Ball State University has and continues to provide programs, services and activities which are designed to encourage students to develop and practice healthy and drug-free life-styles.  The information that is contained in this publication provides summary information on laws, health risks, expectations and consequences, and resources which have been created to educate about and discourage abuse of alcohol and illicit drugs.  Each student is responsible for reading the material herein and for understanding the consequences of noncompliance.  Ball State University is committed to reducing the risks which are associated with alcohol abuse and we are also committed to drug-free environment.

Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989
In response to President Bush's national drug control strategy, Congress passed legislation to require schools, colleges, and universities to implement and enforce drug prevention programs and policies as a condition of eligibility to receive federal financial assistance. On December 12, 1989, President Bush signed the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (Amendments) Public Law 101-226. Section 22 of the Amendments amends provisions for the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1986 and the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require that, as a condition of receiving funds or any other form of financial assistance under any federal program after October 1, 1990, a university or college must submit certification that it has adopted and implemented a drug prevention program.

As set forth in the above referenced statute, Ball State University is required to provide at a minimum, an annual distribution, in writing, to each employee and student the following information.

1. Standards of conduct that clearly prohibit, at a minimum, the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by employees and students on its property or as part of its activities;
2. A description of applicable legal sanctions under local, state, or federal law for the unlawful possession or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol;
3. A description of health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol;
4. A description of available drug or alcohol counseling, treatment, or rehabilitation or re-entry programs;
5. A clear statement of the disciplinary sanctions that Ball State University will impose on employees and students and a description of termination of employment and referral for prosecution for the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol. Disciplinary sanctions may also include completing an appropriate rehabilitation program; and
6. A biennial review by Ball State University of its program to determine the effectiveness, implement needed changes, and ensure that disciplinary sanctions are consistently enforced.

Alchohol Regulations
The following policy appears in the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities in Appendix A:

When students choose to consume alcoholic beverages, Ball State University encourages responsible practices and behavior in accordance with campus policies, the laws of the State of Indiana and the City of Muncie. Violation of University policy and local and state laws related to alcohol on or off campus will result in disciplinary action.

A.  General Guidelines

1. University Sponsored Events - Illegal purchase, service, consumption, or possession of alcoholic beverages at any University-sponsored event on or off campus is prohibited.  Upholding applicable local, state, and federal laws in connection with this policy is the joint responsibility of the persons in attendance at the activity, the sponsoring organization, and the management of the establishment in which the activity is held.
2. Illegal purchase, consumption, or possession of alcoholic beverages by any student under 21 years of age is prohibited wherever it may occur.
3. Providing alcoholic beverages at any time to an individual who is under 21 years of age is strictly prohibited.
4. Adverse behavior as a result of alcohol consumption, including disruption,    disorderly conduct, and public intoxication shall be a violation of the Student Code.
5. The sale of alcoholic beverages by any person without a license is strictly prohibited.
6. Students found responsible for providing alcohol to minors and selling or distributing alcohol in violation of state law shall be in violation of the student code.

• Students hosting parties where alcohol is provided to minors, provided in excess to others, or otherwise distributed in violation of the law shall be subject to possible suspension or expulsion from the University.

B.  On Campus - With respect to the service, possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages on the Ball State University campus, state statutes and city ordinances will be enforced in addition to the following regulations:

1. Residents who are of legal age to possess or consume alcoholic beverages and who reside in University-operated employee or University Apartment units may possess and consume such alcoholic beverages in the privacy of their residences.
2. Consumption and possession of alcohol may be permitted on some residence hall floors where all residents are of legal age to possess or consume alcoholic beverages.  Such use of alcoholic beverages will not be permitted in the public lounges, study lounges, recreation areas, dining rooms, or any area other than the student rooms.

Laws Concerning Drinking or Serving Alcohol
The summary below is intended to provide an overview of some of the sections most relevant to University students.  It is not intended as a substitute for professional legal advice.  Those needing legal advice should consult an attorney.

