Drug & Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program

Salisbury University is committed to an alcohol, tobacco, and drug-free learning and working environment and adheres to the responsibilities set forth in applicable local, state, and federal laws. All members of the University community, visitors, and guests are required to comply.

The University provides education and prevention resources related to the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. The University utilizes educational strategies to increase awareness of drug, alcohol, or tobacco use. The University reserves the right to refuse any advertising or promotional activities that focus on the consumption of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, or drugs that might encourage use or abuse.

For the benefit of our students, faculty, and staff, the University complies with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1986, as well as the State of Maryland’s Substance Abuse Policy (Executive Order 01.01.1991.16). The University System of Maryland authorizes the University administration to establish, repeal, and/or modify regulations and procedures related to ensuring compliance with these laws.

Alcohol
Ethyl alcohol, the form of alcohol found in beer, wine, and liquor, is a psychoactive drug. It is classified as a central nervous system depressant, although its effects are often misinterpreted as stimulating. Low doses of alcohol significantly impair the judgment and coordination required to safely operate a motor vehicle. Moderate to high doses cause marked impairments in higher mental functions and alter a person’s ability to learn and remember information. Very high doses can cause respiratory depression and death. About one in ten people will find it difficult to control consumption, will have continuing problems associated with alcohol use, and will develop the disease of alcoholism. Even those who do not eventually develop alcoholism can experience and/or cause considerable harm to themselves, others, and the community. Individuals with a family history of chemical dependency face a higher chance of developing alcoholism or other forms of drug addiction. Women who drink alcohol during pregnancy may give birth to infants with fetal alcoholsyndrome. These infants have irreversible physical abnormalities and intellectual disabilities. In addition, alcohol use has been found to be significantly related to the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, unplanned pregnancy, fighting, assaults, vandalism, and the incidence of acquaintance rape and other crimes.

Stimulants
Drugs included in this classification include cocaine (e.g., coke, crack), methamphetamine, Ritalin/Adderall, amphetamines (speed), high doses of caffeine, and other stimulants. Cocaine has been known to cause sudden death by causing the heart to beat in an abnormal rhythm resulting in a heart attack. The heart attack can be sudden and unexpected and can occur at any time when a person is using cocaine. Stimulants can cause a person to become emaciated, resulting from an increased metabolism and an extremely decreased appetite. Psychologically, cocaine and most amphetamines are extremely addictive and affect the pleasure center of the human brain. Stimulant intoxication can lead to visual, auditory, and tactile hallucinations and delusional type thinking. After a person develops dependence upon cocaine or an amphetamine, sudden or gradual cessation in use can cause markedly diminished interest or pleasure in most daily activities. Fatigue, insomnia, and feelings of worthlessness are also common and can possibly result in suicide attempts.

Narcotics
Drugs included in this classification include opium, morphine, codeine, heroin, OxyContin, methadone, Percodan, Percocet, and other opium derivatives and synthetics. Narcotics are the most physically addictive illicit drugs. The first or second administration of narcotics results in a tremendous euphoric feeling that cannot be repeated due to the rapid development of tolerance to the drug. This leaves the user with high cravings and low benefits from continued drug use. The user must continue ingesting the drug in order not to develop withdrawal symptoms. A major physical risk associated with the use of narcotics is sudden death resulting from respiratory arrest. Other risks include infection due to IV druguse. Psychologically, cravings for narcotics can be severe.

Phencyclidine/Ketamine
These drugs form a distinct category of their own because the effects produced are unlike any other drugs. Ketamine (“Special K”) and Phencyclidine (PCP) act similarly to a hallucinogen, in some respects. In other respects, they act similarly to that of a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant as well as a CNS depressant. Among their side effects are delirium, visual disturbances, hallucinations, and severe violence. Some evidence of long-term memory disorders and psychological disturbances resembling schizophrenia also has been linked to the use of these drugs.

Hallucinogens
Drugs in this classification include LSD (acid), mescaline (peyote), mushrooms (psilocybin), amphetamine variants (ecstasy), and other hallucinogens. The greatest short-term risk associated with ecstasy is dehydration and overheating. Additionally, consequences that ecstasy may have on the brain include depression, anxiety, and effects on the brain’s ability to think and store memories. The greatest risk associated with LSD use is a “bad trip,” which can occur at any time, even with individuals who have used the drug many times. A bad trip is a psychological reaction to the ingestion of LSD and is primarily based upon the user’s mindset and environment at the time of administration. A bad trip can result in extreme paranoia, panic attacks, and a loss of self-control. The most extreme outcome of a bad trip can be permanent psychosis or even death.

