Drug Policy
Philosophy
The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College (UTB/TSC) is committed to the safety and welfare of its students, faculty, and staff, and as such, UTB/TSC prohibits the irresponsible/illegal use of alcohol and the use of illegal drugs. The University, cognizant of the negative impact that the misuse/illegal use of alcohol and illicit drugs has on the vibrancy of our academic community and the personal health of its members, promotes a learning environment that teaches responsible decision making that acknowledges the personal and legal consequences that arise from the use of alcohol and other drugs.
Standard of conduct
Series 50101 Section 2.2.3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Broad of Regents of The University of Texas System provides for disciplinary action against any student who engages in conduct that involves the use, possession, or distribution of drugs and alcohol on the campus of an institution. The use or possession of alcohol and other drugs by any student, student organization, or group while representing the University of Texas at Brownsville/Texas Southmost College in any capacity is prohibited during the duration of the event. For the purposes of this policy duration is defined as time of departure for the event and time of arrival from the event.
The unauthorized use or possession of alcohol by an employee on University premises is defined as misconduct by The University of Texas System’s Policies and Procedures for Discipline and Dismissal of Employee Series 30601 Section 5.6 and 8.2.11, Handbook of Operating Procedures, The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College. The unlawful use, possession, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by an employee is prohibited by the University of Texas System’s “Policy on Drugs and Alcohol.” In addition, employees of the University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College are subject to 8.2.21 Handbook of Operating Procedures, The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College.
Description of alcohol and other drugs and associated health risks.
Alcohol. Alcohol is often not thought of as a drug - largely because its use is common for both religious and social purposes in most parts of the world. It is an addictive drug, however, and compulsive drinking in excess has become one of modern society's most serious problems. Health hazards associated with the excessive use of alcohol or with alcohol dependency include dramatic behavioral changes, retardation of motor skills, and impairment of reasoning and rational thinking. These factors result in a higher incidence of accidents and accidental death for such persons than for nonusers of alcohol. Nutrition also suffers and vitamin and mineral deficiencies are frequent. Prolonged alcohol abuse causes bleeding from the intestinal tract, damage to nerves and the brain, psychotic behavior, loss of memory and coordination, damage to the liver often resulting in cirrhosis, impotence, severe inflammation of pancreas, and damage to the bone marrow, heart, testes, ovaries and muscles. Damage to the nerves and organs is usually irreversible. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in alcoholics and is 10 times more frequent than in nonalcoholic. Sudden withdrawal of alcohol from persons dependent on it will cause serious physical withdrawal symptoms.
Drugs. The use of illicit drugs usually causes the same general type of physiological and mental changes as alcohol, though frequently those changes are more severe and more sudden Death or coma resulting form overdose of drugs is more frequent than from alcohol.
Cocaine, Cocaine most often appears as a white crystalline powder or an off-white chunky material. Cocaine is the most powerful stimulant of natural origin and is most commonly inhaled as a powder. It can be dissolved in water and used intravenously. The cocaine extract (freebase/crack) is smoked. Users progress from infrequent use to dependence within a few weeks or months, psychological and behavioral changes resulting from use include over-stimulation, psychotic behavior, social isolation, and memory problems. An overdose produces convulsions and delirium and may result in death from cardiac arrest. Discontinuing the use of cocaine requires considerable assistance, close supervision, and treatment.
Amphetamines/Methamphetamines (speed, love drug, ecstasy). Amphetamines come in pill, capsule, or powder form. Methamphetamine can be smoked, snorted, orally ingested, and injected. It is accessible in many different forms and may be identified by color, which ranges from white to yellow to darker colors such as red and brown. Methamphetamine comes in a powder form that resembles granulated crystals and in a rock form known as "ice," which is the smokeable version of methamphetamine that came into use during the 1980s. Patterns of use and associated effects are similar to cocaine. Severe intoxication may produce confusion, rambling or incoherent speech, anxiety, psychotic behavior, ringing in the ears, hallucinations, and irreversible brain damage. Intense fatigue and depression resulting from use can lead to suicide. Large doses may result in convulsions and death from cardiac or respiratory arrest.
