unitrans

Substance Abuse

Policies, Sanctions, and Laws

In compliance with the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act, the following information is provided regarding University and campus policies prohibiting unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol or other substances; University and campus sanctions regarding alcohol and other substance use violations by students or employees; federal, state, and local laws and penalties for alcohol and drug offenses; health effects of alcohol and substance abuse; and local resources providing assistance for substance and alcohol abuse (counseling, rehabilitation, or re-entry programs).

University Policy and Sanctions

The University strives to maintain communities and workplaces free from the illegal use, possession, or distribution of alcohol and other substances. The manufacture, sale, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of alcohol and controlled substances by University students and employees on University property, at official University functions, or on University business is governed by law, University policy, and campus regulations. Students violating these laws and policies are subject to disciplinary action, including suspension or dismissal from the University, and may be referred for criminal prosecution or required to participate in appropriate treatment programs. Employees violating these laws and policies may be subject to corrective action, up to and including dismissal, under applicable University policies and labor contracts, and may be referred for criminal prosecution or required to participate in an Employee Support Program or appropriate treatment program. 

Loss of Financial Aid for Conviction Involving Possession/Sale of Illegal Drugs

A conviction under federal or state law for any offense involving the possession or sale of illegal substances will result in the loss of eligibility for any Title IV, HEA grant, loan, or work-study assistance (HEA Sec. 484(r)(1)); (20 U.S.C. 1091(r)(1)), if the conviction occurs during a period of enrollment for which the student was receiving Title IV HEA program funds. 

Federal Laws and Sanctions

Under Federal law, it is a felony offense to sell or intend to sell, manufacture, or distribute DEA scheduled drugs or mixtures containing them (e.g. cocaine, methamphetamines, heroin, Ecstasy, GHB, Ketamine, LSD, PCP, and so-called “designer drugs”, as well as “counterfeits” purported to be such drugs), or to traffic in marijuana or hashish. Depending upon the quantity of substances involved, penalties for first offenses range from 5 years to life (20 years to life if death or serious injury involved) and fines up to $10 million or more, and for second offenses from 10 years to life (life if death or serious injury involved) and fines up to $20 million.

It is important to note that illegal trafficking of over-the-counter or prescription drugs (including anabolic steroids) which are listed as DEA Schedules II–V are included in the above penalties and fines. Those convicted of possession or distribution of controlled substances can be barred from receiving benefits of federal programs, including student grants and loans, contracts, ability to conduct teaching and research using controlled substances, and professional and commercial licenses; may be subject to forfeiture of property used in or traceable to illegal controlled substance transactions; and, if non-citizens, subject to deportation. 

California Laws and Sanctions

California law prohibits furnishing and selling alcoholic beverages to underage (younger than 21) or obviously intoxicated individuals. Underage persons may not buy alcoholic beverages or possess them on campus, in public, or in places open to public view; the penalties for violations of these laws may include substantial fines and jail. Alcohol may not be sold without a license or permit. State law also prohibits driving a motor vehicle under the influence; drinking or possessing an open container of alcohol while driving; and operating a bicycle while intoxicated. The limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) for underage individuals is .01 percent.  A BAC of .08 percent or higher for individuals 21 and older creates a presumption of intoxication, but they can be charged with lower blood alcohol levels.  Drunk driving penalties include jail or prison, fines of $1,000 or more, driver’s license suspension or revocation, and required drug/alcohol treatment programs. Refusing to submit to a test for blood alcohol can result in suspension of driver's license for up to 3 years. Sale or possession for sale of controlled substances such as cocaine, methamphetamines, heroin, Ecstasy, GHB, Ketamine, LSD, PCP, marijuana, and “designer drugs” is a felony with terms of 3 years or more; manufacture results in terms of 3 years or more; possession alone is punishable by up to 4 years in prison. Sentences are enhanced for previously convicted felons, for distribution within 1,000 feet of a school or University or within 100 feet of a recreational facility, and for distribution to a pregnant woman or to someone under 18 by one over 18. Property used in drug transactions can be seized. 

