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DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE PREVENTION POLICY

Note: In compliance with federal regulations relating to the issuance and dissemination of the Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Policy, this brochure is distributed annually to all employees and each semester to all students. University of Houston policies on use of alcohol and drugs may also be found in the Student Handbook, the Faculty Handbook, and the Manual of Administrative Policies and Procedures.

EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 1996

POLICY
It is the policy of the university that illicit drug use, including their manufacture, sale, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use is prohibited in the workplace, on the campus, or as part of any university activities. Sanctions imposed for violation of this policy are indicated below.

THE DANGERS OF DRUG OR ALCOHOL ABUSE IN THE WORKPLACE AND ON THE CAMPUS

There are millions of employed individuals whose job performance and productivity are adversely affected by their progressive dependence on drugs or alcohol. As many as 20% of all college students use chemical substances and drugs at a level of concern to themselves and others. Some estimate that 70% of the working population and 90% of college students consume mood-altering chemicals of some type and the cost to the United States economy is estimated to be more than 26 billion dollars per year.

Definitions. The following terms are important for purposes of expressing the university's policy on a drug free workplace:

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 Texas Controlled Substances Act [Texas Health & Safety Code, 81.001 et seq].

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 governmentwide 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.

University activities means an activity officially sponsored by the University of Houston.

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

Philosophy
The unlawful use of drugs or abuse of other drugs and alcohol is inconsistent with the behavior expected of members of the university community. The university 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 university community. The university is committed to the further expansion of that program and the dissemination of drug awareness information to the members of the university community. In addition, the university is committed to enforcing the provisions of the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1989 and believes that these acts and their implementation regulations provide a proper framework for the drug and alcohol abuse policies of the university.

Health Risks

Alcohol

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. Low to moderate doses of alcohol also increase the incidence of a variety of aggressive acts. Moderate to high doses of alcohol cause marked impairment 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 can lead to dependence. Sudden cessation of regular alcohol use 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 can also lead to permanent damage to vital organs such as the brain and the liver.

Females 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 a greater risk than other youngsters of becoming alcoholics.

Alcohol use is often related to acquaintance rape and failure to protect oneself from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Additionally, alcohol-related accidents are the number one cause of death in the 16-24 year old age group.

Designer Drugs

Illegal drugs are defined in terms of their chemical formulas. To circumvent these legal restrictions, "underground" chemists modify the molecular structure of certain illegal drugs to produce analogs know as "designer drugs." These drugs can be several hundred times stronger than the drugs they are designed to imitate. Many of the so-called designer drugs are related to amphetamines (MDMA,X).

Bootleg manufacture creates overdose and contamination risks. These substances can produce severe neurochemical damage to the brain. The narcotic analogs (fetanyl, china white) can cause symptoms such as those seen in Parkinson's disease: uncontrollable tremors, drooling, impaired speech, paralysis, and irreversible brain damage. Analogs of amphetamines and methamphetamines cause nausea, blurred vision, chills or sweating, and faintness. Psychological effects include anxiety, depression, and paranoia. As little as one dose can cause brain damage. The analogs of phencyclidine (PCP) cause illusions, hallucinations, and impaired perception.

Cocaine

Cocaine stimulates the central nervous system. Cocaine use can cause death by cardiac arrest or respiratory failure. Its immediate effects include dilated pupils and elevated blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature. Occasional use can cause a stuffy or runny nose, while chronic use can ulcerate the mucous membrane of the nose. Sharing contaminated needles and syringes for injecting cocaine can spread the AIDS virus, hepatitis, and other diseases. Cocaine can produce psychological and physical dependency, a feeling that the user cannot function without the drug. In addition, tolerance develops rapidly. "Crack," or "freebase rock," is extremely addictive, and its effects are felt within ten seconds. The physical effects include dilated pupils, increased pulse rate, elevated blood pressure, insomnia, loss of appetite, tactile hallucinations, paranoia, and seizures.

Other Stimulants

Stimulants can cause increased heart and respiratory rates, elevated blood pressure, dilated pupils, and decreased appetite. In addition, users may experience sweating, headaches, blurred vision, dizziness, sleeplessness, and anxiety. Extremely high doses can cause a rapid or irregular heartbeat, tremors, loss of coordination, and even physical collapse. An amphetamine injection creates a sudden increase in blood pressure that can result in stroke, very high fever or heart failure. In addition to the physical effects, users report feeling restless, anxious, and moody. Higher doses intensify the effects. Persons who use large amounts of amphetamines over a long period of time can develop an amphetamine psychosis that includes hallucinations, delusions and paranoia.

Marijuana (Cannabis)

All forms of cannabis can result in negative physical and mental effects. Use of cannabis may impair or reduce short-term memory and comprehension, alter sense of time and reduce ability to perform tasks requiring concentration and coordination, such as driving a car. Research also shows that students do not retain knowledge when they are "high". Motivation and cognition may be altered, making the acquisition of new information difficult. Marijuana can also produce paranoia and psychosis. Because users often inhale the unfiltered smoke deeply and then hold it in their lungs as long as possible, marijuana is damaging to the lungs and pulmonary system: marijuana smoke contains more cancer-causing agents than tobacco smoke. Long-term users of cannabis may develop psychological dependence and require more of the drug to get the same effect.

