In compliance with Federal law, 20 USC 1011i and 34 CFR 86.100(a), Santa Fe College has adopted and implemented a drug and alcohol abuse prevention program. The components of the program, with information about where more material regarding drug and alcohol related issues can be located, are described here.
I. Standards of Conduct
Santa Fe College is committed to a safe, healthy, and productive environment for its students and employees. Accordingly, the College prohibits the unlawful possession, use, manufacture, sale, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees on its property or as part of any of its activities. The Student Conduct Code, located in College Rule 7.23, fully describes prohibited conduct involving drugs and alcohol for students. A complete statement of SF College’s policy commitment to a drug-free workplace for employees can be found in College Rule 3.36 and the Employee Handbook.
II. College Sanctions for Violations
Santa Fe College will impose appropriate sanctions, consistent with local, State, and federal law, on employees and students who violate the College’s policies and standards of conduct for a drug-free environment. Employees engaged in prohibited conduct involving illicit drugs and alcohol will be subject to one or more penalties described in College Rule 3.36, including satisfactory completion of an appropriate rehabilitation program, reprimand, suspension, termination, and/or referral for prosecution. Students who violate the standard of conduct involving controlled substances will receive discipline as described in the Student Conduct Code, Rule 7.23. Possible penalties for students include a written reprimand, probation, suspension, expulsion, or other appropriate action. In addition, student athletes who commit drug or alcohol abuse may be subject to sanctions imposed by the College Athletic Department’s Substance Abuse Committee. Such sanctions may include counseling, suspension from competition, expulsion from the team, and/or loss of scholarship aid. Information about SF College’s Student- Athlete Drug Testing Program and the procedures of the Substance Abuse Committee are located on the Athletic Department’s website.
III. Applicable Legal Sanctions under Local, State, and Federal law for the Unlawful Possession or Distribution of Illicit Drugs and Alcohol
Alcohol
Local: Municipal and county ordinances prohibit the consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages in public parks or recreation areas or on any public school property. Local laws also forbid the possession of alcoholic beverages in open containers on any public street, thoroughfare, sidewalk, or any public or semi-public parking facility. The consumption of alcohol is prohibited during specific hours in clubs and certain premises open to the public. Penalties for violations of local laws regarding alcoholic beverages include fines of up to $500 and/or imprisonment for terms of up to 60 days. See generally, Chapters 1 and 4, Gainesville City Ordinances; and Chapters 63, Alachua County Code.
State: Florida law prohibits both the sale of alcoholic beverages to persons under 21 years old and the possession of alcohol by anyone under 21. It is unlawful for any person to misrepresent or misstate his or her age in order to procure alcoholic drinks. This includes the manufacture or use of false identification. Use of forged identification for the purpose of procuring alcoholic beverages is a felony. State law also makes it illegal to possess open containers of alcoholic beverages or consume alcohol in moving or standing vehicles. Under Florida law, driving under the influence of alcohol or any controlled chemical substance (DUI) is an offense evidenced by impairment of normal faculties or an unlawful blood or breath alcohol level of .08 or higher. Depending on the severity and aggravating factors, violations of these state laws may be misdemeanors or felonies. Penalties range from community service, probation, treatment at an alcoholism treatment program, driver’s license suspension or revocation, fines of thousands of dollars, and imprisonment of up to thirty years. See generally, Florida Statutes, Sections 316.193, 316.1936, 322.212 & 562.11.
Federal: The regulation of alcoholic beverages generally is given over to State and local control.
Drugs
Local: City and county laws prohibit the possession or consumption of illegal drugs or intoxicating substances in public parks. See Chapter 18, Gainesville City Ordinances; and Chapter 76, Alachua County Code.
State: In Florida it is a crime to possess, manufacture, deliver, sell, or possess with the intent to sell certain controlled substances, including illicit drugs such as cannabis (marihuana), cocaine, and opium. Trafficking in illegal drugs constitutes a felony. It is a felony to sell, purchase, manufacture or deliver, or possess with the intent to sell, purchase, manufacture, or deliver, a controlled substance in, or within 1,000 feet of the real property comprising a public or private elementary, middle, secondary school, community, or state college or university. Felony level penalties include substantial terms of imprisonment, civil fines, and civil forfeiture of all real or personal property used in the illegal activity or obtained with the proceeds of the illegal activity. See generally, Florida Statutes, Chapter 893.
