Drug-Free Schools Policy Statement
Health Risks of Alcohol and Other Drugs
(Adapted, in part, from U.S. Department of Education, Schools Without Drugs)
Alcohol Abuse
Although only a small number of university students develop chronic alcohol problems, a substantial percentage of students are involved in incidents of inappropriate drinking, or binge drinking, which is defined as consuming five drinks in a row for men and four for women within two hours. This behavior results in nausea and vomiting, driving while intoxicated, hangovers, fights, vandalism and/or alcoholrelated arrests. The vast majority of all student arrests, campus disciplinary problems, academic difficulties and campus vandalism are alcohol related. By controlling the amount of alcohol consumed at any one time, the number of such incidents can be greatly reduced. In addition, individuals in the immediate community are likely to experience difficulties as a result of the drinking behaviors of others.
Short-Term Intoxication
Consumption of more than two averagesized servings of alcohol within several hours will produce measurable impairment of motor coordination and reasoning. The more alcohol consumed, the greater the impairment. Although many states, including Indiana, set a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent by volume as a presumptive level of intoxication for certain purposes, intoxication and impairment begin at a much lower level. It is safest to totally avoid alcohol consumption when planning to operate a vehicle or engage in risky recreational activities. At intoxication levels of 0.20 percent BAC and above, individuals risk loss of consciousness, nausea and vomiting, injuries, and even overdose death. Although the average lethal dose is about 0.40 percent, overdose deaths have occurred in some situations with BACs near 0.20 percent.
Long-Term Heavy Drinking
Drinking to the point of intoxication one to two times a week or more frequently over a period of several years can pose serious health consequences, including liver disease and cirrhosis, circulatory problems and cardiomyopathy, nervoussystem damage and polyneuropathy, alcohol dependence, and psychosis. Alcohol abuse can increase the risk of certain types of cancers, including cancer of the tongue, mouth, pharynx, esophagus, larynx and liver. The cancerproducing effects of alcohol abuse increase with the use of tobacco. Current research indicates that men and women do not respond to alcohol in the same way. Women can expect substantially more impairment than can men at equivalent doses.
Narcotics
Narcotics initially produce a feeling of euphoria that often is followed by drowsiness, nausea and vomiting. Users also may experience constricted pupils and watery and itching eyes. An overdose may produce slow and shallow breathing, clammy skin, convulsions, coma and possibly death. Tolerance to narcotics develops rapidly, and dependence is likely. Addiction in pregnant women can lead to premature, stillborn or addicted infants who experience severe withdrawal symptoms.
Marijuana is a heavily abused narcotic. Use of marijuana may impair or reduce shortterm memory and comprehension, alter sense of time and reduce ability to perform tasks requiring concentration and coordination, such as driving a car. Motivation and cognition may be altered, making the acquisition of new information difficult. Marijuana can also produce paranoia and psychosis. Because users often inhale the unfiltered smoke deeply, marijuana is damaging to the lungs and pulmonary system. Marijuana contains more cancercausing agents than tobacco.
Heroin affects the central nervous system by relieving pain and inducing sleep. It may also cause constricted pupils, nausea, and respiratory depression, which in its extremes can result in death. Heroin activates brain regions that produce euphoric sensations and brain regions that produce physical dependence — hence its notorious ability to produce both psychological and physical addiction. Its addictiveness is characterized by persistent craving for the drug, tolerance (the need for larger and larger doses to get the same results), and painful and dangerous withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms include panic, nausea, muscle cramps, chills, and insomnia. Heroin use during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. Infants exposed to heroin in the womb go through withdrawal at birth and exhibit various developmental problems. Besides the danger of overdose, addicts are susceptible to malnutrition, hepatitis, pneumonia, and AIDS.
Designer Drugs
Illegal drugs are defined in terms of their chemical formulas. To circumvent legal restrictions, underground chemists modify the molecular structure of certain drugs to produce analogs known as designer drugs. These drugs can be several hundred times stronger than the drugs they are designed to imitate. Analogs of amphetamines and methamphetamines cause nausea, blurred vision, chills or sweating, and faintness. Psychological effects include anxiety, depression and paranoia. As little as one dose can cause brain damage. The analogs of phencyclidine cause illusions, hallucinations, and impaired perception.
Ecstasy users experience pupil dilation, jaw clenching, shutter vision, general restlessness, loss of appetite/taste sensation changes, lack of concentration, tingling, sweaty palms, increased heart rate, mood swings, temporary depression, weight loss, and loss of consciousness. Heavy use has been linked to speedlike symptoms of paranoia, and in some cases, liver damage and heart attacks.
Stimulants
Stimulants can cause increased heart and respiratory rates, elevated blood pressure, dilated pupils and decreased appetite. In addition, users may experience sweating, headache, blurred vision, dizziness, sleeplessness and anxiety.
Cocaine is the most potent stimulant of natural origin. Chronic use of cocaine through snorting can ulcerate the mucus membrane of the nose. Injecting cocaine with unsterile equipment can cause AIDS, hepatitis and other diseases. Preparation of freebase, which involves the use of volatile solvents, can result in death or injury from fire or explosion. Cocaine can produce psychological and physical dependency; tolerance develops rapidly. Crack or freebase rock is extremely addictive,and its effects are felt within 10 seconds. The physical effects include dilated pupils, increased pulse rate, elevated blood pressure, insomnia, loss of appetite, tactile hallucinations, paranoia and seizures. The use of any form of cocaine can cause death by disrupting the brain’s control of the heart and respiration.
Amphetamines can cause a rapid or irregular heartbeat, tremors, loss of coordination and even physical collapse. An amphetamine injection creates a sudden increase in blood pressure, which can result in stroke, very high fever or heart failure. Additionally, users report feeling restless, anxious and moody. High doses intensify the effects. Those who use large amounts of amphetamines over a long period of time can develop an amphetamine psychosis that includes hallucinations, delusions and paranoia.
Methamphetamine (Meth) is a highly potent and addictive drug that affects the central nervous system. Meth releases high levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter, which stimulates brain cells and enhances mood and body movement. Immediate effects of meth include decreased appetite, irregular heartbeat, hypothermia, and elevated blood pressure. Effects of chronic use include addiction, mood disturbances, insomnia, extreme anorexia, tremors, severe dental problems, and violent behavior. Chronic use may additionally lead to brain damage. Using needles, syringes, and other equipment to inject meth increases the risk of contracting HIV or Hepatitis B and C. This drug is found in many forms including white powder and clear, crystallike chunks (referred to as “crystal meth”). In the powder form, meth dissolves easily in water and alcohol.
Diet pills may contain a substance chemically related to amphetamines. The abuse of diet pills can cause symptoms similar to those from using amphetamines. Diet pills, along with laxatives and vomitinducing substances, are often used by individuals with eating disorders and can be fatal.
Energy drinks, while legal, are considered addictive stimulants that can be abused. Energy drinks mixed with alcohol or with other drugs produce a heightened sensation. Combining alcohol and stimulant drinks can mask how intoxicated an individual feels and can give the person the impression he/she is not impaired. Both energy drinks and alcohol are dehydrating. Dehydration can hinder the body’s ability to metabolize alcohol and will increase the toxicity.
Depressants
The effects of depressants are, in many ways, similar to the effects of alcohol. Small amounts can produce calmness and relaxed muscles, but larger doses can cause slurred speech, staggering and altered perception. Very large doses can cause respiratory depression, coma and death. The combination of depressants and alcohol can multiply the effects of the drugs, thereby multiplying the risks. The use of depressants can cause both physical and psychological dependence. Regular use over time may result in a tolerance to the drug, leading the user to increase the quantity consumed. When regular users suddenly stop taking large doses, they may develop withdrawal symptoms that include restlessness, insomnia, anxiety, convulsions or death.
Rohypnol is a very potent tranquilizer similar to, but many times stronger than, Valium. The drug produces an amnesialike effect, muscle relaxation and a slowing of psychomotor responses. Rohypnol, also called the “date rape drug” or “roofies”, is often combined with alcohol, marijuana or cocaine to produce a rapid and very dramatic “high.” This may lead to respiratory depression, aspiration or death. Even if the drug is used by itself, users may appear extremely intoxicated with slurred speech, no coordination, swaying and bloodshot eyes. This drug is often given to individuals, without their consent, in order to produce confusion and lower inhibitions.
Prescription Drugs
Research has shown that prescription drug abuse is an increasing concern in the United States, with two leading abused prescription drugs being OxyContin and Ritalin.
