Drugs & Alcohol

I. Introduction
II. Standards of Conduct
III. Legal Sanctions
IV. Health Risks
V. Drug & Alcohol Programs
VI. Disciplinary Sanctions
VII. Definitions

I. Introduction

Westchester Community College is committed to maintaining an environment that supports academicsuccess and personal wellness for all members of our college community. The misuse of alcohol andillegal drugs interferes with the college’s goal of fostering a healthy and safe learning and workenvironment and can have a devastating effect on all members of the community. In accordance withthe Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989,Westchester Community College maintains a program to prevent the unlawful manufacture,distribution, dispensation, possession and use of illegal drugs or alcohol by students and employees.

II. Standards of Conduct

Drugs

Westchester Community Colleges prohibits the manufacture, distribution, sale, possession, and/or useof illicit drugs and/or loitering with intent to engage in these activities on Westchester Community College property, in Westchester Community College facilities, and/or at Westchester Community College on- or off-campus activities or events sponsored by the institution. This includes student-sponsored social activities or professional meetings attended by employees that the campus authorizes and/or use any campus resources. This policy is applicable for all employees and students who are registered for at least one course for any type of credit, except for continuing education units. An employee convicted of any violation of the criminal drug statutes for activities in or on property owned or controlled by Westchester Community College or at activities sponsored by Westchester Community College must notify the Office of Human Resource Services, of the conviction, in writing, within five calendar days of conviction. Student workers must notify the Office of Human Resource Services. Medical testing may be done if Westchester Community College has a reasonable suspicion that an employee is unable to perform job duties due to the misuse of alcohol, controlled substances, or prescription drugs.

The Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991 (OTETA) also requires Westchester Community College to conduct pre-employment, pre-assignment (promotion), reasonable suspicion, post-accident, random, follow-up and return to duty alcohol and drug testing on all employees whose positions require the possession of a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

Alcohol

Employees and students are expressly prohibited from selling, dispensing, or consuming alcoholic beverages on Westchester Community College property, in Westchester Community College facilities, or at Westchester Community College activities or events.

Exceptions may be approved under the following circumstances only:

Approved off-campus student events that receive prior written approval from the Vice President of Student Access, Involvement & Success.

Sale of alcohol at an approved student event shall be limited to beer, wine(including champagne), and hard cider. No alcoholic beverages other than these three types, including any other liquor or spirits may be served or sold at any event.The type of alcoholic service is limited to a cash bar; open bars are prohibited.
The approved student event must have a purpose other than the consumption of alcoholic beverages and alcoholic beverages may not be used for drinking games oras contest prizes.
Advertising for an approved event that includes the pre-approved sale of alcoholic beverages may not suggest or indicate the availability of alcoholic beverages, normay it suggest an event purpose associated with consumption of alcoholic beverages.
The venue chosen for an approved student event held off campus at a commercial business must be a venue whose primary purpose and business is not the sale and service of Alcoholic Beverages.
For approved student events held off campus where alcoholic beverages are sold or served, the venue where the approved student event is to be held, or catering business serving the alcoholic beverages, must assume all liability with regard to the sale or service of alcoholic beverages either under proper local and/or state licenses and permits and liability insurance or personal liability. Proof of liability should be provided to VP of Student Access, Involvement & Success at the time the request is made for approval.

III. Legal Sanctions

Violators of the WCC Policy on Drugs & Alcohol may be subject to both WCC sanctions and criminal sanctions under federal, state, and local law.

Under federal law, a person convicted of any federal or state offense involving possession of a controlled substance is ineligible to receive any and all federal benefits (e.g., student loans, social security) for a period of up to one year. A person convicted of the distribution of a controlled substance may be ineligible for any or all federal benefits for up to five years. There are both federal and state laws dealing with the distribution or manufacture of controlled substances in or near schools or colleges or universities. Federal law provides that a drug offense within 1,000 feet of Westchester Community College is punishable by a term of imprisonment and a fine of up to twice the amount authorized for the same offense when it is committed away from Westchester Community College.