Federal: Federal law penalizes the unlawful manufacturing, distribution, use, sale, and possession of controlled substances. The penalties vary based on many factors, including the type and amount of the drug involved, and whether there is intent to distribute. Federal law sets penalties for first offenses ranging from less than one year to life imprisonment and/or fines up to $10 million. Penalties may include forfeiture of property, including vehicles used to possess, transport, or conceal a controlled substance; the denial of professional licenses or Federal benefits, such as student loans, grants, and contracts; successful completion of a drug treatment program; community service; and ineligibility to receive or purchase a firearm. Federal law holds that any person who distributes, possesses with intent to distribute, or manufactures a controlled substance on or within one thousand feet of an educational facility is subject to a doubling of the applicable maximum punishments and fines. See “Controlled Substances Act” 21 USC 800 et seq., Part D “Offenses and Penalties.”
IV. Health and Behavioral Risks
The negative physical and mental effects of the use of alcohol and other drugs are well documented. Use of these drugs may cause: blackouts, poisoning, and overdose; physical and psychological dependence; damage to vital organs such as the brain, heart, and liver; inability to learn and remember information; and psychological problems including depression, psychosis, and severe anxiety. Risks associated with specific drugs are described later in this section.
Impaired judgment and coordination resulting from the use of alcohol and other drugs are associated with acquaintance assault and rape; DUI/DWI arrests; hazing; falls, drownings, and other injuries; contracting sexually-transmitted infections including AIDS; and unwanted or unplanned sexual experiences and pregnancy.
The substance abuse of family members and friends may also be of concern to individuals. Patterns of risk-taking behavior and dependency not only interfere in the lives of the abusers, but can also have a negative impact on the affected students’ academic work, emotional well-being, and adjustment to college life.
Individuals concerned about their own health or that of a friend should consult a physician or mental health professional. More information and assistance can be obtained by contacting the College’s Human Resources department, Student Health Care Center, or the Counseling Center. Employees and students also may locate a community resource listed in the yellow pages of the telephone directory.
Alcohol: Alcohol abuse is a progressive disorder in which physical dependency can develop. Even low doses of alcohol impair brain function, judgment, alertness, coordination, and reflexes. Very high doses cause suppression of respiration and death. Chronic alcohol abuse can produce dementia, sexual impotence, cirrhosis of the liver, and heart disease; and sudden withdrawal can produce severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations, and life-threatening convulsions.
Marijuana (Cannabis): Marijuana has negative physical and mental effects. Physical effects include elevated blood pressure, a dry mouth and throat, bloodshot and swollen eyes, decrease in body temperature, and increased appetite. Frequent and/or long-time users may develop chronic lung disease and damage to the pulmonary system.
Use of marijuana is also associated with impairment of short-term memory and comprehension, an altered sense of time, and a reduction in the ability to perform motor skills, such as driving a car. Marijuana use also produces listlessness, inattention, withdrawal, and apathy. It also can intensify underlying emotional problems and is associated with chronic anxiety, depression, and paranoia.
Hallucinogens: This category includes phencyclidine (PCP or “angel dust”), and amphetamine variants which have mind-altering effects. Perception and cognition are impaired and muscular coordination decreases. Speech is blocked and incoherent. Chronic users of PCP may have memory problems and speech difficulties lasting 6 months to a year after prolonged daily use.
Depression, anxiety, and violent behavior also occur. High psychological dependence on the drug may result in taking large doses of PCP. Large doses produce convulsions, comas, and heart and lung failure.
