Office of Student
Life:
Student HANDBOOK
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Drug and Alcohol Prevention Information
I. Drug Free Environment
Stevens Institute of Technology is committed to a drug-free
environment.
The Institute, through the Counseling Center, is ready to assist
students in a confidential manner. Any employee seeking information or
experiencing a problem with alcohol and/or other drugs should speak
to the Human Resources Office.
Compliance with the Institute's drug-free policy is a condition of
continued enrollment and employment with the Institute.
APPENDIX A contains detailed information and definitions
pertaining to the Health Risks of Substance Use/Abuse.
Alcohol
In compliance with current New Jersey laws, the Institute
prohibits the consumption of alcohol by students or their guests
who are under the age of 21, on or off campus. The Institute directs the attention of all students to the rules and
regulations of the New Jersey
Alcoholic Beverage Control Board summarized below. Each student
is responsible for
being aware of and for abiding by the laws of the state.
1. All persons while in the State of New Jersey are subject to
the rules and
regulations of the New Jersey Alcoholic Beverage Control Board.
2. Any minor who attempts to purchase, purchases, consumes,
possesses, or
transports any alcoholic beverages within New Jersey is subject
to fine, or imprisonment,
or both.
3. It is unlawful for any agency or person to sell or furnish
alcoholic beverages of
any kind to minors. It is unlawful for any minor to pay
assessments, which will be used in
whole or in part, for the purchase of alcoholic beverages.
4. It is unlawful to misrepresent ones own age to obtain
alcoholic beverages or to
claim to a liquor dealer that a minor is of age, i.e., false or
fraudulent written
identification of age is illegal.
5. It is unlawful to possess or transport any liquor or alcohol
not purchased
according to New Jersey law.
6. Host liability: Anyone who knowingly furnishes alcoholic
beverages to any
person under the legal age of purchase is civilly liable for
such furnishing if injury or
damage to third party should occur.
7. It is unlawful to furnish alcohol to obviously or visibly
intoxicated person regardless of age.
APPENDIX A contains detailed information and definitions
pertaining to the Health Risks of Substance Use/Abuse.
Controlled Substances
In our attempt to provide for this drug-free environment policy,
the Institute is committed to the following:
~It is unlawful for an employee to
manufacture, distribute, dispense or use a controlled substance.
Controlled substances include, but are not limited to, illegal
drugs, such as marijuana, heroin, cocaine, crack, MDMA
(Ecstasy), GHB, Ketamine, and Rohypnol. This policy also covers
the distribution of prescription drugs including Oxycodon,
Vicadin, and Ritalin for use other than as prescribed. The use
of these or any other substances for the purpose of altering
perceptions and/or motor abilities is a violation of Institute
policy.
Any individual who violates Institute policy
will be subject to immediate disciplinary action. This disciplinary
action may take the form of suspension or dismissal
Any employee who violates the above
prohibitions will be subject to all of the legal sanctions
established by law.
APPENDIX
A contains detailed information and definitions
pertaining to the Health Risks of Substance Use/Abuse.
Federal Drug Offenses
The criminal offenses most commonly charged under the Federal
Controlled Substances Act are the knowing, intentional and
unauthorized manufacture, distribution or dispensing of any
controlled substance or the possession of any controlled substance
with the intent to manufacture, distribute or dispense. Federal law
also prohibits the knowing, intentional and unauthorized creation,
distribution, dispensing or possession with the intent to distribute
or dispense a "counterfeit substance." Simple possession without
necessarily an intent to distribute is also forbidden by Federal law
and carries a penalty of imprisonment. Attempts and/or conspiracies
to distribute or possess with intent to distribute a controlled
substance are crimes under Federal law.
Specific drug crimes that may carry greater penalties include the
following
~The distribution of narcotics to persons under 21;
~The distribution or manufacturing of narcotics near schools and
colleges;
~The employment of juveniles under the age of 18 in drug trafficking
operations;
The penalties for violating Federal narcotics statutes vary. The
penalties may be more severe based upon two principal factors:
~The type of drug involved; and
~The quantity of the drug involved.