Nicotine
Nicotine is the powerfully addictive substance in tobacco that can “hook” a user in as few as three cigarettes. Short-term health effects related to smoking can include wheezing, coughing, frequent colds, and decreased senses of smell and taste. Smoking can also trigger asthma symptoms. Long-term health effects can include chronic bronchitis, lung cancer, or cancer of the mouth, throat, bladder, pancreas, or kidney.

Inhalants
Inhalants include a wide variety of breathable chemicals that produce mind-altering results. The three major subcategories of inhalants include volatile solvents, aerosols, and anesthetics. The most commonly abused inhalants are gas, glue, paint, and nitrous oxide (including whippets). A major physical consequence in inhalant use is sudden death occurring from heartbeat irregularities. Inhalants produce an inebriation effect with associated bizarre thoughts, dizziness, numbness, and a lack of coordination. The intoxicated person will have problems performing even the most mundane tasks, and serious accidents can result. Long-term effects can include brain damage, poor concentration, and memory loss.

Cannabis
Drugs in this classification include marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), hashish, and hashish oil. Physical risks of marijuana use include damage to the lungs, cardiovascular system, chromosomes, and reproductive system. The most severe consequences of cannabis use affect brain functioning. Chronic marijuana use can result in changes in perception, motor activity, sensation, emotional response, motivation, memory, attention span, and states of awareness.

Depressants
Drugs in this classification include Rohypnol and other barbiturates, benzodiazepines, Xanax, valium, GIIB, and other depressants, including alcohol. Depressants produce rapid tolerance. Severe withdrawal, including seizures and death, can occur if depressant use is immediately stopped. Depressants also can cause sudden death by respiratory arrest or by stroke resulting from a marked increase in blood pressure. Mixing alcohol with other depressants can be lethal.

1. The University provides resources to educate, prevent, and address alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use and abuse. Resources, including awareness information, counseling services, and referral services are available to faculty, staff, and students. A list of community resources is available to students and all employees through the following offices:
   • Human Resources
   • Student Health Services
   • Student Counseling Center
2. The University provides resources and referral services for students, faculty, and staff confronted with a problem of drug and/or alcohol abuse as part of our substance abuseawareness program. Students may obtain information or referrals from:

Area Drug and Alcohol Abuse Services

• White Flint Recovery
  207 East Main St. Salisbury, MD 21801
  410-749-6422
• TidalHealth Peninsula Regional
  100 East Carroll St.
  Salisbury, MD 21801
• Resource Recovery Center
  726 South Salisbury Blvd.
  Salisbury, MD 21804
  410-749-9482 
• Atlantic Recovery
  1325 Mt. Hermon Rd.
  Salisbury, MD 21804
  443-944-9896
• Peninsula Mental Health & Addiction Services
  102. W. Market St.
  Salisbury, MD 21804
  410-860-2673
  Fax: 410-860-0450
• Hudson Behavioral Health
  1505 Emerson Ave.
  Salisbury, MD 21801
  410-219-9000
• Eastern Shore Psychological Services Counseling & Psychiatry
  1113 Healthway Dr.
  Salisbury, MD 21804
  410-334-6961
• Dr. Jay Harkhani, TidalHealth
  1300 South Division St. #A 
  Salisbury, MD 21804
  410-219-3488
• Lower Shore Clinic
  Dr. E.L. Bautista and Dr. Shashikala Venkatachalapathy
  505 East Main St.
  Salisbury, MD 21804  
  410-341-3420
• Wicomico County Health Department
  108 E. Main St. 
  Salisbury, MD 21801
  410-749-1244
• Community Behavioral Health
  821 Eastern Shore Dr.   Salisbury, MD 21804
  844-224-5264
  Fax: 888-509-0010 
• Dr. Talmadge Reeves
  233 W. Main St. 
  Salisbury, MD 21801
  410-749-0124
• Justin Wade, M.D.  
  19 Bay St., Suite 2
  Easton, MD 21601
  410-693-8208
  Fax: 410-690-8188 

For regular employees and their families, the University provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that offers a comprehensive set of support services and resources paid for by the University. The services are confidential and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days per year. Contact the Office of Human Resources at 410-543-6035

The unlawful manufacture, sale, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of illegal drugs or controlled substances, and the unauthorized use or abuse (e.g., being intoxicated) of alcohol by anyone on University property (including any facilities leased or used by the University) or in University vehicles are prohibited. The use of alcohol by anyone under 21 years of age or the abuse of alcohol by anyone at any University-sponsored or -supervised activity off campus is also prohibited. The University reserves the right to refuse any advertising or promotional activities that focus on the consumption of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, or drugs that might encourage use or abuse.