Alcohol Use by Persons Under the Age of 21
Indiana alcoholic beverages laws define the term "minor" as "a person less than twenty-one (21) years of age."  Under Indiana Law, it is illegal for a minor:

• To possess an alcoholic beverage (even to hold a sealed container for another person).
• To consume an alcoholic beverage.
• To misrepresent his or her age for the purpose of obtaining alcoholic beverages.
• To furnish false or altered identification of any type for purpose of providing evidence of age to obtain alcohol.
• To have in his or her possession false or fraudulent evidence of age.
• To drive an automobile being used to transport alcoholic beverages, unless the minor's parent or legal guardian is present in the car. (Note: When a minor operates a motor vehicle containing ANY alcoholic beverages she/he is subject to arrest, unless a parent or legal guardian is in the car.  A 21 year-old-friend does NOT qualify a minor to operate a vehicle containing an alcoholic beverage.  It is no defense that the beverage belongs to someone else or that is unopened.)
• To "be in a tavern, bar, or other public place where alcoholic beverages are sold, bartered, exchanged, given away, provided, or furnished." 

Criminal sanctions for such violations include a fine of up to $500 and/or imprisonment in a local jail for up to 60 days.  In addition to the criminal sanctions, Indiana law mandates a 90 day to one year driver's license suspension for any minor who is convicted of using any type of fake ID, or of entering a bar or tavern or purchasing or procuring an alcoholic beverage (with or without using false or altered driver's license).  Under certain circumstances, local prosecutors have used the "criminal code," rather than the "alcoholic beverage code," to prosecute users of fake ID's.  Class A misdemeanor charges of "deception" and class C felony charges of "forgery" have sometimes been filed.  Also under a new federal law, possession or use of fake or altered driver's licenses or state or federal ID cards can be punishable by a fine up to $25,000 and/or a five year jail term!

General Alcohol Laws (Apply to anyone, regardless of age):
It is illegal:

• To be in a public place in a state of intoxication (also know as "public intoxication"). 
• To sell, barter, exchange, provide, or furnish an alcoholic beverage to a minor. 
• To sell, barter, deliver, or give away an alcoholic beverage to a person who is intoxicated.
• To sell, barter, exchange, give, provide, or furnish an alcoholic beverage to a person known to be an alcohol abuser.
• To hinder, obstruct, interfere with, or prevent the observance or enforcement of the Indiana Alcohol Beverage Code.  For a person 21 years of age or over to encourage, aid, or induce a minor to unlawfully possess or use an alcoholic beverage.
• To take an alcoholic beverage into bar, restaurant, or place of public entertainment. (Indiana Law prohibits patrons from taking any alcoholic beverage into any bar or other place without liquor license.  It also prohibits taking liquor into any restaurant or place of public entertainment.)
• To possess alcoholic beverages on which Indiana tax has been unpaid or to transport untaxed beverages into the state.
• To directly or indirectly charge for alcoholic beverages without a license (including charging for food, entertainment, cups, napkins, tokens, etc. where alcoholic beverages are distributed-there are no loopholes).  (NOTE: A one-day temporary permit is easily obtained.  This permit allows you to charge for beer or wine but also allows police inspection of the premises without a warrant.  Rules on minors, intoxicated guests, etc., would still apply.) 

Criminal sanctions for such violations include a fine of up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment in a local jail for up to six months.

Alcohol or Other Drug Impaired Driving
It is illegal:

• To operate a motor vehicle while intoxicated (under the influence of alcohol, any controlled substance, any other drug, or any combination of alcohol, controlled substances, and other drugs).
• To operate a motor vehicle with 0.08% or more alcohol in the blood, even if intoxication is not proven.
• To operate a motor vehicle while intoxicated or with 0.08% or more alcohol in the blood if said operation results in serious bodily injury to another person.(FELONY)
• To operate a motor vehicle while intoxicated or with 0.08% or more alcohol in the blood if said operation results in the death of another person. (FELONY)

Indiana law states that anyone operating a motor vehicle within the state gives "implied consent" to submit to a chemical test of intoxication (breath, blood, or urine).  Failure to submit to the test may be presented as evidence against the driver in court and will result in a longer driver's license suspension than if the driver took the test and failed it.  The courts have ruled that failure to cooperate with a test will constitute refusal in the eyes of the court.  (NOTE: It is illegal to drive a car while impaired - even at blood alcohol levels below 0.08!)  Criminal sanctions for such violations include fines and imprisonment, license suspensions, and can include mandatory education or treatment programs.