With the exception of simple possession charges which result in up
to one year imprisonment, maximum penalties for narcotic violations
range from 20 years to life in prison. Certain violations carry
mandatory minimum prison sentences of either five years or ten
years. Harsher penalties will be imposed if a firearm is used in the
commission of a drug offense. If a drug offense results in death or
serious bodily injury to an individual who uses the drug involved,
the penalties are more harsh .
Anabolic steroids are controlled substances and distribution or
possession with intent to distribute carries a sentence of up to
five years and a $250,000 fine.
Summary of Applicable State and Local Laws Regarding Alcohol Offenses and
Penalties
1. Legal Drinking Age
The Legal Drinking Age in the State of New Jersey is twenty-one
years of age.
2. Regulation of Sales or Gifts
Title 33 of the New Jersey Statutes makes it unlawful to
directly or indirectly sell alcoholic beverages to any person of
any age without a license or special permit issued by the New
Jersey Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission. " Sale " is
construed to include admission charges, the sale of cups, the
sale of tickets and/or the acceptance of donations.
N.J.S.A. 2C:33-17 provides that anyone who purposely or
knowingly offers or serves or makes available alcoholic beverage
to a person under the legal age of consuming alcoholic beverages
or entices that person to drink an alcoholic beverage is a
disorderly person.
3. Possession/Consumption Laws
N.J.S.A. 2C:33-15 provides for a minimum fine of $500 for any
person under the legal drinking age to possess or consume
alcoholic beverages in any school, public conveyance or public
place. If the offense is committed in a motor vehicle, it also
carries a six-month driver's license suspension. In addition, a
court may mandate participation in an alcohol education or
treatment program.
N.J.S.A. 39:4-51a provides for a minimum $200 fine for any
operator or passenger in a motor vehicle found to be in
possession of any open container of an alcoholic beverage,
regardless of his/her age.
4. Purchase of Alcoholic Beverages
Title 33 of the New Jersey Statutes makes it an offense,
punishable by a minimum fine of $500, and mandatory six-month
driver's license suspension, for any person to enter a licensed
premises with intent to purchase alcoholic beverages for someone
under the legal drinking age.
5. Transporting Alcoholic Beverages
Title 33 of the New Jersey Statutes provides for serious
penalties, (including the seizure and sale at auction of any
motor vehicle involved) for any person who, without a
transportation permit issued by the New Jersey State Alcoholic
Beverage Control Commission transports, in an automobile within
this state, the equivalent of more than five cases of beer or
other malt beverages. Specific and lower gallon limits also
apply for distilled liquors and wines.
6. Driving While Under the Influence of Intoxicating Liquor or
Drugs
N.J.S.A. 39:4-50.14. Operation of Motor Vehicle with at Least
0.01, but Less than 0.08 Percent Blood Alcohol, by Person Under
Legal Age to Purchase Alcohol; Penalties
Any person under the legal age to purchase alcoholic beverages
who operates a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration
of 0.01 percent or more, but less than 0.08 percent, by weight
of alcohol in their blood, shall forfeit their right to operate
a motor vehicle over the highways of this state or shall be
prohibited from obtaining a license to operate a motor vehicle
in this state for a period of not less than thirty or more than
ninety days beginning on the date they become eligible to obtain
a license or on the day of conviction, whichever is later, and
shall perform community service for a period of not less than
fifteen or more than thirty days. In addition, the person shall
satisfy the program and fee requirements of an Intoxicated
Driver Resource Center or participate in a program of alcohol
education and highway safety as prescribed by the Chief
Administrator.
N.J.S.A. 39:4-50 et seq . provides for penalties, as outlined
below, for any person convicted of operating a motor vehicle
anywhere within this State, on public or private property, while
under the influence of an alcoholic beverage or any drug
(including lawful drugs if the operator's ability to safely
operate a motor vehicle is impaired thereby). Any person who
permits another to operate a motor vehicle which that person
owns or has custody or control over shall be subject to the same
penalties.
