Policy No.: S-800
Effective Date: 01-01-01
Subject: SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Policy

The Drug-Free Workplace Act was enacted into federal law in 1988. The University recognizes its obligation to support the law and is aware of the damaging impact illegal drugs can have on our culture and especially its young people.

The Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, PL No. 101-690, and the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, PL No. 101-226, require Northwood University maintain an environment free from the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of controlled substances, or alcohol.

The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of a controlled substance is prohibited while on University property, attending Northwood events, or performing work-related duties.

Pursuant to applicable procedures, policies, or appropriate collective bargaining agreements, governing employee or student discipline, involvement in the unauthorized use, sale, manufacturing, dispensing or possession of controlled substances or alcohol on Northwood University premises or during Northwood University activities, or working under the influence of such substances, will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal or expulsion.

Any employee or student who is convicted of violating any criminal drug/alcohol statute when such violation occurs at the University or as a part of any University activities, must notify the University no later than five (5) days after such conviction. Failure to provide such notice may subject the employee/student to dismissal/expulsion. The employee shall notify his/her immediate supervisor, who will report the incident to the Human Resources Department. The student will notify the Dean of Students.

Northwood University supports programs aimed at the prevention of substance abuse by University employees and students. The University will provide preventive educational programs for students and refer employees/students experiencing substance dependency-related problems for counseling and assistance.

Legal Sanctions for Violations of Controlled Substances/Alcohol Laws & Policies

Federal, state and local laws prohibit the possession, use, manufacture, distribution and sale of controlled substances. Sanctions for violation of these laws range from mandatory life imprisonment to 90 days in jail and a $100.00 fine.
There are also laws against the abuse of alcohol. Drinking and driving is the most frequent violation and can result in probation, up to one year in jail, and loss of driving privileges. Contribution to another's abuse of alcohol also can lead to legal sanctions.

Northwood Sanctions

Northwood will impose sanctions for violation of the Standard of Conduct consistent with local ordinances, and state and federal law, and with applicable collective bargaining agreements, employee handbooks and University regulations. Violations will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment, expulsion and referral for prosecution. Sanctions imposed will depend upon the severity and frequency of the violation. In addition to or in lieu of discipline, violators may be required to complete an appropriate rehabilitation program.

Legal Sanctions

There are legal sanctions under local ordinances, and under state and federal law for the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol. A violation under state law may result in a misdemeanor or felony conviction depending on the nature of the offense, punishable by imprisonment, payment of fines, confiscation of real and personal property or a combination of the three.

It is the responsibility of Northwood employees and students to familiarize themselves with the policies, regulations and procedures. Students should refer to the Student Handbook or the Dean of Students Office and employees can refer to applicable collective bargaining agreements, the Employee Handbook, Policies & Procedures Manual or the Human Resources Office for additional information. A summary of legal sanctions for the violation of controlled substances/alcohol laws and policies can be obtained from the Student Services Office or Human Resources Representative.

Health Risks of Substance/Alcohol Abuse

Drug use can start out as experimentation or casual use and can progress into problem use or addiction. Long-term research has proven that the abuse of alcohol and other drugs can erode the foundation of the University's goals and objectives and diminishes the personal attainment of intellectual, social, physical and moral growth and development.

The following provide some specific risks incurred with the use of particular common drugs or substances.

• Alcohol (Beer, wine, liquor, distilled spirits)
  Brain damage, addiction, liver damage, neuralgic damage
• Caffeine
  May aggravate health problems
• Hallucinogens (LSD, Mescaline, PCP, Magic Mushrooms, Peyote)
  Panic reactions, psychotic behavior, may intensify existing psychosis, violent acts
• Inhalants (Solvents, glue, whiteout, solvent impurities)
  Impaired perceptions, judgements, and coordination: toxicity
• Marijuana (Pot, grass, hash, Thai sticks)
  Bronchitis, brain damage, lethargy, conjunctivitis, possible birth defects 
• Nicotine (Cigarettes, snuff, chewing/pipe tobacco, cigars)
  Loss of appetite, lung cancer, addiction
• Opiates (Narcotics) (Heroine, Morphine, Codeine, Paregoric)
  Addiction, impaired, perception, judgement, and coordination; brain damage, depression, withdrawal
• Barbiturates (sedative) (Phenobarbital, pentobarbital, secobarbital amorbarbital)
  Severe withdrawal symptoms, depression, convulsions, addiction
• Anabolic Steroid (Steroids)
  Acne, cancer, liver disease, heart disease, fetal damage, shrunken testicles, baldness, aggressive combative behavior
• Stimulants (Speed, diet pills, uppers, cocaine, ice, crack)
  Loss of appetite, delusions, heart damage, hallucinogens, withdrawal, convulsions, nasal deterioration

Who is at Risk?