Parties, Permits, and "Common Nuisances"
Indiana law requires you to have a license to "...Ship, barter, give away, exchange, furnish, or otherwise handle or dispose of an alcoholic beverage..." (except to give it to a family member or invited guest who is of legal age).  This has been interpreted to mean that it is all right to serve your over-21 friends a beer or two but you can't sell it or receive anything of value in exchange for it.  If your party gets larger than "invited guests," or if you plan to charge admission (or accept "donations"), you need to get a temporary permit.  If you don't get a permit, you could be charged with:

Serving alcohol without a permit (a class B misdemeanor), or even "Maintaining a common nuisance" (a class D FELONY).

Social Host Liability
Under civil law in Indiana, the host of a party might be sued for damage caused by a guest who was served alcohol negligently and/or served as a minor.  Negligence is determined by juries, so it is hard to predict, but the following steps will reduce liability for negligent serving of alcohol: enforce state laws and don't serve minors or intoxicated people; limit consumption to reasonable levels and provide safe rides or a place for intoxicated people to stay until they are sober; avoid high risk activities like drunk driving.  Use common sense.

A Caution for Guests...
Even non-drinking guests at parities where alcohol is being served could be at risk for an arrest or conviction.  It is a crime to "visit a common nuisance" (i.e. an unlicensed big party).  Minors could also be charged with "constructive possession" of alcohol if they are close enough to alcohol that it is "within their dominion for control."

Drug Regulations
The use, possession, sale, or transfer of narcotics, drugs or hallucinogens is prohibited on campus, except as permitted by law.  The following policy appears in the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities in 5.3.3:

Drugs - Using, possessing, selling, distributing, manufacturing, or transferring narcotics, illegal drugs, or prescription drugs, except as expressly permitted by law, or possessing drug paraphernalia which can be demonstrated to be linked to illegal drug activity.

The summary below is intended to provide an overview of some of the sections relevant to university students.  It is not intended as a substitute for professional legal advice.  Those needing legal advice should consult an attorney.

Laws Concerning Controlled Substances

Controlled Substances
"Controlled Substances" are regulated drugs that have been determined to have special "abuse potential."  Such drugs include; marijuana, hashish or hash oil, cocaine, LSD and other hallucinogens, barbiturates and other sedative-hypnotics, amphetamines and other prescription stimulants, MDMA (Ecstasy), PCP, and similar drugs.  It is illegal under both state and federal to:

• Manufacture, deliver, or possess with intent to manufacture or deliver, a controlled substance. 
• Deal in a substance represented to be a controlled substance (including counterfeit, "look-alike" drugs). 
• Manufacture, advertise, distribute, or possess with intent to manufacture, advertise or distribute a substance represented to be a controlled substance. 
• Possess, without a valid prescription, a controlled substance. 
• Visit a building, structure, vehicle, or other place used by person to unlawfully use a controlled substance. 
• Possess, manufacture, deal in , or deliver drug paraphernalia (an instrument, device, or other object intended for use for introducing a controlled substance into a body or for enhancing the effect or testing a controlled substance.) 

Criminal sanctions for such violations can include fines from $5,000 to $10,000 under state law and up to $25,000 under federal law, and imprisonment in a state prison for up to 50 years or in a federal prison for up to life.  The sanction imposed will be determined by; (1) the classification of the controlled substance, (2) the quantity involved, (3) the nature of the offense (sale, use, etc.), (4) the age of the recipient (higher penalties for possession, sale or delivery near a school, etc.), and (5) the prior criminal record of the offender.  More detailed information may be obtained by consulting the Indiana Criminal Code or the Federal Controlled Substances Act, as amended.

Anabolic Steroid
Under Indiana law, it is a criminal offense to manufacture, deliver, possess, or use an anabolic steroid without a valid and legal prescription.  It is illegal for a physician or other licensed practitioner to issue a prescription for an anabolic steroid for enhancing performance in an exercise, sport, or game, or to increase muscle mass, strength, or weight without a medical necessity.  Criminal sanctions for such violations can include fines and/or imprisonment.  More detailed information may be obtained by consulting the Indiana Code.