First Offense:
$250-$500 fine
seven months to one year loss of driving privilege
up to thirty days in jail
twelve to forty-eight hours in an Intoxicated Driver Resource
Center
insurance surcharges and other fees
Second Offense:
$500 - $1,000 fine
thirty days community service
two year loss of driving privilege
two to ninety days in jail (at least two days a mandatory
minimum)
insurance surcharges and other fees
Third Offense:
$1,000 fine
minimum 180 days in jail, reduced no more than 90 days at the
discretion of the judge for community service
ten year loss of driving privilege
insurance surcharges and other fees
Refusal to submit to a breathalyzer test:
First Offense:
$250 - $500 fine
six month loss of driving privilege
all surcharges and fees as stipulated by law, plus may still
be convicted of drunk driving and be assessed additional
penalties as outlined above
Second Offense:
$250 - $500 fine
two year loss of driving privilege
all surcharges and fees as stipulated by law
Third Offense:
$250 - $500 fine
ten year loss of driving privilege
all surcharges and fees as stipulated by law
Related Statutory Provisions
N.J. Motor Vehicle Law, Title 39, provides for a minimum penalty
of $500, ten days in jail, and a one to two year additional
suspension for anyone convicted of driving while revoked if that
revocation as for an alcohol related conviction.
Summary of Applicable State Laws Regarding Drug Offenses and
Penalties
N.J.S.A. 2C:35-3, Leader of Narcotics Trafficking Network,
provides penalties for a person found to have acted as an
organizer, supervisor, manager or financier of a scheme
distributing any Schedule I or II drug.
N.J.S.A. 2C:35-4, Maintaining or Operating a Controlled
Dangerous Substance (CDS) Production Facility, provides that
such conduct is a first degree crime punishable by imprisonment
and fines.
N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5, Manufacturing, Distributing, or Dispensing,
provides that such conduct results in imprisonment and fines.
N.J.S.A. 2C:35-6, Using a Juvenile in a Drug Distribution Scheme
, provides that such conduct is a second degree crime punishable
by imprisonment and fines.
N.J.S.A. 2C:35-7, Drug-Free School Zones, provides that any
person who distributes, dispenses, or possesses with intent to
distribute a controlled dangerous substance within 1,000 feet of
school property is guilty of a crime of the third degree.
N.J.S.A. 2C:35-8, Distribution to Persons Under Eighteen
provides that such conduct carries twice the usual term of
imprisonment, fines, and penalty.
N.J.S.A. 2C:35-9, Strict Liability for Drug-Induced Death ,
provides that such a situation is a first degree crime, same as
murder, but no intent need be shown, only that death resulted as
a result of the use of a drug supplied by the defendant.
N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10, Possession, Use, Being Under the Influence,
or Failure to Make Lawful Disposition, provides that such
conduct carries penalties of imprisonment and fines.
Possession of anabolic steroids is a third degree crime.
N.J.S.A. 2C:35-11, Imitation Controlled Dangerous Substance
(CDS), provides that dispensing or distributing a substance
falsely purported to be a CDS is a third degree crime, and can
carry a fine up to $200,000.
Paraphernalia
Drug paraphernalia is defined " ... all
equipment, products, and materials of any kind which are used or
intended for use in planting, propagating, cultivating, growing,
harvesting, manufacturing, compounding, converting, producing,
processing, preparing, testing, analyzing, packaging,
repackaging, storing, containing, concealing, ingesting,
inhaling, or otherwise introducing into the human body a
controlled dangerous substance... including... roach clips...
bongs... pipes..."
N.J.S.A. 2C:36-2, Use or Possession with Intent to Use,
Narcotic Paraphernalia , provides that such conduct carries
a disorderly persons offense.
N.J.S.A. 2C:36-3, Distribute, Dispense, Possess with
Intent to, Narcotics Paraphernalia, provides that such
conduct is a fourth degree crime.