Sacramento City and City of Davis Ordinances

Sacramento City ordinances and Davis municipal codes prohibit consumption of alcohol in public, possessing open containers of alcohol in public or at retail off-sale premises, and drinking in parks. City of Davis municipal codes also prohibit intoxicated persons from being in or around a vehicle in public, unless the vehicle is controlled or operated by a sober individual; and prohibit individuals and organizations from hosting or allowing a party, gathering, or event (defined as two or more persons assembled for a social occasion or activity) if underage persons are present and in possession of/consuming alcohol. Sanctions (probation, jail, fines) are imposed in accordance with California state law. 

Education, Prevention Programs, Assistance Services, and Resources

The department primarily responsible for prevention and education is Student Health and Counseling Service’s Health Education and Promotion.  Health Education and Promotion (HEP) is focused on preventing and reducing alcohol, tobacco, and other substance issues in the student population; developing, managing and evaluating strategies to aid students in making informed decisions in these areas.  HEP is a lead partner in the Safe Party Initiative, a campus and community evidence-based strategy that aims to reduce problems related to college student drinking at parties in the Davis community. More information about Health Education and Promotion can be found on the HEP website at https://shcs.ucdavis.edu/hep.

Campus programs, services, and resources include:

  • Safe Party Initiative - The Safe Party website (https://safeparty.ucdavis.edu/) provides safety information and campus resources on alcohol, cannabis and other substances. Content includes blood alcohol concentration charts, safe transportation options, laws, overdose resources, recovery resources and general safety tips.
  • Every Second Counts - Every Second Counts (https://safeparty.ucdavis.edu/party-goer/every-second-counts-program) is a peer-delivered program focused on how to be an active bystander in situations involving alcohol or other substances. Participants learn the signs of alcohol poisoning, how to respond, and the resources available to them.
  • Davis Alcohol and Other Drug Advisory Group - The Davis Alcohol and Other Drug Advisory Group is a campus and community group that meets quarterly. The group includes partners and stakeholders from across campus and the Davis community, including Intervention Services Counselors, Student Housing and Dining Services staff, First Responders (Fire and Police), Sorority and Fraternity Life Coordinators, and Office of Student Support and Judicial Affairs (OSSJA) staff. The DAODAG charge is to examine alcohol and other substance issues affecting young adults in the Davis community and develop, promote, and support university and community policies and educational strategies that strive to prevent or reduce alcohol and substance abuse.  For more information, contact hep@shcs.ucdavis.edu.
  • AlcoholEdu - AlcoholEdu is an evidence-based online educational tool that all incoming UC Davis students are required to complete before starting their coursework at UC Davis. In addition to the incoming student requirement, AlcoholEdu also includes additional modules used for new members of Sororities and Fraternities, as well as an “AlcoholEdu for Sanctions” that is assigned to students who violate Student Housing or OSSJA policy.
  • Recording Artists Against Drunk Driving (RADD) – RADD (https://www.radd.org/) is a designated driver initiative that partners with bars and establishments within college towns to provide a free non-alcohol drink to designated drivers.  Twenty-one Davis establishments participate in the initiative. RADD is present at many student events and fairs to promote safe transportation options.
  • Party On - Party On (https://safeparty.ucdavis.edu/sex)is a campaign focused on consent and alcohol. The key educational component is the “Navigating Consent While Drinking” flow chart found on the Safe Party website. Party On campaign messages are distributed in the Fall and Spring, immediately prior to Picnic Day, across several campus channels, including newsletters and social media. 
  • Free Fentanyl Testing Strips and Narcan - Students can receive free Fentanyl Testing strips and Narcan at Health Education and Promotion to reduce the harms associated with opioids, and potentially reverse/avoid opioid overdoses. Students are asked to watch a short educational video on the signs of overdose and how to use Narcan prior to picking up these harm reduction tools.  More information on these programs is available at https://safeparty.ucdavis.edu/fentanyl-testing-strips and https://safeparty.ucdavis.edu/narcan.
  • Funding for Substance Free Events - To promote hosting and increase the availability of substance-free events, Registered Student Organizations at UC Davis can apply for funding through the Safe party initiative.  Approximately 10 events per year, including movie nights, bowling, baking nights, and social pizza gatherings, are funded through this opportunity.  More information is available at https://safeparty.ucdavis.edu/funding-your-event.
  • Alcohol Kahoot - The Alcohol Kahoot program is an interactive game that teaches students about alcohol safety and basics. The program also incorporates campus resources available to students. Any student entity or campus department can request an Alcohol Kahoot through the Health Education and Promotion Program Request Portal.
  • Aggies Act - Aggies Act (https://shcs.ucdavis.edu/health-and-wellness/alcohol-tobacco-and-other-drugs/overdose-information) is a UC Davis protocol that removes barriers when seeking help in potentially life threatening situations involving alcohol and other substances.  Aggies Act covers incidents where a student experiencing an alcohol or substance related overdose seeks medical assistance; or any other person who, in good faith, seeks medical assistance on behalf of the person experiencing the overdose.  Once an incident is reviewed and qualified for Aggies Act, the student who experienced the medical emergency may be assigned a follow-up consultation with a professional counselor from Student Health and Counseling Services. The student who called for help may or may not be assigned an educational program, based on the circumstances of the incident.  Upon completion of any educational requirements, amnesty is applied for qualified incidents. Records are kept to track students who have used the protocol, but the incident does not go on the student’s conduct record.
  • Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Intervention Services (ATODIS) - Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Intervention Services (ATODIS; https://shcs.ucdavis.edu/services/atod) provides free and confidential individual assessment and intervention services for UC Davis students who can meet with a Safe Zone trained ATODIS professional. Services and referrals are provided in collaboration with Counseling Services, Student Health and Counseling Services’ medical staff, Neighborhood Court, or self-referrals. Free, 90-minute group sessions are also provided in a confidential and non-judgmental environment for students referred from the conduct system or students who self-refer.  Smoking cessation services are also available to students free of charge. If the student meets with the ATODIS Coordinator they can receive one month of gum, patch, or lozenge nicotine replacement therapy for free. Replace prevention counseling is also available to students free of charge with no session limit.
  • Aggies for Recovery - UC Davis’ collegiate recovery group, Aggies for Recovery (https://shcs.ucdavis.edu/services/other-services/intervention-services), meets weekly.  The group is open to any UC Davis undergraduate or graduate student who is choosing not to use any mind altering substances. The group is also open to students who are allies to people in recovery or who have family members struggling with addiction. This is not a 12-step meeting but a support group for students in recovery. Students may contact Stephanie Lake at slake@ucdavis.edu for more information.
  • Student Health and Counseling Services - Student Health and Counseling Services (https://shcs.ucdavis.edu/) provides short-term counseling at no cost to registered students UC Davis students.  SHCS also provides referrals to other providers and services, and online anonymous self-assessment and screening for alcohol and related issues.
  • Academic & Staff Assistance Program (ASAP) - Academic & Staff Assistance Program (ASAP; https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/asap) offers confidential, cost free assessment, intervention, consultation and referral services to all UC Davis employees and their immediate families.
  • Substance Free Community - Substance Free Community - To further support residence hall compliance with state laws regarding alcohol and other substances, Student Housing and Dining Services created the Substance Free Community in the residence halls for students who are committed to a lifestyle without any use of alcohol or other substances.  Residents of the community agree to refrain from the use of tobacco, alcohol, and illegal substances, and to practice a healthy lifestyle. Participants plan and host substance-free events, programs, and activities. Students participating in this program are required to sign the Substance Free Community Living Agreement.
  • Student and Resident Wellness Office - The Student and Resident Wellness Office (https://health.ucdavis.edu/mdprogram/student_wellness/) provides preventive wellness programming and oversees the mental health services provided to students in the UC Davis School of Medicine or in the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing as well as to UC Davis Health residents and fellows. The programming, which includes wellness workshops, contains information on various topics regarding well-being including substance and alcohol use. The office also provides information and support regarding connection to local and community-based resources.
  • Medical Staff Well-Being Committee - At UC Davis Health, the UC Davis Medical Staff Well-being Committee (http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/medstaffwellbeing/) offers advice, recommendations, assistance and monitoring for physicians, residents, and fellows. This group ensures that clinical providers with issues related to alcohol or substances that are offering patient care are monitored and placed on a treatment plan to help them safely carry out their patient care duties.
  • Ombuds Office - The Ombuds Office (https://ombuds.ucdavis.edu/) assists employees and students by providing a confidential, impartial, independent, and informal space to discuss conflicts and concerns, learn more about relevant campus resources and policies, and explore next steps for academic or work-related issues. In cases of alcohol and substance use, the Ombuds Office may point visitors to policies, talk through different paths forward, and refer visitors to other support structures or resources on campus that could be helpful to them. The Ombuds Office maintains strict confidentiality in order to create the safety for visitors to openly discuss issues and find meaningful solutions. However, in cases where there is imminent risk of serious harm, the Ombuds Office will ensure that an issue is formally reported to the appropriate office.
  • Brief Screening and Intervention for College Students (BASICS) Assessment – The BASICS assessment is designed to assist students in examining their drinking and other substance behavior(s) in a judgment-free environment.  Students select their goals to reduce risky behaviors and the harmful consequences of drinking or using other substances.  Some students attend BASICS to fulfill a requirement as a result of an alcohol or marijuana-related offense, while others participate because they would like to learn moderation strategies to reduce negative consequences from drinking or using marijuana.
  • Watch Your BAC (WYB) Campaign - The Watch Your BAC Campaign (https://safeparty.ucdavis.edu/watch-your-bac) focuses on blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and encourages students to “stay in the gold zone” (i.e., a BAC under 0.08). The Safe Party website is home to the Watch Your BAC Campaign where students can find personal BAC charts and BAC tips.
  • Think Before You Drink and Drug Campaign - The Think Before You Drink and Drug campaign is intended to build awareness around mixing alcohol with other substances and the dangers of sharing prescription medications. Formative research, student focus groups and a pilot campaign took place from 2016-2017 and the full campaign was launched in 2018. The campaign continues to be integrated into Safe Party peer programs, presentations, and social media efforts. The three core campaign messages focused on substance interactions; peer pressure and social norms; and misconceptions that prescription drugs are harmless.  More information is available at https://safeparty.ucdavis.edu/mixing-prescriptions-alcohol.

