DRUG ABUSE AND THE COLLEGE ENVIRONMENT

Rose-Hulman is a microcosm of American mainstream society. As such, its citizens reflect all of the general characteristics of such a richly diversified nation.

The news media throughout the country report daily on the alarming incidence of various forms of "drug abuse" among our citizens. Some have even stated that drugs may be the single most dangerous domestic threat facing this country.

Clearly, drug abuse is a problem which we need to address in all seg­ments of society. The Rose-Hulman community is no exception. It's simply naive to believe that drugs and the potential for drug abuse do not exist here. They do exist here, and there is abuse.

At their worst, drugs kill. At their very least, they disrupt lives, cut short promising careers, and cause a wide variety of physiological and psychological problems. Moreover, distribution and/or use of illegal drugs can lead to serious legal problems.

We have prepared this brochure as a quick reference for all citizens of the campus. Its overriding goal is to prevent drug abuse by providing facts that refute any alleged benefits. However, we also realize that some may be currently abusing drugs, and specific steps are offered for getting professional help.

This brochure is both an educational piece and a statement of policy for students and employees of Rose-Hulman. If you have never abused drugs, it's our hope that this information will be reinforcing. If you are currently abusing drugs, hopefully this piece will help you recognize the problem for what it is, admit it to yourself, and seek help. Together, we can strive to make the Rose-Hulman environment drug-free.

DRUGS: Their Impact on Daily Life

Why do people abuse drugs? There are almost as many "reasons" as there are people who abuse drugs. At first, many young people experiment with drugs because of "peer pressure", "adult examples", "to feel grown up", 'to rebel" against parental values and authority, "curiosity", "for kicks", "to escape" problems, or because of their wide availability. Later, some may decide to continue using drugs 'to relieve boredom", "to get more energy, to obtain a "high", 'to feel more creative", 'to improve performance", 'to reduce anxiety and tension", 'to solve problems", 'to escape reality, or 'to help relate to other people". Whatever the reason, the fact is that drugs can become a daily habit and can actually create a physical or psychological NEED within the user. In this sense, they can have a devastating effect on the daily life of the user and those closest to that individual.

The stereotype of the drug abuser (i.e., the dead beat, skid row bum, etc.) can blind us to the existence of a student's or co-worker's drug or alcohol problem. Most abusers do not "fit" this stereotype. For example, a serious cocaine user is typically:

• well educated (14 years of schooling)
• employed (77 percent)
• well paid (37 percent earn over $25,000 annually)
• engaged in illegal activities to support the drug habit (56 percent)

STATE AND FEDERAL STATUTES

Both the State of Indiana and the Federal Government have statutes which expressly prohibit the possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs. In addition, Indiana statute prohibits the possession, use or distribution of alcohol by persons under the age of 21. Federal penalties for illegal possession of a controlled substance are:

• 1st conviction: Up to 1 year imprisonment and fined at least $1000 but not more than $100,000, or both.
• After 1 prior drug conviction: At least 15 days in prison, not to exceed 2 years and fined at least $2500 but not more than $250,000, or both.
• Special sentencing provisions for possession of crack cocaine: Mandatory at least 5 years in prison, not to exceed 20 years and fined up to $250,000 or both, if:
  1. 1st conviction and the amount of crack possessed exceeds
     5 grams.
  2. 2nd crack conviction and the amount of crack possessed exceeds 3 grams.
  3. 3rd or subsequent crack conviction and the amount of crack possessed exceeds 1 gram.

ROSE-HULMAN DRUGS AND NARCOTICS POLICY

The following is a listing of some of the commonly abused drugs with re­lated physical and psychological side affects. It is because of the severity of these harmful effects, both for the individual and in some cases, for those around him, that the Institute has adopted strict policies regarding illegal drugs and narcotics on the campus. In short, Rose-Hulman will not tolerate the possession, use or distribution of illegal drugs on the campus by anyone associated with the Institute. Anyone found violating this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, including possible dismissal and criminal prosecution. (Employees- See additional Policy statement in Appendix A.)

Here, then, is an analysis of the impact of some of the commonly abused drugs:

Type of Drug	Name (and "slang")		Possible Effects
STIMULANTS Speed up the action of central nervous system.	Amphetamines ("speed, "uppers", "bennies", "pep pills")		Tolerance, psychological and possible physical dependence can develop. Hallucinations may occur. High doses can cause heart problems, malnutrition, death.
	Cocaine ("coke", "snow", "crack", "base", "rock") - a narcotic		Confusion, depression, hallucinations may occur. Tolerance and physical dependence. Physical effects unpredictable-convulsions, coma, and death are possible. Nasal membrane damage.
DEPRESSANTS Relax the central nervous system	Barbiturates ("barbs", "goofballs", "downers", "blues") Tranquilizers ("valium", "librium") Methaqualone ("soapers", "quads", "ludes")		Confusion, loss of control, etc., may occur. Tolerance, physical and psychological dependence can develop. Overdose can cause coma, death. In combination with alcohol, can be fatal.
CANNABIS Alters mood and perception.	Marijuana ("grass", "pot", "weed") Hashish ("hash", "oil")		Confusion, loss of control, hallucinations. Moderate tolerance and long-term psychological dependence. Damage to lung tissue.
ALCOHOL Depressed central nervous system	Don't be fooled by the fact that alcohol is not controlled in the same way that other drugs are - it's a powerful depressant. Long-term, heavy drinking is linked to cancer, heart disease, liver damage, loss of muscle tone, and other serious illnesses. (For Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology student policy on alcohol please refer to pp. 16-17 of the Student Handbook.)
HALLUCINOGENS Temporarily distort reality.	Lysergic Acid Diethylamide ("LSD", "acid")		Hallucinations, panic. Tolerance develops. Effects can recur ("flashbacks").
	Phencyclidine ("PCP", "angel dust") Legally classified as a depressant.		Depression, hallucinations, confusion, irrational behavior. Tolerance develops. Overdose can cause convulsions, coma, death.
	Mescaline, MDA, DMT, STP, psilocybin ("designer drugs")		Effects similar to those of LSD.
NARCOTICS Lower perception of pain.	Heroin ("H", "scag", "junk", "smack") Morphine ("M", "dreamer") Codeine Opium		Lethargy, apathy, loss of judgment and self-control may occur. Tolerance, physical and psychological dependence can develop. Overdose can cause convulsions, coma, and death. Risks include malnutrition, infection, and hepatitis.

