Drug Free Environment and Drug & Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program

Drug Free Environment and Drug & Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program

Imperial Valley College has instituted a Drug Free Environment and Drug & Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program in compliance with Drug Free Schools and Communities Act, 20 U.S. Code Section 1145g; 34 Code of Federal Regulations Sections 86.1 et seq.; Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, 41 U.S. Code, Section 702.

The District shall be free from all drugs and from the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees.  The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, unauthorized possession or use of a controlled substance and alcohol is prohibited in all facilities under the control and use of the District.

Employees and students shall not use illegal substances or abuse legal substances in a manner that impairs work performance, scholarly activities or student life.

Any student or employee who violates this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include referral to an appropriate rehabilitation program, suspension, demotion, expulsion or dismissal.

In addition, underage possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages is not permitted on property owned or controlled by the District or College, local, state and federal laws will be enforced.

Any employee or student associated with the District or College apprehended for violating any drug- or alcohol-related District or College policy or regulations when on District or College property, or participating in a College or District activity will be subject to disciplinary action (consistent with local, state or federal law), which may include referral to an appropriate rehabilitation program, suspension, demotion, expulsion or dismissal.

Health Risks of Drug and Alcohol Abuse

Drug addiction is a brain disease. Although initial drug use might be voluntary, drugs of abuse have been shown to alter gene expression and brain circuitry, which in turn affect human behavior. Once addiction develops, these brain changes interfere with an individual's ability to make voluntary decisions, leading to compulsive drug craving, seeking and use.

The impact of addiction can be far reaching. Cardiovascular disease, stroke, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal effects, kidney and liver damage, cancer, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and lung disease can all be affected by drug abuse. Some of these effects occur when drugs are used at high doses or after prolonged use, however, some may occur after just one use (NIH).

Alcohol affects every organ in the drinker's body and can damage a developing fetus. Intoxication can impair brain function and motor skills; heavy use can increase risk of certain cancers, stroke, and liver disease.

Alcoholism or alcohol dependence is a diagnosable disease characterized by a strong craving for alcohol, and/or continued use despite harm or personal injury.

Alcohol abuse, which can lead to alcoholism, is a pattern of drinking that results in harm to one's health, interpersonal relationships, or ability to work (NIH).

Health Risks Associated with Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse

DRUG NAME

EFFECTS OF DRUG

Alcohol

(Beer, wine, liquor, malt liquor, booze, juice, sauce, hooch)

Decreased hand/eye coordination; Increased irritability; Increase aggressive behavior; Decreased performance; Impaired reasoning; Drowsiness/mood swings; Increased health problems; and Increased accidents.

Marijuana

(Blunt, dope, ganja, pot, reefer, skunk, weed, joint)

Short-term memory impairment; Impaired judgement; Inability to estimate time/distance; Physical reflexes slowed; Poor coordination; Drowsiness/mood swings; Impaired motor performance; Affects driving ability up to eight hours, and Forgetfulness.

Cocaine/Crack

(Blow, bump, C, candy, Charlie, flake, rock, snow)

Shortened attention span; Impaired judgement; Impaired decision making; Lack of dependability; Irritability and depression.

Opiates

(Heroin, Morphine, Opium, Codeine, Vicodin)

Impaired judgement; Lowered efficiency; Irritability, and Reduced attention span.

Hallucinogens

(PCP, LSD, Ecstasy, Mescaline, Psilocybin)

Impaired reasoning; Feeling of enhanced mental activity; Inability to follow directions; and Sadness and anxiety.

Amphetamines

(Benzedrine, Dexedrine, speed, crystal, crank)

Restlessness, hyperactivity; Irritability; Impaired judgement and decision-making ability; Aggressive/violent outbursts; Dizziness; Increased risk for accidents; and Panic-like attacks.

Sedatives

(Valium, Quaalude, reds, phennies)

Slowed reflexes; Lower productivity; Slowed mental processes; and Depression.

Counseling, Treatment, Rehabilitation

Imperial Valley College provides a Student Health Center which offers Mental Health Counseling and Basic First Aid and Care for minor illnesses.  It also provides access to wellness information via the online resource Student Health 101. 

The Imperial Community College District's (District) Employee Assistance Program treats each employee as an individual client and strictly adheres to the confidentiality rights of clients in accordance with federal and state laws and District Policies.

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to all employees through the Holman Professional Counseling Centers, Employee Assistance Program. When employees call for assistance they must say they are included in the "Imperial County School Voluntary Employee Benefits Association" (ICSVEBA) and are listed under the IVC group in order to avoid delays in receiving assistance.

All District Employees can reach the Holman Professional Counseling Centers by calling 800-321-2843 or at www.holmangroup.com .

WHERE TO GET HELP:

Student Health Center Nurse: 760-355-6310

Mental Health Counseling Counselor: 760-355-6196

For 24-hour mental health emergencies, contact the Imperial County Crisis Line at 1-800-817-5292

Student Health 101 http://readsh101.com/imperial.html

Important to note: The Student Health Center is not a physician's office.

Medical (physician) services are contracted and limited;

Hours and/or day(s) of service are subject to change.

Additionally, there may be times the College Nurse and / or Psychological Counselor

are out of the office or off campus during regular office hours.

Imperial Valley College assistance program treats each employee as an individual client and strictly adhere to the confidentiality rights of clients in accordance with federal and state laws and district policies.

Legal Sanctions for Drug and Alcohol Violations

Federal, state and local statutes and ordinances relating to the manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of a controlled substance or alcohol impose legal sanctions for both felony and misdemeanor convictions of violations.  Drugs considered to be controlled substances are defined in schedules I through V of the Controlled Substance Act, 21 United States Code §812, and by regulation at 21 Code of Federal Regulations §1308.

District Disciplinary Sanctions

Violations of policies or regulations related to drug and alcohol use may result in corrective or disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal as provided under applicable District or College policies and collective bargaining agreements covering exclusively represented personnel.

Discipline will be based on the seriousness of the situation.

A case may result in dismissal from the District/College.

In all cases, the District/College will abide by local, state and federal sanctions regarding unlawful possession of drugs and the consumption of alcohol.

Additional state penalties and sanctions may also apply.

Imperial Valley College has adopted a zero-tolerance policy regarding underage drinking.

Student Standards of Conduct

Students shall assume an obligation to conduct themselves in a manner compatible with the College's function as an educational institution.  Students shall observe the rules and regulations of the College and shall refrain from conduct which interferes with the College's teaching and administration, or which unreasonably interferes with the rights of others.

All students are expected to comply with Imperial Valley College Standard of Conduct AP 5500.  These policies are implemented to impose discipline for misconduct such as unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance and possession, use or distribution of alcohol.