain
Relievers (codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, etc.)
Whether Swallowed, Snorted,
Smoked, or Injected, these Drugs Are Highly Addictive, Pose Serious Overdose
Dangers, and Their Unlawful Use Can Result in Serious Criminal Penalties.
The
drugs referred to include: Opium/morphine/codeine; Oxycodone (trade names
include Percodan, Percocet and OxyContin); Hydromorphone (Pallodone, Dilaudid); Hydrocodone (Vicodin, Lortab); Meperidine (Demerol);
Fentanyl; Methadone; and Buprenorphine. Use or possession of these drugs by
anyone not the holder of a lawful prescription is a crime subjecting the
offender to serious criminal penalties including imprisonment. Unlawful (no
valid prescription) possession and use of these drugs by a Loyola University
student will constitute grounds for suspension or expulsion from the
University. Abuse of these opiate drugs has increased in recent years on
college campuses, especially by snorting or smoking of the drugs rather than by
intravenous use. Users believe, erroneously, that avoidance of dangers
associated with I.V. use, such as HIV and hepatitis disease, by snorting or
smoking the drugs, reduces the dangers of physical dependence, addiction, and
overdose. That belief is dangerously incorrect.
Dangers
Associated with Non-Prescribed Use of Pain Relievers
Overdose.
LetÕs
use oxycodone as an example. Like other narcotic medications, oxycodone can
impair mental and physical abilities, and is a central nervous system
depressant. Side effects include breathing irregularity or respiratory
depression, headaches, nausea, dizziness, seizures, low blood pressure, and
heart failure. Overdose death is possible due to cardiac arrest or slowed
breathing, especially when ingesting or snorting crushed pain relievers.
Addiction and Physical
Dependence
Addiction basically means a pattern of use of a drug despite adverse
consequences. What is important is not necessarily how often the addict uses,
but what happens when he/she does use. The addict may not be physically
dependent on the opiate in order to have an addiction. Addiction is
characterized by behaviors that include one or more of the following: impaired
control over drug use (loss of control), compulsive use, continued use despite
harm, and craving. Physical Dependence is a state of adaptation that is
manifested by a drug class specific withdrawal syndrome that can be produced by
abrupt cessation, rapid dose reduction, or decreasing blood level of the drug.
Any individual that takes an opiate, regardless of the reason, will, after use
every four hours or so, over a week to 10 days (or less), become physically
dependent on the drug and go into withdrawal upon abruptly stopping use.
The short term withdrawal, as
unpleasant as it may be, is the easy part of addiction recovery. Recovery from
opiate addiction is possible, but is difficult. The opiate addict needs
comprehensive treatment and support in order to put together a long term
recovery. Treatment often includes completion of a residential treatment
program or of an intensive outpatient treatment program, and regular,
preferably daily, attendance of Twelve Step meetings such as Narcotics Anonymous.
Any Loyola University student with concerns about drug addiction may call Jan
Williams, Director of Loyola UniversityÕs Alcohol and Drug Education and
Support Services, to schedule a confidential appointment: 410-617-2928.
Club Drugs
Rohypnol, GHB, and Ecstasy, described below, are Òclub
drugsÓ found at dance parties, ÒravesÓ, ÒtrancesÓ, dance clubs, and bars.
Rohypnol and GHB are also reported to have been used in sexual assaults on
college campuses in the United States, primarily in combination with
alcohol. News stories have been
published of unsuspecting use by women followed by rape and inability by the
victim to clearly identify the perpetrator. Students should exercise caution in
drinking situations. Here are some ways to try to protect oneself:
● Do not go to parties alone; there is safety in
numbers.
● Do not accept a mixed drink, or opened
container; watch your drink being mixed.
● Don't share or exchange drinks with others.
● Don't leave your drink unattended.
●
If you feel disoriented, out-of-control, or not able to care for yourself, or
make decisions, ask
for help from a trustworthy person.
Prescription Stimulant
Abuse
Students
sometimes use non-prescribed (i.e., not prescribed for them) stimulants such as
Adderall, Concerta, or Ritalin to cram for tests or
do an Òall-nighterÓ to write a paper. Use of these non-prescribed stimulants is
dangerous, unlawful, associated with other harmful behaviors, and does not
result in academic success.
1)
Nonmedical prescription stimulant users typically have lower grade point
averages than non-users, suggesting that academically successful students are
not likely to use prescription stimulants nonmedically.
2)
Nonmedical prescription stimulant users are more likely than other students to
be heavy drinkers and users of other illicit drugs.
3) Use of someone elseÕs prescription drug can result
in serious criminal penalties, including suspension or expulsion from the
University. Abuse of these stimulants can cause serious cardiovascular, central
nervous system, and other medical problems. Taking stimulants without a
doctorÕs prescription can cause dangerous side effects in individuals with
heart disease, high blood pressure, overactive thyroid, anxiety, mental
illness, and other medical conditions.
