 | Substance Abuse Policy
This information is provided persuant to the Student-Right-To-Know Act. For more information, click here.
LSU is committed to maintaining an environment which supports the research, teaching, and service mission of the University. The illegal or abusive use of drugs or alcohol by any member of the University community interferes with the accomplishment of this mission. Louisiana law prohibits the consumption, possession, distribution, possession with intent to distribute, or manufacture of drugs described as controlled dangerous substances in the Louisiana Revised Statute 40:964 and the illegal possession and/or consumption of alcohol.
Student Education, Prevention, Counseling, and Rehabilitation
Alcohol and drug abuse result in undesirable physical and psychological consequences which are described in the following table. LSU provides prevention education about alcohol and other drugs to members of the student body through the following units:
- educational programs of the Student Health Center on substance abuse, chemical dependency, dysfunctional families, co-dependency, and sources of help at the University and in the community.
- a resource library maintained at the Student Health Center.
- a peer education program available through the Student Health Center.
- academic courses offered though the Department of Kinesiology, the School of Social Work, and the Division of Continuing Education.
Additionally, special campus-wide educational events--including "Substance Abuse Awareness Week," the "Great American Smokeout," and others--are offered throughout the academic year.
Counseling and support services are available at the LSU Student Health Center for all full-time and part-time students and non-students spouses of students who are experiencing alcohol and other drug problems. Individual and group therapy is provided for adult children of dysfunctional families, and "Twelve Step" support groups are offered for students recovering from alcohol and drug abuse. Students who have substance abuse problems which require in-patient or specialized out-patient drug treatment are referred by the Student Health Center counselors to agencies outside the University. Consideration is given to the financial ability of a student when referral is made.
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Employee Education, Prevention, and Counseling
Through its Employee Assistance Program, in conjunction with CPC Meadow Wood, LSU refers employees with behavioral problems, including substance abuse, to an off-campus facility. Self-referral is available to employees on a confidential basis by telephoning CPC Meadow Wood at 766-5883. Initial diagnosis and screening is free. Subsequent session are the financial obligation of the employee and are covered by the State Employees Group Benefits Program and most HMOs for those who are members. "Twelve Step" groups for employees recovering from substance abuse problems are available on campus and in the community.
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Conduct Prohibited by the University
Students and employees are responsible for knowing and abiding by the provisions of Louisiana Law and federal law that make it a crime to possess, consume, possess with intent to distribute, dispense, or manufacture drugs, including alcohol, except as provided for by law. Any member of the University community who violated state or federal law, either on property owned or controlled by the University, or at such other locations in the community which affect the University's interest as an academic institution, shall be considered in violation of University policy. The University will take disciplinary action against any student, faculty member, unclassified staff, classified staff, or other University employee whose alleged criminal conduct is deemed by responsible authority to affect the University's interest as an academic community.
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Criminal Penalties
Employees and students are responsible under both University policy and state law for their conduct. It is the policy of the University to arrest and refer for prosecution any student or employee who violates state or federal law concerning controlled dangerous substances. It is unlawful in Louisiana to produce , manufacture, distribute, disperse, or posses with intent to produce, manufacture, distribute, dispense, or possess a controlled dangerous substance unless such substance was obtained directly or pursuant to a valid prescription or order from a licensed physician or veterinarian or as provider in R.S. 40:978, while acting in the course of his or her professional practice, or except as otherwise authorized by law.
Penalties for violation of laws regulating controlled dangerous substances are as follows:
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Schedules
Schedule I (R.S. 40:966--includes various opiates, hallucinogens, depressants, and stimulants) - The maximum penalty for violating Louisiana law for possession of Schedule I drugs, upon conviction, is imprisonment at hard labor for not less than four years, not more than ten years without benefit of probation or suspension of sentence. In addition, a fine of up to $5000 may be imposed.
