Pursuant to the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, the University of Missouri is required to establish a drug-and-alcohol-prevention program for its students and employees. The University of Missouri program is described below.
Standards of Conduct University of Missouri regulations prohibit the unlawful possession, use, distribution and sale of alcohol and illicit drugs by University students and employees on University-owned or -controlled property and at University-sponsored or -supervised activities.
Legal Sanctions Local, state and federal laws also prohibit the unlawful possession, use, distribution and sale of alcohol and illicit drugs. Criminal penalties for violation of such laws range from fines up to $20,000 to imprisonment for terms up to life.
Health Risks Specific serious health risks are associated with the use of illicit drugs and alcohol. Some of the major risks are listed below.
Alcohol and other depressants (barbiturates, sedatives and tranquilizers)
Addiction, accidents as a result of impaired ability and judgment, overdose when used with other depressants, damage to a developing fetus, heart and liver damage.
Marijuana Addiction; panic reaction; impaired short-term memory; increased risk of lung cancer and emphysema, particularly in cigarette smokers; impairment of driving ability.
Cocaine Addiction, heart attack, seizures, lung damage, severe depression, paranoia, psychosis. Similar risks are associated with other stimulants, such as speed or uppers.
Hallucinogens (acid, LSD, PCP, MDMA, etc.) Unpredictable behavior, emotional instability, violent behavior, organic brain damage in heavy users, convulsions and coma.
Narcotics (heroin, Demerol, Morphine, Codeine, etc.) Addiction, accidental overdose, risk of hepatitis and AIDS from contaminated needles.
Inhalants (gas, aerosols, glue, nitrites, etc.) Loss of consciousness, suffocation, damage to the brain and central nervous system, sudden death, nausea and vomiting, nosebleeds and impaired judgment.
Prevention Programming Annual strategic plans for prevention include outreach to students through educational materials, presentations at campus fairs and in classrooms and for departments, social norming campaigns, motivational approaches in individual and group settings and inclusion of research-based effective interventions. Students referred for campus violations participate in two or more consultation sessions at the Counseling, Health, and Testing Center.
Resources A variety of resources exist for drug and alcohol counseling, treatment and rehabilitation programs. For detailed information concerning these resources available from the University and community agencies, students can contact the University Counseling, Health and Testing Center at 816-235-1635, and employees can contact the Department of Human Resources at 816-235-1621. Such referrals will be confidential.
University Discipline Violation of these University of Missouri regulations can result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion for students and discharge for employees.