OxyContin is a morphinelike narcotic that contains a high dose of oxycodone and is prescribed to treat chronic pain. Other drugs containing oxycodone include Percodan and Percocet; these also have a history of abuse. Research has shown that users tend to mix OxyContin with other painkillers, marijuana, or alcohol. Shortterm effects include blocked pain messages and drowsiness. Large doses can cause severe respiratory complications and possibly even death.
Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is a prescribed stimulant used to treat attentiondeficit disorder/hyperactivity disorder. It produces an effect more potent than caffeine but less potent than amphetamines.
Although the drug is prescribed orally, users will also snort and inject Ritalin. Misuse is characterized by students attempting to suppress appetite and remain awake, particularly to study. Very high doses of Ritalin can lead to irregular heartbeat, high body temperature, cardiovascular system failure, and seizure. If Ritalin is dissolved in water and injected, it can block small blood vessels, damage lungs, and impair eyesight.
Hallucinogens
PCP users report persistent memory problems and speech difficulties. Some of these effects may last for up to a year after prolonged daily use. Mood disorders, depression, anxiety and violent behavior may also occur. In later stages of chronic use, users often exhibit paranoid and violent behavior and experience hallucinations. Large doses may cause experience panic, confusion, suspicion, anxiety and loss of control. Delayed effects, or flashbacks, can occur even after use has ceased.
LSD use can have longlasting or even permanent psychoemotional effects. LSD experiences can range from indescribably ecstatic to extraordinarily difficult; many difficult experiences (or “bad trips”) result from a panicked user feeling that he or she has been permanently severed from reality.
Anabolic Steroids
Anabolic steroids are often misused in an attempt to increase muscle strength or bulk. Even small amounts of anabolic steroids may result in serious health consequences such as liver problems, high blood pressure, changes in blood chemistry, hardening of the arteries and weakness in heart muscle tissue. Breast, prostate, or bladder cancer are also potential health consequences associated with anabolic steroid use. Steroid use by adolescents may stop bone growth resulting in smaller, shorter body size. Other side effects often include acne, decreased immunesystem response, aggressiveness, and personality changes. Males who use steroids may suffer from premature baldness, decreased testicle size and function, lower sperm count, decreased sex drive, and unwanted body hair.
(Adapted, in part, from U.S. Department of Education, Schools Without Drugs)
Alcohol Abuse
Although only a small number of university students develop chronic alcohol problems, a substantial percentage of students are involved in incidents of inappropriate drinking, or binge drinking, which is defined as consuming five drinks in a row for men and four for women within two hours. This behavior results in nausea and vomiting, driving while intoxicated, hangovers, fights, vandalism and/or alcoholrelated arrests. The vast majority of all student arrests, campus disciplinary problems, academic difficulties and campus vandalism are alcohol related. By controlling the amount of alcohol consumed at any one time, the number of such incidents can be greatly reduced. In addition, individuals in the immediate community are likely to experience difficulties as a result of the drinking behaviors of others.
Short-Term Intoxication
Consumption of more than two averagesized servings of alcohol within several hours will produce measurable impairment of motor coordination and reasoning. The more alcohol consumed, the greater the impairment. Although many states, including Indiana, set a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent by volume as a presumptive level of intoxication for certain purposes, intoxication and impairment begin at a much lower level. It is safest to totally avoid alcohol consumption when planning to operate a vehicle or engage in risky recreational activities. At intoxication levels of 0.20 percent BAC and above, individuals risk loss of consciousness, nausea and vomiting, injuries, and even overdose death. Although the average lethal dose is about 0.40 percent, overdose deaths have occurred in some situations with BACs near 0.20 percent.
Long-Term Heavy Drinking
Drinking to the point of intoxication one to two times a week or more frequently over a period of several years can pose serious health consequences, including liver disease and cirrhosis, circulatory problems and cardiomyopathy, nervoussystem damage and polyneuropathy, alcohol dependence, and psychosis. Alcohol abuse can increase the risk of certain types of cancers, including cancer of the tongue, mouth, pharynx, esophagus, larynx and liver. The cancerproducing effects of alcohol abuse increase with the use of tobacco. Current research indicates that men and women do not respond to alcohol in the same way. Women can expect substantially more impairment than can men at equivalent doses.
