SUBSTANCE ABUSE
Health
Risks
Substance abuse is now recognized as the number one public health
problem in the United States. Approximately 30 percent of all admissions
to general hospitals and 50 percent of psychiatric institutions have
detectable substance abuse. Substance abuse accounts for approximately
150,000 deaths annually. This includes deaths from stroke, diseases of
the heart and liver, and all alcohol and drug related suicides,
homicides and accidents. Early detection can minimize or prevent the
devastating consequences of substance abuse.
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Wellness
Programs of Student Health Services
Student Health Services offers alcohol and other drug education
programs and information. Peer educators design and implement programs
overseen by the wellness coordinator.
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Policies and
Sanctions for Students
The University actively supports applicable county, state and federal
laws pertaining to the illegal use of alcohol and drugs. Violations of
the University's Code of Conduct-which involve the unlawful possession,
use or distribution of drugs or alcohol, or alcohol abuse by
students-will result in disciplinary action up to and including
expulsion from the University. Such disciplinary action does not
preclude civil and/or criminal prosecution under county, state or
federal laws.
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Policies and Sanctions for Employees
General Policy
The State of Maryland establishes and
adopts the following Substance Abuse Policy for the executive branch of
state government (under Executive Order 01.01.1991.16):
- The State of Maryland is committed to making good faith efforts to
ensure a safe, secure and Drug Free Workplace Act as enacted by
Congress.
- All employees in the workplace must be capable of performing their
duties.
- Employees experiencing substance abuse problems are encouraged to
seek assistance through their employer, self referral to the
employer's employee assistance program, or self referral to an
alternative certified rehabilitation program.
An appointing authority may not hire anyone whom it knows currently
abuses drugs or alcohol. Employees are prohibited from abusing alcohol
or drugs, committing a controlled dangerous substance offense, or
committing an alcohol driving offense.
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Applicable
Legal Sanctions
Students and employees at Salisbury University are subject to federal,
state and local laws regarding the possession and distribution of
illegal drugs. Federal Law 21 USCA, sections 841 and 844, states that it
is unlawful to possess, manufacture, distribute or dispense a controlled
substance. In addition, the state of Maryland has its own laws
dealing with distribution, manufacturing, and possession of controlled
substances. Maryland law (Sections 5-601, 5-602 and 5-607, Criminal Law
Article) states that any persons who unlawfully manufacture, distribute,
dispense or possess a controlled dangerous substance may be subject to
imprisonment up to 5 years and fines up to $25,000.
Students and employees of Salisbury University are subject to state
laws for possessing, consuming and obtaining alcohol. It is
illegal in the state of Maryland for any person under 21 to falsify or
misrepresent his or her age to obtain alcohol or to possess alcoholic
beverages with the intent to consume them. It is also illegal in most
situations to furnish alcohol to a person under 21 or to obtain alcohol
on behalf of a person under 21. The penalty is a fine of up to $500 for
a first offense and up to $1,000 for repeat offenses. Under section
TR16-113 of the Maryland Annotated Code, licensees under the age of 21
years are prohibited from driving or attempting to drive a motor vehicle
while having alcohol in the licensee's blood. Violation of this license
restriction may result in a license suspension or revocation and/or a
fine.
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Alcohol Abuse Policy
Working under the influence of alcohol is a violation of this policy
and shall subject the employee to disciplinary action.
An employee charged with an alcohol driving offense must report a
finding of guilty, an acceptance of a plea of
nolo contendere, or a probation before judgment to the employee's
appointing authority within five workdays.
A sensitive employee shall be suspended for 15 days and required to
participate successfully in an alcohol treatment program designated by
an employee assistance program the first time the employee is:
- convicted of an at-the-workplace alcohol driving offense or
- found under the influence of alcohol while at the workplace.
A sensitive employee convicted of an off-the-workplace alcohol driving
offense and a non-sensitive employee convicted of any alcohol driving
offense shall:
- on the first conviction, be referred to an employee assistance
program and, in addition, be subject to any other appropriate
disciplinary actions;
- on the second conviction, at a minimum, be suspended for at least
five days, be referred to an employee assistance program, be
required to participate successfully in a treatment program and, in
addition, be subject to any other appropriate disciplinary actions,
up to and including termination; and
- on the third conviction, be terminated.
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Drug Abuse
Policy
Working under the inappropriate influence of prescription drugs or
over-the- counter drugs is a violation of this policy and shall subject
the employee to disciplinary action.
Working under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance is a
violation of this policy and shall subject the employee to disciplinary
action.
An employee charged with a controlled dangerous substance offense shall
report a finding of guilty, an acceptance of a plea of
nolo contendere, or a probation before judgment to the appointing
authority within five workdays.