Schedule II (R.S. 40:967--includes other opiates and depressants) - The maximum penalty for violating Louisiana law concerning controlled, dangerous substances under Schedule II, upon conviction, is imprisonment at hard labor for not less than five years not more than 30 years. In addition, a fine of not more than $15000 may be imposed.
Schedule III and IV (R.S. 40:968 and R.S. 40:969--includes stimulants, depressants, and other narcotics) - The maximum penalty for violating Louisiana law concerning controlled, dangerous substances under Schedules II and IV upon conviction, shall be a maximum term of imprisonment at hard labor for not more than 10 years. In addition, a fine of not more than $15,000 may be imposed.
Schedule V (R.S. 40:970) - The maximum penalty for violating Louisiana law concerning controlled, dangerous substances under Schedule V, upon conviction, is imprisonment for five years. In addition, a fine of not more than $5,000 may be imposed. The Revised Louisiana Criminal Code carries specific penalties for possession of marijuana. For a first conviction, the offender shall be fined not more than $500, imprisoned in parish jail for not more than six months, or both. For a second conviction of possession of marijuana, the offender shall be fined not more than $2,000 and imprisoned with or without hard labor for not more than five years, or both. For a third conviction of possession of marijuana, the offender shall be sentenced to imprisonment with or without hard labor for not more than 20 years. More severe penalties exist for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and for distribution of marijuana.
The Louisiana Criminal Code (R.S. 14:91.5) defines the unlawful purchase, consumption, and public possession of alcoholic beverage by any person between the ages of 18 and 21 years. A $50 fine is assessed for violation of this statute.
It is unlawful for any person 17 years of age or younger to purchase or possess any alcoholic beverage. Depending on their ages, offenders may be fined from $50 to $300 and imprisoned for not more than 10 days. For the unlawful purchase of alcoholic beverages by adults on behalf of minors (R.S. 1498), the penalty for a first conviction is a fine of not less than $125 nor more than $500 and imprisonment for not less than 10 days nor more than six months, which may be modified by imposition of a court -approved substance abuse program. For second and third conviction, more serious penalties are imposed.
In addition to constituting crimes under state law, federal statutes also govern the illegal use of alcohol and drugs.
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University Discipline
Any employee who is found to possess, consume, distribute, or manufacture illegal drugs on or about the property of the University, or in other circumstances where the University has an interest, is subject to termination of employment or such lesser penalty as may be imposed by competent authority.
Any student who is found to possess, consume, distribute or manufacture illegal drugs on or about the property of the University, or in other such circumstances where the University has an interest, is subject to permanent expulsion from the University or any such lesser penalty as prescribed under the LSU Code of Student Conduct.
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Reporting
At least once annually, the University-- through its Vice-Chancellor for Student Services (for students) and through its Office of human Resource Management (for employees)--will distribute in writing to each student and employee, as defined herein, its policy regarding illegal acts involving alcohol or dangerous controlled substances. Every two years, the Director of the LSU Student Health Center (for students) and the Director of Human Resource Management (for employees) will report to the Chancellor an assessment of the effectiveness of institutional efforts at drug prevention and treatment for students and employees and will make recommendations for changes in programs as needed. In addition, every two years, the Dean of Students and the Director of Human Resources Management (for students and employees, respectively) will report to the Chancellor all disciplinary actions taken under this policy to ensure consistent enforcement.
SOURCES: PS-67 and PS-75
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Alcohol--Uses & Effects
Alcohol consumption causes a number of marked changes in behavior. Even a 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, including peer, spouse, and child abuse. Moderate to high doses of alcohol cause marked impairments in higher mental function, severely altering a 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. Sudden cessation of alcohol intake is likely to produce withdrawal symptoms, including sever anxiety, tremors, hallucinations, and convulsions. Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening.
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, liver, and digestive system.
Women 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 children of becoming alcoholics.
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This information is provided persuant to the Student-Right-To-Know Act. For more information, click here.
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