Drug and Alcohol Use

Trident prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, sale, possession, or use of any controlled substance by any of its students, faculty, and staff in its workplace, on its premises, or as part of any of its activities.

In an effort to promote the health, safety, and welfare of all members of the Trident community, Trident prohibits:

• The possession/consumption of alcoholic beverages by persons under the legal age, as identified by applicable federal, state, or local law, on property owned or controlled by the University or as part of any University activity.
• The consumption of alcoholic beverages by all students, faculty, and staff that adversely affects academic or job performance and endangers the physical well-being of other persons or themselves, or which may lead to damage of property.
• The possession, sale, distribution, promotion, or consumption of an alcoholic beverage in a manner that constitutes a violation of federal, state, or local law.

Trident will impose appropriate sanctions on students and employees for violating the standards of conduct (consistent with applicable laws and regulations), which may include (but are not limited to) expulsion, termination of employment, and referral to law enforcement for prosecution.

Trident permits the lawful keeping and consumption, in moderation, of alcoholic beverages on its property or at events sponsored by Trident when expressly authorized by University administration or leadership.

Health Risks Associated with the Use of Illicit Drugs and Alcohol

(Courtesy of University of Wisconsin, Union University and Washington and Lee University)

The use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol carry significant social, physical, and emotional health risks. Users may suffer damage to key body organs such as the heart, liver, kidneys, and central nervous system. Drugs can kill the user, and the use of drugs and alcohol during pregnancy may cause birth defects or death of unborn babies. Drug users may experience difficulties with concentration and memory that impair learning. They can exhibit mood swings, impaired judgment, isolation, and depression, all of which can contribute to impaired driving, injuries, accidents, domestic or random violence, and sexual assault. Drugs can be instrumental in the deterioration of family units and the breakdown of friendships and other support systems.

Marijuana and Hashish: Marijuana and hashish are deleterious to the health and impair the short-term memory and comprehension of the user. When used, they alter the sense of time and reduce the ability of the user to perform tasks requiring concentration and coordination. They increase the heart rate and appetite. Motivation and thinking can be altered, making learning and retaining new information difficult. Long-term users may develop psychological dependence as well as paranoia and psychosis. Because these drugs are inhaled as unfiltered smoke, they damage the lungs and pulmonary system and contain more cancer-causing agents than tobacco.

Cocaine and Crack: Cocaine and crack stimulate the central nervous system and are extremely addictive. They can cause psychological and physical dependency which can lead to dilated pupils, increased pulse rate, elevated blood pressure, insomnia, loss of appetite, paranoia, and seizures. An overdose produces convulsions and delirium and may result in death from cardiac arrest.

Stimulants and Amphetamines: Other stimulant and amphetamine use have the same effect as cocaine and cause increased heart rates and blood pressure that can result in a stroke or heart failure. Symptoms include dizziness, sleeplessness, and anxiety. Use can also lead to psychosis, hallucinations, paranoia, and even a physical collapse. Large doses may result in convulsions and death from cardiac or respiratory arrest.

Depressants and Barbiturates: Depressants and barbiturates can cause physical and psychological dependence. In small doses, barbiturates produce calmness, relaxed muscles, and lowered anxiety. Larger doses cause slurred speech, staggering gait and altered perception. Very large doses taken in combination with other central nervous system depressants (e.g., alcohol) cause respiratory depression, coma and sometimes death. Withdrawal can lead to restlessness, insomnia, convulsions, and possibly death.

Hallucinogens: LSD, PCP, mescaline, and peyote are classified as hallucinogens. Hallucinogens interrupt the brain messages that control the intellect and keep instincts in check. Use impairs and distorts one’s perception of surroundings, causes mood changes, and results in visual hallucinations that involve geometric forms, colors, persons, or objects. Large doses can produce convulsions and coma or heart and lung failure. Chronic users complain of persistent memory problems and speech difficulties for up to a year after their use. Because the drug stops the brain's pain sensors, drug experiences may result in severe self-inflicted injuries. Persistent memory problems and speech difficulties may linger.

