Drug, Tobacco, & Alcohol Policies and Support

State law prohibits individuals under 21 years of age from possessing or consuming alcoholic beverages.

College policy prohibits all employees (full-time,part-time faculty,and staff) and students from engaging in the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, sale, possession, ingestion, or use of drugs or alcohol in the workplace, on College grounds, in College vehicles, at College-related or sponsored activities regardless of location, or while otherwise on duty. This policy prohibits all employees and students from reporting to work, class, or a College activity (including College athletics) while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Finally, notwithstanding these prohibitions on use of drugs or alcohol, the Chancellor is authorized to permit the use, service, or consumption of alcohol for persons older than 21 at certain events.

Prescription and over-the-counter drugs are not prohibited when taken in standard dosage or according to a physician’s prescription. 

Employees who receive College funds for travel may not use the funds to buy alcoholic beverages. 

For more information on College standards of conduct regarding drugs and alcohol, please see the following on the Policies and Procedures page: (i) Policy III.3006.G, Prohibited Use of Drugs and Alcohol, (ii) Procedure III.3006.G.a, Prohibited Use of Drugs and Alcohol, (iii) the Student Handbook and Code of Conduct (applicable to all students) and (iv) the Athletic Handbook (applicable to student athletes). 

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Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol affects the central nervous system and can impair judgment, coordination, and decision-making. Even at low blood alcohol levels, alcohol can affect recently learned skills and other complex tasks. As alcohol levels increase, it can interfere with balance, movement, awareness, and other basic functions.

Moderate alcohol use can also affect how you process information. It may make it harder to understand situations, consider different factors, and recognize the possible consequences of your actions. As a result, alcohol can increase the likelihood of impulsive decisions and risky behavior.

Long-term, heavy alcohol use can have serious health effects. It can damage the brain, heart, liver, and other organs and increase the risk of certain cancers, including cancers of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and liver. Heavy drinking can also cause conditions such as cirrhosis, alcoholic hepatitis, and peptic ulcers.

Illicit Drugs
Illicit drugs include several types of substances, such as:

• Narcotics: heroin and other opioids
• Depressants: barbiturates and certain prescription drugs when used illegally
• Stimulants: cocaine, crack cocaine, and methamphetamine
• Hallucinogens: PCP, LSD, and mescaline
• Cannabis: marijuana and hashish
• Inhalants: nitrous oxide, amyl nitrite (poppers), and certain chemical solvents
• Designer drugs: substances such as MDMA (Ecstasy) and other synthetic drugs

Narcotics
Narcotics, also called opioids, can produce feelings of euphoria followed by drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting. Regular use can lead to tolerance and physical dependence. Misusing opioids can also increase the risk of overdose and other serious health problems. Sharing or using contaminated syringes can spread infections such as HIV and hepatitis and can cause serious infections, including endocarditis, an inflammation of the heart’s inner lining.

Depressants
Depressants slow activity in the central nervous system and can have effects similar to alcohol. Small amounts may cause relaxation and calmness. Larger amounts can cause slurred speech, poor coordination, unsteady walking, and changes in perception. Very large amounts can slow breathing and may lead to coma or death. Combining depressants with alcohol can greatly increase these effects and the risk of serious harm. Regular use can also lead to physical or psychological dependence.

Stimulants
Cocaine is a stimulant that speeds up activity in the central nervous system. Short-term effects may include dilated pupils, increased heart rate and blood pressure, faster breathing, and increased body temperature. Cocaine use can also cause a runny or stuffy nose. Long-term use may damage the tissues inside the nose, including the nasal septum.

Using cocaine with unsterile equipment can spread infections such as HIV and hepatitis. Cocaine can also cause anxiety, paranoia, seizures, and other serious health problems. Crack cocaine is highly addictive and can cause many of the same effects, including increased heart rate and blood pressure, insomnia, loss of appetite, and paranoia. Cocaine can lead to physical and psychological dependence, and tolerance can develop with repeated use. Overdose can occur and may be life-threatening.

Hallucinogens
Phencyclidine (PCP)
PCP can cause feelings of detachment and changes in how you experience time, movement, and your surroundings. It can reduce coordination, dull the senses, and affect speech. Long-term use may cause memory and speech problems and can contribute to mood changes, anxiety, paranoia, or aggressive behavior. High doses can cause seizures, loss of consciousness, breathing problems, heart problems, and other life-threatening effects.

LSD, mescaline, and psilocybin
LSD, mescaline, and psilocybin are hallucinogens that can cause changes in perception, including illusions and hallucinations. Physical effects may include dilated pupils, increased body temperature, heart rate and blood pressure, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, and tremors. Feelings and perceptions can change quickly. Some people may experience panic, confusion, anxiety, paranoia, or a loss of control. In some cases, changes in perception or other effects can occur after the drug has left the body.

Inhalants
Inhalants are chemicals that can be breathed into the lungs and can affect the brain within seconds. Their effects may last for several minutes. Short-term effects can include nausea, coughing, nosebleeds, fatigue, poor coordination, loss of appetite, and impaired judgment. Some inhalants can slow breathing and heart rate, while others can cause a rapid heartbeat and severe headaches.

Long-term or repeated inhalant use can cause serious damage to the brain, liver, kidneys, nerves, and other organs. Inhalant use can also cause seizures, heart rhythm problems, loss of consciousness, and other life-threatening conditions. In some cases, inhaling certain chemicals can cause sudden death, even after a single use.