N.J.S.A. 2C:36-4, Advertise to Promote Sale of Narcotics
Paraphernalia, provides that such conduct is a fourth
degree crime.
N.J.S.A. 2C:36-5, Delivering Paraphernalia to Person
Under Eighteen Years, provides that such conduct
constitutes a third degree crime.
N.J.S.A. 2C:36-6, Possession or Distribution of
Hypodermic Syringe, provides that such conduct constitutes
a disorderly persons offense.
II . Education and
Prevention
Stevens Institute of Technology acknowledges the importance of
communicating information concerning alcohol and other drugs,
and the effects and consequences of illegal use, misuse, and
abuse.
A. The Health Center and the Counseling Center provides
specialized programs for faculty, staff, and students on issues
related to alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use, misuse, and
abuse. The Health Center and the Counseling Center offer
counseling and pertinent information regarding alcohol, tobacco,
and other drug issues for use by the campus community. Both
offices serve as confidential referral centers for drug and
alcohol assessment and evaluation.
B. Human resources offers direction to any Stevens employee who
may have questions and/or concerns related to alcohol and other
drug use, misuse and abuse.
III.
Family Notification for Student Violations of Alcohol and
Other Drug Policy
A 1998 amendment to The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act
of l974 authorizes higher education institutions to inform a
parent or legal guardian of any student under age 21 who has
been found in violation of any federal, state or local law or
any rule or policy of the institution governing the use or
possession of alcohol or controlled substances.
The parents or legal guardian of a student who has been
transported to the hospital foe alcohol consumption will be
notified via a phone call. The parents or legal guardian will be
asked to participate in a conference with the student.
APPENDIX A
Health Risks of Substance Use/Abuse
Substance Abuse - All students and employees should be aware that
the use of tobacco, alcohol, and/or other drugs can have negative
health implications and can often result in chronic physical
ailments and chemical dependency, as well as permanent injury or
death.
Alcoholic Beverages Whether in the form of
beer, wine or liquor, alcohol is a mind-altering chemical that
has effects similar to barbiturates and narcotics. Alcohol acts
as a depressant to the central nervous system. Even though small
amounts of alcohol can produce mild relaxation and a feeling of
well being, alcohol affects each individual in different ways.
Alcohol can cause intoxication, sedation, unconsciousness, or
death.
Hangovers are probably the best-known sign of too much alcohol
in the body. They are caused by the body's reaction to the
toxic, or poisonous, effects of alcohol. Often those effects can
occur at very low levels of drinking.
Here are some facts regarding alcohol poisoning, blood alcohol
levels, and binge drinking:
Signs of Alcohol Poisoning:
* Staggering
* Slurred speech
* Incoherent, unresponsive and/or unconscious speech
* Numbness (does not react when pinched)
* Skin becomes pale, blue, cold, and/or clammy
* Breathing becomes irregular, slow or shallowSteps to Take:
Check for attentiveness (does
person respond to her/his name; pinch skin).
Do not leave the person alone.
Turn the person on her/his side to
prevent airway blockage if s/he vomits.
Call for help; seek medical
attention.
Blood Alcohol Level (BAL)
The first consistent mood or
behavioral changes occur when the blood alcohol level
(BAL) reaches 0.05%. This level is reached by a 150 lb.
person taking two drinks in an hour. The person might
feel relaxed and have a sense of well-being. However,
the alcohol has already begun to affect their reflexes,
vision, coordination, ability to concentrate, judgment,
and restraint. This interferes with their ability to
operate a car or other machinery safely.
At a BAL of 0.10 - 0.20%, the
alcohol further impairs a person's motor functions.
Walking and hand and arm coordination are clearly
affected. The person is likely to be clumsy. Reaction
times increase greatly; that is, the person does not
respond to stimuli as quickly. The drug seriously
hampers reasoning and judgment. Most states consider a
person legally intoxicated when they have a BAL of
0.10%.
