Download Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program
Standards of Conduct
Florida Gateway College (FGC) strives to maintain an environment that promotes the
health and safety of the community and the responsible choices and behaviors of the FGC
community concerning the use of alcohol and drugs. FGC recognizes the serious nature
and potential harmful effects of using alcohol and controlled substances in the workplace
and educational setting.
FGC does not allow the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or
use of alcohol and controlled substances on college premises or as part of a college
activity. Additionally, it is a violation of college policy for an employee or student to use
or be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs on college property, or at a college
event or activity. The President may authorize the sale and/or service of alcoholic
beverages with the necessary permits and insurance at FGC or at FGC sponsored events
and activities. Please refer to the FGC Employee Handbook, FGC Student Handbook
and/or FGC Policies and Procedures for additional information.
Legal Sanctions
FGC will provide full cooperation with local law enforcement agencies for alcohol and
drug-related violations.
Health Risks Associated with Drug & Alcohol Abuse
Abuse of drugs and alcohol lead to a variety of health problems both short and long-term
in nature.
Drug addiction is a brain disease. Although initial drug use might be voluntary, drugs of
abuse have been shown to alter gene expression and brain circuitry, which in turn affect
human behavior. Once addiction develops, these brain changes interfere with an
individual’s ability to make voluntary decisions, leading to compulsive drug craving,
seeking and use.
The impact of addiction can be far reaching. Cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer,
HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and lung disease can all be affected by drug abuse. Some of these
effects occur when drugs are used at high doses or after prolonged use, however, some
may occur after just one use.
Drinking too much – on a single occasion or over time – can take a serious toll on your
health. Here’s how alcohol can affect your body:
Brain: Alcohol interferes with the brain’s communication pathways, and can affect the
way the brain looks and works. These disruptions can change mood and behavior, and
make it harder to think clearly and move with coordination.
Heart:
Drinking a lot over a long time or too much on a single occasion can damage the heart,
causing problems including:
• Cardiomyopathy – Stretching and drooping of heart muscle
• Arrhythmias – Irregular heart beat
• Stroke
• High blood pressure
Liver:
Heavy drinking takes a toll on the liver, and can lead to a variety of problems and liver
inflammations including:
• Steatosis, or fatty liver
• Alcoholic hepatitis
• Fibrosis
• Cirrhosis
Pancreas:
Alcohol causes the pancreas to produce toxic substances that can eventually lead to
pancreatitis, a dangerous inflammation and swelling of the blood vessels in the pancreas
that prevents proper digestion.
Cancer:
Drinking too much alcohol can increase your risk of developing certain cancers,
including cancers of the:
Mouth, Esophagus, Throat, Liver and Breast
Immune System:
Drinking too much can weaken your immune system, making your body a much easier
target for disease. Chronic drinkers are more liable to contract diseases like pneumonia
and tuberculosis than people who do not drink too much. Drinking a lot on a single
occasion slows your body’s ability to ward off infections.
Where to Get Help
Recognizing that there may be employees and students who have an alcohol or drug
problem, FGC stands willing to assist in the resolution of the problem and encourages
employees and students to seek help through their medical provider, or if desired, by
referrals provided by Human Resources (an Employee Assistance Program/EAP is
available) or by Student Services (a Student Assistance Program/SAP/BayCare is
available). Free workshops are also conducted by Student Activities for employees and
students.