Heroin and other opiates. Heroin comes in various forms, but pure heroin is a white powder with a bitter taste. Most illicit heroin comes in powder form in colors ranging from white to dark brown. “Black tar” is another form of heroin that resembles roofing tar or is hard like coal. Color varies from dark brown to black. Heroin can be injected, smoked, or snorted. Intravenous injection produces the greatest intensity and most rapid onset of euphoria. Effects are felt in 7 to 8 seconds. Even though effects for sniffing or smoking develop more slowly, beginning in 10 to 15 minutes, sniffing or smoking heroin has increased in popularity because of the availability of high-purity heroin and the fear of sharing needles. Also, users tend to mistakenly believe that sniffing or smoking heroin will not lead to addiction.
“Designer” drugs similar to opiates include fentanyl, demerol, and “china white.” Addiction and dependence develop rapidly. Use is characterized by impaired judgement, slurred speech, and drowsiness. Overdose is manifested by coma, shock, and depressed respiration, with the possibility of death from respiratory arrest. Withdrawal problems include sweating, diarrhea, fever, insomnia, irritability, nausea, vomiting, and muscle and joint pains.
Hallucinogens or psychedelic. Hallucinogenic substances are characterized by their ability to cause changes in a person's perception of reality. Persons using hallucinogenic drugs often report seeing images, hearing sounds, and feeling sensations that seem real, but do not exist. In the past, plants and fungi that contained hallucinogenic substances were abused. Currently, these hallucinogenic substances are produced synthetically to provide a higher potency. Commonly abused illicit hallucinogens include lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), phencyclidine (PCP), psilocybin mushrooms, mescaline, dimethyltryptamine (DMT), alpha-methyltryptamine (AMT), and 5-MeO-DIPT (Foxy). Naturally occurring hallucinogens include mescaline, peyote, psilocybin. Use impairs and distorts one’s perception of surroundings, causes bizarre mood changes and results in visual hallucinations that involve geometric forms, colors, and persons or objects. Users who discontinue use experience “flashback” consisting of distortions of virtually any sensation. Withdrawal may require psychiatric treatment for the accompanying persistent psychotic states. Suicide is not uncommon.
Solvent inhalants, e.g. glue, lacquers, plastic cement. The term "inhalants" refers to more than a thousand household and commercial products that can be abused by inhaling them through one's mouth or nose for an intoxicating effect. These products are composed of volatile solvents and substances commonly found in commercial adhesives, lighter fluids, cleaning solvents, and paint products. Their easy accessibility, low cost, and ease of concealment often make inhalants one of the first substances abused. Inhalant users can ingest substances in various ways that include inhaling directly from containers for products such as rubber cement or correction fluid, sniffing fumes from plastic bags held over the mouth and nose, or sniffing a cloth saturated with the substance. Fumes from these substances cause problems similar to alcohol. Incidents of hallucinations and permanent brain damage are more frequent.
Marijuana (Cannabis). Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug. Marijuana is typically smoked in hand-rolled cigarettes (joints), cigars (blunts), pipes, or water pipes (bongs). The active ingredient in marijuana is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is responsible for the potency and effects of marijuana intoxication. Over the past two decades, THC levels of marijuana in the United States have increased. Prolonged use can lead to psychological dependence, disconnected ideas, alteration of depth perception and sense of time, impaired judgment, and impaired coordination.
Damage from intravenous drug use. In addition to the adverse effects associated with the use of a specific drug, intravenous drug user who use unsterilized needles or who share needles with other drug users can develop AIDS, hepatitis, tetanus (lock jaw), and infections in the heart. Permanent brain damage may also result.
University Penalites
Student. The University will impose a minimum disciplinary penalty of suspension for one semester and suspension of rights and privileges, for conduct related to the use, possession, or distribution of drugs that are prohibited by state, federal or local law. Other penalties that may be imposed for conduct related to the unlawful use, possession, or distribution of drugs and alcohol include disciplinary probation, payment for damage to or misappropriation of property, suspension for a specified period of time, expulsion, or such other penalty as may be deemed appropriate under the circumstances. UTB/TSC has adopted the following sanction guidelines for students found in violation of alcohol and drug policies.
