Alcohol & Other Drugs

Health Risks Associated with the Use of Alcohol and Other Drugs

Some of the health risks associated with alcohol and other drug use are specified below.  

1.    Alcohol: Contrary to popular belief, most college students do not drink alcohol excessively. Many have never consumed alcohol and others choose to drink moderately, or not at all. Individuals should consider the consequences and make responsible decisions when it comes to the use of alcohol.

You do not have to be an alcoholic to have a drinking problem. One night of excessive drinking can result in alcohol poisoning. On average, your body can only process one ounce of alcohol per hour (approximately one regular-sized drink). Drinking too much too quickly raises your blood alcohol content to the point where your body cannot effectively process alcohol, leading to overdose and possibly coma or death.

When you drink too much, your capacity to process information and make safe decisions is impaired. This places you at an increased risk for sexual assault and other violent behavior, exposure to sexually transmitted diseases, driving under the influence, and physical injury. Misusing alcohol can also have a negative impact on academic success, work performance, friendships and family relationships. 

Numerous health risks are associated with drinking. Alcohol intensifies the effects of over-the-counter medications or other drugs, which may cause physical damage to the body. Long-term excessive drinking can lead to a variety of health problems such as:  decreased brain function; impaired sensation, perception, coordination, reflexes, and judgment; memory lapses or blackouts, organ damage, and addiction. Research indicates that adult children of alcoholics have as much as a four to six times greater risk of becoming an alcoholic or having a problem with other drugs. 

2.    Cannabis: Immediate effects of THC (cannabis’s active ingredient) vary greatly with the person, setting, dose, and expectation of the user. Cannabis can make it harder to function and succeed in an academic setting particularly when tasks require close attention and thoughtful decision-making. Using cannabis may impair your short-term memory, reading comprehension, and capacity to solve verbal and mathematical problems. Uncomfortable feelings such as paranoia and panic are often experienced with cannabis. Additionally, regular use may lead to a motivational syndrome consisting of listlessness, fatigue, inattention, withdrawal and apathy making it rather difficult to achieve your academic and personal goals. 

Coordination is greatly affected by cannabis use since it slows reflexes and impairs visual perception. Driving while under the influence (or being driven by someone else under the influence) can be as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol. Regular use can lead to a variety of health problems such as elevated blood pressure and decreased body temperature; irritation of the mouth, throat, and lungs, and aggravation of asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema; chronic lung disease and cancer. Additionally, cannabis can lead to a positive drug test for as long as three months after your last use.

3.    Tobacco: The ingestion of nicotine through cigarette smoking is highly toxic, addictive, and can result in emphysema and cancer. Emphysema destroys the lung’s capacity to expand and contract which causes decreased oxygen intake leading to organ damage. Smoking has been linked to cancers of the lung, mouth, throat, pancreas, cervix, kidney, and bladder. Smoking cigarettes can also affect the health of non-smokers. Environmental tobacco smoke contains many of the toxic substances the smoker inhales. Alternatives to cigarettes such as chewing tobacco, snuff and e-cigarettes are not safe. They are highly addictive, contain more nicotine than cigarettes and can cause rapidly-spreading cancers of the mouth, head, and neck. E-cigarettes contain additional harmful ingredients including: ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs. Flavorings such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to serious lung disease and volatile organic compounds.  California State Law prohibits the purchase or distribution of tobacco products to individuals under the age of 21.

4.    Ecstasy (MDMA): Although Ecstasy (MDMA) has been publicized as a “feel good” designer drug, it is actually a hallucinogenic-amphetamine that can lead to a variety of physical problems such as cardiac difficulties, dangerously high body temperature, severe thirst and heat exhaustion, sensory distortion and heightened arousal. Even with limited use, it can permanently alter serotonin levels in your brain, which can increase the risk of chronic depression.

5.    Steroids: Anabolic steroids are synthetic versions of the male hormone testosterone. Used medically to supplement normal hormonal levels after injury or disease, others use steroids to increase muscle mass, reduce body fat, and enhance endurance. Steroid use can lead to a variety of health problems such as: liver disease and cancer; testicular atrophy, breast reduction, failure of secondary sex characteristics, sexual dysfunction, sterility, impotence, or fetal damage; acne, growth problems, or bone fusion. Psychological problems include aggression, violence, and uncontrolled anger (“roid rage”), rapid mood swings, and psychotic episodes.