Clearly, abusing drugs can be extremely DANGEROUS, especially when taken in excess, for a long time, or in the wrong combinations. If you take drugs, you risk - OVERDOSE. DEPENDENCE. ILL HEALTH. ACCIDENTS, and it can lead to LEGAL PROBLEMS. ECONOMIC PROBLEMS. and PERSONAL PROBLEMS.

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The Signs of Drug Abuse

Obviously, the best time to prevent drug abuse is before it starts. Unfortunately, that is not possible in all cases. The next best alternative is to recognize the symptoms and attempt to get professional help for the individual.

Though each drug has its own set of symptoms, there are many characteristics that are common to the abuse of virtually all drugs. They include:

• Abrupt changes in attendance, a decline in grades or performance.
• Deterioration of physical condition - less stamina, poor appearance, etc.
• Out-of-character mood swings. Over-protection of "personal" belongings.
• Wearing sunglasses in inappropriate weather.
• Unusual borrowing of money.
• Social withdrawal from usual group of friends.
• Stealing of items that can be pawned or sold. Changed frequency in trips to bathroom, basement, etc.
• More specific symptoms for individual drug types include:

COCAINE (and other stimulants)

1. Dilated pupils.
2. Excessive activity, irritability, nervousness, and aggression.
3. Dry mouth and nose (user licks lips frequently), bad breath.
4. Weight loss (abuser will go long periods without food or sleep).
5. May have needle marks if injecting the drug.

DEPRESSANTS

1. Appears intoxicated, but with no alcohol odor on breath.
2. Tends to fall asleep in class or in meetings.
3. Loss of interest in previously important activities.

HALLUCINOGENS

1. Often seems to be in dreamlike or trancelike state.
2. May examine everyday common objects for long periods of time.
3. Body image and shapes may be distorted; panic may result.
4. Sweating, flushed skin, and excessive salivation (for PCP users).

MARIJUANA

1. Odor of marijuana present.
2. Whites of eyes irritated.
3. Less active, quieter than normal
4. Episodes of acute anxiety, panic attacks.

OPIATES

1. Raw, red nostrils if sniffing, needle marks if injecting.
2. Lethargy, drowsy behavior when high.
3. Intensely purposeful when trying to obtain money or locate drug.
4. Excessive need for money.

Getting Help:  Decision Time

Do people who abuse drugs need help? Do people who abuse drugs want help?

While help for the individual abuser is available in the community on a highly confidential basis, it is extremely difficult to break through the abuser's denial - denial of being an abuser, denial that there is a problem. In fact, denial is one of the most prevalent traits exhibited by the drug abuser. In many cases, they have even deluded themselves for long periods into believing, 'there is no problem."

Therefore, confrontations, even by a close friend, are likely to have little impact on the suspected abuser. If you should opt for that course of action, be prepared. That means having documentation that supports your suspicions. Have a list ready of symptoms of behavioral changes which you have noticed that may indicate the possibility of drug use. Be prepared, too, for the immediate denial by the individual and the potential for a "loss of friendship". But, if your "hunches" are correct and you feel strongly about the "evidence", persistence can help break through the barriers.

If you do not wish to confront the individual even if your suspicions are very strong, it is best to involve professional counselors on the campus. In any event, don't simply 'throw up your hands" and give up! Your action, even indirectly, could help to save a life!

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About Confidentiality

Whether you are a fellow instructor, a fellow staff member, or a fellow student, if you suspect that someone you know is abusing drugs, it is impor­tant that you keep those suspicions confidential until you've decided to act. That means sharing your thoughts only with the suspected abuser, with those who are qualified, and those who are in positions of respon­sibility. Rule of thumb: The fewer people you tell the better for everyone concerned.

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The Abuser is Me!

If reading through this information has maybe helped you to focus on your own problem or potential problem with drug abuse, then let us help you further by suggesting specific sources of help in our community. Keep in mind that confidentiality is a central feature of all such agency services. Also keep in mind that breaking a drug habit without outside help can be dangerous (because of withdrawal symptoms) and difficult (because of psychological need).

Community Substance Abuse Services

AA Treatment Center, 24 Hour Helpline	800-711 -6375
AA Intergroup	234-0827
Clay County Addiction Program	448-8801
Discover Recovery	234-9911
Hamilton Center Addiction Services	231 -8171
Lifeline	235-8333
Prenatal Substance Abuse Program	231 -8323
Regional Hospital Behavioral Health Service	234-1475
Sullivan County Addiction Program	268-6376
Union Hospital Behavioral Health Service	238-7384
Vermillion County Addiction Service	765-832-2436

Some of the information in this educational Web page was taken from About Drug Abuse, a Channing L. Bete Co., Inc. publication.