Campus Security

Drug & Alcohol Abuse and Prevention

The Newark Campus policy is: "No employee or student may use, produce, distribute, sell, or possess drugs or alcohol in a manner prohibited under Ohio law (or applicable campus regulations) while on campus property, or while engaging in any activity sponsored by the campus." The following is an overview of the effects of drug and alcohol use:

1. Alcohol: When alcohol is abused, the consequences to the body can be severe. All systems of the body are affected. The effects on the central nervous system include poor memory, premature aging of the brain and loss of reasoning ability. There is also the possibility of an increase of cancer of the mouth and throat area, and the possibility of heart rhythm disturbances. In addition, alcohol abuse can lead to significant liver damage.

2. Marijuana: Users often have chronic bronchitis and run the added risk of lung cancer. Heavy users, especially among the young adult population, may show slow and confused thinking, loss of energy, and physical discomfort caused by abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Other side effects associated with chronic use of marijuana are chromosome damage, decreased levels of the male sex hormone, and brain damage.

3. Cocaine: Cocaine abusers often have a stuffy, runny nose with eczema around the nostrils and possible perforation of the nasal septum. In addition, cocaine can cause delirium, hallucinations, blurred vision, severe chest pain, muscle spasms, convulsions, and even death.

4. Amphetamines: These drugs can cause very rapid or irregular heartbeat, tremors, loss of coordination, collapse, and even death from heart failure or from burst blood vessels in the brain. Heavy users are prone to irrational acts.

5. Heroin: This is an opiate drug that causes the body to have diminished pain reactions. Some of the risks associated with the use of heroin include slowing of the heart rate so much that coma and death can be induced. In addition, chronic constipation and depression of male and female sex hormones are other associated risks from heroin.

6. Prescription Drugs: These drugs are not illicit if they are used in accordance with the prescription. However, sharing prescription medication with someone else is illegal and could be very harmful.

A pamphlet concerning this policy plus specific definitions of local, state and federal law and location of counseling services is available at Student Support Services. It is titled "Policy for Drug Free Schools and Campuses." It provides a more complete description.

Services are available for employees and students who desire assistance with drug or alcohol difficulties. Employees of the Newark Campus may utilize the services at the OSU Faculty and Staff Assistance Program, which is located on the OSU Columbus Campus. Students of the Newark Campus may utilize the services of a Personal Counselor during the autumn, winter, and Spring Quarters, or may utilize a variety of agencies in the three county area. Information about these agencies and ways to contact them are listed in the "Drug Free Schools and Campuses" policy as well as the "Community Services" brochure, both are available at the Public Safety Office or Student Support Services.