Hallucinogens

Lysergic acid (LSD), mescaline, and psilocybin cause delusions and hallucinations. The physical effects may include dilated pupils, elevated body temperature, increased heart rate and blood pressure, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, and tremors. Sensations and feeling may change rapidly. It is common to have bad psychological reactions to LSD, mescaline, and psilocybin. The user may experience panic, confusion, suspicion, anxiety, and loss of control. Delayed effects, or "flashbacks," can occur even after use has ceased.

Users of PCP report persistent memory problems and speech difficulties. Some of these effects may last six months to a year following prolonged daily use. Mood disorders -depression, anxiety and violent behavior -also occur. In later stages of chronic use, users often exhibit paranoid and violent behavior. Large doses may produce convulsions and coma, as well as heart and lung failure.

Depressants

The effects of depressants are in many ways similar to the effects of alcohol (which is itself a depressant). Small amounts can produce calmness and relaxed muscles, but somewhat larger doses can cause slurred speech, staggering gait, and altered perception. Large doses can cause respiratory depression, coma and death. The combination of depressants and alcohol can multiply the effects of the drugs, thereby multiplying the risks. The use of depressants can cause both physical and psychological dependence. Regular use over time may result in a tolerance to the drug, leading the user to increase the quantity consumed. When regular users suddenly stop taking large doses, they may develop withdrawal symptoms ranging from restlessness, insomnia, and anxiety to convulsions and death.

PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION OF THE POLICY

The university policy prohibiting the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol on the campus and at university-sponsored events held off campus protects and supports the employees and students of the University of Houston. Therefore, any employee admitting to or convicted of the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol on the campus or at university sponsored events held off campus will be subject to disciplinary action (up to and including suspension, suspension without pay, and termination), may be referred for prosecution, and may be required to satisfactorily participate in a drug and alcohol assistance or rehabilitation program, as agreed upon between the employee, the Department of Human Resources, and the Counseling and Testing Service. Any student admitting to or proven to have violated the University of Houston's Student Disciplinary Policies and Procedures regarding the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol on campus or at university sponsored events (see UH Student Handbook, Student Disciplinary Policies and Procedures Section) will be subject to disciplinary action (up to and including probation, suspension, and expulsion), may be referred for prosecution, and may be requested to satisfactorily participate in a drug and alcohol assistance or rehabilitation program. Further information concerning employees is available from the Department of Human Resources (phone 743-5770).

In addition, penalties under Texas and federal law appear below:

PENALTIES UNDER TEXAS LAW

OFFENSE	MINIMUM PUNISHMENT	MAXIMUM PUNISHMENTS
Manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance (drugs)	Imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for life or for a term not more than 99 years or less than 10 years, and a fine not to exceed $100,000.	Imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for life or for a term of not more than 99 years or less than 15 years, and a fine not to exceed $250,000.
Possession of a controlled substance (drugs)	Confinement in jail for a term not to exceed 1 year and/or a fine not to exceed $4,000.	Imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for life or for a term of not more than 99 years or less than 10 years, and a fine not to exceed $100,000.
Delivery of Marijuana	Confinement in a jail for a term not to exceed 180 days and/or a fine not to exceed $2,000.	Imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for life or for a term of not more than 99 years or less than 10 years, and a fine not to exceed $100,000.
Possession of Marijuana	Confinement in a jail for a term not to exceed 180 days and/or a fine not to exceed $2,000.	Imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for life or for a term of not more than 99 years or less than 5 years, and a fine not to exceed $50,000.
Delivery of a controlled substance or marijuana to a minor		Imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for life or for a term of not more than 20 years or less than 2 years, and a fine not to exceed $10,000.
Driving While Intoxicated	Confinement in a jail for a term not to exceed 180 days and/or a fine not to exceed $2,000 with a minimum term of confinement of 72 hours	Confinement in a jail for a term not to exceed 180 days and/or a fine not to exceed $2,000 with a minimum term of confinement of 6 days.
Public Intoxication		Fine not to exceed $500.
Intoxication Assault		Imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for a term of not more than 10 years or less than 2 years and a fine not to exceed $10,000.
Intoxication Manslaughter		Imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for a term of not more than 20 years or less than 2 years and a fine not to exceed $10,000.
Purchase of alcohol by a minor	Fine of not less than $25 nor more than $200	Fine of not less than $250 nor more than $1,000.
Consumption of alcohol by a minor	Fine of not less than $25 nor more than $200.	Fine of not less than $500 nor more than $1,000.
Consumption or Possession of Alcoholic Beverage in Motor Vehicle		Fine not to exceed $500.

