Alcohol, Controlled Substances, & Tobacco Policy

(Revised: June 19, 2001)

Drug-free environment

As stated in its motto, ?to make man whole,? Loma Linda University is committed to providing a learning environment conducive to the fullest possible human development. The University holds that a lifestyle that is free of alcohol, tobacco, and recreational/illegal drugs is essential for achieving this goal. This means that all students are expected to refrain from the use of tobacco, alcohol, and other recreational or unlawful drugs while enrolled at the University. This policy is consistent with the beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church that promote a temperate lifestyle, which includes abstinence from the use of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco. Students are notified of this abstinence policy at the time of their acceptance and are responsible for complying with this policy while they are enrolled in the University. Failure to comply with this policy will result in discipline up to and including dismissal.

Prevention

The University provides an educational program to help students develop an awareness of the risks involved in alcohol, tobacco, and drug use and to promote the benefits of a lifestyle free of these substances. Schools within the University may, at their discretion, provide therapeutic assistance for students who have demonstrated impaired function because of abuse of these substances.

Detection

The University reserves the right to investigate any student where reasonable suspicion exists of drug or alcohol involvement. This includes the right to search a personal office, locker, on-campus vehicle or residence hall room, or personal property and the right to require an appropriate drug test and confirmation by a retest. If a search is to be made it must be authorized by the residence hall director, the dean or associate dean of a school or the Loma Linda University dean of students. If unlawful possession of a controlled substance or drug paraphernalia is discovered, the University will confiscate the item(s), investigate the circumstances, and institute disciplinary actions.

Initial identification of substance use or abuse may be made by a supervisor, faculty member, student colleague, or by means of self-referral from the user.

Confidentiality

All drug and alcohol investigation and drug testing information is confidential and should be treated as such by anyone who is authorized to have access to such records.

Assessment

Any assessment of substance use or abuse will be performed by a qualified professional. If there is reasonable suspicion of impairment or substance abuse, a suspension may be mandated until assessment is completed.

Treatment and relapse prevention

Students who suspect that they may have a problem with substance abuse or dependence are encouraged to seek professional help through one of the confidential assessment and counseling programs available to students. Students who choose to self-refer because of substance abuse or dependency problems can call the University Student Counseling Service or the University Student Assistance Plan (SAP) directly for an assessment and intervention. The assessment and any subsequent treatment will be kept confidential by the Counseling Center or SAP. When students self-refer, the school within which the student is enrolled will not be notified.

If the student does not self-refer, but is assessed to have a chemical dependency where treatment is an appropriate option, he/she may be required to enroll in an outpatient or inpatient treatment program as a condition of further enrollment. The individual will be required to furnish evidence of compliance with the formulated plan of treatment. The treatment recommendations range from required attendance at community 12-step meetings and/or other treatment groups, individual outpatient counseling or an inpatient treatment program. Random drug screening is a normal part of the treatment and follow-up process. A ?positive? drug screen may require more intensive treatment for that student and/or result in further disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. If the student does not comply with the formulated plan of treatment, he/she will be subject to discipline up to and including dismissal.

A program of monitoring or testing for substance use will be required to prevent relapse for students who have a chemical dependency or a record of substance abuse. A recovery contract including ongoing monitoring and relapse prevention elements will be formulated for each student. Each professional school may address relapse prevention in a manner consistent with the way that profession handles impaired professionals. If there is a diversion program already available for members of the profession for which the student is in training, and the program accepts students, the school may refer the student to that program. If a diversion program is not available, the student will be required to be under the supervision the Student Assistance Program (SAP) or suitable professionals as determined by the school.

Discipline

If a student or students are involved in the distribution or use of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco at an on or off campus public or private social event, they will be subject to discipline, up to and including dismissal.

If a student does not comply with a specified discipline, educational program, or treatment, he/she will be subject to more serious discipline, including dismissal. In situations where there is a reasonable belief that a violation of law has occurred, cases may be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency for investigation and prosecution.

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