A sensitive employee convicted of any controlled dangerous substance
offense shall be terminated.
A sensitive employee who tests positive for a controlled dangerous
substance as a result of a random drug test shall be suspended for 15
workdays and be required to successfully participate in a drug treatment
program designated by an employee assistance program, as provided for by
the appointing authority's drug testing protocol.
A sensitive employee who abuses a legally prescribed drug or an
over-the- counter drug shall, on the first offense:
- be suspended for five workdays and
- be required to participate successfully in a drug treatment
program designated by an employee assistance program.
Any employee otherwise in violation of this policy shall be subject to
appropriate progressive disciplinary actions up to and including
termination.
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Law
Enforcement
When an appointing authority learns or, based on observation or
reliable information, suspects that an employee has committed a
controlled dangerous substance or alcohol offense at the workplace, the
appointing authority shall refer the matter to an appropriate law
enforcement authority for further investigation and prosecution.
All employees shall cooperate fully with law enforcement authorities in
the investigation and prosecution of suspected criminal violations.
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Employee
Education
All appointing authorities shall educate and inform their employees
about:
- the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse in the workplace and the
community at large;
- the State of Maryland's policy of maintaining a drug-free
workplace;
- any drug and alcohol abuse counseling, rehabilitation and employee
assistance program that is available; and
- the penalties that may be imposed upon employees for violations of
this Executive Order.
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Implementation
The secretary of personnel and the head of every other personnel system
in the executive branch shall adopt such policies and regulations as are
necessary or desirable for the implementation of this Executive Order.
All appointing authorities are responsible for implementing, enforcing
and monitoring compliance with the requirements of this Executive Order.
All employees are required to acknowledge receipt of a copy of this
Executive Order by returning an acknowledgment of receipt to their
supervisor for insertion in their personnel file.
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Drug‑Free
Workplace Policy
Salisbury University, as an employer, strives to maintain a workplace
free from illegal use, possession or distribution of controlled
substances (as defined pursuant to Controlled Substances Act, 21 U.S.C.
Sections 802, et seq.). Unlawful manufacture, distribution,
dispensation, possession or use of controlled substances by University
employees in the workplace is prohibited under University policy.
In addition to any legal penalties under federal and state law,
employees found to be in violation of this policy may be subject to
corrective action under applicable University personnel policies.
The University supports programs aimed at the prevention of substance
abuse by University employees. Employees are encouraged to seek
assistance for substance-dependency problems. Employee assistance
counseling and leaves of absence to attend rehabilitation programs are
appropriate means for dealing with these problems. To determine the
availability of such prevention programs, including counseling,
inquiries should be directed to the Human Resources Office or Student
Counseling Services.
Approved January 2, 1989
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Alcohol
and Other Drug Programs
The University provides an effective Alcohol and other Drug Education Program which is
offered to students who violate both on and off-campus alcohol or
marijuana policies and laws. The University works with the Office
of the State’s Attorney, the University and Residence Life Judicial
Boards, faculty, coaches, and other administrators to provide education
to approximately 500 students annually. The program is
well-regarded within the local court system and utilized by the state’s
attorney and judges. For more information contact Student Health
Services at 410-543-6262 or visit
www.salisbury.edu/health/services/alcohol-drug-programs.html
University resources to
support preventive and educational outreach efforts have improved due to the
development of a risk management/wellness educator position who works with
Greek organizations, student athletes, residence hall staff and other campus
entities to provide programs and services. Offices within Student
Affairs have worked both internally and with academic departments to pool
remaining resources to try to meet basic education needs. These
efforts include:
- The Office of New Student Experience co-sponsors large campus events
with other campus offices that are mandatory for new students to attend at
the beginning of their college experience. Date rape, alcohol and
other drugs, DUI, STD and pregnancy prevention are topics typically covered.
-
The Office of Student Activities and Organizations co-sponsors
events throughout the academic year that address these topics and are
related to academic and co-curricular efforts including course-based
instruction and national awareness months.
-
Student Health Services works with instructors in the Physical
Education department, Health Education track, Psychology, Nursing and other
academic departments to provide in-class presentations and campus events
like Wellness Day. Examples of academic in-class experiences
addressing alcohol and other drug issues include:
-
a. General Psychology - effects of use on the brains
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b. Abnormal Psychology - additions and treatment
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c. Psych 313 - Drugs and Behavior
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d. Nursing - assessment, intervention and treatment
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e. Nursing - adolescent health and use
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f. Nursing - adult medicine and social consequences
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g. Music - wellness in performance
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h. Social Work - alcohol intervention and treatment issues
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i. PE 106 - high risk behaviors (required for graduation
Salisbury University Alcohol and Other Drug Programs Bi-annual Review 2007 - 2008
(Wellness Report)
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