Tobacco Under Indiana Law
It is illegal for a person under the age of 18 to purchase or possess tobacco, and it is illegal to sell tobacco to a person under the age of 18.  As of March 1, 1997, a person purchasing a tobacco product must have proper identification for proof of age.  A fine of up to $500 may be imposed for such violations.  Indiana law also prohibits smoking in public buildings (including all BSU properties), except in designated smoking areas and private residence rooms.  A fine up to $500 may be imposed for such violations.

Pell Grant Award Recipients
All students who receive Pell Grant awards are required to sign a certification and compliance statement, which is a part of the Ball State University financial aid application form.  As a condition of the Pell Grant, the student agrees not to engage in the unlawful manufacture, distribution, possession or use of a controlled substance during the period covered by the grant.  Violation of this agreement will lead to the cancellation of the grant.  Under Federal regulations, all Pell Grant recipients have to remain drug-free (on and off campus) throughout the grant period or lose funds. 

Health Risks of Alcohol Abuse
For most adults, moderate alcohol consumption has not been shown to cause serious, long-term health risks. Alcohol abuse, on the other hand, is a major problem for 10% to 15% of adults and greatly reduces life expectancy. Even short-term alcohol intoxication poses serious safety risks to those who operate motor vehicles or engage in activities that require motor coordination or mental alertness. Alcohol abuse refers to the use of alcoholic beverages in such a way as to interfere with physical or mental health or with the social interactions of the drinker. Alcoholism is a specific type of alcohol abuse in which the drinker becomes physically and/or psychologically dependent on alcohol. Alcoholism may strike drinkers of any age and is a problem of increasing importance in the 18- to 25-year age group.

We do not have a good method of predicting which drinkers will develop alcohol problems. While some evidence indicates that alcoholism may run in families, there are countless exceptions to this finding. The amount and frequency of drinking appear to be the best predictors of alcohol abuse.

Although only a small number of university students develop chronic alcohol problems, a few have been involved in "incidents" of inappropriate drinking which result in nausea and vomiting, driving while intoxicated, hangovers, fights or vandalism, and alcohol-related arrests. The number of these "incidents" can be reduced by controlling the amount of alcohol consumed at any one time.

Effects of Alcohol Intoxication

General Effect:
Alcohol is a depressant drug that reduces activity in the central nervous system. The alcohol intoxicated person exhibits loose muscle tone, loss of fine motor coordination, and often has a staggering drunken gait. The eyes may appear somewhat glossy, and pupils may be slow to respond to stimulus. At high doses, pupils may become constricted. At intoxicating doses, alcohol can decrease heart rate, lower blood pressure and respiration rate, and result in decreased reflex responses and slower reaction time.

Short-Term Intoxication:
Consumption of more than two average sized servings of alcohol within several hours will produce measurable impairment of motor coordination and reasoning. The more alcohol consumed the greater the impairment. Although many states (including Indiana) set a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% by volume as a presumptive level of intoxication for certain purposes, intoxication and impairment begin at a much lower level. It is safest to avoid all alcohol if operating a vehicle or engaging in risky recreational activities. Intoxication at levels of 0.20% BAC and above presents risks of loss of consciousness, nausea and vomiting, injuries, and even overdose and death.

Although the average lethal dose is about 0.40%, overdose deaths occur in some situations with BACs near 0.20%.

Long-Term Heavy Drinking:
Drinking to the point of intoxication one or two times per week or more frequently over a period of several years can cause serious health consequences, including: liver disease and cirrhosis, circulatory problems and cardiomyopathy, nervous system damage and polyneuropathy, alcohol dependence, and psychosis. Alcohol abuse can increase the risks of certain types of cancers, including cancer of the tongue, mouth, pharynx, esophagus, larynx, and liver. The cancer-producing effects of alcohol abuse are increased by use of tobacco.

Effects Related to Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC):
BAC Level:      Effects:

0.02 - 0.03%   No loss of coordination, slight euphoria and loss of shyness.

                        Depressant effects are not apparent.

0.04 - 0.06%   Feeling of well being, relaxation, lower inhibitions, sensation

                        of warmth. Euphoria. Some minor impairment of reasoning

                        and memory, lowering of caution.