Marijuana (tetrahydrocannabinol)
Marijuana has the reputation among many as a Òno big
dealÓ drug; ÒItÕs just pot.Ó There are a number of points to consider in making
a decision to use marijuana or not. The obvious point to be made first is that
purchase and possession of this illegal substance (regardless of whether one
agrees with this legal policy or not), is dangerous in terms of circumstances
of purchase on the street, can result in criminal charges, and, of course, can
result in serious disciplinary consequences at Loyola University, including
suspension from the university.
The effects of chronic use of marijuana are not as
obviously devastating as those associated with other ÒharderÓ drugs. Indeed, the
fact that the effects are not as dramatic, tends to play into the denial that
this drug is addictive and dangerous. Marijuana
is not a benign drug.
The disruption of short term memory from use of
marijuana is well established. There can also be serious effects on motivation,
drive, and focus that often do not become apparent until too late, after the
person stops using the drug. For some, marijuana use results in addiction,
meaning use of the drug adversely affects significant areas of the userÕs life:
academics, relationships, legally, and at times medically (for example use
while on an anti-depressant medication). For some, use of the drug can trigger,
or be associated with, development of mental health problems such as anxiety
and depression. Finally, a pattern of marijuana use, say, one to two times a
week, even if not resulting in addiction or adverse effects, can pose
serious obstacles to employment where in depth background checks are
done (for example, for security clearance reasons). Investigators will
interview college friends and acquaintances. A pattern of marijuana use
may result in denial of employment. So, marijuana use IS a big deal!
Legal Sanctions
The possession, use or distribution of drugs, drug paraphernalia,
or alcohol by Loyola University students on campus or at any University
sponsored or related activity is subject to applicable federal, state and local
laws. Criminal sanctions for illegal drug and alcohol activity are severe.
Loyola University students are not exempt from these laws by virtue of their
status as students or their presence on Loyola University property. The
following information is provided for informational purposes only and is not
intended to describe fully all of the pertinent laws regarding drug or alcohol
offenses.
Federal Sanctions
Federal law prohibits generally the manufacture,
distribution, or dispensing of a controlled dangerous substance and, under
certain circumstances, of a counterfeit substance. It is also a crime to
possess a controlled dangerous substance with the intent to manufacture,
distribute or dispense the substance. Conviction for one of these
"distribution offenses" is punishable by a prison sentence, the
length of which depends on the type and amount of the drug involved. In
addition to the prison sentence the penalty may also include a fine. For
example, for an offense involving five kilograms or more of cocaine, 10 grams
or more of LSD, or 1000 kilograms or more of marijuana, a prison sentence of not
less than 10 years will be imposed. A prison term of not less than five years
will be imposed for offenses involving 500 grams or more of cocaine, one gram
or more of LSD or 100 kilograms or more of marijuana.
Federal law also provides stiff penalties for
"simple" possession. For a first conviction for possession of a
controlled substance, the law provides for up to one year imprisonment and
mandates a fine of at least $1000. With each drug conviction, the penalties
increase. Further, federal law
states that a first conviction for any federal or state drug possession offense
may disqualify the offender from receiving any federal benefits (including, for
example, student loans) for up to one year.
State and Local Sanctions
Maryland law states that an individual convicted of
the manufacture, distribution, dispensing, or possession of certain controlled
dangerous substance with an intent to do any of the foregoing is subject to
imprisonment for up to 20 years, or a fine of up to $25,000, or both. As with federal
law, the penalty varies depending on the drug types and amount and the Maryland
statute provides for increasingly stiff penalties with each drug offense
conviction. Repeat offenders are subject to a mandatory prison sentence of at
least two years. A felony conviction for bringing into Maryland certain illegal
drugs can carry a prison sentence of up to 25 years and a fine of up to
$50,000. Conviction of possession of controlled substances also carries
penalties. For example, if convicted of possession of marijuana, an individual
faces a prison sentence of up to one year and/or a fine of up to $1,000, and
for the possession of other controlled dangerous substances, a prison term of
up to four years and/or a fine of up to $25,000. In general, under Maryland law
it is unlawful for any person under 21 years of age to possess alcoholic
beverages or for any person to misrepresent his or her age or the age of
another to obtain alcoholic beverages. It is also unlawful for a person to
furnish alcoholic beverages to another if he or she knows the recipient of the
beverage is under 21 years old. Any person over 18 violating these sections of
the law may be fined up to $500 for a first offense and $1000 for a second
offense.
This description is only a brief summary of some of
the sanctions under federal and state drug and alcohol offense statutes. It
does not identify all sanctions; for example, there are statutes which provide
for enhanced penalties for the manufacture or distribution of drugs in or near
schools or colleges, and statutes which result in property forfeiture.
Concerned individuals should consult state or federal prosecutors or their own
attorneys for further information.
University Regulations
Loyola University's regulations, set forth in detail
in the Loyola University Community Standards: http://www.loyola.edu/studentlife/studentconduct/Community%20Standards%202012-2013.pdf and summarized here, prohibit unlawful
possession, use, or distribution of drugs, drug paraphernalia and alcoholic
beverages, and provide for prompt imposition of consequences for violative behaviors, upon completion of prescribed
procedures that include opportunity for hearing and appeal.
