SUBSTANCE ABUSE
DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE PREVENTION INFORMATION
Introductory Note: To comply with federal laws (the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989), colleges must provide in writing to all students and employees the following information as part of a commitment to the prevention of the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol.
1. Standards of Conduct and Disciplinary Sanctions for Alcohol/Drug Offenses
Virginia Western students and employees may not possess, use, or distribute any illegal drugs while on campus, attending a college-sponsored off-campus event, or while serving as a representative of the College at off-campus meetings. This prohibition includes alcoholic beverages, except where lawfully permitted. Furthermore, all college students and employees are expected to be unimpaired by the effects of illegal drugs or alcohol while on campus or officially representing the college off-campus. (Refer to VWCC Student Handbook and VWCC Employee Substance Abuse Plan)
The disciplinary procedures and penalties for student misconduct involving illegal drugs or alcoholic beverages are provided in Section IX of the Statement of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct of the VWCC Student Handbook. Serious violations of the policy may lead to expulsion and criminal charges. Any employee of the college who violates the standards of conduct stated in the VWCC Employee Substance Abuse Plan shall be subject to disciplinary action, including discharge and/or referral to an assistance or rehabilitation program, at the discretion of the college. In the event of apparent violations of applicable state or federal laws, employees may also face criminal charges.
2. Applicable Legal Sanctions
The possession, distribution, or use of illicit drugs at or nearby a college is a violation of state and federal laws (Virginia Drug Control Act; Federal Controlled Substances Act). It is also unlawful for any person to consume alcoholic beverages in unlicensed public places (Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Act). Reported violations will be investigated by campus police and referred to appropriate public officials for criminal prosecution as warranted. (A description of state and federal prohibitions and penalties pertaining to illicit drugs and alcohol is provided later in this chapter.)
3. Health Risks Associated with Drug and Alcohol Abuse
Drugs and alcohol interfere with student learning and employee performance in the workplace. Use of drugs and alcohol can also have dangerous consequences for personal health and for the safety of others. A list of controlled substances and their effects is provided later in this chapter. Three of the more commonly abused drugs are highlighted below:
Alcohol impairs judgment and coordination; can cause damage to the brain, heart, liver and
pancreas; increases the risk of birth defects; high doses can cause respiratory depression and
death.
Marijuana has been linked to lung cancer, memory loss, slowed reaction time when driving,
depression of the immune system, and complications for pregnant women.
Crack/Cocaine can cause convulsions, infection, heart attack, stroke, respiratory failure,
brain seizures, psychosis, and death.
4. Counseling Services and Treatment Programs
Numerous community and state agencies, medical facilities, and private outpatient counseling/treatment programs are available to help Virginia Western students and employees dealing with substance abuse problems. A few examples are listed below:
Alcoholics Anonymous 343-6857
Blue Ridge Community Services 345-4002
Discovery at Saint Albans 981-8181
Lewis-Gale Center for Behavioral Health (Alcohol & Chemical Dependency Treatment) 776-1100
Lewis Gale Psychiatric Center 772-2800
Life Center, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment 800/345-6998
Mount Regis Treatment Center 389-4761
State Employee Assistance Service 703/552-8960
Students or employees may first seek advice from a college counselor regarding advice and referral for appropriate treatment. Confidentiality will be maintained to the extent permitted by law. For more information, contact the Counseling Office (857-7237) or Human Resources (857-7282).
VIRGINIA LAWS PERTAINING TO THE UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES, ILLICIT DRUGS AND ALCOHOL
ALCOHOL
Virginia's Alcohol Beverage Control Act (found at the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control) contains a variety of laws governing the possession, use, and consumption of alcoholic
beverages. The Act applies to the students and employees of this institution. As required by the Federal Drug-Free Schools and
Communities Act of 1989, the pertinent laws, including sanctions for their violations, are summarized below.
1. It is unlawful for any person under age 21 to purchase or possess any alcoholic beverage. Violation of the law
exposes the violator to a misdemeanor conviction for which the punishment is confinement in jail for up to twelve
months and a fine up to $2,500, either or both. Additionally, such person's Virginia driver's license may be suspended
for a period of not more than one year.
2. It is unlawful for any person to sell alcoholic beverages to persons under the age of 21 years of age. Violation of
the law exposes the violator to a misdemeanor conviction for which the punishment is confinement in jail for up to
twelve months and a fine up to $2,500, either or both.
3. It is unlawful for any person to purchase alcoholic beverages for another when, at the time of the purchase, he
knows or has reason to know that the person for whom the alcohol is purchased is under the legal drinking age. The
criminal sanction for violation of the law is the same as #2 above.
4. It is unlawful for any person to consume alcoholic beverages in unlicensed public places. Persons violating the
law, upon conviction, exposes the violator to a misdemeanor conviction for which the punishment is a fine up to $250.
CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES AND ILLICIT DRUGS
The unlawful possession, distribution, and use of controlled substances and illicit drugs, as defined by the Virginia Drug Control Act , are prohibited in Virginia. Controlled substances are classified under the Act into "schedules," ranging from Schedule I through Schedule VI, as defined in sections 54.1-3446 through 54.1-3456 of the Code of Virginia (1950), as amended. As required by the Federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, the pertinent laws, including sanctions for their violation, are summarized below.
1. Possession of a controlled substance classified in Schedules I or II of the Drug Control Act, upon conviction,
exposes the violator to a felony conviction for which the punishment is a term of imprisonment ranging from one to
ten years, or in the discretion of the jury or the court trying the case without a jury, confinement in jail for up to
twelve months and a fine up to $2,500, either or both.
2. Possession of a controlled substance classified in Schedule III of the Drug Control Act, upon conviction, exposes
the violator to a misdemeanor conviction for which the punishment is confinement in jail up to twelve months and a
fine up to $2,500, either or both.
3. Possession of a controlled substance classified in Schedule IV of the Drug Control Act, upon conviction, exposes
the violator to a misdemeanor conviction for which the punishment is confinement in jail for up to six months and a
fine up to $1,000, either or both.
4. Possession of a controlled substance classified in Schedule V of the Drug Control Act, upon conviction, exposes
the violator to a misdemeanor conviction for which the punishment is a fine up to $500.
5. Possession of a controlled substance classified in Schedule VI of the Drug Control Act, upon conviction, exposes
the violator to a misdemeanor conviction for which the punishment is a fine up to $250.
6. Possession of a controlled substance classified in Schedule I or II of the Drug Control Act with the intent to sell or
otherwise distribute, upon conviction, exposes the violator to a felony conviction for which the punishment is
imprisonment from five to forty years and a fine up to $100,000. Upon a second conviction, the violator must be
imprisoned for not less than five years but may suffer life imprisonment, and fined up to $100,000.
7. Possession of a controlled substance classified in Schedules III, IV, or V of the Drug Control Act with the intent
to sell or otherwise distribute, upon conviction, exposes the violator to a misdemeanor conviction for which the
punishment is confinement in jail for up to one year and a fine up to $2,500, either or both.
8. Possession of marijuana, upon conviction, exposes the violator to a misdemeanor conviction for which the
punishment is confinement in jail for up to thirty days and a fine up to $500, either or both. Upon a second conviction,
punishment is confinement in jail for up to one year and a fine up to $2,500, either or both.
9. Possession of less than one-half ounce of marijuana with intent to sell or otherwise distribute, upon conviction,
exposes the violator to a misdemeanor conviction for which the punishment is confinement in jail for up to one year
and a fine up to $2,500, either or both. If the amount of marijuana involved is more than one-half ounce to five
pounds, the crime is a felony with a sanction of imprisonment from one to ten years, or in the discretion of the jury or
the court trying the case without a jury, confinement in jail for up to one year and a fine up to $2,500, either or both.
If the amount of marijuana involved is more than five pounds, the crime is a felony with a sanction of imprisonment
from five to thirty years.
Additional Information:
