TO: USD Community

FROM: Dr. Alice Hayes, President

DATE: October, 2000

SUBJ: Substance Abuse Policy

The Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 (Public Law 10-690, Title V, Subtitle D) requires that employers receiving federal grants take specific steps to ensure a drug-free workplace. The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act also mandates that universities maintain a drug and alcohol abuse program.

It is the intent of the University of San Diego to provide a drug-free, healthy, safe and secure environment for its students and employees. Employees and students of the University of San Diego are expected and required to be in appropriate mental and physical condition to perform their employment and scholastic responsibilities.

Violations of this policy will result in corrective action in accordance with established University policies and procedures, up to and including termination of employment and/or enrollment, and may have legal consequences.

The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, sale, purchase or use of a controlled substance (as defined in Schedules I through V of the Controlled Substances Act, 21 United States Code 812, as amended) and alcohol on University premises or while conducting University business off University premises is prohibited.

The Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 requires that employees directly engaged in the performance of work on a federal contract or grant must, as a condition of employment, abide by the terms of the above policy and report any conviction under a criminal drug statute for violations occurring on or off University premises while conducting University business. A report of a conviction must be made to Human Resources within five days after the conviction. The University is required to notify the federal contracting or granting agency within ten days of receiving notice of such conviction and to take appropriate corrective action or to require the employee to participate satisfactorily in an approved drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program.

Drug and alcohol abuse is a significant public health problem; it is pervasive in our society. It is a problem no one can afford to ignore. A recent National Institute of Drug Abuse nation-wide household survey indicates that 19% of Americans over 12 years of age have used illicit drugs. In the 18-25 year-old adult population, representing those entering the workplace and college, 65% have used illicit drugs–44% most recently. Based on government estimates, substance abuse (drug and/or alcohol) costs approximately 100 billion dollars in lost productivity each year. Substance abuse impairs an employee's ability to safely and effectively perform on the job. The same can be said for a student's ability to perform scholastically. The end result is absenteeism, increased accidents, substandard performance, poor morale or damage to the University's reputation.

The human cost to society and the social, economic and legal costs to business have created a new awareness of the multi-faceted problems resulting from substance abuse. There is now consensus among the government and business communities that action must be taken to reduce these costs.

People often use drugs to cope with problems or to help them socialize. Sooner or later drugs can become more important than anything else. However, instead of helping one solve problems, drugs and alcohol can lead to even more serious problems. Besides legal, financial, relationship and health problems, drugs and alcohol may change ambitions and values. The user of drugs and/or alcohol many times has promised to stop, but used again. Usage of drugs can become so habitual that one may have a hard time getting through the day without them.

Drugs and alcohol can:

The law requires the University to strictly control certain drugs in our workplace. The following are the drugs of concern:

Marijuana (Pot, Grass, Weed) is stronger than it was 20 years ago. Workplace dangers include slowing of physical reflexes, reduction of mental powers and the alteration of space and distance judgment. It is addictive, though many believe it is not. It can cause impaired short-term memory, lung disease and infertility. The effect can go on for 4-6 hours after smoking, and it is worse if also used with alcohol.

Amphetamine (Crystal, Uppers, Speed) is probably the most abused illegal drug in San Diego County. A powerful stimulant, crystal can make one rush around wildly and carelessly. Continued use causes periods of sleeplessness followed by periods of sleep, mood swings, irritability and depression. Amphetamines, with continued use, produce a psychosis characterized by altered personality and paranoia.

Cocaine and Crack (Coke, Snow, Freebase, Rock) are highly addictive stimulants which speed up performance. However, the effect is short-lived. It causes a temporary feeling of almost superhuman power, impairing decision-making ability and judgment. General emotional problems, mood swings and a lack of dependability can also occur. Dangers of cocaine and crack include damage to the respiratory and immune systems, malnutrition, seizures and loss of brain function.

Prescription drugs (Stimulants, Downers, Hypnotics) are safe ONLY if taken as prescribed under a doctor's supervision. If abused or misused, they can lead to sluggishness or hyperactivity, impaired reflexes, liver and kidney damage, addiction and brain damage.

Heroin (Junk, H, Horse) is addictive and causes disinterest in workplace safety, personal productivity and relationships. Dangers of overdose are coma and death.

Hallucinogens (PCP, LSD, Ecstasy, MDMA, Designer drugs) are related to stimulants and cause the user to hallucinate. They vastly distort what is seen and heard, and cause sudden and bizarre changes in behavior. They have ‘rebound’ effects such as loss of concentration, memory or behavior problems even when the dose has worn off. Frequent use can cause permanent loss of mental function.

Alcohol, though legal, is the most commonly abused substance in the workplace. It is a concern to the University when its use affects the workplace. The biggest effects are loss of work time and lateness, loss of concentration and judgment leading to dangerous or problem behavior.

Alcohol is a depressant. It depresses the central nervous system and can cause serious physical damage. Excessive drinking damages the liver, resulting in cirrhosis. Chronic alcohol abuse also causes hypertension; cardiac irregularities; ulcers; pancreatitis; kidney disease; cancer of the esophagus, liver, bladder or lungs; memory loss; tremors; malnutrition; vitamin deficiencies; and possibly sexual dysfunction.

Abuse of either or both alcohol or drugs during pregnancy increases the risk of birth defects, spontaneous abortion and still births.

The University recognizes drug and alcohol dependency as an illness and a major health problem. The University also recognizes drug and alcohol abuse as a potential safety and security problem. Students needing help are encouraged to contact the Office of Alcohol and Drug Education (ext. 4618) located in the University Center, room 221. Employees needing help in dealing with such problems are encouraged to use USD's confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and health insurance plans as appropriate. Conscientious efforts to seek such help will not jeopardize any employee's job. The EAP can be reached at 800/342-8111 or by contacting Human Resources (ext. 6611) in Maher Hall, room 101.

Drug use costs everyone; accidents multiply, performance drops and morale declines. If you are involved with drugs, use the help available. What can you do if you suspect a student or co-worker is abusing drugs? Covering up only allows the cycle of abuse to continue. Get support, don't try to handle it alone. Talk to someone. Expressing concern is the hardest, yet most important step.

Local, state and federal laws establish severe penalties for unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol. These sanctions, upon conviction, may range from a small fine and probation to imprisonment for up to one year or a $1,000 fine or both. In the case of possession and distribution of illegal drugs, these sanctions could include the seizure and summary forfeiture of property, including vehicles. It is especially important to know that recent federal laws have increased the penalties for illegally distributing drugs to include life imprisonment and fines in excess of $1,000,000. Some examples of local or state laws are:

Your health and welfare are of utmost concern to us. Please keep this advisory in mind when planning those events in your life which could put you in jeopardy.