6.   Cocaine: Cocaine is a potent drug with effects that begin almost instantly. Cocaine use can lead  to many health problems, such as damaged nasal tissues, kidney damage, or stroke; diseases of the lung, heart, and blood vessels; malnutrition, cardiac arrhythmia, convulsions, seizures, suppression of respiration, or sudden death. Psychological difficulties include intense anxiety and anger, restlessness, fear, paranoia, depression, and hallucinations. The effects of increased adrenaline fade fast resulting in a desire for more which increases the risk of repeated use and addiction

 7.    LSD: LSD dramatically alters normal mental and emotional processes.  Initial effects are mostly physical: dilated pupils, muscular weakness, rapid reflexes, decreased appetite, and increased blood pressure and body temperature. Subsequently, LSD scrambles your brain chemistry, significantly distorting thought and sensation which results in unusual or frightening hallucinations. LSD can trigger more serious problems for individuals with a history of emotional difficulties or psychological problems. Effects may recur days or weeks later without further use (flashbacks).

8.    Amphetamines: Amphetamines speed up the brain and nervous system. Even limited use can lead to many physical and emotional effects including increased heart rate and blood pressure; heart, brain, and lung damage, chronic fatigue and malnutrition. Psychological effects include anxiety, depression, mood swings, hallucinations, paranoia and psychosis. 

9.    Heroin: In recent years the potency of heroin has increased making it easier to achieve similar effects without injection. This has led to more individuals experimenting by snorting and smoking heroin. Regardless of the type of use, tolerance increases quickly resulting in a rapid addiction process as well as heightened physical cravings.  Heroin use can lead to many physical effects such as: drowsiness and loss of appetite, addiction with severe withdrawal symptoms, impaired mental functioning, slowing of reflexes and physical activity; infection, hepatitis, and HIV (from needle sharing), or death from overdose.

10. Predatory Drugs: These drugs are given to another person without their awareness of it, usually by slipping them into a drink. Rohypnol, better known as roofies, is a potent tranquilizer that is notorious for its use in sexual assaults. It is usually slipped into a drink, rendering the person helpless and immobile. Sedation occurs 20 to 30 minutes after administration and leaves the person feeling drowsy, dizzy, and disoriented. In addition to these sedative effects, impaired balance and/or speech, and memory loss are common. 

Like Rohypnol, GHB has also been associated with sexual assault. In its clear liquid form, it can easily be slipped into someone’s drink undetected. Effects of the drug can be felt in 15-20 minutes and also include dizziness, heavy drowsiness, and confusion. Some people use GHB to enhance the effects of alcohol or other drugs. This combination can be especially life-threatening. GHB use can lead to a variety of physical problems such as dizziness, nausea, breathing problems, memory loss, seizures, unconsciousness, and in some cases, death.  

Originally used as an animal tranquilizer, ketamine is now used as a club drug due to its hallucinogenic effects. Many serious negative effects can result from use including vomiting, numbness, and loss of muscle control, paranoia, and aggression. In larger doses, effects may include convulsions, decreased oxygen to the brain, coma and even death. Individuals who use ketamine are at increased risk for sexual and physical assault since their loss of muscle control and mental state makes them unable to combat assault.

11. Prescription Drugs:  The misuse or abuse of prescribed medication is illegal and is increasing in our society. This form of drug abuse can have dire consequences, especially when combined with other common recreational/prescribed drugs or alcohol. If you or someone you know has physical pain or emotional suffering, we urge you to see your doctor so that your condition can be accurately diagnosed and properly treated. To use medications outside their intended use can cause unintended damage to health or even death.

Alcohol and Other Drugs Programs & Resources for Assistance

Saint Mary’s College strives to create a campus environment that minimizes risks associated with alcohol and other drug use. In order to promote the wellbeing of the College community, and in compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (34CFR Part 86, Subpart B, 1989), educational programs regarding alcohol and other drugs are provided. These programs address problems associated with alcohol and other drug misuse, coping with peer pressure, risk reduction, development of healthy lifestyles, stress management, and identifying and helping others with alcohol and other drug problems.

The College offers services to students regarding issues related to alcohol and other drug use. Those concerned about a person’s life and health relative to alcohol and other drug use are urged to seek available resources. Students are encouraged to seek assistance from Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and the Health Center for evaluation and/or referral. Information obtained regarding a student during participation in such programs or services will be treated as confidential, in accordance with federal and state laws.

Legal Statutes

Students, faculty, staff, administration, alumni, and guests of Saint Mary’s College are responsible for the observance of applicable laws and local ordinances or codes with respect to alcoholic beverages and illegal drug use. In accordance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989, the applicable federal laws are available online as well as the California Statutes and Local ordinances.

Alcohol Regulations - Prohibited Conduct

The College reserves the right to confiscate, retain, and dispose of/destroy any and all alcohol related items regardless of value or ownership.

Students and their guests are expected to abide by the Code, this Policy and state and local laws/ordinances relative to the possession, consumption and distribution of alcoholic beverages. 

Alleged violations of the following regulations will initiate the student discipline process:

1. Persons who are under 21 years of age may not possess or consume any alcoholic beverage or possess alcoholic beverage containers, full or empty, anywhere on campus, including in a residence hall room for the purpose of decoration. Underage students who are in locations where other persons are consuming or possessing alcohol and it is prohibited will be considered to be in violation of this Policy even if they do not have alcohol on their person.

2. Persons who are 21 years of age or older may possess and consume alcohol in their residence hall room and/or in the common area of residence hall room. These persons who are 21 years of age or older may not offer, give, provide or otherwise make alcohol available to anyone underage or to an obviously intoxicated person. 

3. Alcohol may not be possessed or consumed in any public area of campus unless at a College sponsored activity at which alcohol is served in accordance with the guidelines provided for in this Policy. A public area is defined as those areas of the campus that are readily accessible to students, faculty, staff, and guests.  Public areas include, but are not limited to, lounges, lobbies, stairwells, balconies, hallways, roofs, classrooms, parking lots, courtyards, and outside areas.

4. The possession of kegs, “party-balls,” “beer bongs,” “beer pong tables,” or similar common-source or oversized containers is not permitted on campus unless at a College sponsored activity at which alcohol is served in accordance with the guidelines provided for in this Policy. A common-source of alcohol is also defined as a quantity of alcohol more than can be responsibly consumed by an individual.

5. Driving a motor vehicle after having consumed alcohol is prohibited.

6. Disorderly conduct, property destruction, violations of the rights of a roommate, intimidation, or other infringements of the rights of others as a result of alcohol use is prohibited. Intoxication or alcohol abuse is not an excuse for unlawful behavior or violations of the Code or other College policies.

7. Alcohol is not permitted at athletic events or in and/or on College athletic facilities, unless at a College sponsored activity at which alcohol is served in accordance with the guidelines provided for in this Policy.

8. Students and/or their guests may not furnish or attempt to furnish false information regarding their age and/or identity in order to possess or consume alcohol.

​College Responses for Alcohol

The responses outlined below are the potential outcomes for the violations listed. It should be noted that the Dean of Students, or designee, may determine alternative and/or additional responses on a case by case basis when warranted, including parental notification.

Category I (Any one of the conditions listed constitute a violation of this section of the Code):

a.  Underage possession or consumption of alcohol.

b.  Possession or consumption in public; being present at a location where alcohol is being consumed and where it is a violation to possess alcohol.

c.  Furnishing or attempting to furnish false information regarding age and/or identity.

d.  Possession of a “beer bong,” “beer pong table,” or other alcohol related paraphernalia.

• First Offense: education project or program; and written warning.

• Second Offense: education project or program; and written warning or probation..

• Third Offense: education project or program; probation or stayed suspension or suspension; and/or stayed residence hall suspension or residence hall suspension.

Category II: (Any one of the conditions listed constitute a violation of this section of the Code).  Regardless of age, student exhibits any of the following behaviors while under the influence of alcohol):

a.  Intoxication, disorderly conduct, verbally disruptive or abusive, physical assaults, vomiting but coherent and conscious.

b.  Providing alcohol to an underage or obviously intoxicated person.

c.  Possession of kegs or other common source or over-sized containers.

d.  Consumption of large quantities of alcohol regardless of physical appearance.

• First Offense: education project or program; and written warning or probation.

• Second Offense: education project or program; probation or stayed suspension; and/or stayed residence hall suspension or residence hall suspension.

• Third Offense: education project or program; stayed suspension or suspension or expulsion; and/or residence hall suspension or residence hall expulsion.

Category III (Any one of the conditions listed constitute a violation of this section of the Code).  Regardless of age, student exhibits any of the following behaviors):

a.  Vomiting and/or incoherent, unconscious, needed or received medical attention (including treatment by EMTs and/or transport to hospital, and/or including treatment at College sponsored events), loss of control of bodily functions, memory loss.

b. A pattern of alcohol abuse.

c. Driving a motor vehicle after the consumption of alcohol.