Salisbury University’s interest in identifying violators of law and of University policy is not intended to be punitive, but rather to establish clear limits of conduct for members of the campus community. The program is designed to encourage those persons habituated to drugs and/or alcohol to seek rehabilitation. Conscientious efforts to seek such help will not jeopardize a student’s academic standing or employee’s job, and all information related to such efforts will be confidential. However, efforts to obtain assistance will not preclude other disciplinary action for any of the usual reasons, including policy violation or unacceptable job performance. Students or employees seeking or receiving assistance are subject to all University policies and procedures.

Anyone who witnesses or has knowledge of violations of any Alcohol, Tobacco, or Other Drug Use and Awareness policies occurring on University premises or at a University-sponsored activity should contact University Police at 410-543-6222 or activate any of the University emergency blue light phones.

Employees
As required by the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, and as a condition of employment, employees must abide by the terms of University procedures and notify the Human Resources Office, in writing, of any criminal drug statute conviction no later than five calendar days after such conviction. Lack of compliance with these requirements may subject the employee to disciplinary action up to and including immediate termination in accordance with USM Policy VII-1.15 (Criminal Background Checks for Faculty and Staff).
Upon receipt of notification of a conviction, the University will take the following actions as required by law: 1) notify federal agencies, as appropriate, of such convictions within 10 calendar days, and 2) take appropriate personnel action against the employee, up to and including termination; and/or 3) require the employee to participate satisfactorily in a drugabuse assistance or rehabilitation program approved for such purposes by a federal, state or local health, law enforcement, or other appropriate agency.

Sanctions for employees may include coaching and counseling, reprimand, suspension with or without pay, or discharge from employment. The University may also require the completion of an appropriate rehabilitation program.

Students
Any student member of the University community who violates this standard of conduct will be subject to disciplinary proceedings by the University. Depending upon the severity of the offense, the University will impose one or more of the following disciplinary sanctions as may be appropriate.

Sanctions for students may include reprimand, warning, or dismissal from the institution. A complete list of disciplinary penalties for students is included in the Code of Community Standards.

Students and employees at Salisbury University are subject to federal, state, and local laws for the possession and distribution of illegal drugs. Federal law states that it is unlawful to possess controlled substances, including marijuana, cocaine, LSD, PCP, heroin, designer drugs, etc.

1. If the substance is cocaine, or contains a cocaine base, the penalty for simple possession is a fine and/or imprisonment from 5 to 20 years. (Federal Law 21 USCA/sections 841 and 844 to 845a (2018)
   
   

• In February 2000, a law was enacted to categorize gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB), also known as a “date rape” drug, as an illegal drug. This means that anyone possessing, manufacturing, or distributing GHB may face up to a 20-year penalty 
• For other illegal drugs, the penalty for simple possession is a fine of at least $1,000 and/or imprisonment up to three years. The penalties increase if the possession includes intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense a controlled substance, especially if done near a public or private elementary, vocational or secondary school, or a public or private college or university. Additionally, any person who violates this law shall be liable for an amount indicated below.

In addition to federal laws, the State of Maryland has its own laws dealing with distribution, manufacturing, and possession of controlled substances. For instance, any person who unlawfully manufactures or distributes a narcotic drug may be fined up to $25,000 and may be imprisoned for up to 20 years for a first offense.

1. Students and employees at the University are subject to state and local laws for drinking and obtaining alcohol. A person under the age of 21 years may not possess or have under the individual’s charge and control an alcoholic beverage. (Maryland Code Criminal, Article 10-114)
2. An individual may not knowingly and willfully make a misrepresentation or false statement as to age. (Criminal Law Article 10-113), and an individual under the age of 21 may not possess a card or document that falsely identifies the age. (Criminal Article 10-115)
3. It is also illegal in most situations to furnish alcohol to a person under 21. (Maryland Code Criminal Art. Section 10- 117)
4. Anyone who violates Articles 10-116 and 10-117 for first offense fines are not to exceed $2,550 and second offense not to exceed $5,000.
5. It is also illegal to consume alcohol on any public property or highway unless authorized by the governmental entity that has jurisdiction over the property, with penalties including a fine of up to $100. (Maryland Annotated Code Art. 2B, Section 19-204)
6. Students and employees are also subject to state and local laws governing drinking and driving. A person may not drive or attempt to drive while impaired or under the influence of alcohol. (Maryland Code Transportation Art Sections 21-902)
7. Individuals under 21 with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of only .02 will be charged with a violation of restricted license and result in suspended license until the age of 21. (Maryland Code Transportation Art. Sections 21- 902) 16-123 (b) Ignition Interlock
8. Any individual with a blood alcohol level (BAL) of 0.08 will be presumed to be driving under the influence of alcohol. An individual with a BAL of .08 or more shall be determined to be under the influence of alcohol per se. (Maryland Code Transportation Art. Sections 21-902)
9. Any of these violations will result in fines, imprisonment, or both. It is also unlawful to drive while impaired by any Controlled Dangerous Substance, whether or not it is illicit (prescribed or unlawfully obtained). (Maryland Annotated Code Transportation Art. Sections 21-902)
10. A person can still be charged with these violations even though they possess a driver’s license from another state. (Maryland Code Transportation Art. Sections 21-902 (c) and (d))