0.07 - 0.09%   Slight impairment of balance, speech, vision, reaction time,

                        and hearing. Euphoria. Judgment and self-control are

                        reduced; and caution, reason, and memory are impaired.

0.10 - 0.125%  Significant impairment of motor coordination and loss of good

                        judgment. Speech may be slurred; balance, vision, reaction

                        time and hearing will be impaired. Euphoria.

0.13 - 0.15%   Gross motor impairment and lack of physical control. Blurred

                        vision and major loss of balance. Euphoria is reduced, and

                        dysphoria is beginning to appear.

0.16 - 0.20%   Dysphoria predominates; nausea may appear. The drinker has

                        the appearance of a "sloppy drunk."

0.25%              Needs assistance in walking; total mental confusion.

                        Dysphoria with nausea and some vomiting.

0.30%              Loss of consciousness.

0.40% and up   Onset of coma, possible death due to respiratory arrest.

Adapted from Drug Use in America Society, 2nd ed., 1988 by William J. Bailey (Minneapolis: Burgess Publishing Company). Used with permission.

Alcoholism Risk Factors
The presence of one of these risk factors is suggestive of an increased risk of alcoholism.

1.         Family history of alcoholism or other drug abuse.

2.         Heavy alcohol abuse for more than one year.

3.         Drinking to intoxication before the age of 15.

4.         More than two drinking incidents per year that result in serious adverse  consequences, such as an arrest, fight, blackout, nausea, etc.

5.         Consumption of tobacco in any form.

6.         Seeking out events at which alcohol will be served.

7.         Most of your friends are heavy drinkers.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Effects
Heavy use of alcohol has long been associated with birth defects and behavioral problems in infants. In the past physicians believed that drinking up to one ounce of alcohol a day would not be dangerous to the developing fetus. Some doctors even advised their patients to relax with a drink now and then. However, recent findings suggest that alcohol is not as safe as has been believed. In fact, it may be one of the more dangerous drugs for a pregnant mother and her child.

When a pregnant woman drinks, the alcohol flows easily through the placenta to the fetus. However, since the child's liver is not yet developed enough to break down the alcohol, it remains in the child's system much longer than in the mother's. And not only is the fetus physically incapable of dealing with an occasional cocktail, but also frequent drinking can cause health and behavioral problems that will follow the child through the rest of his or her life.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a set of identifiable birth defects caused by the use of alcohol during pregnancy. Studies indicate that FAS may occur in as many as one or two every 1,000 live births. FAS is characterized by a cluster of congenital birth defects that include the following:

• prenatal and postnatal growth deficiency;
• a particular pattern of facial malformations, including a small head circumference, flattened midface, sunken nasal bridge, and a flattened and elongated philtrum (the groove between the nose and the upper lip);
• central nervous system dysfunction; and
• varying degrees of major organ system malformations.

Behavioral changes associated with FAS include restlessness and irritability, often accompanied by convulsive movements, tremors, and problems in sleeping. A reduction in normal infant response to movement, touch, light, and sound have been reported; and mild to moderate retardation is a frequent outcome.

Alcohol's effects on the unborn are dose-related: The more alcohol the mother consumes, the greater her chances of bearing a child with physical defects or mental retardation. FAS is most likely to occur in the children of heavy drinkers--those who have five or more drinks per day. And yet, women who have two or four drinks a day also risk bearing children with physical and behavioral problems.  Even binge drinking--the occasional consumption of large amounts of liquor--has been found to damage the growing fetus. And, as the Surgeon General has recently concluded, drinking even one or two drinks a week increases the possibility of stillbirth and miscarriage.

At this point, you may feel uncertain about how to approach drinking during pregnancy. There is much we have yet to learn about this problem, including the risks of small amounts of alcohol and the degree to which risk is compounded by such other factors as nicotine use and poor nutrition. Until all the facts are in, however, it makes sense to follow the U.S. Surgeon General's written policy that the safest choice is not to drink at all during pregnancy or if you are planning or anticipating pregnancy. In addition, women who breast-feed their babies should continue abstaining from alcohol until their children are weaned. Alcohol poses the greatest danger during the first three months of pregnancy. Unfortunately, this is also the period during which many women are unaware that they are pregnant. If you are planning a child, do not drink. If you discover that you are pregnant, do not simply reduce your drinking—stop completely!  Also be aware of the alcohol content of many other substances and over-the-counter medications.

