Drug & Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program & Policy

Purpose of Policy

It is the policy of the school that illicit drugs and alcohol use, manufacture, unlawful possession, sale, distribution, or dispensation by any student or employee on the school’s property or as part of any of the school’s activities is strictly prohibited. JPU is concerned about the potential adverse effects of alcohol or other drug use on student health and safety, as well as academic performance and patient care.

The school is committed to provide students, faculty, staff and visitors with a safe and healthful campus and workplace.  The school recognizes the health risks associated with controlled substance use and alcohol misuse and is committed to supporting students and employees who seek treatment for these conditions.  The School recognizes that controlled substance use and alcohol misuse diminish workplace and campus safety and undermine the school’s ability to fulfill its mission.  Therefore, an Alcohol- and Drug-Free Campus/workplace Policy has been developed.  Compliance with this policy is considered a condition of employment and attendance at the School. 

JPU reserves the right to revoke admission based on an adverse fingerprint or drug screening. Students are expected to report to class and clinical agencies in the appropriate mental and physical condition conducive to learning and the provision of safe patient care. 

This policy is distributed in writing annually to students, staff and faculty.

Definitions

The following terms are defined for the purposes of this policy and are important for purposes of expressing the school’s policy on a drug free campus:   

Controlled Substance means a controlled substance in schedules I through V of section 202 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 812), as further defined by regulations at 21 CFR 1300.11 through 1300.15, and as defined in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.), Sections 16-13-35 to 16-13-39.

Contract means a legal instrument reflecting a relationship between the federal government and a recipient whenever the principal purpose of the instrument is the acquisition by purchase, lease, or barter, of property or services for the direct benefit or use of the federal government; or whenever an executive agency determines in a specific instance that the use of a type of procurement contract is appropriate.

Conviction means finding of guilt (including a plea of NOLO contendere) or imposition of sentence, or both, by any judicial body charged with the responsibility to determine violations of the federal or state criminal drug statutes;

Criminal drug statute means a federal or non-federal criminal statute involving the manufacture, sale, distribution, dispensation, use, or possession of any controlled substance;

Employee means an individual receiving a salary, wages, other compensation and/or stipend support from the university.

Federal agency or agency means any United States executive department, military department, government corporation, government controlled corporation, or any other establishment in the executive branch (including the Executive Office of the President), or any independent regulatory agency.

Grant means an award of financial assistance, including a cooperative agreement, in the form of money, or property in lieu of money, by a federal agency directly to a grantee.  The term grant includes block grant and entitlement grant programs, whether or not exempted from coverage under the grants management government wide regulation(“Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments”).  The term does not include technical assistance which provides services instead of money, or other assistance in the form of loans, loan guarantees, interest subsidies, insurance, or direct appropriations; or any veteran’s benefits to individuals, i.e., any benefit to veterans, their families, or survivors by virtue of the Service of a veteran in the Armed Forces of the United States.

Grantee means a legal entity which applies for or receives a grant or contract directly from a federal agency.

Illicit drug use means the use of illegal drugs and the abuse of other drugs and alcohol.               

Student means an individual registered or enrolled for credit or non-credit in a course or program offered by the university or any of its units.

School activities mean an activity officially sponsored by JPU.

Workplace means the physical boundaries of the School and facilities owned or controlled by the School.

Philosophy

The unlawful use of drugs or abuse of other drugs and alcohol is inconsistent with the behavior expected of members of the School community.  The School is committed to the development and maintenance of a drug-free environment on the campus as well as an environment that prohibits the abuse of other drugs and alcohol and has a drug and alcohol abuse prevention system in operation, accessible to all members of the School community.  The School is committed to the further expansion of that program and the dissemination of drug awareness information to the members of the School community.  In addition, the School is committed to enforcing the provisions of the Drug Free Communities and Schools Act Amendments of 1989 (Public Law 101-226) and the Georgia Drug-Free Post secondary Act of 1990

Policy

As required by the Federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989, you are hereby notified by JPU that on JPU premises, affiliated clinical sites, or at other JPU sponsored events, activities specified as critical offenses will not be permitted. Students shall be prohibited from working, attending school, participating in clinical internships or attending JPU related functions while under the influence of alcohol and/or the use of illicit drugs. The use of such substances by students on premises or at JPU related functions shall be prohibited. Such conduct by a student shall be considered a critical offense.

To protect the health and safety of all persons, the use of tobacco products is prohibited on the school campus. Violation of the policy is a serious offense that could result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.

JPU recognizes that substance abuse is a major problem that affects students, families, education,and communities. JPU strictly opposes any situation that interferes with a student’s safety, health and well-being, and anything that adversely affects academic performance, patient care, or is detrimental to the campus. To promote this goal and in accordance with the Federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989 and state law, JPU strictly prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, possession, sale, or use of any illegal drugs,controlled substances, or alcohol while acting in the course of enrollment, on JPU owned, leased, or controlled property, while operating JPU owned, leased,or controlled equipment or vehicles, or at JPU sponsored functions. Students are required to report to their faculty use of any over-the-counter medication or prescribed medication that might impair a student’s ability to participate in the educational process safely or effectively.

The school will impose sanctions on any student who violates this policy.  Sanctions include:

1. Administrative Hold – the student is unable to enroll in courses until requirements to remove the Administrative Hold status are met.  Requirements to remove the Administrative Hold status are provided with the Administrative Hold notification.
2. Dismissal from John Patrick University of Health and Applied Sciences
3. Removal from the student’s clinical internship – Any student participating in their clinical internship may be removed from their internship setting temporarily or permanently based on guidance from JPU and the clinical site.

Student Use of Alcoholic Beverages

All students are responsible for complying with State law regarding the use of alcohol

• The age in most states is 21 to be in possession of alcoholic beverages
• Persons 21 or over may not make alcoholic beverages available to minors
• Misrepresentation of age for the purpose of purchasing alcoholic beverages is a violation of state law. 

Health Risks

The following briefly summarizes health risks and symptoms associated with the use of alcohol and other drugs.  It is important to note that individuals experience alcohol and drugs in different ways based on physical tolerance, body size and gender, and on a variety of other physical and psychological factors.

The health risks associated with the misuse and abuse of drugs, including controlled substances and alcohol, include but are not limited to: Physical and psychological dependence; damage to the brain, pancreas, kidneys and lungs; high blood pressure; heart attacks; strokes, ulcers, birth defects; a diminished immune system; and death.

Alcohol: Alcohol consumption causes a number of changes in behavior.  Even low doses significantly impair the judgment and coordination required to drive a car safely, increasingly 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.  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.  Long-term consumption of large quantities of alcohol can also lead to permanent damage to vital organs such as the brain and the liver.  Mothers who drink 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 others of developing alcohol related problems. 

Cigarettes and other Nicotine Products: In 1989, the U.S. Surgeon General issued are port that concluded that cigarettes and other forms of tobacco, such as cigars, pipe tobacco and chewing tobacco, are addictive and that nicotine is the drug in tobacco that causes addiction. In addition, the report determined that smoking was a major cause of stroke and the third leading cause of death in the United States.  Nicotine is both a stimulant and a sedative to the central nervous system.  Nicotine is absorbed readily from tobacco smoke in the lungs, and it does not matter whether the tobacco smoke is from cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, Nicotine also is absorbed readily when tobacco is chewed.

In addition to nicotine, cigarette smoke is primarily composed of a dozen gases (mainly carbon monoxide) and tar.  The tar in a cigarette, which varies from about 15 mg for a regular cigarette to 7 mg in a low-tar cigarette, exposes the user to a high expectancy rate of lung cancer,emphysema, and bronchial disorders.  The carbon monoxide in the smoke increases the chance of cardiovascular diseases.  The Environmental Protection Agency has concluded that secondhand smoke causes lung cancer in adults and greatly increases the risk of respiratory illnesses in children and sudden infant death. 

Prescription Medications: Prescription drugs that are abused or used for non-medical reasons can alter brain activity and lead to dependence.  Commonly abused classes of prescription drugs include opioids (often prescribed in the treatment of pain), central nervous system depressants (often prescribed to treat anxiety and sleep disorders), and stimulants (prescribed to treat narcolepsy, ADHD, and obesity).  Long-term use of opioids or central nervous system depressants can lead to physical dependence and addiction.  Taken in high doses, stimulants can lead to compulsive use, paranoia, dangerously high body temperatures and irregular heartbeat.

Marijuana: Marijuana use can lead to a number of long term and short term physical and psychological effects. Marijuana use leads to a substantial increase in the heart rate, impairs short term memory and comprehension and motivation can be altered. 

Cocaine and Crack: Health risks may include changes in body temperature and blood pressure as well as heart and breathing rates. Even small amounts may cause the body to exceed its own limits, sometimes resulting in death. Snorting cocaine may severely damage nasal tissue and the septum.Smoking cocaine may damage the lungs. Someone using cocaine may experience muscle twitching, panic reactions, anxiety, numbness in hands and feet, loss of weight, a period of hyperactivity followed by a crash, a runny or bleeding nose, and depression. Other symptoms of cocaine use may include nausea,vomiting, insomnia, tremors, and convulsions. Chronic users may become paranoid and/or experience hallucinations.

