Open Letter to All Students Regarding Drugs and Alcohol

Dear Student:

The abuse of alcohol and the use of illegal drugs by members of the University community are incompatible with the goals of an academic institution. To ensure that alcohol and illegal drugs do not interfere with the goals of the University, substance abuse programs have been developed that apply to the University as both an educational institution and a work place. The programs are designed to do the following:

• Establish and enforce clear policies for employees and students that promote an educational environment free from the abuse of alcohol and the use of illegal drugs;
• Educate all members of the campus community about the health risks associated with the use of illegal drugs and the abuse of alcohol;
• Create a campus environment that promotes and reinforces healthy, responsible living and respect for community and campus standards and regulations; and
• Provide a reasonable level of care for alcohol abusers and users of illegal drugs through counseling, treatment and referral.

In accordance with the University of Delaware's substance abuse programs and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, the University of Delaware is informing you about the University's policies on drugs and alcohol and about the health risks associated with the illicit use or abuse of drugs and alcohol.

The University of Delaware’s policies for students pertaining to alcohol and drugs appear on the World Wide Web in the University of Delaware Student Guide to University Policies. University regulations clearly prohibit the unauthorized possession, use, manufacture, distribution, or sale of alcoholic beverages on University property or in University facilities. In addition, students are prohibited from using drugs, possessing drugs or drug paraphernalia, and from selling or otherwise distributing drugs.

Violations of these policies will result in immediate sanctions within the University's Student Conduct System. Students may receive penalties that include mandatory alcohol and drug evaluations and other sanctions from disciplinary probation to expulsion.

If students are found guilty of violating any local, state or federal laws concerning alcohol and drugs, they will receive significant sanctions. These penalties may include fines and mandatory prison terms. The State of Delaware, in particular, has very strict minimum mandatory sentencing laws for the selling of drugs.

The University of Delaware is committed to educating its students in the areas of drug and alcohol use. The Wellspring Office provides education on substance use and abuse. If students have any questions concerning the health risks associated with the illicit use of drugs and the abuse of alcohol, they should contact Wellspring. The following is a brief description of several drugs and their health risks.

1. Alcohol: Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that can cause uninhibited behaviors and decreased motor coordination and control. This impairment can occur even at low levels of blood alcohol. When alcohol is abused, there is a significantly increased incidence of physical injury, motor vehicle accidents (nearly half of all fatal accidents) and injuries from assaults. Chronic heavy alcohol use is associated with increased risk of cancer of the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver and heart and is the most common cause of liver failure.
2. Marijuana: Users often have chronic bronchitis and run the added risk of lung cancer. Marijuana contains 10 times the respiratory irritants and more carcinogens (cancer-causing agents) than tobacco. Heavy users, especially among the young adult population may show slow and confused thinking, decreased short-term memory and impaired performance of complex motor tasks, loss of energy, and apathy. Other side effects associated with chronic use of marijuana are rapid heart rate, panic, hallucinations and paranoia.
3. Hallucinogens: Can be found in many forms, some of them are PCP, Peyote, Ecstasy, Psilocybin, LSD, and Mescaline. They are usually taken orally or injected. Effects: illusions, hallucinations, altered perception of time and distance. May cause psychosis and/or death.
4. Cocaine: Cocaine can cause agitation, confusion, hallucinations, convulsions, brain infarction (death of brain tissue), arrhythmias (heart rhythm irregularities), myocardial infarction, pneumonia, hypertension (high blood pressure), hyperthermia (high body temperature) and death.
5. Amphetamines: These drugs can cause a very rapid or an irregular heartbeat, tremors, loss of coordination, collapse, and even death from heart failure or from burst blood vessels in the brain. Heavy users are prone to irrational acts.
6. Prescription Drugs: These drugs are not illicit if they are used in accordance with the prescription. However, sharing prescription medication with someone else is illegal and could be very harmful.
7. Ecstasy: A designer drug, chemically manufactured in private labs. It is taken in pill form. It has properties of both amphetamine and hallucinogenic drugs. Some long term risks include serious or fatal head injury, fluid and electrolyte depletion and damage to the central nervous system, heart, kidneys, liver muscles, and brain. It can impair both verbal and visual memory.
8. Anabolic Steroids: Some common names are testosterone, nandrolone, and oxymetholone. These are injected or taken orally. Side effects include virilization, acne, testicular atrophy, gynecomastia, aggressive behavior, and edema. One who takes this for a long time may slip into depression.
9. Rohypnol: Also known as Roofies. Is generally in the form of odorless, tasteless white tablets that are slipped into drinks of the unaware. May become a gateway to harder drugs if taken consistently. Immediate effects include amnesia, sedation, muscle relaxation, disorientation, and blackouts.
10. Heroin: This is an opiate drug that causes the body to have diminished pain reactions, drowsiness, diminished response to carbon dioxide and pneumonia. Some of the risks associated with the use of heroin include "accidental" overdose, coma and death. There is also significantly increased incidence of serious infections of the blood, brain and heart as well as end stage liver disease.

The University of Delaware employs licensed psychologists and psychiatrists in the Center for Counseling and Student Development who will assist students having problems with alcohol and drug abuse.

Every student at the University should read and become familiar with the policies on drugs and alcohol use and abuse that are discussed in the Student Guide to University Policies. In addition, more information is available on the health risks associated with drugs at the Wellspring Office. If you have any questions concerning alcohol and drug regulations or health risks, please feel free to contact the following offices.

Dean of Students - 831-8939
Wellspring Office - 831-3457
Center for Counseling and Student Development - 831-2141
Psychiatric Services - 831-8992
Student Health Service - 831-2226

Sincerely,
Michael Gilbert, Ed.D.
Vice President for Student Life

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