Your baby is worth it!

Health Risks of Use of Other Drugs
(adapted in part from U. S. Department of Education, Schools Without Drugs, 1987)

Marijuana, Hashish, and Hash Oil:
All forms of marijuana have negative physical and mental effects. Several regularly observed effects of marijuana are a substantial increase in the heart rate, bloodshot eyes, a dry mouth and throat, and increased appetite.

Use of marijuana may impair or reduce short-term memory and comprehension, alter sense of time, and reduce the ability to perform tasks requiring concentration and coordination, such as driving a car. Research also shows that students do not retain knowledge when they are "high."  Motivation and cognition may be altered, making the acquisition of new information difficult. Marijuana can also produce paranoia and psychosis.

Because users often inhale the unfiltered smoke deeply and then hold it in their lungs as long as possible, marijuana is damaging to the lungs and pulmonary system. Marijuana smoke contains more cancer-causing agents than tobacco. Long-term users of marijuana may develop psychological dependence and require more of the drug to get the same effect. The drug can become the center of their lives.

Cocaine:
Cocaine stimulates the central nervous system. Its immediate effects include dilated pupils and elevated blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature. Occasional use can cause a stuffy or runny nose while chronic use can ulcerate the mucous membrane of the nose.

Injecting cocaine with un-sterile equipment is known to transmit the virus that causes AIDS, hepatitis, and other diseases. Preparation of freebase, which involves the use of volatile solvents, can result in death or injury from fire or explosion. Cocaine can produce psychological and physical dependency, a feeling that the user cannot function without the drug. In addition, tolerance develops rapidly. Crack or freebase rock is extremely addictive, and its effects are felt within 10 seconds. The physical effects include dilated pupils, increased pulse rate, elevated blood pressure, insomnia, loss of appetite, tactile hallucinations, paranoia, and seizures. The use of cocaine can cause death by disrupting the brain's control of the heart and respiration.

Other Stimulants:
Stimulants can cause increased heart and respiratory rates, elevated blood pressure, dilated pupils, and decreased appetite. In addition, users may experience sweating, headaches, blurred vision, dizziness, sleeplessness, and anxiety. Extremely high doses can cause a rapid or irregular heartbeat, tremors, loss of coordination, and even physical collapse. An amphetamine injection creates a sudden increase in blood pressure that can result in stroke, very high fever, or heart failure.

In addition to the physical effects, users report feeling restless, anxious, and moody. Higher doses intensify the effects. Persons who use large amounts of amphetamines over a long period of time can develop an amphetamine psychosis that includes hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia. These symptoms usually disappear when drug use ceases.

Other Depressants:
The effects of depressants are in many ways similar to the effects of alcohol. Small amounts can produce calmness and relaxed muscles, but somewhat larger doses can cause slurred speech, staggering gait, and altered perception. Very large doses can cause respiratory depression, coma, and death. The combination of depressants and alcohol can multiply the effects of the drugs, thereby multiplying the risks.

The use of depressants can cause both physical and psychological dependence. Regular use over time may result in a tolerance to the drug, leading the user to increase the quantity consumed. When regular users suddenly stop taking large doses, they may develop withdrawal symptoms ranging from restlessness, insomnia, and anxiety to convulsions and death.

Hallucinogens:
Phencyclidine (PCP) interrupts the functions of the neocortex, the section of the brain that controls the intellect and keeps instincts in check.  Because the drug blocks pain receptors, violent PCP episodes may result in self-inflicted injuries. The effects of PCP vary, but users frequently report a sense of distance and estrangement. Time and body movements are slowed down. Muscular coordination worsens and senses are dulled. Speech is blocked and incoherent.

Chronic users of PCP report persistent memory problems and speech difficulties. Some of these effects may last six months to a year following prolonged daily use. Mood disorders--depression, anxiety, and violent behavior--also occur. In later stages of chronic use, users often exhibit paranoid and violent behavior and experience hallucinations. Large doses may produce convulsions and coma, heart and lung failure, or ruptured blood vessels in the brain. Lysergic acid (LSD), mescaline, and psilocybin cause illusions and hallucinations. The physical effects may include dilated pupils, elevated body temperature, increased heart rate and blood pressure, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, and tremors.

Sensations and feelings may change rapidly. It is common to have a bad psychological reaction to LSD, mescaline, and psilocybin. The user may experience panic, confusion, suspicion, anxiety, and loss of control.  Delayed effects or flashbacks can occur even after use has ceased.

Narcotics:
Narcotics initially produce a feeling of euphoria that often is followed by drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting.  Users also may experience constricted pupils, watery eyes, and itching. An overdose may produce slow and shallow breathing, clammy skin, convulsions, coma, and possibly death.

Tolerance to narcotics develops rapidly, and dependence is likely. The use of blood contaminated needles may result in diseases such as AIDS, endocarditis, and hepatitis. Addiction in pregnant women can lead to premature, stillborn, or addicted infants who experience severe withdrawal symptoms.

Designer Drugs:
Illegal drugs are defined in terms of their chemical formulas. To circumvent these legal restrictions, underground chemists modify the molecular structure of certain illegal drugs to produce analogs known as designer drugs. These drugs can be several hundred times stronger than the drugs they are designed to imitate. The narcotic analogs can cause symptoms such as those seen in Parkinson's disease--uncontrollable tremors, drooling, impaired speech, paralysis, and irreversible brain damage.

Analogs of amphetamines and methamphetamines cause nausea, blurred vision, chills or sweating, and faintness. Psychological effects include anxiety, depression, and paranoia.

As little as one dose can cause brain damage. The analogs of phencyclidine cause illusions, hallucinations, and impaired perception.

Anabolic Steroids:
Anabolic steroids are often misused in an attempt to artificially induce increases in muscle strength or bulk. Serious health consequences may result from use of even small amounts of anabolic steroids, including problems such as: liver dysfunction, cysts, and tumors; high blood pressure and changes in blood chemistry; hardening of the arteries; weakness in heart muscle tissue; and cancer of the breast, prostate, and bladder.

Males may suffer from premature baldness, decreased testicle size and function, lower sperm count, decreased sex drive or impotence, and breast enlargement. Females may suffer from masculinization, decreased breast size, decreased sex drive, and unwanted body hair. Steroid use by adolescents may cause premature stoppage of bone growth resulting in smaller, shorter body size. Other side effects include acne, decreased immune system response, aggressiveness, and personality changes.

Nicotine:
Chronic use of nicotine, through smoking, chewing, or snuff dipping, causes more deaths and disability than all other forms of drug abuse combined. Nearly one-fourth of all deaths in the United States are attributed to abuse of nicotine. The Surgeon General has determined that nicotine is as addictive as heroin or cocaine.

Cigarette smoking causes lung cancer, emphysema, and other chronic respiratory diseases; heart attacks and other circulatory problems; high blood pressure; stroke; cancers of the mouth, throat, stomach, bladder, and liver; ulcers and other digestive disorders; and a wide range of other conditions including increased dental cavities. There is no safe level of nicotine use. Recent government reports confirm that breathing other people's cigarette smoke causes thousands of additional deaths per year in nonsmokers.  Smokeless tobacco (chewing tobacco and snuff) use causes changes in the mouth, including sores that do not heal, erosion of gum tissue, increases in dental problems, leukoplakia, and oral cancers. The nicotine in smokeless tobacco causes heart attacks and other circulatory problems, high blood pressure, stroke, and digestive disorders. There is no safe level of nicotine use.

Campus Resources for Alcohol and Other Drug Information

Health Education
The Alcohol/Drug Education Program is a part of Health Education in the Student Health Center.  This office provides a wealth of information as well as alcohol and drug abuse consultation and assessments for students.  There are several individual and group programs available to students who want to learn more about how alcohol and other drug use is impacting their lives and how they can monitor their behavior.  The Court Offenders Alcohol and Marijuana Programs are peer-facilitated six-week educational programs for Ball State University students who have been arrested for a misdemeanor alcohol or marijuana offense anywhere in the State of Indiana. These programs are recognized by the state's judicial system as legitimate alcohol and marijuana educational programs. Referrals come from the courts, probation officers, attorneys and other correctional programs attached to the judicial system. The programs focus on alcohol or marijuana education and behavioral change.