Community resources include Sacramento and Yolo County services and Twelve Step Programs:

Health Risks

Substance abuse can cause very serious health and behavioral problems, including short-and long-term effects upon both the body (physiological) and mind (psychological), as well as impairment of learning ability, memory, and performance. Chronic health problems may arise from long-term abuse, and acute, traumatic reactions may arise even from one-time or moderate use. In addition to the toxicity of specific substances, mixing substances can compound toxic effects.

Illegal, “counterfeit,” or “designer” drugs may be toxic, contaminated, or have impurities causing poisoning, and can be lethal. Acute health problems may include heart attack, stroke, and sudden death (even with first-time use of cocaine or GHB). Long-term effects include heart and/or lung damage, high blood pressure, blood vessel leaks in brain, brain cell destruction, permanent memory loss, infertility, impotence, immune system impairment, kidney failure, and cirrhosis of the liver. In terms of sexual health, substance use can cloud judgment, making it more difficult to engage in safer sex practices that can prevent STIs/HIV or unintended pregnancy.  There is also a significant and nuanced relationship between alcohol/other substances and sexual violence.  Drugs and alcohol can be used to incapacitate victims of sexual assault.

Using alcohol or other drugs while pregnant can cause fetal damage, birth defects, miscarriage and infant death. Additional information on health risks of substance abuse can be found on the National Institute of Drug Abuse website at https://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/medical-consequences-drug-abuse.

Online resources regarding health risks of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs are available from the Student Health and Counseling Services’ Health Education and Promotion department: