CWI Drug & Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program

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College of Western Idaho (CWI) is committed to providing its students and employees a drug and alcohol free workplace and learning environment. Toward that end, CWI prohibits the unlawful possession, use, manufacture, or distribution of unauthorized drugs and alcohol in the workplace, on the campuses, or at any CWI activities. There are many people whose job, academic performance, and productivity are adversely affected by their dependence on drugs and alcohol. To address this issue, CWI strives to:

  • Educate students and employees about alcohol and drug abuse in an effort to encourage responsible decisions around their use,
  • Intervene on behalf of students and employees who have experienced negative consequences around alcohol and drugs so as to reduce the harm and manage the risks associated with their use,
  • Support students and employees who are in recovery from substance abuse and addiction,
  • Promote constructive lifestyles and norms that discourage alcohol and drug abuse, and
  • Develop social and physical environments that facilitate alcohol and drug abuse-free lifestyles.

As part of the commitment to the provision of high quality and effective service to our students, employees, and the public, CWI provides a drug and alcohol abuse prevention program. The program is accessible to all members of the college community. CWI is committed to the dissemination of drug and alcohol awareness information to students, faculty, and all employees.

Read CWI's Biennial Review

  • Operation of the Program

    CWI has established a drug-free and alcohol abuse awareness program to inform its faculty, staff, and students about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse and the penalties that may be imposed for drug and alcohol abuse violations. The Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program is available to all faculty, staff, and students of CWI. As part of this program, CWI has implemented several measures:

    • Annually, employees and students are made aware of the CWI Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program by means of electronic mail.
      • New staff and faculty members are informed of the program at New Employee Orientation.
      • Students are sent the program information (through electronic mail) each new semester to ensure the content is conveyed to all students attending CWI.
      • Employees are sent the program information (through electronic mail) each academic year.
    • In addition to the annual notification, students and employees are offered literature on drug and alcohol abuse. Such material is available at the Student Life Center.
    • Multiple events are held annually discussing the dangers and impact of drug and alcohol abuse at CWI.
      • Such events include, but are not limited to:
        • resource fairs, training sessions, and workshops.
          • These programs are open to CWI students and employees free of charge. These platforms develop the strengths and skills related to the effective management of drug and alcohol related problem areas.
    • CWI provides students the opportunity to participate in campus clubs and organizations. These CWI events and organizations promote a constructive lifestyle and encourage healthy behavior in an environment absent from drugs and alcohol.

  • Standards of Conduct

    CWI prohibits the unlawful possession, use, distribution, or manufacture of illicit drugs and/or alcohol on the campus and at sponsored events. The unlawful use of drugs or alcohol is inconsistent with the behavior expected of members of the CWI community. Violations may result in criminal action as well as disciplinary action on campus. 

    Students

    CWI is dedicated to providing a quality comprehensive educational program designed to meet and balance the diverse and changing educational, social, economic, and cultural needs of the community while providing a safe and healthful environment. CWI is committed not only to learning and to the advancement of knowledge, but also to the education of ethically sensitive and responsible persons. CWI seeks to achieve these goals through a sound educational program and through policies and guidelines governing student life that encourage responsibility and respect for the rights and viewpoints of others.

    Therefore, the use, sale, distribution, possession of alcohol, or any drug- including prescription medication used in an unauthorized manner- is strictly prohibited and may result in disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion.

    CWI believes that students are adults who are responsible for their own actions, and who should be free to pursue their educational objectives in an environment that promotes learning, protects the integrity of the academic process, and protects the learning community.

    Each student shall have access to CWI’s policies and guidelines concerning the student code of conduct. These policies and guidelines are in effect when attending or participating in any class or activity sponsored by CWI, either on campus or at an off-campus location.

    For further guidance, students are instructed to see the Student Handbook. Student Handbook

    Employees

    While at work, each employee has a responsibility to deliver service in a safe, efficient, and conscientious manner. Therefore, the use, sale, distribution, possession of alcohol, or any drug, including prescription medication used in an unauthorized manner is strictly prohibited and may result in disciplinary action up to, and including, termination.

    As a condition of employment, an employee shall notify his or her supervisor of any conviction for an alcohol or drug related offense. Failure to give this notification may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

    Drug Free Workplace Policy

  • Health Risks

    Substance abuse may result in a wide array of serious health and behavioral problems. Alcohol and drugs are toxic to the human body. In addition to the problem of toxicity, contaminant poisonings often occur with illegal drug use. HIV infection with intravenous drug use is a prevalent hazard. Acute health problems may include heart attack, stroke, and sudden death, which can occur for first time cocaine users. Long lasting effects caused by drug and alcohol abuse can cause problems such as disruption of normal heart rhythm, high blood pressure, leaks of blood vessels in the brain, bleeding and destruction of brain cells, possible memory loss, infertility, impotency, immune system impairment, kidney failure, cirrhosis of the liver, and pulmonary damage. Drug use during pregnancy may result in fetal damage and birth defects causing hyperactivity, neurological abnormalities, and developmental difficulties.

    Additional health risks can include:

    Substance Some Possible Long-Term Effects
    Alcohol toxic psychosis, physical dependence, neurological and liver damage, fetal alcohol syndrome, impaired judgment
    Amphetamines and Methamphetamines
    (Adderall) uppers, speed, crank    		 loss of appetite, delusions, hallucinations, heart problems, hypertension, irritability, insomnia, toxic psychosis, rebound depression
    Barbiturates
    barbs, bluebirds, blues     		 severe withdrawal symptoms, possible convulsions, toxic psychosis, depression, physical dependence, impaired judgment
    Benzodiazepines 
    (Valium, Xanax, Ativan, Dalmane, Rohypnol) benzos, downers, sleepers, tranqs, roofies    		 impaired judgment, sedation, panic reaction, seizures, psychological dependence, physical dependence
    Cocaine & Cocaine freebase
    coke    		 loss of appetite, depression, weight loss, seizure, heart attack, stroke, hypertension, psychosis, chronic cough, nasal passage injury, hallucinations
    Codeine physical dependence, constipation, loss of appetite, lethargy, respiratory depression
    Heroin
    H, junk, smack    		 physical dependence, constipation, loss of appetite, lethargy, respiratory depression
    Inhalants
    ames, gas, laughing gas, poppers, snappers    		 psychological dependence, psychotic reactions, confusion, frozen airway, sudden death
    LSD
    Acid    		 may intensify existing psychosis, panic reactions, can interfere with psychological adjustment and social functioning, insomnia, flashbacks
    MDA, MDMA, MOMA
    ecstasy, xtc    		 same as LSD, sleeplessness, nausea, confusion, increased blood pressure, sweating, paranoia
    Marijuana (THC, cannabis)
    pot, grass, dope, weed, joints    		 bronchitis, conjunctivitis, mood swings, paranoia, lethargy, impaired concentration
    Mescaline (peyote cactus)
    mesc, peyote    		 may intensify existing psychosis, hallucinations at high dose
    Methaqualone
    Ludes    		 coma, convulsions
    Morphine
    M, morf    		 physical dependence, constipation, loss of appetite, lethargy
    Opioids (OxyContin, Vicodin, Fentanyl, Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Morphine, Buprenorohine)
    Risk of addiction, accidental overdose, death. GI problems, respiratory problems, including slowed or irregular breathing, heart rhythm abnormalities that can lead to cardiac events, such as stroke, heart failure, and death.
    PCP
    crystal, tea, angel dust    		 psychotic behavior, violent acts, psychosis, hallucinations at high dose
    Psilocybin
    magic mushrooms, shrooms    		 may intensify existing psychosis
    Steroids
    roids, juice    		 cholesterol imbalance, acne, baldness, anger management problems, masculinization of women, breast enlargement in men, premature fusion of long bones preventing attainment of normal height, atrophy of reproductive organs, impotence, reduced fertility, stroke, hypertension, congestive heart failure, liver damage, depression

  • Employee and Student Assistance Programs

    Students seeking assistance can schedule an appointment with Counseling Services who will assist students in setting up counseling services with our community partners. CWI employees may seek assistance through the CWI EAP program through Blue Cross of Idaho. Specific information is available for employees by contacting Human Resources or visiting the Blue Cross website.

    Any member of the College community that is experiencing symptoms associated with their own or someone else’s alcohol or drug use is encouraged to seek help.

    Local Resources

    Resources

    • National Alcohol and Drug Abuse Help Line: 800.821.4357
    • Alcohol Abuse 24 Hour Hotline: 800.950.7226
    • Drug Abuse Hotline: 877.959.7812
    • 24 Hour Addiction Treatment Hotline: 877.340.0184
    • National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): 800.662.4357
    • Narcotics Anonymous https://www.na.org/meetingsearch
    • Al Anon and Alateen: 888.425.2666
    • SAMHSA:  800.662.HELP (4357)
    • NASADAD: http://nasadad.org/prevention-resources/
    • Idaho Rehab: 208.228.0532
    • The Center for Alcohol and Drug Resources http://www.tcadr.org/

  • Disciplinary Sanctions

    The CWI policy prohibiting the unlawful possession, use, distribution, or manufacture of illicit drugs and/or alcohol on the campus sponsored events protects and supports the employees and students of CWI.

    All CWI students and employees are expected to comply with federal, state, and local drug and alcohol laws as well as CWI policies and procedures. Any student or employee who violates any of these drug or alcohol laws will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency and will be subject to prosecution in accordance with the law. Legal sanctions for violation of local, state, and/or federal laws may include, but are not limited to fines, jail, or prison sentences up to ninety-nine (99) years or life. Students who violate both the Student Code of Conduct and federal, state, local, or other applicable law may be accountable to both and the CWI civil or criminal authorities.

    Students who are convicted of a crime involving drugs or controlled substances may be inelligible to receive Federal Student Aid, including Student Loans, federal and state grants, and federal work study.

    Student Code of Conduct

    The College shall, within the scope of applicable federal and state due process requirements, take such administrative or disciplinary action as is appropriate for violations of the Illegal, Unauthorized, or Irresponsible Substance Use Policy, which covers the Drug and Alcohol Prevention Program expectations, and applicable law. In the event that such violation is also a violation of federal, state, or local law, CWI may decide to proceed or delay its own disciplinary processes.

    Sanctions

    Sanctions for violation of CWI’s Illegal, Unauthorized, or Irresponsible Substance Use Policy are designed to be educational in nature and assist students with resuming a healthy lifestyle, conducive to the ongoing success of their academic and personal goals.  As a result, students are typically assigned a combination of sanctions: Status and Individual. 

    Status Sanctions

    Status sanctions pertain to a student’s relationship with the College, and provide a form of consistency for the College in responding to acts of misconduct. One or more of these is usually issued when a student has been found responsible for violating the Code:

    • Warning – written notice to the student that the behavior is not acceptable at CWI and that additional incidents may result in more severe sanctions. This notice exists in the student conduct file and is not reflected on an academic transcript.
    • Behavior Contract – a contract that states behavioral expectations for the student and penalties (class- or program-based) and/or sanctions assigned if the contract is violated. Violation of a behavior contract generally leads to removal from a class or program and/or more serious status sanctions. If a student refuses to sign the behavior contract, the penalties and sanctions delimitated in the contract are enacted.
    • Disciplinary Probation – a period of time (which may be indefinite) during which a student is under warning that any other violation of college policy may result in suspension. Disciplinary probation may also prohibit a student from participating in certain college activities or programs, as it is considered notice that the student is not in good standing due to behavior. This sanction is not reflected on the academic transcript.
    • Suspension – a defined period of time during which a student is not permitted to engage in any of the privileges, courses, organizations, events, or activities associated with being a student at CWI. During the period of suspension, a hold designating such will be placed on the student’s account and transcript prohibiting registration, enrollment, attendance, or ability to earn credit for any credit or noncredit courses offered by CWI. This also prohibits receipt of a degree or certificate from CWI during this time. This suspension does not prevent a student from attending another college or university, transferring any otherwise qualifying credits back to CWI at a later date, or receiving copies of CWI transcripts reflecting academic credits previously earned. Once the period of suspension has been completed, the hold will be lifted from the student account, provided the student has completed any other requirements required prior to return. During the period of suspension, the student is also banned from CWI property unless otherwise stated.
    • Expulsion – the indefinite termination of a student’s status at the College. This prohibits engagement in any of the privileges, courses, organizations, events, or activities associated with being a student at CWI. This does not prohibit the transferring of credits earned to another college or university, but the expulsion is designated permanently on the academic transcript. Unless otherwise stated, the student is also indefinitely banned from CWI property. This is the most egregious sanction that the College can impose upon a student. Expulsion is designed to be a permanent separation from the institution; however, in those rare cases where a student seeks to return to the College at a later date after making significant behavioral changes, a student may petition for reinstatement. A petition for reinstatement may be submitted no earlier than 5 years after the date of expulsion. The petition should be submitted in writing to the Dean of Students and should describe 1) what actions the individual has taken to learn from the situation and prevent the behaviors from re-occurring, and 2) what educational pursuits the individual seeks at CWI. The Dean of Students will convene a committee of faculty and staff to review the petition and provide a recommendation for the Dean’s consideration. The Dean will make a decision and provide the outcome to the student. If denied, the former student may repetition once one year has passed. There is no appeal process to this decision.
    • Conditional Re-Enrollment – A hold is placed on the student’s account, prohibiting re-enrollment until certain activities or sanctions are completed. The student may also be under behavioral restrictions upon enrollment.
    • Restriction of Access or Privileges – Prohibition on accessing a specific area or building of campus, and/or prohibition from participating in certain activities. This may include removal from a course or formal learning activity for a specified period of time or for the duration of the activity. This sanction may or may not affect a student’s ability to take a specific course, but it typically allows for the pursuit of educational programs overall.
    • Ban from Campus – prohibition on accessing any College property, including satellite campuses.

    Individualized Sanctions

    In addition to the standard sanctions above, individualized sanctions may be imposed that are designed to maximize the learning of a specific student. These sanctions take into account the student’s learning style and stage of development, as well as the unique factors of a given situation. Multiple individualized sanctions may be imposed, including but not limited to one or more of the following:

    • Reflective Activity: an activity designed to promote reflection by the student about their behavior and its impacts. Examples can include writing assignments, interviews, research projects, etc. Completion will be based on fulfilling the objective requirements of the assignment, not on whether the student adopts or expresses a particular perspective or point of view.
    • Counseling Assessment: Completion of an assessment with a licensed care provider as well as documentation of learning about possible resources for follow up
    • Restitution: Payment to a harmed party, such as to repair or replaced vandalized property
    • Community and/or College Service: Completion of a designated number of hours of service on campus or in the community
    • Meetings with College Resources: Meeting with a College employee or office to learn about resources offered to support students

    Students who are found to be responsible for violating the code of conduct may be subject to class- or activity-based sanctions in addition to status and individualized sanctions.

    Families may be notified in certain circumstances under the Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

    Idaho State and Civil Alcohol Penalties
    Idaho State Criminal and Civil Penalties for Offense of a Controlled Substance

    Federal

    • 1 U. S. C. 841 makes it a crime (a) to manufacture, distribute, or dispense, or possess with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense, a controlled substance; or (b) to create, distribute, or dispense, or possess with intent to distribute or dispense, a counterfeit substance.
    • The Controlled Substances Act places all substances which are in some manner regulated into one of five schedules. The CSA provides penalties for unlawful manufacturing, distribution, and dispensing of controlled substances.
    • The U. S. Code establishes and authorizes the U. S. Attorney General to revise as needed, classifications of controlled substances. Schedule I is comprised essentially of “street drugs” and Schedule V is comprised of drugs with a “low potential for abuse” when compared with drugs in schedules I-IV. Examples of Schedule I drugs are heroin and marijuana. PCP, for example, is a Schedule II drug. Amphetamine is a Schedule III drug, while Barbital is a Schedule IV drug. An example of a Schedule V drug would be a prescription medication with not more than 200 mg. of codeine per 100 grams.
    • The penalties are determined by the schedule of the drug or other substance, and sometimes are specified by drug name, as in the case of marijuana.
    • Penalties for first offenses include a fine up to $10 million and/or a prison term up to life, but no less than 1 year.
    • For the Drug Enforcement Agency’s complete list of Federal Trafficking Penalties for Schedules I-V and Marijuana, please see: https://www.dea.gov

    *Penalties for subsequent violations of the above-described provisions are progressively more severe than the initial convictions. Penalties, laws, and statutes may change without notice. This list is not intended to be comprehensive. For a complete list of drug and alcohol related offenses, please contact the appropriate law enforcement agency.

  • Tips for Prevention

    While there is no one way or guaranteed way to prevent someone from abusing drugs and alcohol, there are things that everyone can do to prevent substance abuse.

    Here are five ways to prevent substance abuse:

    1. Understand how substance abuse develops. Substance abuse often starts by:

    • Using addictive drugs (illicit or prescribed) for recreational purposes

    • Seeking out intoxication every time you use

    • Misusing or abusing prescription medication

    2. Avoid Temptation and Peer Pressure. Develop healthy friendships and relationships by avoiding friends or family members who pressure you to use substances. It’s often said “we become most like those we surround ourselves by,” meaning if you surround yourself with people who abuse drugs and alcohol you are more likely to as well. Peer pressure is a major part of life for teens and adults. If you are looking to stay drug free develop a good way to say no, and build a support network of friends who hold the same values.

    3. Seek help for mental illness. Mental illness and substance abuse often go hand in hand. If you are dealing with a mental illness such as anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder you should seek professional help from a licensed therapist or counselor. A professional will provide you with healthy coping skills to alleviate your symptoms without turning to drugs and alcohol.

    4. Examine the risk factors. Look at your family history of mental illness and addiction, several studies have shown that this disease tends to run in the family, but can be prevented. The more you are aware of your biological, environmental and physical risk factors the more likely you are to overcome them.

    5. Keep a well-balanced life. People often turn to drugs and alcohol when something in their life is missing or not working. Learning and practicing stress management skills can help you manage life stressors and will help you live a balanced and healthy life.

    Develop goals and dreams for your future. These will help you focus on what you want and help you realize that drugs and alcohol will simply get in the way and hinder you from achieving your goals.

    Share these tips for avoiding and preventing substance abuse with your friends and family and help promote a healthier lifestyle free from addiction.

    Adapted from Prairie View A&M University.

  • Warning Signs of Drug and/or Alcohol Abuse

    There are symptoms and signs to be on the watch for that may indicate substance abuse or addiction in yourself and others.

    Signs to watch for in yourself:

    • Feeling that you have to use the drug regularly — daily or even several times a day
    • Having intense urges for the drug that block out any other thoughts
    • Over time, needing more of the drug to get the same effect
    • Taking larger amounts of the drug over a longer period of time than you intended
    • Making certain that you maintain a supply of the drug
    • Spending money on the drug, even though you can't afford it
    • Not meeting obligations and work or school responsibilities, or cutting back on social or recreational activities because of drug use
    • Continuing to use the drug, even though you know it's causing problems in your life or causing you physical or psychological harm
    • Doing things to get the drug that you normally wouldn't do, such as stealing
    • Driving or doing other risky activities when you're under the influence of the drug
    • Spending a good deal of time getting the drug, using the drug or recovering from the effects of the drug
    • Failing in your attempts to stop using the drug
    • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you attempt to stop taking the drug

    Things to watch for in others:

    • Problems at school or work — frequently missing school or work, a sudden disinterest in school activities or work, or a drop in grades or work performance; neglecting responsibilities
    • Physical health issues — lack of energy and motivation, sudden weight loss or gain,  changes in appetite and/or sleep patterns; tremors, slurred speech, or impaired coordination; unusual odors on breath, body, or clothing
    • Neglected appearance — lack of interest in physical appearance, deterioration of personal grooming habits
    • Changes in behavior — exaggerated efforts to keep family members out of personal space; engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviors; getting into legal trouble, including fights, accidents, illegal activities; drastic changes in relationships with family and friends
    • Unexplained change in personality or attitude - sudden mood swings, increased irritability, or angry outbursts; periods of unusual increased energy, nervousness, or instability; lack of motivation; appearing fearful, anxious, or paranoid with no reason
    • Money issues — sudden requests for money without a reasonable explanation; or your discovery that money is missing or has been stolen or that items have disappeared from your home

    Sources:

  • Biennial Review

    This program is the responsibility of the Departments of Student Affairs and Human Resources in support of Financial Aid. Notification of the program, including information about health risks and sanctions for violation of the policy, will be provided annually to the students and employees of CWI by these departments.

    The CWI Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program will be reviewed biennially. CWI is committed to monitoring and assessing the effectiveness of the policy and program and what changes need to be made. CWI ensures the uniform application of sanctions to employees and students. To perform this review, CWI uses both formal and informal assessments.

    • Formally, CWI maintains a Drug and Alcohol Prevention Review Team. The Review Team determines the effectiveness of this program and ensures the standards of conduct are fair and consistently enforced. The formal program review is conducted every two years by the Review Team.
    • Informal assessment methods used in the review include administrative overview, and informal student surveys.
    • Modifications are made to the programs and the expected learning outcomes in an effort to evolve with changes in the student population.  

    A systematic prescriptive disciplinary process ensures each disciplinary referral is resolved appropriately, and the consequences or sanctions adequately address the nature of the issue. Emphasis is placed on student and employee development and a holistic approach to the student learning and staff development with a preference for education and treatment over punitive actions, were appropriate.

    Full Biennial Review