Below are descriptions of applicable legal sanctions under state and federal law for the unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol.

New York State Penal Law – Alcohol & Drugs:

IV. Health Risks

Westchester Community College is committed to supporting an environment which fosters academic success and continual learning as well as the health and well-being of the members of its community.The use and/or abuse of illegal drugs, tobacco, and alcohol carries possible health risks to the individual user as well as the campus community and community at large. Health risks associated with use and abuse may include damage to major organs such as the brain, heart, lungs and liver as well as medical problems such as high blood pressure, cancer, heart attack, or stroke. Unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, unwanted sexual activity, poor academic performance or failure, and physical and mental dependence are also possible health risks associated with use and abuse. The use of alcohol during pregnancy may cause injury to the fetus or Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Users of needles for the use of drugs such as heroin or crack carry the risk of spreading HIV and Hepatitis from the sharing of those needles. Additional health risks exist for driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances(including those prescribed by a provider) and may result in criminal charges, driving related injuries,and fatalities. Addiction is another very serious health risk associated with the use of alcohol or other substances. Addiction is a primary, progressive, chronic and potentially fatal disease.

Alcohol Health Risks:

The following information on health risks is from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:Drinking too much can harm your health. Excessive alcohol use led to approximately 95,000deaths and 2.8 million years of potential life lost (YPLL) each year in the United States from 2011– 2015, shortening the lives of those who died by an average of 29 years. Further, excessive drinking was responsible for 1 in 10 deaths among working-age adults aged 20-64 years. The economic costs of excessive alcohol consumption in 2010 were estimated at $249 billion,or$2.05 a drink.

For more information visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans defines moderate drinking as up to 1 drink per day for women and up to 2 drinks per day for men. In addition, the Dietary Guidelines do not recommend that individuals who do not drink alcohol start drinking for any reason.Excessive alcohol use has immediate effects that increase the risk of many harmful health conditions. Over time, excessive alcohol use can lead to the development of chronic diseases and other serious problems including: High blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease,and digestive problems; Cancer of the breast, mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, and colon;Learning and memory problems, including dementia and poor school performance; Mental health challenges, including depression and anxiety; Social problems, including lost productivity,family problems, and unemployment; Alcohol dependence, or alcoholism. By not drinking too much, you can reduce the risk of these short- and long-term health risks.

Marijuana Health Risks:

The following information on health risks is from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:Marijuana is the most commonly used illegal drug in the United States, and marijuana use mayhave a wide range of health effects on the body and brain.

About 1 in 10 marijuana users may experience some form of addiction. For people who begin using before the age of 18, that number rises to 1 in 6. People who are addicted to marijuana may also be at a higher risk of other negative consequences of using the drug, such as problems with attention, memory, and learning. Some people who are addicted may need to smoke more and more marijuana to get the same high. It is also important to be aware that the amount of tetra hydro cannabinol (THC) in marijuana (i.e., marijuana potency or strength) has increased over the past few decades. The higher the THC content, the stronger the effects on the brain. In addition, some methods of using marijuana (e.g., dabbing, edibles) may deliver very high levels of THC to the user.

In many cases, marijuana is smoked in the form hand-rolled cigarettes (joints), in pipes or water pipes (bongs), in bowls, or in blunts—emptied cigars that have been partly or completely refilled with marijuana. Smoked marijuana, in any form, can harm lung tissues and cause scarring and damage to small blood vessels. Smoke from marijuana contains many of the same toxins,irritants, and carcinogens as tobacco smoke. Smoking marijuana can also lead to a greater risk of bronchitis, cough, and phlegm production. These symptoms generally improve when marijuana smokers quit.