UTB/TSC Guidelines for Alcohol/Drug Sanctions*
Type of Alcohol ** Policy/law Violation |
First Offence |
Second Offence |
Third Offence |
Under age 21 possession and/or consumption |
® Alcohol Education Program / Counseling ® Notify Parent if under 21 ® A minimum of 10 hrs. Community Service |
® Disciplinary probation ® Alcohol Education Program / Counseling ® Notify Parent if under 21 ® A minimum of 20 hrs. Community Service |
® Suspension from the University ® Notify Parent if under 21
|
Unauthorized Possession /consumption of alcohol |
® Alcohol Education Program / Counseling ® A minimum of 10 hrs. Community Service ® Notify Parent if under 21 |
® Disciplinary Probation ® Alcohol Education Program / Counseling ® A minimum of 20 hrs. Community Service ® Notify Parent if under 21 |
® Suspension from the University ® Notify Parent if under 21 |
Hosting a party involving the illegal use of alcohol or making alcohol available to minors |
® Disciplinary probation ® Alcohol Education Program/Counseling ® Notify Parent if under 21 ® A minimum of 20 hrs. Community Service |
® Suspension from the University ® Notify Parent if under 21
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® Expulsion ® Notify Parent if under 21
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Public Intoxication
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® Alcohol Education Program / Counseling ® A minimum of 15 hrs. Community Service ® Notify Parent if under 21
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® Disciplinary probation ® Alcohol Education Program / Counseling ® Call to Parent if under 21 ® A minimum of 25 hrs. Community Service |
® Suspension/Expulsion ® Notify Parent if under 21
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Driving While Intoxicated
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® Disciplinary Probation /Suspension/Expulsion ® Alcohol Education Program / Counseling ® Notify Parent if under 21 ® A minimum of 25 hrs. Community Service |
® Suspension/Expulsion ® Notify Parent if under 21
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® Expulsion ® Notify Parent if under 21
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Endangering self and/or others, and/or property damage while under the influence of alcohol |
® Disciplinary Probation ® Alcohol Education ® Restitution ® Notify Parent if under 21 ® A minimum of 20 hrs. Community Service |
® Suspension ® Alcohol Education ® Restitution ® Notify Parent if under 21 ® A minimum of 25 hrs Community Service. |
® Expulsion ® Notify Parent if under 21
|
Type of Drug Policy/Law Violation** |
First Offence |
Second Offence |
Third offence
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Abuse of medical drugs- either prescribed or over the counter
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® Counseling Program ® Disciplinary Probation |
® Suspension ® Notify Parent if under 21 ® Community Counseling proof of completion of outside Counseling program
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® Expulsion ® Notify Parent if under 21
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Possession of any illegal drug in any amount or paraphernalia
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® Minimum one semester Suspension*** ® Community counseling ® Notify Parent if under 21 |
® Expulsion ® Notify Parent if under 21
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Causing another person to involuntarily or unknowingly consume an illegal drug or other substance(s) which could adversely affect said person(s) |
® Expulsion ® Notify Parent if under 21
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Manufacturing, selling, or distributing of any amount of an illegal drug or controlled substance
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® Expulsion ® Notify Parent if under 21
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* In addition to sanctions imposed by UTB/TSC for violations of University alcohol and drug policy, students are still subject to prosecution under federal and state laws. ** Violations found to have been committed by residents of The Village at Fort Brown while on The Village premises may result in removal from university housing. *** In the event the final decision to suspend the student occurs after mid-term of the semester, the minimum length of the suspension would be the remainder of the semester in which the violation occurred plus the following long term semester. In a one year suspension, a suspension after mid-term would apply to the remainder of the semester plus two long term semesters.
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Employees. The unlawful use, possession, or distribution of drugs or alcohol, or engaging in conduct prohibited by University policy regarding the manufacture, sale, possession, distribution, or use of alcohol or illegal drugs (8.2.21, Handbook of Operating Procedures) will result in a disciplinary penalty of disciplinary probation, demotion, suspension without pay, or termination, depending upon the circumstances.