The key to preventing and treating drug/alcohol abuse is to treat the underlying reasons for use. Factors putting people at higher risk for drug/alcohol use are:

• Family history of alcoholism or drug abuse
• Favorable attitudes toward use
• Friends who use drugs
• Low self-esteem & self-worth
• Academic or work related failures
• Weak intra & interpersonal skills
• Inadequate bonding
• Incest, sexual abuse victim 
• Inadequate coping skills
• Stress
• Depression

Education and training is important in learning to help ourselves and others. Components of this education include:

• Early Detection: Understanding signs and symptoms of drug/alcohol abuse
• Intervention: Approaching someone you think has a problem
• Referral: Knowing where to get help or sending someone for help

Drug and Alcohol Prevention Counseling

Northwood encourages faculty staff and students with alcohol or other drug dependency problems to contact community counseling centers for assistance. Confidential substance abuse counseling may be arranged by contacting the Human Resources Department, the Vice President of Finance, the Campus Provost or our Employee Assistance Program (EAR).

Below is a list of some drug and alcohol prevention, counseling treatment and rehabilitation programs. Additional programs may be listed in local and other area telephone directories. Look under the heading of Drug Abuse & Addiction Information or Alcohol Information and Treatment.

Midland County
Northwood University - Student Assistance
Campus Office in the Health Center, Miner Hall
989.837.4322
Alcoholics Anonymous 989.695.2975
Community Mental Health
2603 W Wackerly, Suite A, Midland 989.631.7992
Michigan Resources - Michigan Self-Help Clearinghouse
a statewide resource center providing information and referral to self-help groups.
www.mpas.org

Palm Beach County
Northwood University 561.478.5541 or
561.478.5553
Alcoholics Anonymous 561.655.5700
Florida Alcohol and Drug Abuse Association 850.878.2196

Texas Campus
Northwood University 972.293.4071
Alcoholics Anonymous 972.286.9230 or
972.709.8553
Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse 1.800.832.9623
Dallas Self Help Clearinghouse 214.828.4192

National Resources

• National Council on Alcoholism Information Line 1.800.NCA.CALL
• National Self Help Hot Line 1.800.662.HELP
• Northwood's Employee Assistance Program EAR 1.800.854.1446

Self Assessment

What are your attitudes and behaviors regarding the use of alcohol and drugs? Analyzing your attitudes in conjunction with knowing the facts about drugs is important to responsible decision making concerning your well-being. Answer the following questions to assess yourself. All questions include reference to the use of legal and illegal drugs.

1. Are you unable to stop drinking/dosing after a certain number of drinks/doses?
2. Do you need a drink/drug to get motivated?
3. Do you forget what happened while you were partying? (Blackouts)
4. Do you drink or take drugs alone?
5. Have others annoyed you by questioning you about your drinking/drug use?
6. Have you been involved in physical violence while you were drunk/high?
7. Have you destroyed or damaged property while drinking or using drugs?
8. Do you drive while drunk or high?
9. Have you been physically hurt while under the influence of alcohol/drugs?
10. Have you been in trouble with University officials or campus security because of alcohol/drug use?
11. Have you chosen friends based upon their favorable attitudes toward drinking and drugs?
12. Do you think you are normal despite friends comments that you drink or use drugs too much?
13. Have you ever missed work/classes because you were too hung over to get up on time?
14. Have you ever done poorly on an exam/assigned work because of drinking/drug use?
15. Do you think about drinking or getting high often?
16. Do your social activities involve drinking or the use of drugs in order for you to enjoy yourself?
17. Do you feel drinking/drug use is affecting your ability to maintain healthy, intimate relationships with a significant other?
18. Do you feel that drinking/drug use is affecting your physical health on an on-going basis including insomnia, intestinal disturbances, mental processing, etc.?
19. Do you believe you need to drink/use drugs (other than prescribed) to function at work, home or in social situations?

If you answered "yes" to three or more of these questions, or you are concerned about your use, you may be using alcohol/drugs in a way in which the quality of your life is diminished and the effects are harmful. Do not blame yourself. Ask for help. Use the resources listed above.