Barbiturates: In small doses, barbiturates produce calmness, relaxed muscles, and lowered anxiety. Larger doses cause slurred speech, staggering gait, and altered perception. Very large doses or doses taken in combination with other central nervous system depressants (e.g.,alcohol) may cause respirator depression, coma and even death. A person who uses barbiturates may have poor muscle control, appear drowsy or drunk, become confused, irritable, or inattentive, or have slowed reactions.

Amphetamines: Amphetamines, methamphetamines, or other stimulants can cause increased heart rate and respiratory rates, elevated blood pressure, and dilated pupils. Larger doses cause rapid or irregular heartbeat,tremors, and physical collapse. An amphetamine injection creates a sudden increase in blood pressure that can result in stroke, high fever, heart failure and death. An individual using amphetamines might begin to lose weight, have the sweats, and appear restless, anxious, moody, and unable to focus. Extended use may produce psychosis, including hallucinations, delusions and paranoia.

Hallucinogens: PCP, or angel dust, interrupts the part of the brain that controls the intellect and keeps instincts in check. PCP blocks pain receptors. Violent episodes, including self-inflicted injuries, are not uncommon. Chronic users report memory loss and speech difficulty. Very large doses produce convulsions, coma, heart and lung failure, or ruptured blood vessels in the brain. LSD, mescaline, peyote, etc. cause dilated pupils, elevated body temperature, increased heart rate and blood pressure and tremors. Someone under the influence of PCP might appear moody, aggressive, or violent. Sleeplessness,confusion, anxiety, and panic, and may report perceptual distortions.Flashbacks may occur.

Steroids (anabolic): Anabolic steroids are human-made substances related to male sex hormones. Some athletes abuse anabolic steroids to enhance performance.  Abuse of anabolic steroids can lead to serious health problems, some of which are irreversible.  Short term side effects include depression,hallucinations, paranoia, severe mood swings and aggressive behavior.  Major side effects also can include liver tumors and cancer, jaundice, high blood pressure, kidney tumors, severe acne and trembling.  In males side effects may include shrinking of the testicles and breast development.  In females, side effects may include growth of facial air, menstrual changes and deepened voice.  In teenagers, growth may be halted prematurely and permanently.

Narcotics: Because narcotics are generally injected, the use of contaminated needles may result in the contraction of many different diseases, including AIDS and hepatitis.  Symptoms of overdose include shallow breathing, clammy skin, convulsions, and coma and may result in death.  Some signs of narcotic use are euphoria, drowsiness, constricted pupils, and nausea.  Other symptoms include itchy skin, needle or“track” marks on the arms and legs, nodding, lack of sex drive and appetite,sweating, cramps and nausea when withdrawing from the drug.

Treatment

Medication and behavioral therapy, alone or in combination, are aspects of an overall therapeutic process that often begins with detoxification, followed by treatment and relapse prevention. Easing withdrawal symptoms can be important in the initiation of treatment; preventing relapse is necessary for maintaining its effects. And sometimes, as with other chronic conditions, episodes of relapse may require a return to prior treatment components. A continuum of care that includes a customized treatment regimen, addressing all aspects of an individual’s life including medical and mental health services, and follow-up options (e.g. community or family based recovery support systems) can be crucial to a person’s success in achieving and maintaining a drug-free lifestyle.

Procedure

All students must,as a condition of their enrollment, adhere to this policy. Students are responsible for notifying the administration within five (5) days of any drug and/or alcohol related criminal conviction while enrolled as a student at JPU. Students must certify that, as a condition of enrollment or receiving financial aid, that he or she will not engage in the unlawful manufacture, distribution,dispensation, or the use of a controlled substance during the period covered by enrollment or where federal financial assistance is used for education.Violations of this prohibition will result in dismissal and/or other appropriate actions.

JPU reserves the right to take appropriate and lawful action to enforce this Drug and Alcohol-Free Campus Policy. These rights include drug and/or alcohol testing and inspection of any and all JPU and student property when the organization has a reasonable suspicion that this policy has been violated.

JPU may ask a student to submit to drug and/or alcohol testing at any time it is suspected that a student may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, including, but not limited to, the following circumstances:

• evidence of drugs or alcohol on the student’s person or in the student’s vicinity,
• unusual conduct or behavior on the student’s part that suggests impairment or influence of drugs and/or alcohol,
• involvement in an accident or injury event,
• negative performance patterns.

JPU reserves the right to conduct random drug and/or alcohol testing in order to assess compliance with this policy. Students may be selected at random for drug and/or alcohol testing at any interval as determined by JPU. 