Marijuana/Cannabis
Marijuana can affect memory, attention, coordination, and perception. Short-term effects may include changes in how you perceive time, increased heart rate, and problems with short-term memory. It can also reduce coordination and reaction time, which can make driving unsafe.

Regular or heavy marijuana use may affect memory, learning, and mental health. Smoking marijuana can also damage the lungs and increase the risk of respiratory problems. Marijuana use can lead to tolerance and dependence, and some people may have difficulty stopping its use.

Designer and Synthetic Drugs
Designer drugs are synthetic substances made to produce effects similar to other drugs. Because these substances can be made with different chemicals and formulas, their effects can be unpredictable and dangerous. Some synthetic drugs can cause serious health problems, including seizures, loss of consciousness, breathing problems, heart problems, and brain or organ damage.

Some synthetic drugs act like opioids and may cause extreme drowsiness, slowed breathing, loss of coordination, and overdose. Other synthetic drugs act as stimulants or hallucinogens and may cause agitation, anxiety, confusion, paranoia, hallucinations, rapid heart rate, insomnia, or seizures. Repeated use can lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms.

Other Misused Substances
Some substances may not be classified as controlled substances under federal law but can still be harmful when misused. Examples include synthetic stimulants, such as “bath salts,” dextromethorphan (DXM), an ingredient found in some cough medicines, and Salvia divinorum, a plant with hallucinogenic effects.

Misusing these substances can cause confusion, dizziness, agitation, impaired coordination, paranoia, hallucinations, seizures, or other serious health effects. Products containing DXM may also contain other active ingredients that can cause additional health problems when taken in excessive amounts.

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Students
General Disciplinary Procedure: In all cases of alleged violations of public law or student life policies, the College reserves the right to review the allegations and exercise disciplinary sanctions (if any) in addition to any proceedings that occur as a matter of public law. Disciplinary sanctions include, but are not limited to, reprimand, probation, suspension, or expulsion.

Discipline
Section 3.9 of the Student Code of Conduct addresses the subject of drugs and alcohol. The College will investigate all reported violations and will exercise professional judgment in the imposition of sanctions in accordance with the College’s prescribed disciplinary procedures. Students may receive College sanctions, criminal sanctions, or both. Disciplinary sanctions include, but are not limited to, reprimand, probation, suspension, or expulsion. 

Alcohol
The use, possession, or distribution of alcohol by any person, regardless of age, is strictly prohibited on College property. Alcohol usage is likewise prohibited at any off-campus activity when such activity, or the student’s participation therein, is under the sponsorship of the College or a student organization recognized by the College.

Controlled Substances
The unlawful use, possession, or distribution of controlled substances by any person on college property is strictly prohibited. The College’s policy also applies to students participating in off-campus activities when the activity itself, or the student’s participation, is under the sponsorship of the College or a student organization recognized by the College.

Students determined to be in violation of this regulation are subject to severe disciplinary sanctions which include permanent suspension from the College. When such violations also constitute violations of public law, charges will be filed by the College for prosecution by the appropriate law enforcement agency. Under public law, conviction for the unlawful use, possession, or distribution of illicit drugs is punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both.

Employees
Observance of the policy regarding alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs is a condition of employment for all College employees. An employee violating this policy shall be subject to employment discipline up to and including termination, or shall be required to undergo satisfactory participation in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program.

Any employee directly engaged in the performance of work pursuant to the provision of a federal grant or contract who is convicted of violating a criminal drug statute shall notify his or her immediate supervisor of the conviction no later than five days after the conviction. The immediate supervisor shall promptly report the conviction to the appropriate SLT member and to the Vice Chancellor, Human Resources. On behalf of the College the Vice Chancellor, Human Resources shall notify the federal agency grantor or contractor of the conviction within ten days of the College’s receipt of notice from the employee or of receipt of other actual notice.

Board Policy IV-C-7 addresses the circumstances under which employees may be tested for unlawful use of drugs and alcohol. Find these documents on the Policies and Procedures page.

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Students
San Jacinto College recognizes the challenges associated with alcohol and substance misuse. Education is a key part of the College’s efforts to address these concerns. Through educational programs and factual information, we help you understand the risks of alcohol and other substances so you can make informed decisions. This includes information about illegal substances and their effects, as well as responsible alcohol use for those who choose to drink.

If you are concerned about your alcohol or substance use, you can seek confidential assistance from the College by making an appointment with a counselor in the Educational Planning & Counseling Center. The College does not provide treatment or rehabilitation programs, but counselors can connect you with qualified providers who offer these services.

Employees
College employees who supervise others should be aware of job performance concerns that may be related to alcohol or substance misuse. Employees who need assistance can access support through the Employee Assistance Program and the College’s group health insurance program. The Employee Assistance Program also offers alcohol and drug abuse seminars at no cost to College employees.

Additional resources are available in the community, including private counseling, self-help groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, and inpatient and outpatient treatment program

Drug-Free Workplace and Biennial Review
San Jacinto College is committed to maintaining a drug-free learning and work environment and complying with state and federal laws related to the prevention of illegal drug use and alcohol abuse.

The College will review its drug and alcohol prevention program every two years. The review will:

1. Evaluate the effectiveness of the program and identify needed changes.
2. Ensure that program sanctions are consistently enforced.

The vice chancellor for Human Resources is responsible for initiating the biennial review.

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Drug and Alcohol Prevention Program 
Biennial Review 2022-2024

View Report

 

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