The possible sanctions include, but are not limited
to, suspension or expulsion, and may result in referral to authorities for
prosecution in the case of conduct in violation of Federal, State, or local
law.
The basic principle underlying these regulations is
that each student is responsible for his or her behavior and its consequences,
intended or unintended, in violation of prescribed rules of conduct. When
available information suggests the behavior to be related to dependence on
alcohol or other drugs, the student involved may be provided an opportunity for
appropriate treatment interventions as a part of or in addition to other
sanctions.
Illicit Drugs and Paraphernalia
It is a violation of University regulations for a
student to unlawfully use, possess, administer to another, or to manufacture,
distribute, or dispense any controlled dangerous substance or drug
paraphernalia. Controlled dangerous substances include, but are not necessarily
limited to, the following classes of psychoactive substances: amphetamine,
cannabis (marijuana, THC), cocaine, hallucinogens, opioids (for example,
codeine, morphine, heroin, methadone), phencyclidine (PCP), and sedatives,
hypnotics and anxiolytics. Paraphernalia include: hypodermic syringes, gelatin
capsules, substances used to cut drugs (for example, quinine), testing
equipment, mixing devices, scales, pipes, roach clips, cocaine spoons, bongs.
Alcoholic Beverages
The University's prohibitions and sanctions relative
to alcoholic beverages are set forth in detail in the Loyola University Community
Standards:
http://www.loyola.edu/campuslife/studentlife/judicialaffairs/index.html.
Violations carry penalties ranging from fines, parental and academic adviser
notification, suspension from housing, suspension or expulsion from the
University, to referral to State or local authorities. For any misuse or abuse
of alcohol, the University reserves the right to mandate that a student attend
alcohol education classes and/or receive an assessment by the
http://www.loyola.edu/campuslife/studentlife/judicialaffairs/index.html's
Alcohol and Drug Education and Support Services Director and follow that
individualÕs educational and/or treatment recommendations.
Jan Edward Williams, MS, JD, LCADC
September
2012
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Effects Of Overdose |
|
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Euphoria Drowsiness Respiratory depression Constricted pupils Nausea |
Slow and
shallow Breathing
Clammy skin Convulsions Coma Possible death |
Yawning Loss of appetite Irritability Tremors Panic Cramps Nausea Runny nose Chills and sweating Watery eyes |
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Heroin Hydromorphone Oxycodone
(OxyContin) Methadone
and LAAM |
High |
High |
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DEPRESSANTS |
|||||
|
|
|
|
Slurred speech Disorientation Drunken behavior without odor of alcohol |
Shallow respiration Clammy skin Dilated pupils Weak and rapid pulse Coma Possible death |
Anxiety Insomnia Tremors Delirium Convulsions Possible death |
|
Barbiturates Benzodiazepines |
High-Moderate
|
High-Moderate
|
|||
|
Ketamine
(Special K) |
Possible |
Unknown |
Psychedelic effects Muscle
rigidity
Aggressive/violent behavior
Exaggerated strength Euphoria
Illusions, Hallucinations
Dissociation
Impervious to pain |
Vomiting Convulsions Possible death |
Unknown |
STIMULANTS
|
|||||
|
Cocaine
(crack) Methamphetamine
Ritalin
(methylphenidate) |
|
|
Increased alertness Euphoria Increased pulse rate and blood pressure Excitation Insomnia Loss of appetite |
Agitation Increased body temperature Hallucinations Convulsions Death |
Apathy Long periods of sleep Irritability Depression Disorientation Pleasurelessness |
|
Ecstasy
(MDMA) |
Unknown |
Moderate
|
Same as
stimulants Jaw
muscle
clenching
Heightened aware- Ness Calm
empathy |
High body temp- erature High blood pressure Seizures Acute anxiety |
Flashbacks Possible effects on memory |
|
CANNABIS |
|||||
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Marijuana
|
Possible
|
Moderate
|
Euphoria Relaxed inhibitions Increased appetite Disorientation |
Fatigue Paranoia Possible Psychosis |
Insomnia Appetite loss Headache Aches, chills Craving |
HALLUCINOGENS |
Illusions/ hallucinations Misperception time Dissociation Depersonalization
Combativeness
Amnesia |
Paranoia Seizures High blood pressure Longer trips Psychosis Catatonia Coma Possible death |
Unknown
|
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LSD |
None |
Moderate |
Stimulant effects
Light trails
Sensory distortion
Depersonalization |
Acute anxiety/panic
Paranoia
Delusions
Psychosis |
None |
*Adapted from Higher Education
Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Education and Prevention: Complying With the
Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Regulations [34 CFR Part 86]. A Guide for
University and College Administrators. http://www.edc.org/hec/pubs/dfscr.htm.
(DrugFreeAct.2012-2013.graduatestudents)