Drug misuse is the use of natural and synthetic chemical substances for non-medical reasons to affect your body, mind, and behavior. When drugs are misused, their use can cause health problems, social difficulties, and legal problems. When a person engages in drug misuse, they risk:
OVERDOSE (possibly death)
DEPENDENCE (substance use disorder with painful psychological and/or physical results)
ILL HEALTH (organ damage, mental illness, hepatitis, AIDS)
SOCIAL DIFFICULTIES (financial difficulties, inability to relate normally to others, and legal problems leading to imprisonment)
Commonly Misused
There are six classifications of types of drugs that are commonly misused and are by law controlled substances: stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, narcotics, cannabis, and deliriants.
There are two additional drugs which are controlled by law in a different way from above: alcohol and nicotine. The misuse of these two drugs has a massive ill effect on individuals and society.
Controlled Substances
STIMULANTS (“uppers”)
Amphetamines (Dexedrine, Desoxyn, Biphetamine), Nicotine (in tobacco), Cocaine (“coke”, “snow”, “flake”, “rock”, “crack”).
DEPRESSANTS
Barbiturates (Phenobarbital, Seconal, Amytal), Tranquilizers, (Valium, Equanil, Librium), Methaqualone (Quaalude, Somnafac, Parest, Mequin), Alcohol (beer, wine, other distilled alcoholic beverages).
HALLUCINOGENS
Lysergic Acid Diethylamine (LSD acid), Phencyclidine, (PCP, angel dust), Mescaline, MDA, DMT, STP, Psilocybin
NARCOTICS
Heroin, Morphine, Opium, Codeine, Meperidine, Methadone
CANNABIS
Marijuana, Hashish, Hashish Oil, Edibles
DELIRIANTS
Aerosol products, lighter fluid, paint thinner, Amyl nitrite, other inhalants.
Actions & Penalties
Appropriate action and/or penalties will be imposed against employees and students found to have violated College-prescribed standards of conduct up to and including termination of employment or enrollment. Actions and/or penalties may include participation in a drug counseling or rehabilitation service; however, Weatherford College does not assume responsibility for the cost.
Penalties under Federal Law and the Texas Penal Code range from a Class B misdemeanor (maximum of 1 yr. and/or $1000 fine) to a First-Degree Felony (maximum of 15 to 99 years and/or $250,000 fine). The penalty assessed upon conviction is determined by several considerations including the controlled substance involved, the amount, and the circumstance of unlawful manufacture, delivery, distribution, possession, and/or use.
WC Alcohol and Drug Policy
The use of intoxicating beverages shall be prohibited in classroom buildings, laboratories, auditoriums, library buildings, museums, faculty and administrative offices, intercollegiate and intramural athletic facilities, and all other public campus areas; provided, however, that with the prior consent of the Board, the provisions herein may be waived with respect to any specific affair that is sponsored by the institution. State law shall be strictly enforced at all times on all property controlled by the District regarding the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages.
No student shall possess, use, transmit, or attempt to possess, use, or transmit or be under the influence of (legal intoxication not required), any of the following substances on school premises during any school term or off school premises at a school-sponsored activity, function, or event:
- Any controlled substance or dangerous drug as defined by law, including but not limited to marijuana, any narcotic drug, hallucinogen, stimulant, depressant, amphetamine, or barbiturate.
- Alcohol or any alcoholic beverage.
- Any abusable glue, aerosol paint, or any other volatile chemical substance for inhalation.
- Any other intoxicant, or mood-changing, mind-altering, or behavior-altering drugs.
The transmittal, sale, or attempted sale of what is represented to be any of the above-listed substances is also prohibited under this policy.
A student who uses a drug authorized by a licensed physician through a prescription specifically for that student’s use shall not be considered to have violated this rule.
Students who violate this policy shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action. Such disciplinary action may include referral to drug and alcohol counseling or rehabilitation programs or student assistance programs, suspension, expulsion, and referral to appropriate law enforcement officials for prosecution.
Each student taking one or more classes for any type of academic credit except for continuing education units shall have access to the District’s policy prohibiting the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol, a description of the applicable legal sanctions under local, state, or federal law, and a description of the health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol.
Policy Statement
In accordance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 (P.L. 100-690, Sec. 5153 and 34 CJR 85.630) and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (P.L. 101-226, Sec. 1213 and 34 CFR 86), it is the policy of Weatherford College to maintain a drug-free educational institution and workplace. Therefore, Weatherford College prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or other unlawful use of alcohol and/or a controlled substance (as that term is defined in Texas and federal law) in the workplace, on its property, or at any of its activities.
Compliance with the policy of prohibition is a requirement for employment and enrollment at Weatherford College
Sources of Help
Aimee Schwartz-Jarrett, MS, LPC
Professional Counselor
Office - Coyote Care Center (LART Building, Lower Level)
(817) 598-6245
aschwartzjarrett@wc.edu
Doug Jefferson, M.Ed., CRT,
Associate Dean, Student Development
Office of Student Development and Wellness
Doss Student Center
(817) 598-6247
djefferson@wc.edu
Coyote Clinic
Lower-Level of LART
(817) 598-8898
coyoteclinic@wc.edu
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), 24 Hour Hotline, 817-332-3533 or Support Group, 817-598-9021
Al-Anon/Al-ATeen Meeting Information Line, 800-356-9966
The Bunk House, 817-598-1335
The Center of Hope, 817-594-0266
Serenity Foundation of Texas-Serenity House (24 hr hotline), 866-795-4673
Weatherford Area Alcoholics Anonymous 502 East Oak St Weatherford, TX 76086, 817-598-9021
Weatherford College does not recommend or promote any service or source of help over another. Those listed here are for convenience only. Additional sources of help may be obtained by contacting the college counselors.
SOURCES FOR HEALTH INFORMATION
Texas Department of Health (URL: http://www.tdh.state.tx.us/)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (URL: http://www.cdc.gov)
National AIDS Hotline (toll-free): Phone: 800-342-AIDS
STD Hotline (toll-free): Phone: 800-227-8922