The College of Southern Idaho recognizes the health risks and costs associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol and is committed to providing a drug-free and alcohol-free educational environment which supports the mission of the College. It is the policy of the College of Southern Idaho that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, use of a controlled substance, or the purchase, sale, possession, use, or consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited on College premises and at all College-sponsored events and activities on and off campus. CSI’s primary role in dealing with matters involving the use or potential use of drugs or alcohol by its students is that of prevention, counseling, and education.
Drug and alcohol policy violations may also constitute violations of laws and students are accountable to both the College and the appropriate law enforcement agency. State and federal laws also prohibit the use and/or possession of illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia. CSI reserves the right to notify appropriate law enforcement agency when violation of the alcohol and drug policy is also a violation of law.
The Board of Trustees authorizes the President of the College or his designee to permit the presence of alcohol at an off-campus College-sponsored event when, in his discretion, it is appropriate. This alcohol policy does not apply to the College of Southern Idaho Foundation. This policy is subject to change at any time, as the College’s administration may deem necessary for the protection of people or property.
Health Risks
There are numerous health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol, including but not limited to
- Impairment of brain activity, digestion, and blood circulation; impairment of physiological processes and mental functioning; and, physical and psychological dependence. Such use during pregnancy may cause miscarriage, various birth defects or fetal alcohol syndrome. Additionally, the illicit use of drugs increases the risk of contracting hepatitis, AIDS and other infections. If used excessively, the use of alcohol or drugs singularly or in certain combinations may cause death.
- Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that can impair coordination, inhibitions, self-control, memory, judgment, and reflexes. Large quantities may produce staggering, slurred speech, mood changes, unconsciousness and possibly death. Prolonged use can damage many organs of the body including the heart, liver, stomach, and pancreas.
- Marijuana can increase heart rate, interfere with sexual development, may cause a reduction in male fertility and disrupt the female menstrual cycle. It can increase the risk of disease/damage to the body’s respiratory system, impair eye-hand coordination and other essential functions needed to operate a motor vehicle safely. It can also impair the body’s immune system.
- Cocaine can cause feelings of depression, inability, impatience and pessimism. It can also cause severe weight loss, anxiety, hallucinations, increased heart rate and blood pressure. Cocaine has caused death by convulsion, failure of the respiratory system, and by heart attack.
- Certain over-the-counter and prescription drugs can also cause drug tolerance, dependence, and addiction.
- Interaction between various drugs, legal and illegal, may have serious consequences to the user. Various combinations of drugs may work at cross purposes within the body, and the combined effects of two or more drugs may be more potent than the effect of a single drug.
- Club drugs such as MDMA (Ecstasy), GHB, LSD, Rohypnol, Ketamine and Methamphetamine can cause serious health problems and possibly death. Many of these drugs are tasteless and odorless. The chemicals, drug sources and pharmacological agents used to manufacture these drugs often vary, making it difficult to determine all of the effects, symptoms and health risks associated with club drugs. Confusion, depression, impaired motor function, amnesia, psychotic behavior, cardiac failure and permanent neurological and organ damage are some known effects associated with the use of these drugs.
- 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 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 the liver.