The program includes individual student assessment, a behavioral contract, group sessions and individual evaluations. Initially, each referred student has an hour-long assessment with the program coordinator, which is followed by six 1 1/2 hour sessions and attendance at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. Following completion of the group sessions, each student completes an exit interview and establishes alcohol behavioral goals for the following three to six months.

Counseling and Psychological Services Center
The Counseling and Psychological Services Center provides a variety of support assessment services which are designed to educate and enhance awareness of students in the area of chemical dependence.

Fisher Institute for Wellness
The Fisher Institute for Wellness is designed to respond to a variety of life-style issues.  Most of the work of the Institute in this area is designed to provide quality alcohol and drug information to members of the University Community.

Academic Department Courses
The area of Academic Affairs offers a variety of opportunities for students to study the complex issues of drug abuse, the impact of society, as well as to prepare for careers in alcohol and drug counseling, patient care, and other related fields.  The following units offer such courses and programs:

• Department of Physiology and Health Science
• School of Physical Education
• Department of Family and Consumer Sciences
• School of Nursing
• Department of Sociology
• Department of Counseling Psychology and Guidance Services

Disciplinary Actions and Sanctions for Students
The University does not accept or condone the inappropriate use of alcohol or controlled substances by students.  Therefore, the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of alcohol or controlled substances is strictly prohibited.  The Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities applies to all students who have a continuing relationship with Ball State University and the University retains the authority to address violations of these expectations both on and off campus. 

Sanctions that may be imposed on students could be a combination of any of the following:

a.  Official Reprimand: a written warning that the continuation or repetition of unacceptable conduct may lead to further disciplinary action.

b.  Educational Requirements: student may be required to do interviews, a research project, a reflection paper, University or community service or other type of assignment to provide a learning experience related to the violation.

c.  Restitution: a student whose actions cause damage to, defacing of or destruction of public or private property or injury to another person, may be required to provide monetary reimbursement for restoration of or replacement of property for medical bills related to injuries. 

d.  Referral: the student may be referred to an appropriate University service office or to an outside agency to assist that student in achieving personal, social or emotional growth.

e.  Disciplinary Probation: for a specified period of time during which the student must demonstrate a willingness and ability to conform to all University regulations.  Any violation of University policy while on Disciplinary Probation may result in referral to the University Review Board with the possibility of suspension or expulsion from the University.

f.  Trespass: a student may be prohibited from entering or being on the premises of specific locations, facilities or buildings or the entire campus.

g.  Suspension: termination of enrollment indefinitely or for a specific period of time. During the period of suspension, the student is issued a trespass notice and may not be present on University property at any time or attend any University-sponsored event or activity without prior authorization by the Office of Student Rights and Community Standards. Conditions of re-enrollment following period of suspension may be determined by the University Review Board and/or the Office of  Students Rights and Community Standards.

h.  Expulsion: permanent termination of enrollment.  Upon expulsion, the student is issued a trespass notice and may not be present on University property at any time or attend any University-sponsored event or activity without prior authorization by the Office of the Dean of Students.

i.  NOTE: Only the Hearing Board may recommend a sanction of suspension or expulsion.

The University has very high expectations for the behavior of our students and the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities is designed to help students understand the standards of their academic community.  Ball State University is committed to providing a safe environment that is socially responsible and conducive to student learning.  The inappropriate use of alcohol and other controlled substances is detrimental to Ball State University's employees, students, and the public they serve. The university will attempt to assist students involved with the inappropriate use of controlled substances in obtaining education and rehabilitation. However, the ultimate responsibility for overcoming a dependency or inappropriate use of controlled substances is that of the student.  All students, faculty and staff have a responsibility to respect these policies and to encourage others to maintain safe and responsible habits.

The University will respond to all such violations quickly and severely in order to preserve these standards.  While our primary goals are to educate students and support their growth through mistakes, students should be aware that violations of these policies could result in their suspension and expulsion from Ball State University.