State and Federal law penalties
OFFENSE |
TEXAS LAWMINIMUM PUNISHMENT |
MAXIMUM PUNISHMENT |
Manufacture or delivery of controlled substances (drugs) |
Confinement in jail of not more than 2 years or less than 180 days, and fine not to exceed $10,000. |
Confinement in TDC for life or for a terms of not more than 99 not less years than 15 years, and a fine not to exceed $250,000. |
Possession of controlled substances (drugs) |
Confinement in jail for a term of not more than 180 days, a fine not to exceed $2,000, or both. |
Confinement in TDC for life or for a term of not more than 99 years nor less than 10 years, and a fine not to exceed $100,000.
|
Delivery of Marijuana |
Confinement in jail for a term not more than 180 days, a fine not to exceed $2,000 or both. |
Confinement in TDC for life or for a term of not more than 99 years nor less than 10 years, and a fine not to exceed $100,000.
|
Possession of Marijuana |
Confinement in jail for a term not more than 180 days, a fine not to exceed $2,000 or both. |
Confinement in TDC for life or for a term of not more than 99 years nor less than 5 years, and a fine not to exceed $50,000.
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Driving while intoxicated (includes intoxication from alcohol, drugs, or both) |
Confinements in jail for a term not more than 180 days or less than 72 hours, and a fine not to exceed $2,000. |
Confinement in TDC for a term of not more than 20 years nor less than 2 years, and a fine of not more than $10,000. |
Public intoxication |
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A fine not to exceed $500. |
Purchase of alcohol by a minor. |
Fine of not less than $25 or more than $200. |
For a subsequent offense a fine of not less than $250 nor more than $1, 000. |
Consumption of alcohol by a minor or Possession of alcohol by a minor. |
Fine of not less than $25 or more than $200. |
For a subsequent offense a fine of not less than $500 nor more than $1, 000. |
Sale of alcohol to a minor. |
Fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 or confinement in jail for not more than 1 year, or both. |
For a subsequent, a fine of not less than $500 nor more than $1,000 or confinement in jail for not more than 1 year, or both. |
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FEDERAL LAW
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Manufacture, distribution, or dispensing drugs (includes marijuana) |
A term of imprisonment for up to 5 years, and a fine of $250,000. |
A term of life imprisonment without release (no eligibility for parole) and a fine not to exceed $8,000,000 (for an individual) or $20,000,000 (if other than an individual) |
Possession of drugs (including marijuana) |
Imprisonment for up to one year, and a fine of not less than $1,000. |
Imprisonment for not more than 20 years or less than 5 years and a fine of not less than $5,000 plus costs of investigation and prosecution.
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Operation of a Common Carrier under the influence of alcohol or drugs. |
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Imprisonment for up to 15 years and a fine not to exceed $250,000. |
AVAILABLE ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS COUNSELING OR REHABILITATION SERVICES
Free information on Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse is available at the Student Health Services located at Cortez Bldg. 228. Personal counseling related to alcohol and other drug abuse for students may be obtained from the Counseling Center 882-8292 by appointment. Benefits eligible employees can contact the Employee Assistance Program at 1-800-346-3549 for free counseling services for themselves or family members. Additional information and assistance is available at the Human Resources Department in Cortez 129.
Alcoholics Anonymous P.O. Box 5453 Brownsville, Texas 78521. (956) 544-8530
Bienestar Counseling Center 2039 Price Rd. Brownsville, Texas 78520 Ph# (956) 542-2536
Brownsville Counseling Center John Young LPC, LMFT 2100 Boca Chica Blvd. Ph# (956) 544-0782
Exodus Counseling Center 306 S. 3rd. street Harlingen, Texas (956) 425-1430 Faith Based
Rio Grande Valley Council Inc. 2100 Boca Chica Ste. 300 Ph.# (956) 982-1551 Brownsville, Texas 78521 Mon.-Fri. 8:30 – 5:00 P.M.
Treatment Associates. 700 Paredes Ave. Brownsville, Texas 78521 Ph# 956-550-0651 |
Recovery Center of Cameron County 65 Castellanos Circle Brownsville, Texas 785221. (956) 548-0028
Palmer Drug Abuse Program (956) 544-3333 1275 Cottonwood. Brownsville, Texas 78520
(956) 687-7714 115 N. 9th McAllen, Texas 78501.
The New Vision Center Medical stabilization/ Detox. Unit Dolly Vincent Hospital 400 E. 77 San Benito, Texas (956) 365-5510 / (800) 939-2273 AA Meetings – Tuesdays 6:30 – 7:30 P.M. CA Meetings Saturday 6:30 – 7:30 P.M.
Dr. William Valverde M.D. 531 E. St. Frances Brownsville, Texas 78520 Ph#(956)544-2493
Deer Oaks Provides all types of counseling 896 Ridge Road (956) 546 - 9525 |