At a BAL of 0.30 - 0.40%, alcohol
further affects the centers of the brain, which control
response to stimuli and understanding. The person is
probably in a stupor. Though possibly aware, they will
not understand what they hear or see.
A BAL above 0.30% is very
dangerous. Alcohol blocks the brain's ability to control
breathing and heart beat. This can result in
unconsciousness and possible death. A person with a BAL
of 0.30% should receive immediate medical care.
Heavy Drinking and Its Social Effects
Heavy episodic or "high risk" drinking was first brought to
national attention in 1993 by the Harvard School of Public
Health College Alcohol Study, and has become the focus of
extensive media coverage. Defined as five (5) drinks in one
drinking session for men (four drinks for women), one or
more times in a two week period, binge, or high-risk,
drinking is referred to by the Harvard researchers as the
most serious health hazard confronting American colleges and
universities.
Other Physical Effects
Each year, alcohol is involved in more than half of the auto
accidents in the U.S. Even a B.A.L. of 0.03% can impair a
person's ability to drive or operate machinery safely.
Any amount of alcoholic consumed while pregnant may cause
severe damage to the developing fetus.
Heavy, prolonged or excessive drinking can lead to
malnutrition, cancer, psychological problems, miscarriages
and infertility in women, impotency and sterility in men.
Liver - 95% of all alcohol is metabolized by the liver.
Because clearing alcohol out of the body is a "priority,"
the other functions of the liver, such as regulating blood
glucose levels, is slowed.
Stomach - Alcohol causes a surge in the flow of digestive
acids that can irritate the stomach lining. Nausea and
vomiting frequently occur, while regular heavy drinking
causes ulcers and chronic stomach problems.
Heart - Alcohol makes the heart work harder and less
efficiently. Long-term heavy drinking is associated with
heart muscle disease, irregular heartbeats and an increased
risk of coronary artery disease.
Drugs and Narcotics Drugs have saved our
lives, reduced pain, and improved the quality of our lives.
However, use of drugs classified as controlled substances have
health risks, as well as legal/criminal implications.
Psychoactive drugs act on the central
nervous system (the brain).
Marijuana - Marijuana is a drug taken
to produce a euphoric feeling and a state of relaxation. The
short term effects of marijuana include distortion of time
perception, increased heart rates, dilation of the blood
vessels, and loss of short-term memory. Visual perception
and psychomotor skills are also decreased which have adverse
effects on driving ability. The effects of long-term use
include loss of motivation, chronic bronchitis, decreased
lung capacity, and an increased risk of lung cancer. In men,
marijuana use has caused lower levels of the sex hormone
testosterone, and an increase in abnormal sperm.
Cocaine - Cocaine is a powerful
stimulant that is short lasting. The drug's immediate effect
is to create a feeling that is often described as orgasmic
or euphoric. It creates increased alertness, suppresses
appetite and temporarily relieves depression. Studies
indicate cocaine's effects on the body and psyche are
dangerous and some damage may be irreversible. The least
harmful effects are nosebleeds and nasal erosions that
result from irritation of the lining of the nose. Most
dangerous are the "coke blues" which are the intense downs
that occur often after a high and result in the user trying
other drugs to relieve the physical and emotional
discomfort. There is a strong psychological dependence to
"coke" which slowly accumulates as tolerance builds.
Long-term use of cocaine can cause paranoia, sexual
dysfunction, and deep depression.
Ecstasy or MDMA
(methylenedioxymethamphetamine) - is a stimulant that combines
the properties of methamphetamine or "speed" with mind-altering
or hallucinogenic properties. Because of many different recipes
used to manufacture Ecstasy, deaths have been caused by
substances created during production. Users are at particular
risk of heat exhaustion and dehydration with physical exertion.
Long-term use has been shown to cause brain damage.
Special K (ketamine hydrochloride) -
is primarily used in veterinary medicine. Users experience
hallucinations and can experience a loss of time and
identity. Ketamine can cause delirium, amnesia, impaired
motor function, high blood pressure, depression, recurrent
flashbacks, and potentially fatal respiratory problems.
