Alcohol and Drugs and Narcotics and Tobacco
Tobacco
Students are not to use tobacco in any form or amount at any time. Additionally, the practice of using electronic vapor devices and the practice commonly referred to as “vaping” is prohibited
Alcohol and Drugs
The use, possession, or distribution of alcoholic beverages and/or illicit drugs is prohibited. Students attending establishments where alcohol is the primary service, such as bars and clubs, gives the appearance that the student is involved in such behaviors. Whether the student is actually involved in drinking or not, it is still inconsistent with the beliefs and practices of this institution. Since the Scripture cautions Christians to abstain from the appearance of evil, students are warned that attendance at such establishments is grounds for dismissal from the university. In addition, violation of this standard of conduct may result in severe criminal penalties under local, state, and federal law. These penalties are described in compliance with federal law.
Disciplinary Sanctions
Any student found to be in violation of this policy shall be subject to one or more of the disciplinary sanctions as described in section 6.4. The university reserves the right to exercise total discretion in the imposition of disciplinary sanctions. The use, possession, or distribution of alcoholic beverages or illicit drugs may result in required participation in a drug or alcohol treatment or rehabilitation program, and/or result in other disciplinary action including dismissal. In addition, illegal activity involving drugs and alcohol may be referred to law enforcement officials for criminal prosecution.
Criminal Sanctions
Though the City of Graceville has not passed ordinances that govern sale, use, and distribution of controlled or illegal substances and alcohol, it does enforce the laws imposed by the State of Florida addressing these matters. According to the state, it is illegal to possess, distribute, sell, or use prohibited drugs and other controlled substances. Depending on the specific drug offense, the charge may range from a third to a first-degree felony. Punishment may range from a $500 fine to confinement in a state prison facility. It is illegal for minors (under age 21) to possess, use, or sell alcohol. Further, it is unlawful for a person to sell, give, or serve alcoholic beverages to a person under age 21. It is illegal to misrepresent one’s age or that of another to induce a licensee to serve alcoholic beverages to persons under 21. Charges may range from a second degree to a first-degree misdemeanor. In addition to other penalties, the courts may suspend the driving privileges of those convicted.
Health Risks Associated with Drug or Alcohol Use
Narcotics such as opium, morphine, and heroin can cause euphoria, drowsiness, respiratory depression, constricted pupils, and nausea. The symptoms of an overdose of narcotics are slow and shallow breathing, clammy skin, convulsions, coma, and possible death. Persons experiencing withdrawal from addiction to narcotics can experience watery eyes, runny nose, yawning, loss of appetite, irritability, tremors, panic cramps, nausea, chills, and sweating.
Depressants such as barbiturates and Quaaludes can cause slurred speech, disorientation, and drunken behavior. An overdose of a depressant results in shallow respiration, clammy skin, dilated pupils, weak and rapid pulse, coma, and possible death. Withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, tremors, delirium, convulsions and possible death.
Stimulants such as cocaine and crack can cause increased alertness or euphoria, an increased pulse rate and blood pressure, insomnia, and loss of appetite. An overdose of stimulants results in agitation, an increase in body temperature, hallucinations, convulsions, and possible death. Withdrawal symptoms include apathy, extended periods of sleep, irritability, depression, and disorientation.
Hallucinogens such as LSD and amphetamines cause illusions and hallucinations, and poor perception of time and distance. The effects of an overdose include psychosis and possible death.
Marijuana and hashish can cause euphoria, increased appetite, relaxed inhibitions, and disoriented behavior. The effects of an overdose include fatigue, paranoia, and possible psychosis. Withdrawal symptoms include insomnia, hyperactivity, and decreased appetite.
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. 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, much lower doses of alcohol will produce the effects just 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.
Treatment, Re-entry or Rehabilitation Programs
Though the university provides no counseling or rehabilitation programs for drug or alcohol abusers on campus, students or employees may contact the Executive Director of Student Life (263-3261 ext. 415) for information on referral. The following agencies offer counseling and help:
Alcoholics' Anonymous (850) 526-3948
Southeast Alabama Medical Center (334) 793-8194
The financial responsibility for any treatment or rehabilitation program remains solely the responsibility of the individual. The university in no way endorses or affirms the competency or effectiveness of the services offered by these agencies.
Reports by Pell Grant Recipients
In accordance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, any student who receives a Federal Pell Grant and who is convicted of a criminal drug offense that occurred during the period of enrollment covered by the Pell Grant must report the conviction in writing to the Director, Grants and Contracts Service, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Room 3124, GSA Regional Service Building No. 3, Washington, D.C. 20202-4571. This report must be made within ten calendar days of the conviction. Failure to report such a conviction may subject the student to suspension or termination of the Pell Grant, and ineligibility for other types of federal financial assistance.