Health & Safety

Central Alabama Community College Drug and Alcohol Awareness

Central Alabama Community College will abide by The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, Public Law 101-226, and such regulations as are issued by the Secretary of Education to carry out the purpose of PL 101-226.

The College has adopted and implemented programs to prevent the abuse of alcohol and use or distribution of illicit drugs both by students and employees on its premises and as a part of any of college activities. CACC has a written policy on alcohol and other drugs and distributes this information to students during orientation courses and through access to the online Catalog throughout the academic year. The CACC Employee Handbook also contains the Drug and Alcohol Prevention Policy. The written materials annually distributed contain the following:

• Standards of conduct that prohibit unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol on its property or as a part of its activities;
• A description of the health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and abuse of alcohol;
• A description of applicable legal sanctions under local, state, or federal law;
• A description of counseling or treatment programs;
• A clear statement and description of the disciplinary sanctions the institution will impose on students and employees.

Central Alabama Community College recognizes that substance abuse is a tragic fact of modern life. Therefore, as part of the orientation program for new students, the College includes drug/alcohol awareness along with other timely topics of concern to college students. Students and employees who show evidence of a drug abuse problem are also referred to the Mental Health Center. The Office of Student Services posts notices about alcohol and drug awareness activities through the year on campus bulletin boards.

CACC Drug Free Work Place Policy

In compliance with the drug-free workplace requirements of Public Law 100-690 for recipients of Federal contracts and grants, the following policy is in effect for Central Alabama Community College:

1. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited by the College on any property owned, leased, or controlled by the College or during any activity conducted, sponsored, or authorized by or on behalf of the College. A “controlled substance” shall include any substance defined as a controlled substance in Section 102 of the Federal Controlled Substance Act (21 U.S. Code 802) or in the Alabama Uniform Controlled Substance Act (Code of Alabama, Section 20-2-1, et seq.).
2. Central Alabama Community College has and shall maintain a drug-free awareness program to inform employees about:
   1. The danger of drug abuse in the workplace;
   2. Central Alabama Community College’s policy of maintaining a drug-free workplace;
   3. Any available drug counseling, rehabilitation, and employee assistance program; and
   4. The penalties that may be imposed upon employees for drug abuse violations.
3. All employees of Central Alabama Community College shall comply with paragraph 1 above.
4. Any employee who is convicted by any Federal or state court of an offense which constitutes a violation of paragraph 1 above shall notify the President in writing of said conviction within five (5) days after the conviction occurs. Conviction, as defined in CACC EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK 17 P.L. 100-690, shall mean “a finding of guilt (including a plea of nolo contendere) or imposition of sentence, or both.”
5. In the event of a report of a conviction pursuant to paragraph 4 above where the employee is working in a project or a program funded through a Federal contract or grant, Central Alabama Community College shall notify in writing within ten (10) days any Federal agency to whom such notification by Central Alabama Community College is required under P.L. 100-690.
6. In the event an employee violates paragraph 1 above or receives a conviction as described in Paragraph 4 above, the respective employee shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action which may include, but is not limited to, termination of employment. Central Alabama Community College shall also reserve the right to require said employee, as condition of continued employment, to satisfactorily complete a drug treatment or rehabilitation program of a reasonable duration and nature.
7. Central Alabama Community College shall make a good faith effort to ensure that paragraphs 1-6 above are followed.
8. Each employee of Central Alabama Community College shall receive a copy of this policy. In order to remain in compliance with agreements/contracts with clinical facilities, personnel within the Division of Nursing and Allied Health are subject to additional background checks and/or drug screenings prior to assigned clinicals as well as randomly. Clinical skills assessments are done by an outside agency.

** ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, ILLEGAL DRUGS, SMOKING, AND TOBACCO**

Central Alabama Community College lends its full support to all state and federal laws and local ordinances regulating the sale and possession of alcoholic beverages. The College also expects its students to abide by accepted standards of social conduct. Evidence of intoxication will be considered a serious offense. The possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages and/or illegal drugs by students or their guests on Central Alabama Community College property or at an official college sanctioned function is believed to be inconsistent with the educational objectives of the College, and such possession or consumption is for this reason expressly prohibited. The disciplinary sanctions that will be imposed upon employees are described in the Employee Handbook and disciplinary sanctions for students are outlined in the Student Handbook found in the College Catalog. It is the responsibility of each organization to see that those in attendance at the social functions and meetings conduct themselves in accordance with College regulations and accepted standards of social conduct. Central Alabama Community College is a smoke-free and tobacco-free facility. Information regarding areas where smoking and use of tobacco is permitted is available on each campus. Littering of the grounds with discarded tobacco products is not permitted.

DRUG TESTING STUDENT ATHLETES

The Alabama State Board of Education has adopted a policy and guidelines for the drug testing of student athletes. In accordance with this policy, Central Alabama Community College has instituted a program for drug testing and for the education of student athletes on the use and abuse of drugs. The stated purpose of this policy is to prevent illegal drug usage; to alert student athletes to serious physical, mental, and emotional harm caused by drug abuse; and to maintain an athletic environment consistent with the high standards of the College and with the overall development and education of our student athletes. To comply with the State Board of Education policy, each student awarded an athletic scholarship will be required to submit results of a drug test to the College within the two-week period prior to eligibility determination and prior to the beginning of each year. After the initial drug testing, further testing of the student athlete will be conducted throughout the year at regular and random intervals, both announced and unannounced. For further information on policy and procedures relating to this program, see the Athletic Handbook.

CODES OF CONDUCT, ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES/ILLEGAL DRUGS POLICY, STUDENT DRUG AND ALCOHOL SCREENING POLICY, AND POLICIES AND PROCEDURES OF AFFILIATED CLINICAL AGENCIES

Students in the nursing programs are required to participate in clinical experiences at affiliated health care agencies. Students will be required to undergo drug and alcohol testing prior to clinicals and for “cause.” Students will be responsible for the cost of such testing. Students will be required to undergo a criminal background check prior to clinicals. As with the drug and alcohol testing, the student will be responsible for the cost of the criminal background check. Any student denied clinical access by a clinical affiliate will be subject to dismissal from the program.

LEGAL SANCTIONS REGARDING UNLAWFUL USE, POSSESSION, OR DISTRIBUTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND ILLICIT DRUGS

STATE OFFENSES

Activities which violate Alabama laws concerning illicit possession, use, and distribution of alcoholic beverages or drugs include, but are not limited to, the following: (Those provisions which refer to drug “Schedules” are making reference to the authorization by the State Legislature for the State Board of Health to classify drugs in semesters of their potential for abuse and their current usage in medical treatment. Schedule I consists primarily of “street drugs” such as heroin, morphine, marijuana, LSD, mescaline, etc. Schedule II includes opium, cocaine, and methadone, among other illicit drugs. Schedule III drugs include those which have less potential for abuse than Schedule I or II, and those substances with the least potential for abuse are included in Schedules IV and V. The Schedules may be found in the Code of Alabama (1975), sec. 20-2-23, et seq.)

1. Public intoxication is punishable by up to 30 days in jail. (Code of Alabama [1975], sec. 13A-11-10).

2. Possession, consumption, or transportation of an alcoholic beverage by a person of less than 21 years of age is punishable by fine of $25-$100 or a 30-day jail term. (Code, sec. 28-1-5).

3. Possession or distribution of an alcoholic beverage in a dry county is punishable by a fine of $50-$500 and, at the discretion of a judge, a jail sentence of up to six months. (Code, sec. 28-4-20, et seq).

4. Possession of an alcoholic beverage illegally manufactured or illegally brought into the State of Alabama is punishable by a fine of $100-$1,000, plus, at the discretion of a judge, a jail sentence of up to six (6) months (Code, sec. 28-1-1).