LSD - a potent hallucinogen derived from a
fungus that grows on rye and other grains, the effects of LSD
are unpredictable. A "bad trip" can be terrifying, including
frightening thoughts and feelings, fear of losing control, fear
of insanity, and death. Chronic users may experience flashbacks
and visual hallucinations long after use of the drug has
stopped.
Rohypnol ("Roofie") - a strong
sedative (flunitrazepam), referred to as a "date rape" drug
because it causes extreme drowsiness and can cause deep
sedation and amnesia. This drug is particularly dangerous,
especially when combined with alcohol or other drugs,
because of its sedative effects. It may have a paradoxical
effect and cause aggression in some users.
GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate) - is also
referred to as a "date rape" drug. It is a central nervous
system depressant which produces intoxication, followed by
deep sedation. GHB can cause nausea, vomiting, delusions,
depression, seizures, loss of consciousness, and coma. When
combined with alcohol or other drugs, the potential for
deadly overdose increases dramatically.
Stimulants - Caffeine is the most
widely used stimulant and can be found in coffee, tea, soda
and cold medications. Amphetamines are known as "speed and
uppers". Stimulants increase awareness, keep people awake
and depress the appetite. Short term effects include
elevated blood pressure, nervousness, and hyperactivity.
Long term effects include insomnia, malnutrition, and acute
psychosis.
Tobacco - Contains nicotine, another
central nervous system stimulant. Use of tobacco can cause
heart disease, lung cancer, emphysema, and other diseases.
Use of tobacco by pregnant women is linked to higher
incidence of stillborn and premature infants and low birth
weights in infants. Some studies indicate that the children
of women who smoke while pregnant have an increased risk for
developing conduct disorders.
Depressants - Downers and depressants
include Quaaludes, barbiturates and tranquilizers. These
drugs reduce anxiety, induce sleep, and promote relaxation.
Used together, they can be extremely dangerous and can
suppress the central nervous system enough to cause death.
Downers cause slowed response time, loss of rational
judgment, decreased coordination, and loss of motor skills.
Driving skills are seriously affected. Tolerance and
physical dependence often develop. Rohypnol ("roofie") has
potent sedative/hypnotic effects. It causes substantial
memory loss and it has been used by sexual predators to
sedate victims.
Hallucinogens - Hallucinogens include LSD,
mescaline, and PCP. They promote dream-like perceptions and
panic reactions that produce horrifying perceptions. PCP is
particularly dangerous and can cause a person to become violent
to her/him and others. Ecstasy (MDMA) is a drug that became
popular in the 1980's. It has been billed as the "perfect drug"
enhancing thinking, coordination, and empathy. The bad news
about Ecstasy is that it causes brain damage.
Narcotic Analgesics - These drugs
include opium, morphine, heroin, and codeine. They relieve
pain without the loss of consciousness. Narcotics can cause
physical dependence to develop over a short period of time.
Too much of a narcotic can cause the body to stop breathing.
Intravenous drug use is associated with increased risk of
AIDS and hepatitis.
Inhalants - The immediate negative
effects of inhalants include nausea, sneezing, coughing,
nosebleeds, fatigue, lack of coordination, and loss of
appetite. Solvents and aerosol sprays also decrease heart
rate and respiration, and impair judgment. Long-term use can
result in permanent damage to the nervous system. High
concentration of inhalants can cause disorientation, violent
behavior, unconsciousness, or death.
Steroids - Steroids are drugs that
resemble the male sex hormone testosterone. Popular since
the 1950's, steroids have been used by athletes and body
builders to increase muscle mass and improve athletic
performance. The use of steroids poses certain health risks.
Taken in high doses, they can cause psychological
dependence, increased anger, aggression, and depression, and
will stunt growth in adolescents who have not attained full
height. Men may experience nipple and breast growth,
shrunken testicles, and baldness. All users are at risk for
hepatitis, liver cancer, an altered sex drive, and AIDS.
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