Marijuana use, especially frequent (daily or near daily) use and use in high doses, can cause disorientation, and sometimes cause unpleasant thoughts or feelings of anxiety and paranoia.Marijuana use is associated with temporary psychosis (not knowing what is real, hallucinations and paranoia) and long-lasting mental health challenges, including schizophrenia (a type of mental illness where people might see or hear things that aren’t really there).Marijuana use has also been linked to depression and anxiety, and suicide among teens.However, it is not known whether this is a causal relationship or simply an association.

MDMA Health Risks:

The following information on health risks is from the National Institute on Drug Abuse:People who use MDMA usually take it as a capsule or tablet, though some swallow it in liquid form or snort the powder. The popular nickname Molly (slang for “molecular”) often refers tothe supposedly “pure” crystalline powder form of MDMA, usually sold in capsules. However,people who purchase powder or capsules sold as Molly often actually get other drugs such assynthetic cathinones (“bath salts”) instead. Some people take MDMA in combination with other drugs such as alcohol or marijuana.

MDMA increases the activity of three brain chemicals:

Dopamine—produces increased energy/activity and acts in the reward system to reinforce behaviors Norepinephrine—increases heart rate and blood pressure, which are particularly risky for people with heart and blood vessel problems
Serotonin—affects mood, appetite, sleep, and other functions. It also triggers hormones that affect sexual arousal and trust. The release of large amounts of serotonin likely causes the emotional closeness, elevated mood, and empathy felt by those who use MDMA.

Other health effects include:

Nausea
Muscle cramping
Involuntary teeth clenching
Blurred vision
Chills
Sweating MDMA’s effects last about 3 to 6 hours, although many users take a second dose as the effects of the first dose begin to fade. Over the course of the week following moderate use of the drug,a person may experience irritability, impulsiveness and aggression, depression, sleep problems,anxiety, memory and attention problems, decreased appetite, and decreased interest in and pleasure from sex. It’s possible that some of these effects may be due to the combined use ofMDMA with other drugs, especially marijuana.

High doses of MDMA can affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature. This can lead to a spike in body temperature that can occasionally result in liver, kidney, or heart failure or even death.

Prescription Opioids Health Risks:

The following information on health risks is from the National Institute on Drug Abuse:Prescription opioids used for pain relief are generally safe when taken for a short time and as prescribed by a doctor, but they can be misused.Opioids bind to and activate opioid receptors on cells located in many areas of the brain, spinal cord, and other organs in the body, especially those involved in feelings of pain and pleasure.When opioids attach to these receptors, they block pain signals sent from the brain to the body and release large amounts of dopamine throughout the body. This release can strongly reinforcethe act of taking the drug, making the user want to repeat the experience.

In the short term, opioids can relieve pain and make people feel relaxed and happy. However,opioids can also have harmful effects, including drowsiness, confusion, nausea, constipation,euphoria, and slowed breathing. Opioid misuse can cause slowed breathing, which can cause hypoxia, a condition that results when too little oxygen reaches the brain. Hypoxia can have short- and long-term psychological and neurological effects, including coma, permanent brain damage, or death. Researchers are also investigating the long-term effects of opioid addiction on the brain, including whether damage can be reversed.

People addicted to an opioid medication who stop using the drug can have severe withdrawal symptoms that begin as early as a few hours after the drug was last taken. These symptoms include muscle and bone pain, sleep problems, diarrhea and vomiting, cold flashes with goosebumps, uncontrollable leg movements, and severe cravings.

An opioid overdose occurs when a person uses enough of the drug to produce life-threatening symptoms or death. When people overdose on an opioid medication, their breathing often slows or stops. This can decrease the amount of oxygen that reaches the brain, which can result in coma, permanent brain damage, or death.

If you suspect someone has overdosed, the most important step to take is to call 911 so he or she can receive immediate medical attention. Once medical personnel arrive, they will administer naloxone. Naloxone is a medicine that can treat an opioid overdose when given right away. It works by rapidly binding to opioid receptors and blocking the effects of opioid drugs.Naloxone is available as an injectable (needle) solution, a hand-held auto- injector (EVZIO®), and a nasal spray (NARCAN® Nasal Spray).