5. Driving or being in actual physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs is punishable, upon first conviction, by a fine of $250-$1,000 and/or one year in jail plus suspension of drivers’ license for 90 days. (Code, sec. 32-5A-191).

6. Possession of marijuana for personal use is punishable by a fine of up to $2,000 and/or a jail sentence of up to one year (Code, sec. 13A-12-214).

7. Possession of marijuana for other than personal use is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and a prison sentence of not more than ten years (Code, sec. 13A- 12213).

8. The selling, furnishing, or giving away, manufacturing, delivery, or distribution of a controlled substance listed in Schedules I-V of the Alabama Controlled Substance Act is punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 and/or a prison term of not less than two years and not more than 20 years (Code, sec. 13A-12-211).

9. The selling, furnishing or giving by a person 18 years or older to a person under 18 years of age any controlled substance listed in Schedules I-V of the Alabama Controlled Substance Act is punishable by a fine of up to $20,000 and/or a prison term of not less than ten years and up to life (Code, sec. 13A-12-215).

10. Possession of a controlled substance enumerated in Schedule I through V is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 and/or prison term of not more than ten years (Code, sec. 13A-12-212). Conviction for an unlawful sale of a controlled substance within a three-mile radius of an educational institution brings with it an additional penalty of five years of imprisonment with no provision for parole (Code, sec. 13A-12-250).

11. The use, or possession with intent to use, of drug paraphernalia is punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,000 (Code, sec. 13A-12-260).

FEDERAL OFFENSES

Activities which violate Federal laws concerning illicit possession, use, or distribution of alcoholic beverages and drugs include, but are not limited to, the following: (21 U.S.C. 841) makes it a crime:

1. to manufacture, distribute, or dispense, or possess with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense, a controlled substance; or

2. to create, distribute, or dispense or possess with intent to distribute or dispense, or counterfeit a controlled substance. (The U.S. Code establishes, and authorizes the U.S. Attorney General to revise as needed classifications of controlled substances. The drugs are each classified in one or more of five “schedules,” Schedule I being comprised essentially of “street drugs” and Schedule V being comprised of drugs with a “low potential for abuse” as compared with drugs in Schedules I-IV). Examples of Schedule I drugs are heroin and marijuana. PCP, for example, is a Class I drug. Amphetamine is a Schedule II drug, while Barbital is a Schedule IV drug. An example of a Schedule V drug would be a prescription medication with not more than 200 mg. of codeine per 100 grams. Penalties for a first offense conviction of violating the laws described in items (a) and (b) above are:

3. In the case of a Schedule I or II drug which is a narcotic drug, not more than fifteen years in prison, a fine of not more than $25,000 or both.

4. In the case of a Schedule I or II drug which is not a narcotic drug or in the case of a Schedule III drug, not more than five years in prison, a fine of not more than $15,000, or both.

5. In the case of a Schedule IV drug, not more than three years in prison, a fine of not more than $10,000, or both.

6. In the case of a Schedule V drug, not more than one year in prison, a fine of not more than $5,000, or both.

7. Notwithstanding sub-paragraphs (1) through (4) above, the distribution of a small amount of marijuana for no remuneration is punishable by imprisonment of not more than one year and/or a fine of not more than $5,000.

8. Notwithstanding subparagraph (1) through (4) above, the manufacture, possession, or distribution, or intent to manufacture, possess, or distribute phenecylidine (PCP, “angel dust”) is punishable by up to ten years in prison and/or a fine of not more than $25,000. Penalties for subsequent violations of these provisions are progressively more severe than for initial convictions. The State of Alabama Code has been adopted locally. Any other provisions as are applicable to the City of Alexander City, City of Childersburg, City of Talladega, and service counties and/or cities where instruction is provided have also been adopted.