Students involved in school-related accidents that require off-site medical treatment or result in property damage will be tested for controlled substances and alcohol. Any student who refuses to be tested or violates this policy is subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. JPU encourages students with drug and/or alcohol abuse problems to seek counseling and treatment.

This policy is in compliance with the U.S. Department of Education and the Drug-free Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989, P.L. 101-226 20 U.S.C.’s 114 5g Higher Education Act of 1965, Section 1213.

Resources

In addition to the imposition of disciplinary sanctions as explained in this Code of Conduct including dismissal for such act, students or employees may face prosecution and imprisonment under federal and state laws which make such acts felony or misdemeanor crimes. 

JPU is committed to helping students who seek assistance and further recognize and insure the confidentiality and privacy due students. Students are encouraged to consult with Student Resource Services, which provides confidential and professional guidance for substance abuse problems. This service is anonymous and completely free to students.

Self-referrals, as well as supervisory referrals, for drug counseling, treatment, rehabilitation,and re-entry programs are available to students and employees through Student Resource Services.

A specialist can be reached by telephone 24 hours a day, including holidays and weekends.

Contact Information:

Student Resource Services School ID:  R852

Phone: 866-640-4777

Online: www.studentlifetools.com

National Resources for Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention, Education, and Support:

Alcoholics Anonymous – Support for people who want to achieve sobriety.

Al-Anon Family Group – Support and help for families and friends of problem drinkers.

Narcotics Anonymous – Support in a recovery environment for people who abuse substances.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration – U.S. Department of Health and Human Services agency “that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation…and whose mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities.”

Drug Law Violations—Eligibility for Title IV Funding

For the protection and welfare of all students and employees, JPU has established a drug-free policy. In addition to the civil and/or criminal penalties for a conviction for any offense during a period of enrollment for which the student was receiving Title IV, HEA program funds, under any federal or state law involving the possession or sale of illegal drugs, this conviction will result in the loss of eligibility for any Title IV, HEA grant, loan, or work-study assistance.  See the Notice of Federal Aid Penalties for Drug Law Violations distributed to all students upon enrollment.

Education

The JPU Administration is involved in educating students about alcohol and other drugs.  In particular, during orientation, drug and alcohol abuse are discussed and information disseminated. 

Enforcement

The President and Vice President of Academic Affairs and Academic Dean enforce policies and laws regarding alcohol and other drug use. Students and staff are referred to various agencies to receive help with drug or alcohol problems, 

Faculty: Faculty who violate the school’s standards of conduct are subject to disciplinary action including reprimand, suspension, or dismissal.

Other Employees: The school may impose sanctions against any employee who violates Federal, State or local laws, or the standards of school conduct. Depending on the nature and severity of the violation, these sanctions can range from warnings and/or mandatory referral for drug or alcohol rehabilitation to outright termination of employment.

Helpful Websites:

http://www.brainsource.com/brain_on_drugs.htm

http://www.nida.nih.gov

Local, State, and Federal Legal Sanctions

The following information highlights the criminal penalties that can be imposed by state or federal statute for violations regarding alcohol or illegal drug possession,use, sale, manufacture, or distribution. Convictions under state and/or federal laws regarding alcohol-related and drug-related offenses can result in fines, confiscation of automobiles and other property, loss of one’s driver’s license, imprisonment, and in some cases, loss of licenses or certifications in certain professions and employment opportunities may be prohibited.

In short, all persons should be aware of the following:

• In Indiana, any person under 21 who possesses an alcoholic beverage, and any person who provides alcohol to any person under 21, is at risk of arrest
• Any person who is intoxicated in public is at risk of arrest
• A person convicted of driving while intoxicated may be punished by fine, be jailed, and lose his or her driver’s license
• Any selling of alcoholic beverages without a license is illegal
• Possession, use, distribution, or manufacture of controlled substances (drugs) illegally can result in arrest and conviction of a drug law violation and:
  • Fines up to $10,000 (Indiana);
  • Fines up to $10 million for a first offense (federal);
  • Imprisonment up to 50 years (Indiana);
  • Imprisonment for life (federal); and
  • Confiscation of property

The following shows the Federal penalties:

Federal Trafficking Penalties

DRUG/SCHEDULE	QUANTITY	PENALTIES	QUANTITY	PENALTIES
Cocaine (Schedule II)	500 – 4999 gms mixture	First Offense:   Not less than 5 yrs. And not more than 40 years. If Death or serious injury, not less than 20 or more than life.  Fine of not more than $2 million if an individual, $5 million if not an individual.   Second Offense: Not less than 10 yrs, and not more than life.  If death or serious injury, life imprisonment.  Fine of not more than $4 million individual: $10 million other than individual	5 kgs or more mixture	First Offense:   Not less than 10 yrs, and not more than life. If death or serious injury, not less than 20 or more than life.  Fine of not more than $4 million if an individual, $10 million if not an individual.   Second Offense:   Not less than 20 yrs, and not more than life.  If death or serious injury, life imprisonment.  Fine of not more than $8 million if an individual, $20 million if not an individual.   2 or More Prior Offenses: Life Imprisonment
Cocaine Base (Schedule II)	5 – 49 gms mixture	50 gms or more mixture
Fentanyl (Schedule II)	40 – 399 gms mixture	400 gms or more mixture
Fentanyl Analogue (Schedule I)	10 – 99 gms mixture	100 gms or more mixture
Heroin (Schedule I)	100 – 999 gms mixture	1 kg or more mixture
LSD (Schedule I)	1 – 9 gms mixture	10 gms or more mixture
Methamphetamine (Schedule II)	5 – 49 gms pure or 50 – 499 gms mixture	50 gms or more pure or 500 gms or more mixture
PCP (Schedule II)	10 – 99 gms pure or 100 – 999 gms mixture	100 gm or more pure or 1 kg or more mixture
PENALTIES
Other schedule I & II drugs (and any drug product containing Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid)	Any amount	First Offense: Not more than 20 yrs. If death or serious injury, not less than 20 yrs, or more than Life.  Fine $1 million if an individual, $5 if not an individual   Second Offense: Not more than 30 yrs. If death or serious injury, not less than life.  Fine $2 million if an individual, $10 million if not an individual.
Flunitrazepam (Schedule IV)	1 gm or more
Other Schedule III drugs	Any amount	First Offense: Not more than 5 years.  Fine not more than $250,000 if an individual, $1 million if not an individual.   Second Offense: Not more than 10 yrs. Fine not more than $500,000 if an individual, $2 million if not an individual.
Flunitrazepam (Schedule IV)	30 to 999 mgs
All other Schedule IV drugs	Any amount	First Offense: Not more than 3 years.  Fine not more than $250,000 if an individual, $1 million if not an individual.   Second Offense: Not more than 6 yrs. Fine not more than $500,000 if an individual, $2 million if not an individual.
Flunitrazepam (Schedule IV)	Less than 30 mgs
All Schedule V drugs	Any amount	First Offense: Not more than 1 yr. Fine not more than $100,000 if an individual, $250,000 if not an individual.   Second Offense: Not more than 2 yrs. Fine not more than $200,000 if an individual, $500,000 if not an individual

Federal Trafficking Penalties – Marijuana

DRUG	QUANTITY	1ST OFFENSE	2ND OFFENSE
Marijuana	1,000 kg or more mixture; or 1,000 or more plants	– Not less than 10 years, not more than life – If death or serious injury, not less than 20 years, not more than life – Fine not more than $4 million if an individual, $10 million if other than an individual	– Not less than 20 years, not more than life – If death or serious injury, mandatory life – Fine not more than $8 million if an individual, $20 million if other than an individual
Marijuana	to 999 kg mixture; or 100 to 999 plants	– Not less than 5 years, not more than 40 years – If death or serious injury, not less than 20 years, not more than life – Fine not more than $2 million if an individual, $5 million if other than an individual	– Not less than 10 years, not more than life – If death or serious injury, mandatory life – Fine not more than $4 million if an individual, $10 million if other than an individual
Marijuana	More than 10 kgs hashish; 50 to 99 kg mixture   More than 1 kg of hashish oil; 50 to 99 plants	– Not more than 20 years – If death or serious injury, not less than 20 years, not more than life – Fine $1 million if an individual, $5 million if other than an individual	– Not more than 30 years – If death or serious injury, mandatory life – Fine $2 million if an individual, $10 million if other than individual
Marijuana	to 49 plants; less than 50 kg mixture	– Not more than 5 years – Fine not more than $250,000, $1 million other than individual	– Not more than 10 years – Fine $500,000 if an individual, $2 million if other than individual
Hashish	110 kg or less
Hashish Oil	1 kg or less

Biennial Review

JPU conducts biennial reviews of its program to:

• Determine the effectiveness of the program and implement changes as needed.
• Determine the number of drug and alcohol-related violations and fatalities that occur on the school’s campus or as part of the school’s activities, and are presorted to campus officials
• Determine the number and type of sanctions that are imposed
• Ensure that disciplinary sanctions are consistently enforced. 

Biennial review results are made available to students and employees. Upon request, JPU will make biennial reviews available to the U.S. Department of Education and to the public, including information distributed to students and employees.