Statement on Illegal Drugs and Alcohol

Letter to the Students, Faculty, and Staff of Boston University from the President of Boston University:

Dear Colleagues and Students:

As part of Boston University's compliance with the 1989 Amendments to the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, I urge you to read the "Boston University Statement on Illegal Drugs and Alcohol." Boston University students, faculty members, and staff should know that unlawful use of or dealing in drugs or alcohol will not be tolerated. Use of drugs or alcohol in violation of state and federal laws or of University policy may result in severe sanctions.

The University recognizes that alcohol or drug abuse or dependency can have tragic consequences for students, faculty members, and staff as well as their families, friends, and colleagues. The following statement describes some of the many resources that are available to members of the University community who seek to free themselves from alcohol or drug abuse or dependency.

Boston University is committed to building a community in which the abuse of drugs and alcohol is recognized not just as self-destructive behavior but as detrimental to the whole community. I hope the "Boston University Statement on Illegal Drugs and Alcohol" will be an effective step in achieving this important goal.

Introduction
This statement is provided to students, faculty, and staff as part of Boston University's compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989. Faculty, staff, and students who receive funding and other support such as grants, contracts, and certain financial assistance from the federal government may be subject to additional restrictions and conditions imposed upon them by the Drug Free Workplace Act.

Policy
The general policies of Boston University provide that the University campus and University activities are not a sanctuary from federal, state, and local laws. The policies of the University prohibit the unlawful use, possession, sale, distribution, or manufacture of controlled substances or alcohol on University property or as part of University activities.

Boston University recognizes that alcoholism, drug addiction, and substance abuse may represent illnesses or conditions that require professional counseling, assistance, or treatment. Faculty, students, and staff with problems related to or stemming from alcohol or substance abuse or dependency are encouraged to utilize the services provided through the University or other sources of assistance. However, neither addiction nor abuse excuses any member of the University community for violating the rights of others, or for neglecting or performing inadequately academic or job-related responsibilities.

1. Standards of Conduct
The unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs or alcohol by any student or employee on University property or as part of or in connection with any University activity is prohibited.

2. Disciplinary Sanctions
The University will impose disciplinary sanctions on students and employees who violate University standards of conduct. In addition, students or employees who violate public law may be subject to criminal prosecution. Conviction may result in fines, imprisonment, and revocation or loss of eligibility to receive federal funding (such as grants and financial assistance) and other privileges.

University-imposed discipline may include sanctions up to and including expulsion of a student or termination of employment, in addition to referral for criminal prosecution. Disciplinary sanctions may include participation in a treatment, counseling, or other approved rehabilitation program.

State and Federal Laws and Sanctions Concerning Drugs and Alcohol
In addition to disciplinary sanctions imposed by the University, all students, faculty, and staff should be aware that federal, state, and some local laws treat illegal use, possession, sale, distribution, or manufacture of drugs or alcohol as serious crimes. Conviction can lead to imprisonment, fines, and assigned community service. Courts do not lift prison sentences in order to allow convicted persons to attend college or continue their jobs. Felony and certain other convictions can prevent you from entering many fields of employment or professions and may have to be listed on applications for employment or admission to graduate or professional schools.

Many cities and towns in Massachusetts, including Boston, have local ordinances and regulations which prohibit public consumption of alcoholic beverages or consumption of alcoholic beverages on private property without the owner's consent. The Metropolitan District Commission also prohibits public consumption of alcohol in its parks. Similar laws and regulations apply in most other states and in many localities.

Massachusetts laws punish sale or delivery of alcoholic beverages to persons under twenty-one with a fine of up to $2,000 and six months imprisonment, or both. Misrepresenting one's age or falsifying an identification to obtain alcoholic beverages is punishable by a fine of $300. First conviction of driving under the influence of alcohol has a penalty of a $500 - $5,000 fine, one year revocation of driver's license, up to two and a half years in prison, and mandatory alcohol rehabilitation.

Massachusetts has criminal penalties for use of controlled substances, or drugs, with penalties varying with the type of drug. In general, use of narcotic and addictive drugs, and drugs with high potential for abuse have heavier penalties.

Possession of drugs is illegal without valid authorization. While penalties for possession are generally not as great as for manufacture and distribution of drugs, possession of a relatively large quantity may be considered distribution. Under both state and federal laws, penalties for possession, manufacture, and distribution are much greater for second and subsequent convictions. Many laws dictate mandatory prison terms and the full minimum term must be served.

Massachusetts makes it illegal to be in a place where heroin is kept and to be "in the company" of a person known to possess heroin. Anyone in the presence of heroin at a private party or in a dormitory suite risks a serious drug conviction. Sale and possession of "drug paraphernalia" is illegal in Massachusetts. Under federal laws and some state laws, participation in drug" related criminal activity can result in seizure or forfeiture of personal property and other assets utilized in conjunction with or stemming from the proceeds of the illegal activity. In addition, conviction of a drug related offense may entail civil fines and denial or revocation of certain licenses and benefits.

Persons convicted of drug possession under state or federal law are ineligible for federal student grants and loans or for participation in federally sponsored research grants or contracts for up to one year after the first conviction, and up to five years after the second; the penalty for distributing drugs is loss of benefits for five years after the first conviction, for ten years after the second, permanently after the third.*

Under federal law, distribution of drugs to a person under age twenty-one is punishable by twice the normal penalty, i.e., a mandatory one-year prison term; a third conviction is punishable by mandatory life imprisonment. These penalties apply to distribution of drugs in or within 1,000 feet of a college or school. Federal law sets greatly heightened prison sentences for manufacture and distribution of drugs if death or serious injury results from use of the substance.

