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. Moderate to high doses of alcohol caused 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 and addiction. Sudden cessation of alcohol intake is likely to produce withdrawal symptoms, including severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations and convulsions. Addictions often require medical support. 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.
The Alcoholic Beverage Control Act was enacted in 1953. This Act is intended to protect the safety, welfare, health, peace and morals of Californians, eliminate the unlicensed and unlawful manufacture, sale and disposal of alcoholic beverages and promote temperance in the consumption and use of alcoholic beverages. (Bus and Prof. Code 23001)
A person convicted of a violation of the Alcohol and Beverage Control Act is guilty of a misdemeanor or felony depending on the violation.
The Uniform Controlled Substances Act may be found in the Health and Safety Code, Section 11000-11651. This Act is the result of a growing concern over substances. Controlled Substances are divided into five Schedules and the substances under each Schedule may be found in Sections 11053-11058.
Local laws generally are consistent with Federal and State laws.
University regulations controlling student behavior may be found in the California Code of Regulations, Title V, Education, Section 41301. The Campus Alcohol Policy includes procedures for serving alcoholic beverages on campus.
The University is required to post in designated areas information concerning the use of anabolic steroids.
SJSU students, faculty and staff are expected to comply with Federal, State and Local laws governing the use of alcohol and illicit drugs on the University campus and as part of university activities both on and off the campus. These laws control the possession, use and distribution of alcohol and unlawful drugs.
The sale, possession, distribution or use of illicit drugs will not be tolerated. Students, faculty and staff are expected to comply with laws governing the possession, distribution and consumption of alcohol as promulgated by the State of California and the university.
lt is the responsibility of every student, faculty member and employee to report incidents involving infractions of federal, state and local drug and alcohol laws on campus or at officially sponsored Off-Campus Activities to the Executive Vice President for Faculty Affairs, the Human Resources Officer or the Vice President for Student Affairs.
As is the case in courts, lack of awareness and/or failure to comprehend the regulations are not acceptable defense of one's actions.
SJSU students are encouraged to seek assistance for drug and alcohol problems at the Counseling Services or at the Student Health Center (via the Prevention Education Program). The State also maintains an Employee Assistance Program to help employees and their dependents with problems of alcohol and drugs.
State Employee Assistance Program
Concern 1-800-344-4222
www.concern-eap.com
Counseling Services
ADM 201
408-924-5910
www.sa.sjsu.edu/counseling
Student Health Center
HB 209
408-924-6119
www.sjsu.edu/studenthealth/
Page last generated: 11/10/2009 18:13:52
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