Narcotics
Narcotics initially produce a feeling of euphoria that often is followed by drowsiness, nausea and vomiting. Users also may experience constricted pupils and watery and itching eyes. An overdose may produce slow and shallow breathing, clammy skin, convulsions, coma and possibly death. Tolerance to narcotics develops rapidly, and dependence is likely. Addiction in pregnant women can lead to premature, stillborn or addicted infants who experience severe withdrawal symptoms.
Marijuana is a heavily abused narcotic. Use of marijuana may impair or reduce shortterm memory and comprehension, alter sense of time and reduce ability to perform tasks requiring concentration and coordination, such as driving a car. Motivation and cognition may be altered, making the acquisition of new information difficult. Marijuana can also produce paranoia and psychosis. Because users often inhale the unfiltered smoke deeply, marijuana is damaging to the lungs and pulmonary system. Marijuana contains more cancercausing agents than tobacco.
Heroin affects the central nervous system by relieving pain and inducing sleep. It may also cause constricted pupils, nausea, and respiratory depression, which in its extremes can result in death. Heroin activates brain regions that produce euphoric sensations and brain regions that produce physical dependence — hence its notorious ability to produce both psychological and physical addiction. Its addictiveness is characterized by persistent craving for the drug, tolerance (the need for larger and larger doses to get the same results), and painful and dangerous withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms include panic, nausea, muscle cramps, chills, and insomnia. Heroin use during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. Infants exposed to heroin in the womb go through withdrawal at birth and exhibit various developmental problems. Besides the danger of overdose, addicts are susceptible to malnutrition, hepatitis, pneumonia, and AIDS.
Designer Drugs
Illegal drugs are defined in terms of their chemical formulas. To circumvent legal restrictions, underground chemists modify the molecular structure of certain drugs to produce analogs known as designer drugs. These drugs can be several hundred times stronger than the drugs they are designed to imitate. Analogs of amphetamines and methamphetamines cause nausea, blurred vision, chills or sweating, and faintness. Psychological effects include anxiety, depression and paranoia. As little as one dose can cause brain damage. The analogs of phencyclidine cause illusions, hallucinations, and impaired perception.
Ecstasy users experience pupil dilation, jaw clenching, shutter vision, general restlessness, loss of appetite/taste sensation changes, lack of concentration, tingling, sweaty palms, increased heart rate, mood swings, temporary depression, weight loss, and loss of consciousness. Heavy use has been linked to speedlike symptoms of paranoia, and in some cases, liver damage and heart attacks.
Stimulants
Stimulants can cause increased heart and respiratory rates, elevated blood pressure, dilated pupils and decreased appetite. In addition, users may experience sweating, headache, blurred vision, dizziness, sleeplessness and anxiety.
Cocaine is the most potent stimulant of natural origin. Chronic use of cocaine through snorting can ulcerate the mucus membrane of the nose. Injecting cocaine with unsterile equipment can cause AIDS, hepatitis and other diseases. Preparation of freebase, which involves the use of volatile solvents, can result in death or injury from fire or explosion. Cocaine can produce psychological and physical dependency; tolerance develops rapidly. Crack or freebase rock is extremely addictive,and its effects are felt within 10 seconds. The physical effects include dilated pupils, increased pulse rate, elevated blood pressure, insomnia, loss of appetite, tactile hallucinations, paranoia and seizures. The use of any form of cocaine can cause death by disrupting the brain’s control of the heart and respiration.
Amphetamines can cause a rapid or irregular heartbeat, tremors, loss of coordination and even physical collapse. An amphetamine injection creates a sudden increase in blood pressure, which can result in stroke, very high fever or heart failure. Additionally, users report feeling restless, anxious and moody. High doses intensify the effects. Those who use large amounts of amphetamines over a long period of time can develop an amphetamine psychosis that includes hallucinations, delusions and paranoia.
Methamphetamine (Meth) is a highly potent and addictive drug that affects the central nervous system. Meth releases high levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter, which stimulates brain cells and enhances mood and body movement. Immediate effects of meth include decreased appetite, irregular heartbeat, hypothermia, and elevated blood pressure. Effects of chronic use include addiction, mood disturbances, insomnia, extreme anorexia, tremors, severe dental problems, and violent behavior. Chronic use may additionally lead to brain damage. Using needles, syringes, and other equipment to inject meth increases the risk of contracting HIV or Hepatitis B and C. This drug is found in many forms including white powder and clear, crystallike chunks (referred to as “crystal meth”). In the powder form, meth dissolves easily in water and alcohol.