• First Offense: education project or program; probation or stayed suspension; and/or stayed residence hall suspension or residence hall suspension.

• Second Offense: stayed suspension or suspension or expulsion; and/or residence hall suspension or expulsion.

Cannabis Policy

Although California state law permits the recreational use of cannabis for persons over the age of 21 and permits the use of medical cannabis (i.e., use by persons possessing lawfully issued cannabis cards), Saint Mary’s College acts in accordance with federal law, specifically the Drug Free Schools and Community Act of 1989 (DFSCA). Thus, the College expects students and their guests to abide by federal laws that prohibit use, distribution, or consumption of cannabis on campus by anyone of any age for any reason. Cannabis is not allowed on College property, including campus housing, and nor is it permitted at any College sponsored events or activities off campus.The use, possession, or cultivation of cannabis for medical purposes is not allowed on any College property, including College housing, nor is it allowed at any College sponsored event or activity off campus. 

Illegal Drugs Regulations - Prohibited Conduct

The College reserves the right to confiscate, retain, and dispose of/destroy any and all drug related items regardless of value or ownership.

Alleged violations of the following regulations will initiate the student discipline process:

1. The possession, use, sale, distribution or manufacture of any controlled substance, illegal drug and/or drug paraphernalia, or the association with gatherings involving such possession, use or distribution is prohibited. Drug paraphernalia includes, but is not limited to, bongs, pipes, hookahs, water pipes, “whip- its,” and roach clips.  Students who are in locations where any controlled substance and/or illegal drug is being used will be considered in violation of this Policy even if they do not have the substance and/or drug on their person.

2. Possession of large quantities (28.5 grams or more) and/or the actual or attempted sale, distribution, cultivation or manufacture of any controlled substance, illegal drug and/or drug paraphernalia is prohibited.

3. The illegal use of or misuse/abuse of prescription or other legal drugs is prohibited.

4. Driving a motor vehicle after having used any illegal drugs or controlled substances is prohibited.

5. All illegal drugs or controlled substances and paraphernalia will be impounded and are subject to forfeiture without reimbursement or return to the person from whom they were confiscated.

College Responses for Illegal Drugs

The responses outlined below are a list of potential outcomes for these violations.  It should be noted that the Dean of Students, or designee, may determine alternative and/or additional responses on a case by case basis, including parental notification

 Category I (Any one of the conditions listed constitute a violation of this section of the Code):

1. Possession of drug paraphernalia or objects that could be used as drug paraphernalia.

2. Being in a location where controlled substances and/or illegal drugs are present.

   1. First Offense: education project or program; and written warning.

   2. Second Offense: education project or program; written warning or probation; and $50.00 fine.

   3. Third Offense: education project or program; probation or stayed suspension or suspension; stayed residence hall suspension or residence hall suspension; and $100.00 fine.

Category II (Any one of the conditions listed constitute a violation of this section of the Code):  

1. Possession and/or use of any controlled substance or illegal drug regardless of quantity, including seeds and/or residue.

2. Illegal use of or misuse/abuse of prescription or other legal drugs.

   1. First Offense: education project or program; written warning or probation; and $50.00 fine.

   2. Second Offense: education project or program; probation or stayed suspension; stayed residence hall suspension or residence hall suspension; and $100.00 fine.

   3. Third Offense: education project or program; stayed suspension or suspension or expulsion; residence hall suspension or residence hall expulsion; and $150.00 fine.

Category III (Any one of the conditions listed constitute a violation of this section of the Code):

1. Possession of a large quantity (28.5 grams or more) and/or the actual or attempted sale, distribution, cultivation or manufacture of any controlled substance, illegal drug and/or drug paraphernalia.

2. Driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of illegal drugs or controlled substances.

   1. First Offense: education project or program; probation or stayed suspension; stayed residence hall suspension or residence hall suspension; and $100.00 fine.

   2. Second Offense: stayed suspension or suspension or expulsion; residence hall suspension or expulsion; and $150.00 fine.

Guidelines for Events Where Alcohol Will Be Available

All events at which students may be in attendance (sponsored by any campus constituency) and alcohol is served must be registered and/or approved through Student Involvement & Leadership (SIL). Please contact SIL at 925-631-4704 for information.  The Alcohol Registration Form can be found here. The 1928 Pub and Athletics Facilities approved to serve alcohol are not included in these guidelines.

Visit the website for specific details regarding the guidelines for events where alcohol will be available.