PENALTIES UNDER FEDERAL LAW
Possession of alcohol by a minor	Fine of not less than $25 nor more than $200.	Fine of not less than $250 nor more than $1,000.
Purchase of alcohol for a minor		Fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500.
Sale of alcohol to a minor	Fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 and/or confinement in jail for not more than 1 year.	Fine of not less than $500 nor more than $1,000 and/or confinement in jail for not more than 1 year.
Attempt to purchase alcohol by a minor	Fine of not less than $25 nor more than $200.	Fine of not less than $250 nor more than $1,000.
Misrepresentation of age by a minor	Fine of not less than $25 nor more than $200	Fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500.
Manufacture, distribution, or dispensing drugs (includes marijuana)	A term of imprisonment not more than one year, and a minimum fine of $1,000	A term of life imprisonment without release (no eligibility for parole) and a fine not to exceed $8,000,000 (for an individual) or $20,000,000 (if other than an individual).
Possession of drugs (including marijuana)	Civil penalty in amount not to exceed $10,000	Imprisonment for not more than 20 years nor less than 5 years, a fine of not less than $5,000 plus costs of investigation and prosecution.
Operation of a Common Carrier under the influences of alcohol or drugs		Imprisonment for up to 15 years and a fine not to exceed $250,000.

EMPLOYEE AND STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

The University of Houston Counseling and Testing Service offers the following drug and alcohol abuse information, counseling, rehabilitation, and assistance programs and services:

Information and Referral: All members of the university community are eligible to consult with the professional staff of the Counseling and Testing Service regarding the availability of drug abuse assistance programs. Drug and alcohol abuse counseling and rehabilitation program referrals are routinely made to mutual help organizations, private hospitals, public treatment programs, and private drug treatment practitioners. It also maintains a collection of resource materials pertinent to issues of drug abuse. In addition, the Wellness Center provides education on alcohol/drug abuse and related concerns for the campus community.

Individual Counseling: Individuals are seen on a short-term basis for assistance with drug-related problems. However, it is likely CTS will make a referral for alcohol and drug addiction. This service is available to students at no charge. Faculty and staff are able to receive short-term EAP evaluation and referral for such services.

Group Counseling: There is an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) chapter which meets regularly. Details are available from the Wellness Center. This service is free to University of Houston students, faculty and staff.

Psycho-Educational Programs: On a periodic basis, group programs focusing on the development of strengths and skills related to the effective management of drug related problem areas are offered by the Counseling and Testing Service and the Wellness Center. These programs are open to University of Houston students, faculty, and staff at no charge.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Counseling and Testing provides services to campus faculty and staff which include information, referral, evaluation, consultation, and short-term problem solving.

Mutual Health Groups: Individuals are assisted in forming groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and Alanon and information concerning these groups is maintained for dissemination to interested persons.

Houston Council on Alcoholism & Drug Abuse:Offers short-term counseling for anyone affected in any way by alcohol or other drug abuse. Trained alcohol and drug abuse counselors can help select a 12-step program (AA, Alanon, NA, CA, etc.) and/or appropriate treatment. Their address is 3333 Eastside. Phone 520-5502.

Further information regarding these programs and services may be secured from the University of Houston Counseling and Testing Service located in Room 226 of the Student Service Center; phone 743-5454.

APPLICATION OF POLICY

The Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Policy is supported by a drug-free awareness and alcohol education program available to the faculty, staff and students of the university. Specific compliance and reporting items enumerated below (items B, C, D, E) are applicable to all persons employed on federal contracts and grants.

In support of this policy, the university:

Has established a drug free and alcohol abuse awareness program to inform its faculty, staff, and students about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse in the workplace, the university's policy of maintaining a drug free workplace and a workplace which prohibits the illicit use of alcohol, available drug and alcohol counseling, rehabilitation, and employee assistance programs, and the penalties that may be imposed upon employees for drug and alcohol abuse violations.

Will provide each student and employee a copy of this policy. In addition, all faculty, staff, and students will be notified of this policy through appropriate publications.

Will notify each university employee and each student that, as a condition of employment on a federal grant or contract, the person, once so employed, must abide by the terms of the policy, and must notify his/her supervisor and the Department of Human Resources of any criminal drug statue conviction for a violation occurring in the workplace not later than 5 days after such conviction.

Will notify the appropriate federal agency within 10 days after receiving notice of criminal drug statute conviction of any university employee engaged in performance of the grant or contract.

Will impose sanctions on, or require the satisfactory participation in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program, by any employee so convicted. Sanctions imposed on employees for violation of this policy may include suspension, suspension without pay, and termination.

Will make a good faith effort to continue to maintain an environment that complies with the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-free Schools and Communities Act of 1989.

Will conduct a biennial review of its programs to assess their effectiveness, what changes need to be made, and to ensure the uniform application of sanctions to employees and students.

IMPLEMENTATION

Implementation of this policy is a joint responsibility of the Department of Human Resources, the Office of Sponsored Programs, the Police Department, the Office of Financial Aids, and the Division of Student Affairs. Notification of the program, including information about health risks and sanctions for violation of the policy, will be provided annually to students and employees. In addition, the university is committed to monitoring and assessing the effectiveness of this program. A biennial review of the program will be undertaken to i) determine its effectiveness and implement changes to the program if they are needed and ii) ensure that its disciplinary standards are consistently enforced.

Issued March, 1989
Revised July, 1990
Revised August, 1991
Revised October, 1992
Revised September, 1994
Revised September, 1996

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