HEALTH RISKS OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL USE AND ABUSE

The following is a list of some of the health risks and symptoms associated with the following categories or substances. This list is not intended to be the final word on such health risks, since the scientific and medical communities will continue their research into and discoveries concerning the abusive use of drugs and alcohol.

CANNABIS
1. Includes marijuana, hashish, hashish oil, and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
2. Regularly observed physical effects of cannabis are a substantial increase in heart rate, bloodshot eyes, a dry mouth and throat, and increased appetite. 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 damages the lungs and pulmonary system. Marijuana smoke contains more cancer causing agents than tobacco. Long-term users of cannabis may develop psychological dependence and require more of the drug to get the same effect.

COCAINE
1. Includes cocaine in powder form and “crack” in crystalline or pellet forms.
2. Cocaine stimulates the central nervous system. 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. Injecting cocaine with unsterile equipment may transmit AIDS, hepatitis, and other diseases. Preparation of free base, which involves the use of volatile solvents, can result in death or injury from fire or explosion. Cocaine can produce psychological and physical dependency, a feeling that the user cannot function without the drug. In addition, tolerance develops rapidly. Crack or free base rock is extremely addictive, and its effects are felt within 10 seconds. The physical effects include dilated pupils, increased pulse rate, elevated blood pressure, and insomnia, loss of appetite, tactile hallucinations, paranoia, and seizures. The use of cocaine can cause death by disrupting the brain’s control of the heart and respiration.

OTHER STIMULANTS
Includes amphetamines and methamphetamines (“speed”); phenmetrazine (Preludin); methylphenidate (Ritalin); and “anorectic” (appetite suppressant) drugs such as Didrex, Pre- Sate, Fastin, Profast, etc.
1. Stimulants can cause increased heart and respiratory rates, elevated blood pressure, dilated pupils, and decreased appetite. In addition, users may experience sweating, headache, blurred vision, dizziness, sleeplessness, and anxiety. Extremely high doses can cause rapid or irregular heartbeat, tremors, loss of coordination, and 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 amount of amphetamines over a long period of time can develop an amphetamine psychosis that includes hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia. These symptoms usually disappear when drug uses ceases.

2. DEPRESSANTS
1. Includes such drugs as barbiturates, methaqualone (Quaaludes), and tranquilizers such as Valium, Librium, Equanil, Meprobamate, Xanax, etc.
2. The effects of depressants are in many ways similar to the effects of alcohol. Small amounts can produce calmness and relaxed muscles, but somewhat larger doses can cause slurred speech, staggering gait, and altered perception. Very 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. Babies born to mothers who abuse depressants during pregnancy may be physically dependent on the drugs and show withdrawal symptoms shortly after they are born. Birth defects and behavioral problems also may result.

NARCOTICS
1. Includes such substances as heroin, morphine, opium, and codeine as well as methadone, meperidine (Demerol), hydromorphine (Dilaudin), and such drugs as Percocet, Percodan, Darvon, Talwin, Lortab, Lorcet, Anexia, etc.
2. Narcotics initially produce a feeling of euphoria that often is followed by drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting. Users also may experience constricted pupils, watery eyes, and itching. An overdose may produce slow and shallow breathing, clammy skin, convulsions, coma, and possibly death.
3. Tolerance to narcotics develops rapidly and dependence is likely. The use of contaminated syringes may result in disease such as AIDS, endocarditis, and hepatitis. Addiction in pregnant women can lead to premature, stillborn, or addicted infants who experience severe withdrawal symptoms.