Specific Dangers from Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault Drugs:

The following information on health risks is from the National Institute on Drug Abuse:

There are three specific drugs that are commonly utilized in drug facilitated sexual assault:Rohypnol®, Ketamine, or GHB (Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid).

Rohypnol®, also known as flunitrazepam, is not approved in the United States, although it is available for use as a prescription sleep aid in other countries. It is most commonly found as a tablet which is consumed by dissolving it in a drink or swallowing it. The possible short term health effects include drowsiness, sedation, sleep, amnesia, blackout; decreased anxiety; muscle relaxation, impaired reaction time and motor coordination; impaired mental functioning and judgement; confusion; aggression; excitability; slurred speech; headache; slowed breathing and heart rate. When combined with alcohol the possible health effects include severe sedation,unconsciousness, and slowed heart rate and breathing, which can lead to death. At this point thelong-term health effects of Rohypnol® are still unknown. Rohypnol® can take between 36-72hours to leave the body.
GHB (Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid) GHB is a depressant approved for use in treatment of narcolepsy, and commonly goes by the other names of Goop, liquid ecstasy, and liquid X. It is most commonly found as a colorless liquid or white powder which is consumed through swallowing, often in combination with alcohol. The possible short term health effects include euphoria, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, confusion,memory loss, unconsciousness, slowed heart rate and breath, lower body temperature,seizures, coma, and death. In combination with alcohol the possible health effects include nausea, problems with breathing, and greatly increased depressant effects. At this point in time the long-time effects of GHB are unknown. GHB, unlike Rohypnol, leaves the body between 10-12 hours after consumption.
Ketamine is a dissociative drug used as a surgical anesthetic, an anesthetic in veterinary practice, and as a prescription for treatment resistant depression under strict medical supervision. It is most commonly found in liquid or white powder and is consumed through wallowing, smoking, snorting, or injections. The possible short term health effects include problems with attention, learning, and memory; dreamlike states, hallucinations; sedation;confusion loss of memory; raised blood pressure, unconsciousness; and dangerously slowed breathing. If ketamine is consumed with alcohol there is a risk of adverse effects. The possible health effects associated with long term use include ulcers and pain in the bladder; kidney problems; stomach pain; depression; and poor memory.

If an individual believes they or a friend have consumed Rohypnol®, GHB, or Ketamine they should visit a local healthcare facility that can care for survivors of sexual assault and provide a forensic exam. While receiving care the individual who has ingested the drug can request the hospital to take a urine sample for drug toxicology testing, if the individual cannot immediately go to a hospital they should save their urine in a clean, sealable container as soon as possible,and place it in the refrigerator or freezer for future toxicology testing.

V. Drug & Alcohol Counseling, Treatment &Rehabilitation Programs

Students:

WCC Department of Mental Health & Counseling Services
Student Center Room 190
(please enter through the Health Services Office)
914-606-7431

NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services
http://www.oasas.ny.gov

Need help? Looking for a treatment provider or treatment facility?

If you or someone you care about needs help contact 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369)Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration www.samhsa.gov

Employees:

NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Serviceshttp://www.oasas.ny.gov

Need help? Looking for a treatment provider or treatment facility?

If you or someone you care about needs help contact 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
https://mentalhealth.westchestergov.com/
914-995-6070

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
www.samhsa.gov

Additional Resources & Hotlines

Start Your Recovery, StartYourRecovery.org
CAGE Questionnaire, A Screening Test for Alcohol Dependence, https://counsellingresource.com/quizzes/drug-testing/alcohol-cage/
College Drinking- Changing the Culture, https://www.collegedrinkingprevention.gov/
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health
National Helpline for Substance Abuse Referral Services 1-866-684-6303
NYS AIDS Hotline 1-800-541-AIDS (2437), en espanol 1-800-344-7432
NYS AIDS Counseling & Testing (free and anonymous) 1-800-828-0064
NYS Alcohol and Substance Abuse Hotline 1-800-522-5353
National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Info 1-800-SAY-NO-TO (729-6686)
Referral Services 1-877-726-4727
Poison Control Info 1-800-336-6997
Alcohol Use and Your Health: A CDC publication

VI. Disciplinary Sanctions

Campus administrators, particularly those within Student Life (for students) and Human Resources (foremployees) are ultimately responsible for enforcing the standard of conduct (see Section II of thisdocument). This responsibility is shared with Campus Security, Health Services, and students.

