Maintaining a Drug-Free Environment: Alcohol and Other Drugs Policies

The Johns Hopkins University has a long tradition of dedication to research, teaching and service. An effective and efficient staff and a supportive organizational environment are central to the pursuit of this mission. The university community, comprised of faculty, staff and students, shares the responsibility for creating and maintaining a healthy educational environment. The community has a history of upholding the highest standards of professional and personal behavior. The illegal or abusive use of alcohol or other drugs has a corrosive effect on the university and is not condoned. In keeping with its mission and values, the university is pursuing a comprehensive approach to the problem of substance abuse that emphasizes the following components:

The university will take effective steps to create and maintain a drug-free educational and work environment for its faculty, staff and students.

1. The university’s approach will emphasize prevention and rehabilitation. Other active measures may be pursued as laws, regulations or situations require.

2. Individuals who have a problem with the use and/or abuse of alcohol or other drugs are encouraged to seek treatment confidentially and voluntarily.

3. Treatment and rehabilitation services are made available through the benefits programs of the university.

4. Any information provided by individuals in treatment and rehabilitation services will remain confidential and not be used against them.

5. Manufacture, distribution, use or possession of illegal drugs may be prosecuted under applicable state and federal laws and individuals involved in such activities will be subject to disciplinary measures within university policies.

Alcohol

Maryland state law prohibits the possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages by persons under the age of 21. Students are expected to obey the law. Individuals who violate the law, in addition to being subject to criminal penalties, may be subject to University disciplinary action. The University will not excuse acts of misconduct committed by a student whose judgment is impaired due to alcohol or drug abuse.

Generally, alcohol is not served on campus or at events sponsored by student activities funds. If a student group wishes to sponsor an event at which alcohol will be served, the group must receive permission of the residence life and student activities coordinator and the associate dean for student affairs at least four weeks before the event. The residence life coordinator and associate dean will look for a proposal that details measures the group will take regarding security and ensuring that underage persons will not be served. In addition, only beer and/or wine that is not served from a common source (i.e., kegs, barrels, punch bowls, etc.) may be served and publicity posters for the event may not include any reference to the availability of beer or wine. Persons attending an event where alcohol is served who attempt to violate the procedures in place will be asked to leave the event and may be subject to disciplinary action. In addition, a sponsoring group may be subject to University disciplinary action and/or criminal prosecution if underage patrons are served alcoholic beverages.

Drug Abuse

The distribution, possession, and unprescribed use of narcotics and other controlled substances by students is unlawful and strictly forbidden on Institute and University premises. When information reaches the school indicating that a student has been engaged in the distribution of controlled dangerous substances, disciplinary proceedings, which may lead to expulsion or suspension, will commence immediately.

A conviction for any offense under any federal or state law involving the possession or sale of illegal drugs during a period of enrollment for which the student is receiving Title IV and/or Higher Education Authorized program funds will result in the loss of eligibility for any Title IV, HEA grant, loan or work-study assistance.

Recognizing Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Everyone occasionally has days when he or she exhibits behavior not normally associated with an education or work environment or with that person. Indeed, unusual behavior during times of stress can be understood and accepted. However, there are a number of behaviors common to substance abuse that may also be the result of personal problems. Generally, when unusual behavior is displayed on a gradually increasing scale along with a general decline in work habits over a period of time, it indicates that an individual needs professional help.

If a faculty or staff member or their family has questions or concerns about these signs and symptoms, they should call the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FASAP) and arrange a convenient time to come in and talk about it. (See the last page for a list of resources.) The FASAP clinician will help clarify exactly what the problem is and how to deal with it. Students with similar concerns about these signs or symptoms should contact the appropriate student health facility or Student Assistance Program. Below are some of the more common signs or symptoms of unusual behavior:

Absenteeism and Tardiness

• Arriving late and leaving early

• Absences before and after payday or holidays

• Sporadic but significant use of sick time

• Taking frequent breaks

• Taking long lunches

• Unexplained absences

• Friday and Monday absences

• Absences resulting from accidents on and off the work site

Impaired Job Performance

• Increased operating errors

• Increasingly unsatisfactory results in work quality and quantity

• Lost time on the job

• “Putting things off”

• Irresponsibility in completing tasks

• Faulty decision making

• Increased accident rates

• Wasted materials or damaged equipment

• High performance that slowly declines over time

• Job performance that becomes focused on a specialized, repetitious activity (rather than the entire array of job duties)

• Irregular or non-existent office hours

• Sudden, extreme gaps in performance (missing a grant deadline, unexpected missing of final exams)