Narcotics: Users of narcotics, such as heroin, codeine, morphine, and opium, develop dependence and increase the likelihood of an overdose that can lead to convulsions, coma, and death. Withdrawal problems include sweating, diarrhea, fever, insomnia, irritability, nausea, vomiting, and muscle and joint pains.

Alcohol: Alcohol is chemically classified as a mind-altering drug because it contains ethanol and has the chemical power to depress the action of the nervous control system. This depression affects motor coordination, speech, and vision. In great amounts, it can affect respiration and heart rate control. Prolonged abuse of alcohol can lead to alcoholism, malnutrition, and cirrhosis. Prolonged alcohol abuse can cause any or all of the following: bleeding from the intestinal tract, damage to nerves and the brain, impotence, psychotic behavior, loss of memory and coordination, damage to the liver often resulting in cirrhosis, severe inflammation of the pancreas, and damage to the bone marrow, heart, testes, ovaries, and muscles. Damage to the nerves and organs is usually irreversible. Death can result when the level of blood alcohol exceeds 0.40%.

For information on preventing drug and alcohol abuse and the consequences of drug abuse, visit www.whitehouse.gov/ondcp.

For information about drug and alcohol counseling, treatment, or rehabilitation, visit www.drug-rehabs.com.

For a description of sanctions under state and federal laws for unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol, visit State and Federal Sanctions.

Students completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must ensure that the application is completed in its entirety including Section One, Question #23. Students who do not answer the question are disqualified.

34 CFR 668. 40—Conviction for possession or sale of illegal drugs

1.   
   1. A student is ineligible to receive Title IV, HEA program funds, for the period described in paragraph (b) of this section, if the student has been convicted of an offense under any federal or state law involving the possession or sale of illegal drugs for conduct that occurred during a period of enrollment for which the student was receiving Title IV, HEA program funds. However, the student may regain eligibility before that time period expires under the conditions described in paragraph (c) of this section.
   2. For purposes of this section, a conviction means only a conviction that is on a student’s record. A conviction that was reversed, set aside, or removed from the student’s record is not relevant for purposes of this section, nor is a determination or adjudication arising out of a juvenile proceeding.
   3. For purposes of this section, an illegal drug is a controlled substance as defined by Section 102(6) of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U. S. C. 801(6)) and does not include alcohol or tobacco.
2.  
   1. Possession. Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section if a student has been convicted—
      1. Only one time for possession of illegal drugs, the student is ineligible to receive Title IV, HEA program funds for one year after the date of conviction;
      2. Two times for possession of illegal drugs, the student is ineligible to receive Title IV, HEA program funds for two years after the date of the second conviction; or
      3. Three or more times for possession of illegal drugs, the student is ineligible to receive Title IV, HEA program funds for an indefinite period after the date of the third conviction.
   2. Sale. Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section if a student has been convicted—
      1. Only one time for sale of illegal drugs, the student is ineligible to receive Title IV, HEA program funds for two years after the date of conviction; or
      2. Two or more times for sale of illegal drugs, the student is ineligible to receive Title IV, HEA program funds for an indefinite period after the date of the second conviction.
3. If a student successfully completes a drug rehabilitation program described in paragraph (d) of this section after the student’s most recent drug conviction, the student regains eligibility on the date the student successfully completes the program.
4. A drug rehabilitation program referred to in paragraph (c) of this section is one which—
   1. Includes at least two unannounced drug tests; and
      1. Has received or is qualified to receive funds directly or indirectly under a federal, state, or local government program;
      2. Is administered or recognized by a federal, state, or local government agency or court;
      3. Has received or is qualified to receive payment directly or indirectly from a federally or state-licensed insurance company; or
      4. Is administered or recognized by a federally or state-licensed hospital, health clinic, or medical doctor.

(Authority: 20 U. S. C. 1091(r))

Students convicted of a drug charge during the school year while receiving financial aid must immediately notify their financial aid office, and the balance awarded must be returned.

Students who knowingly or willingly provide misleading information face penalties including (but not limited to) a fine or prison.