HALLUCINOGENS
1. Includes phencyclidine (“PCP”), lysergic acid diethylamide (“LSD”), mescaline peyote, and psilocybin (mushrooms).
2. Phencyclidine (PCP) interrupts the functions of the neocortex, the section of the brain that controls the intellect and keeps instincts in check. Because the drug blocks pain receptors, violent PCP episodes may result in self-inflicted injuries.
3. The effects of PCP vary, but users frequently report a sense of distance and estrangement. Time and body movement are slowed down. Muscular coordination worsens and senses are dulled. Speech is blocked and incoherent. Chronic 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 such as depression and anxiety and violent behavior also occur. In later stages of chronic use, users often exhibit paranoid and violent behavior and experience hallucinations. Large doses may produce convulsions and coma, heart, lung, and brain.
4. Lysergic acid (LSD) mescaline, and psilocybin cause illusions 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 feelings may change rapidly. It is common to have a bad psychological reaction to LSD, mescaline, or psilocybin. The user may experience panic, confusion, suspicion, anxiety, and loss of control. Delayed effects, or flashbacks, can occur even after use has ceased.

INHALANTS
1. 1. Include such substances as nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”), amyl nitrate, butyl nitrate (found in asthma inhalants),
chlorohydrocarbons (used in aerosol sprays), and hydrocarbons (found in gasoline, glue, and paint thinner).
2. Immediate negative effects of inhalants include nausea, sneezing, coughing, nosebleeds, fatigue, lack of coordination, and loss of appetite. Solvents and aerosol sprays decrease heart and respiratory rates and impair judgment. Amyl and butyl nitrite (asthma inhalant) cause rapid pulse and feces. Long-term use may result in hepatitis or brain hemorrhage.
3. Deeply inhaling the vapors or using large amounts over a short period of time may result in disorientation, violent behavior, unconsciousness, or death. High concentration of inhalants can cause suffocation by displacing oxygen in the lungs or by depressing the central nervous system to the point that breathing stops. Long-term use can cause weight loss, fatigue, electrolyte imbalance, and muscle fatigue. Repeated sniffing of concentrated vapors over time can permanently damage the nervous system.

DESIGNER DRUGS
1. Designer drugs include analogs of fentanyl and analogs of meperidine (synthetic heroin), analogs of amphetamines and methamphetamines (such as “Ecstasy”), and analogs of phenecylidine.
2. Illegal drugs are defined in terms of their chemical formulas. Underground chemists modify the molecular structure of
certain designer drugs. These drugs can be several hundred times stronger than the drugs they are designed to imitate.
3. The narcotic analogs 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 cause illusions, hallucinations, and impaired perceptions.

ALCOHOL
1. Ethyl alcohol, a natural substance formed by the fermentation that occurs when sugar reacts with yeast, is the major active ingredient in wine, beer, and distilled spirits.
2. Ethyl alcohol can produce feelings of well-being, sedation, intoxication, unconsciousness or can cause death depending on how much is consumed and how fast it is consumed.
3. Alcohol is a “psychoactive,” or mind-altering drug, as are narcotics and tranquilizers. It can alter moods, cause changes in the body, and become habit forming. Alcohol depresses the central nervous system, and too much can cause slowed reactions, slurred speech, and unconsciousness. Chronic use of alcohol has been associated with such diseases as alcoholism and cancers of the liver, stomach, colon, larynx, esophagus, and breast. Alcohol abuse can also lead to damage to the brain, pancreas and kidneys; high blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes; hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver; stomach and duodenal ulcers; colitis; impotence and infertility; and premature aging. Abuse of alcohol has also been linked to birth defects and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

ASSISTANCE
Help is available for persons who are in need of counseling or other treatment for substance abuse. Listed below are
agencies and organizations, which can assist persons in need of such services. The Office of Student Services is available to students and employees of the College concerning information on substance abuse as well as information on, and assistance in, obtaining counseling or other treatment.

National 24-Hour Toll-Free Hotline
(Referrals for mental health and substance abuse issues) 800-662-HELP (4357) www.samhsa.gov
National Toll-Free Hotlines
National Institute on Drug Abuse Information and Referral Line 1-800-662-HELP (M-F, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
**Parents’ Resource Institute for Drug Education (PRIDE) **1-800-241-9746 (M-F, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependency,Inc. 1-800-622-2255