Lysergic acid diethylamine (L.S.D. or “acid”), mescaline, and psilocybin (mushrooms) cause illusions, hallucinations, and altered perception of time and space. Physical effects include dilated pupils, elevated body temperature, increased heart rate and blood pressure, decreased appetite, insomnia, and tremors. Psychological reactions include panic, confusion, paranoia, anxiety, and loss of control. Flashbacks, or delayed effects, can occur even after use has ceased.
Cocaine: Cocaine stimulates the central nervous system. Immediate physical effects include dilated pupils and increased blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature. Occasional use can cause a stuffy or runny nose, while chronic use may destroy nasal tissues. Following the “high” of extreme happiness and a sense of unending energy is a cocaine “crash” including depression, dullness, intense anger, and paranoia. Injecting cocaine with contaminated equipment can cause AIDS, hepatitis, and other diseases. Tolerance develops rapidly, and psychological and physical dependency can occur.
Crack or “rock” is extremely addictive and produces the most intense cocaine high. The use of cocaine can cause kidney damage, heart attacks, seizures, and strokes due to high blood pressure. Death can occur by cardiac arrest or respiratory failure.
Stimulants: Amphetamines and other stimulants include “ecstasy” and “ice” as well as prescription drugs such as Adderall and Ritalin. The physical effects produced are elevated heart and respiratory rates, increased blood pressure, insomnia, and loss of appetite. Sweating, headaches, blurred vision, dizziness, and anxiety may also result from use. High dosage can cause rapid or irregular heartbeat, tremors, loss of motor skills, and even physical collapse. Long-term use of higher doses can produce amphetamine psychosis which includes hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia.
Depressants: Barbiturates and benzodiazepines are two of the most commonly used groups of these drugs. Barbiturates include Phenobarbital, Seconal, and Amytal; benzodiazepines include
Ativan, Dalmane, Librium, Xanax, Valium, Halcion, and Restoril. These drugs are frequently used for medical purposes to relieve anxiety and to induce sleep. Physical and psychological dependence can occur if the drugs are used for longer periods of time at higher doses. Benzodiazepine use can cause slurred speech, disorientation, and lack of coordination. If taken with alcohol, abuse can lead to coma and possible death.
Narcotics: Narcotics include heroin, methadone, morphine, codeine, and opium. After an initial feeling of euphoria, usage causes drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting. Effects of overdose include slow and shallow breathing, clammy skin, convulsions, coma, and possible death. Physical and psychological dependence is high, and severe withdrawal symptoms include watery eyes, runny nose, loss of appetite, irritability, tremors, panic, cramps, nausea, chills, and sweating. Use of contaminated syringes may cause AIDS and hepatitis. In addition, narcotics include common painkillers such as OxyContin, Vicodin, Lortab, Norco, Percocet, Percodan, Dolophine, and Methadose. These painkillers have similar addictive, overdose and withdrawal symptoms as traditional narcotics, and when combined with alcohol are particularly dangerous. Alcohol slows breathing and in combination with these drugs the effects could lead to life-threatening respiratory depression.
V. Drug and Alcohol Counseling, Treatment, or Rehabilitation or Re-entry Programs that\ are Available to Employees and Students
Students: Educational information about alcohol and drugs is available to students through the College’s Counseling Center, Student Health Care Center, and Student Life. Theme weeks including programs, awareness activities, and informational materials are sponsored annually. The Counseling Center provides counseling for those students suffering from drug and alcohol related issues. Additionally, students in need of treatment for alcohol and other drug problems will be assisted with referrals through the Counseling Center to self-help support groups, community agencies, and private providers.
Employees: The Santa Fe College Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides services to all full-time personnel employed at all campuses. EAP services are available at no charge to all full-time college employees, and their immediate family members who live in their household. The College’s EAP is an employee benefit designed to provide counseling and referral services to employees and/or their family members. EAP services cover a broad range of issues that include personal, family, health, legal, and specifically drug and/or alcohol counseling. Additional support for treatment and rehabilitation of drug/and or alcohol abuse may be supported through the college-provided health insurance plan. For more about the College’s EAP, please see the Human Resources department or visit the Human Resources Benefits website at sfcollege.edu/hr/employee-benefit-information/.