Unusual Interpersonal Interactions

• Sudden emotional outbursts—anger, tears, laughter

• Mood swings; especially early or late in the workday

• Overreaction to criticism

• Blaming others for poor performance

• Making inappropriate statements

• Rambling or incoherent speech

• Isolation from co-workers/increasing social withdrawal

• Disinterest in teamwork Declining Physical Appearance (suden changes or changes over time)

• Poor personal hygiene—body odor; dirty hair, nails, skin

• Less interest in dress, appearance (or a noticeable decline from previous meticulousness)

• Glazed or red eyes

• Slurred speech

• Poor coordination, staggering

• Frequent gastrointestinal distress

• Deterioration of oral hygiene

Other Signs

• Legal—arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI)

• Domestic situation—children using drugs (children of alcoholics sometimes have drug abuse problems)

• Financial—high debt load, bad loans, wages garnished, unusual spending patterns

Symptoms of Adolescent and Young Adult Alcohol and Drug Abuse

The following are symptoms of adolescent and young adult alcohol or other drug abuse. Although no single symptom listed below is necessarily an indication of substance abuse, the presence of a number of these symptoms should cause concern and further inquiry by a parent or other responsible adult.

• Loss of appetite

• Decreased ability to concentrate, sudden drop in grades

• Excessive feeling of boredom

• Changes in physical activity

• Hypersensitivity to words and actions of others

• General irritability

• Misdirected anger, difficulty handling feelings

• Missing classes—especially Monday/ Friday & near holidays

• Complaints of vague illnesses

• Increased use of medications

• Fatigue, chronic tiredness

• Deterioration in personal appearance

• Sudden disregard of family, dorm or institutional rules

• Secretiveness, locking doors

• Outbursts of inappropriate laughter

• Unexplained bruises

• Excessive coughs/colds

• New friends are rarely introduced

• Much older friends

• Mysterious phone calls

• Too much money, no money, missing money

• Missing valuables, unexplained burglaries

Disclaimer:

Information regarding offenses and penalties are summary in nature and not in any manner intended as legal advice. More detailed information concerning specific offenses or penalties are provided in the Maryland Annotated Code, the District of Columbia Code, and the United States Code.

The Johns Hopkins University Policy on Alcohol and Drug Abuse and a Drug-Free Environment Johns Hopkins University recognizes that alcoholism and other drug addictions are illnesses that are not easily resolved by personal effort and may require professional assistance and treatment. Faculty, staff, and students with alcohol or other drug problems are encouraged to take advantage of the diagnostic, referral, counseling, and preventative services available throughout the university. Procedures have been developed to assure confidentiality of participation, program files, and medical records generated in the course of these services.

Substance or alcohol abuse does not excuse faculty, staff, or students from neglect of their employment or academic responsibilities. Individuals whose work or academic performance is impaired as the result of the use or abuse of alcohol or other drugs may be required to participate in an appropriate diagnostic evaluation and treatment plan. Further, use of alcohol or other drugs in situations off campus or removed from university activities that in any way impairs work performance is treated as misconduct on campus. Students are prohibited from engaging in the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol or other drugs on university property or as a part of university activities.

It is the policy of Johns Hopkins University that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of controlled substances is prohibited on the university property or as a part of university activities. Individuals who possess, use, manufacture, or illegally distribute drugs or controlled dangerous substances are subject to university disciplinary action, as well as possible referral for criminal prosecution. Such disciplinary action of faculty and staff may, in accordance with the university policy on alcohol abuse and maintenance of a drug-free workplace, range from a minimum of a three-day suspension without pay to termination of university employment. Disciplinary action against a student may include expulsion from school.

As a condition of employment, each faculty and staff member and student employee must agree to abide by the university Drug-Free Workplace Policy, and to notify the divisional human resources director of any criminal conviction related to drug activity in the workplace (which includes any location where one is in the performance of duties) within five days after such conviction. If the individual is supported by a federal grant, or contract, the university will notify the supporting government agency within 10 days after the notice is received.

Alcohol and Other Drug Resources and Clinical Services
Campus-Based Programs
Counseling Center Homewood Campus - Students Only,
410-516-8278

Johns Hopkins Community Physicians at Wyman Park (Student Health Services),
410-338-3421 (Option 1)

Faculty & Staff Assistance,
443-997-7000

Johns Hopkins Bayview Campus Addiction Treatment Services (ATS),
410-550-0051

Acute Psychiatry Unit (Dual Diagnosis),
410-550-0069

Center for Addiction & Pregnancy,
410-550-3066

Chemical Dependency Unit (Inpatient),
410-550-1910

Cornerstone Clinic (Outpatient treatment),
410-550-7680

Outpatient Detox,
410-550-1258 Johns Hopkins Medicine – East Balt imore Campus

The Program for Alcoholism & Other Drug Dependencies (PAODD),
410-955-6313

Hotlines

Center for Disease Control (Poison Control),
1-800-222-1222

Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Hotline,
410-828-6390

Grassroots Crisis Intervention (Suicide),
410-531-6677 or 1-800-422-0009

Helpline (Alcohol and Other Drugs),
1-800- 821-HELP (4357)

House of Ruth (Battered women) 24-hour hotline,
410-889-7884

Local and National Suport Groups

Adult Children of Alcoholics/Al-non and Alateen Groups,
410-832-7094

Al-Anon Family Group Meeting Info Line,
1-800-356-9996

Alcoholics Anonymous,
410-832-7094
Mothers Against Drunk Drivers,
1-800-438-6233

Narcotics Anonymous Free State Region,
1-800-317-3222

The Family Tree (Prevention of Child Abuse),
1-800-243-7337

Types of Alcohol

Alcoholic beverages means alcohol, brandy, whiskey, rum, gin, cordial, beer, ale, porter, stout, wine, cider, and any other spirituous, vinous, malt, or fermented liquor, liquid, or compound, by whatever name called, which contains, 1/2 of 1% or more of alcohol by volume.

Risks

Alcohol: Single doses cause impaired coordination and motor control, impaired attention, cognitive function and judgment. Heavy drinking results in a hangover the next day. Long-term effects include depression, confusion, loss of memory, blackouts, loss of appetite, vitamin deficiencies and gastrointestinal problems. Also respiratory depression; depression of the immune system; increased risk of heart disease including alcoholic cardiomyopathy; accidents; hypertension; brain damage; damage to an unborn fetus; impotence; liver disease including cirrhosis and increased risk of hepatic cancer. Psychosis or death may result from withdrawal.

Penalties

Maryland Obtaining an alcoholic beverage for underage consumption:

First Offense a fine not to exceed $500

Subsequent Violation a fine not to exceed $1,000

Furnishing for or allowing underage consumption:

First Offense a fine not to exceed $2,500

Subsequent Violation a fine not to exceed $5,000 Citations

First Offense in any amount not exceeding $500

Subsequent Violation in any amount not exceeding $1,000

Washington, D.C.

Adults who make available or purchase alcohol for a minor:

First Offense fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned for up to 180 days, or both Second Offense fined not more than $2,500 or imprisoned for up to 180 days, or both Subsequent Offenses fined not more than $5,000 or imprisoned up to one year, or both

Adults who contribute to the delinquency of a minor in possessing or consuming alcohol:

First Offense fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned or for up to 6 months, or both Subsequent Offenses fined not more than $3,000 or imprisoned for up to 3 years, or both

Washington, D.C.—Misdemeanor

No person shall falsely represent his/her age, or possess/present as proof of age an I.D. document which is in any way fraudulent, for the purpose of purchasing, possessing, or drinking an alcoholic beverage in the District.

Penalty: 1st violation—fine of not more than $300 and suspension of driving privileges in the District for 90 consecutive days; 2nd violation—fine of not more than $600 and suspension of driving privileges in the District for 180 days; and 3rd and each subsequent violation—a fine of not more than $1,000 and suspension of driving privileges in the District for one year.

Maryland

Driving while under the influence of alcohol or under the influence per se, or while impaired by a controlled dangerous substance if the person is not entitled to use the controlled dangerous substance. Possible suspension or revocation of license.

Points on driver’s license. Fines and/or imprisonment

First Offense fine of not more than $1,000 and/or imprisonment not more than one year Second Offense fine of not more than $2,000 and/or imprisonment not more than 2 years Third Offense fine of not more than $3,000 and/or imprisonment not more than 3 years

Washington, D.C.

DUI/DWI of alcohol, intoxicating liquor or drug

Points on license, suspension or revocation of license

First Offense fine of not more than $300 and/or 90 days imprisonment Second Offense fine of not less than $1,000 and not more than $5,000 and/or imprisonment of not less than 5 days, not more than 1 year or 30 days community service Third Offense fine of not less than $2,000 and not more than $10,000 and/or imprisonment of not less than 10 days, not more than 1 year or 60 days community service

Other Offenses

Disorderly Intoxication

A person may not be intoxicated and endanger the safety of others; or be intoxicated or drinking any alcoholic beverage in a public place or cause a public disturbance. Any person who violates this provision is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not to exceed $100 or imprisonment not exceeding 90 days, or both. (Maryland) Possession of Alcohol in Open Containers

Any person possessing an open container of any alcoholic beverage in a public place or vehicle except as provided by law is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction is subject to a fine of up to $100. (Maryland)

Possession of an open container of an alcoholic beverage in a vehicle in or upon any street, alley, park or parking area— Fine not more than $500 or imprisonment of not more than 90 days, or both (Washington).