Diet pills may contain a substance chemically related to amphetamines. The abuse of diet pills can cause symptoms similar to those from using amphetamines. Diet pills, along with laxatives and vomitinducing substances, are often used by individuals with eating disorders and can be fatal.
Energy drinks, while legal, are considered addictive stimulants that can be abused. Energy drinks mixed with alcohol or with other drugs produce a heightened sensation. Combining alcohol and stimulant drinks can mask how intoxicated an individual feels and can give the person the impression he/she is not impaired. Both energy drinks and alcohol are dehydrating. Dehydration can hinder the body’s ability to metabolize alcohol and will increase the toxicity.
Depressants
The effects of depressants are, in many ways, similar to the effects of alcohol. Small amounts can produce calmness and relaxed muscles, but larger doses can cause slurred speech, staggering and altered perception. Very large doses can cause respiratory depression, coma and death. The combination of depressants and alcohol can multiply the effects of the drugs, thereby multiplying the risks. The use of depressants can cause both physical and psychological dependence. Regular use over time may result in a tolerance to the drug, leading the user to increase the quantity consumed. When regular users suddenly stop taking large doses, they may develop withdrawal symptoms that include restlessness, insomnia, anxiety, convulsions or death.
Rohypnol is a very potent tranquilizer similar to, but many times stronger than, Valium. The drug produces an amnesialike effect, muscle relaxation and a slowing of psychomotor responses. Rohypnol, also called the “date rape drug” or “roofies”, is often combined with alcohol, marijuana or cocaine to produce a rapid and very dramatic “high.” This may lead to respiratory depression, aspiration or death. Even if the drug is used by itself, users may appear extremely intoxicated with slurred speech, no coordination, swaying and bloodshot eyes. This drug is often given to individuals, without their consent, in order to produce confusion and lower inhibitions.
Prescription Drugs
Research has shown that prescription drug abuse is an increasing concern in the United States, with two leading abused prescription drugs being OxyContin and Ritalin.
OxyContin is a morphinelike narcotic that contains a high dose of oxycodone and is prescribed to treat chronic pain. Other drugs containing oxycodone include Percodan and Percocet; these also have a history of abuse. Research has shown that users tend to mix OxyContin with other painkillers, marijuana, or alcohol. Shortterm effects include blocked pain messages and drowsiness. Large doses can cause severe respiratory complications and possibly even death.
Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is a prescribed stimulant used to treat attentiondeficit disorder/hyperactivity disorder. It produces an effect more potent than caffeine but less potent than amphetamines.
Although the drug is prescribed orally, users will also snort and inject Ritalin. Misuse is characterized by students attempting to suppress appetite and remain awake, particularly to study. Very high doses of Ritalin can lead to irregular heartbeat, high body temperature, cardiovascular system failure, and seizure. If Ritalin is dissolved in water and injected, it can block small blood vessels, damage lungs, and impair eyesight.
Hallucinogens
PCP users report persistent memory problems and speech difficulties. Some of these effects may last for up to a year after prolonged daily use. Mood disorders, depression, anxiety and violent behavior may also occur. In later stages of chronic use, users often exhibit paranoid and violent behavior and experience hallucinations. Large doses may cause experience panic, confusion, suspicion, anxiety and loss of control. Delayed effects, or flashbacks, can occur even after use has ceased.
LSD use can have longlasting or even permanent psychoemotional effects. LSD experiences can range from indescribably ecstatic to extraordinarily difficult; many difficult experiences (or “bad trips”) result from a panicked user feeling that he or she has been permanently severed from reality.
Anabolic Steroids
Anabolic steroids are often misused in an attempt to increase muscle strength or bulk. Even small amounts of anabolic steroids may result in serious health consequences such as liver problems, high blood pressure, changes in blood chemistry, hardening of the arteries and weakness in heart muscle tissue. Breast, prostate, or bladder cancer are also potential health consequences associated with anabolic steroid use. Steroid use by adolescents may stop bone growth resulting in smaller, shorter body size. Other side effects often include acne, decreased immunesystem response, aggressiveness, and personality changes. Males who use steroids may suffer from premature baldness, decreased testicle size and function, lower sperm count, decreased sex drive, and unwanted body hair.