A listing of some of the federal penalties for certain drug-related offenses, as summarized by the federal government, can be found at the U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration web site. (Federal trafficking penalties for marijuana are shown on a separate page through this link.)

* In accordance with the requirements of the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, as a condition of employment, any employee who is engaged in the performance of work under a federal grant or contract must notify the University if he or she is convicted of violating any criminal drug statute for activities done in the workplace not later than ten days after conviction; students who receive Pell and certain other federal grants are subject to similar conditions and must report any conviction of a drug-related offense to the U.S. Department of Education within ten days of the conviction if the offense occurred during the period covered by the grant.

Health Risks of the Use of Illicit Drugs and Abuse of Alcohol
The use of illicit drugs, and the abuse of legally obtained drugs and alcohol can cause serious and permanent risk to life, health, and functioning.

In addition to the risks to oneself, the impairment of judgment, mental functions, or coordination caused by use or consumption of alcohol or narcotics and other drugs may contribute to accidents and serious injuries to others.

1. Alcohol: Effects
Alcohol consumption causes a number of marked changes in behavior. Even low doses significantly impair the judgment and coordination required to drive a car safely, increasing the likelihood that the driver will be involved in an accident. Low to moderate doses of alcohol also increase the incidence of a variety of aggressive acts, including spouse and child abuse. Moderate to high doses of alcohol cause marked impairments in higher mental functions, severely altering a person's ability to learn and remember information. Very high doses cause respiratory depression and death. If combined with other depressants of the central nervous system, much lower doses of alcohol will produce the effects just described.

Repeated use of alcohol can lead to dependence. Sudden cessation of alcohol intake is likely to produce withdrawal symptoms, including severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations, and convulsions. Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening. Long-term consumption of large quantities of alcohol, particularly when combined with poor nutrition, can also lead to permanent damage to vital organs such as the brain and liver.

Mothers who drink alcohol during pregnancy may give birth to infants with fetal alcohol syndrome. These infants have irreversible physical abnormalities and mental retardation. In addition, research indicates that children of alcoholic parents are at greater risk than other youngsters of becoming alcoholics.

Counseling, Treatment, and Rehabilitation Programs
Many well-qualified professionals and programs are available to provide assistance to individuals with problems of substance abuse and dependency. Such services are generally available through or the costs of participation may be covered in whole or in part by employee, family, or student health plans. No listing can cover all of the resources available in your community or close to your work location; most hospitals and many health service providers in your community offer programs and services of counseling and treatment. Many churches and other religious and community organizations provide programs, counseling, and other services.

Some of the resources available to members of the Boston University community are:

Faculty and Staff
The Faculty/Staff Assistance Office is available to provide confidential counseling, assistance, and referral. Appointments are available at both the Charles River Campus and the Medical Center Campus. The Danielsen Institute provides professional counseling and therapy on a fee-for-service basis.

Faculty/Staff Assistance Office
270 Bay State Road; 617/353-5381
For appointments at the Medical Center Campus, call 617/638-4666.

The Danielsen Institute
185 Bay State Road; 617/353-3047

Referral to outside agencies and long-term treatment or rehabilitation can be arranged through these resources.

Students:
All Boston University students may take advantage of counseling and consult resources about or obtain referrals to assist with treatment of alcohol or drug problems through:

The Mental Health Clinic
Student Health Services
881 Commonwealth Avenue; 617/353-3569

The Danielsen Institute
185 Bay State Road; 353-3047
(fee for service)

Other campus assistance includes:
Speak-Easy Peer Hotline, 353-3528

Students living in residence halls may contact the Residence Life staff assigned to their building for advice and referral

In addition, students at the Medical Center Campus should note the following services:

Students in the School of Medicine and its School of Public Health may use the services of Occupational and Environmental Medicine at Boston Medical Center, Preston Building, Room F-5, 617/638-8400, for counseling and treatment. The Associate Dean for Student Affairs, Room L109, 617/638-4166, provides counseling and referral to outside psychological services. Students and doctors at the School of Medicine also may use confidential services provided by the Physician Health Services of Massachusetts Medical Society, 860 Winter Street, Waltham, MA 02451, 781/434-7404.

Students in the Goldman School of Dental Medicine may speak with the Director or Associate Director of Prodoctoral Admissions and Student Affairs, Room G305, 617/638-4787, and may be referred to a psychologist for additional assistance. The Massachusetts Dental Society Committee on Drug and Alcohol Dependency, 1-800-468-2004 (24-hour coverage) provides confidential assistance to dental Students as well as to dentists.

Other resources available to all members of the University community:

The following branches of national organizations provide support and assistance to individuals and families:

• Alcoholics Anonymous, 617/426-9444 (branches in many towns and cities)
• Al-Anon and Ala-Teen, 781/843-5300 (assistance to individuals who have a relationship with an alcoholic person; branches in many towns and cities)
• Narcotics Anonymous, 617/884-7709 (branches in many towns and cities)
• Boston University campus based branches/support groups of the above three organizations meet regularly. Contact Marsh Chapel, 617/353-3560, for times and locations of meetings.
• A national toll-free "hotline" provides referral information for all areas of the country; call 1-800-DRUG HELP.