Students:

Compliance with the provisions of Westchester Community College’s Policy on Drugs & Alcohol is a condition of attendance at Westchester Community College. Violators of this policy are subject to discipline as specified under the judicial procedures in the Student Code of Conduct.Sanctions can range from a written warning up to and including expulsion from WestchesterCommunity College. Sanctions may also include corrective action(s) as specified in the Student Code of Conduct, including satisfactory completion of an approved drug or alcohol rehabilitation or assessment program. Students found in violation of this policy may also be referred to appropriate law enforcement agencies.

Good Samaritan Policy (Students):

Good Samaritans are individuals who summon aid in instances in which abuse of alcohol and other drugs has created a potentially life-threatening situation, requiring an immediate response from emergency services personnel. In all instances, Westchester Community College’s primary concern is that those in need receive prompt medical attention. A Good Samaritan, acting in good faith to summon aid in instances in which abuse of alcohol and other drugs has created a potentially life-threatening situation, requiring an immediate response from emergency services personnel, will not be subject to Westchester Community College’s Code of Conduct action for violations of alcohol and/or drug use policies occurring at or near thetime of the request for aid.

Policy for Alcohol and/or Drug Use Amnesty in Sexual and Interpersonal Violence Cases:

The health and safety of every student at Westchester Community College is of utmost importance. Westchester Community College recognizes that students who have been drinking and/or using drugs (whether such use is voluntary or involuntary) at the time that violence, including but not limited to domestic violence, dating violence,stalking, or sexual assault occurs may be hesitant to report such incidents due to fear of potential consequences for their own conduct. Westchester Community College strongly encourages students to report domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault to institution officials. A bystander acting in good faith or a Reporting Individual acting in good faith that discloses any incident of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault to Westchester Community College’s officials or law enforcement will not be subject to Westchester Community College’s Code of Conductaction for violations of alcohol and/or drug use policies occurring at or near the time of the commission of the domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault.

(Section 6442 Education Law Article 129-B).

Employees:

Compliance with the provisions of Westchester Community College’s drug and alcohol policies isa condition of employment. Violators are subject to discipline, up to and including termination of employment and/or discipline, under the various negotiated agreements, or corrective action(s) as Westchester Community College deems appropriate, including satisfactory completion of an approved drug or alcohol rehabilitation program. Employees found in violation of this policy may also be referred to appropriate law enforcement agencies.NOTE: Disciplinary sanctions that apply to faculty and staff may differ from one another depending on the terms set forth in collective bargaining agreements.

NOTE: Student workers fall under both the student and employee sections above.

VII. Definitions

Campus or College property: all land, buildings, facilities, and other property in the possession of or owned, used, or controlled by the College, either solely or in conjunction with another entity.
Controlled Substance or Drug: as defined in schedule I, II, III, IV, or V of part B of title 21USCS Section 812 of the Federal Controlled Substances Act.
Employee: any individual employed by Westchester Community College. This includes permanent, temporary, full-time, part-time, hourly, provisional or any other person who is on the payroll of the College in any capacity.
Student: any person, regardless of age, admitted, registered, enrolled, or attending any College course or College conducted program; any person admitted to the College who is on College premises or College-related premises for any purpose pertaining to their registration or enrollment.
Student Code of Conduct: the written policies adopted by the institution governing student behavior, rights, and responsibilities and the process by which violations are adjudicated and sanctioned.