• Cocaine (Schedule II)
  • 500 - 4,999 gms mixture
    • First Offense: Not less than 5 yrs., and not more than 40 yrs. If death or serious injury, not less than 20 or more than life. Fine of not more than $25 million if an individual, $25 million if not an individual
    • Second Offense: Not less than 10 yrs., and not more than life. If death or serious injury, life imprisonment. Fine of not more than $8 million if an individual, $50 million if not an individual
  • 5 kgs or more mixture
    • First Offense: Not less than 10 yrs., and not more than life. If death or serious injury, not less than 20 or more than life. Fine of not more than $4 million if an individual, $50 million if not an individual.
    • Second Offense: Not less than 20 yrs., and not more than life. If death or serious injury, life imprisonment. Fine of not more than $20 million if an individual, $75 million if not an individual.
    • 2 or More Prior Offenses: Life imprisonment
• Fentanyl (Schedule II)
  • 40 - 399 gms mixture
    • First Offense: Not less than 5 yrs., and not more than 40 yrs. If death or serious injury, not less than 20 or more than life. Fine of not more than $25 million if an individual, $25 million if not an individual
    • Second Offense: Not less than 10 yrs., and not more than life. If death or serious injury, life imprisonment. Fine of not more than $8 million if an individual, $50 million if not an individual
  • 400 gms or more mixture
    • First Offense: Not less than 10 yrs., and not more than life. If death or serious injury, not less than 20 or more than life. Fine of not more than $4 million if an individual, $50 million if not an individual.
    • Second Offense: Not less than 20 yrs., and not more than life. If death or serious injury, life imprisonment. Fine of not more than $20 million if an individual, $75 million if not an individual.
    • 2 or More Prior Offenses: Life imprisonment
• Heroin (Schedule I)
  • 100 - 999 gms mixture
    • First Offense: Not less than 5 yrs., and not more than 40 yrs. If death or serious injury, not less than 20 or more than life. Fine of not more than $25 million if an individual, $25 million if not an individual
    • Second Offense: Not less than 10 yrs., and not more than life. If death or serious injury, life imprisonment. Fine of not more than $8 million if an individual, $50 million if not an individual
  • 1 kg or more mixture
    • First Offense: Not less than 10 yrs., and not more than life. If death or serious injury, not less than 20 or more than life. Fine of not more than $4 million if an individual, $50 million if not an individual.
    • Second Offense: Not less than 20 yrs., and not more than life. If death or serious injury, life imprisonment. Fine of not more than $20 million if an individual, $75 million if not an individual.
    • 2 or More Prior Offenses: Life imprisonment
• LSD (Schedule I)
  • 1 - 9 gms mixture
    • First Offense: Not less than 5 yrs., and not more than 40 yrs. If death or serious injury, not less than 20 or more than life. Fine of not more than $25 million if an individual, $25 million if not an individual
    • Second Offense: Not less than 10 yrs., and not more than life. If death or serious injury, life imprisonment. Fine of not more than $8 million if an individual, $50 million if not an individual
  • 10 gms or more mixture
    • First Offense: Not less than 10 yrs., and not more than life. If death or serious injury, not less than 20 or more than life. Fine of not more than $4 million if an individual, $50 million if not an individual.
    • Second Offense: Not less than 20 yrs., and not more than life. If death or serious injury, life imprisonment. Fine of not more than $20 million if an individual, $75 million if not an individual.
    • 2 or More Prior Offenses: Life imprisonment
• Methamphetamine (Schedule II)
  • 5 - 49 gms pure or 50 - 499 gms mixture
    • First Offense: Not less than 5 yrs., and not more than 40 yrs. If death or serious injury, not less than 20 or more than life. Fine of not more than $25 million if an individual, $25 million if not an individual
    • Second Offense: Not less than 10 yrs., and not more than life. If death or serious injury, life imprisonment. Fine of not more than $8 million if an individual, $50 million if not an individual
  • 50 gms or more pure or 500 gms or more mixture
    • First Offense: Not less than 10 yrs., and not more than life. If death or serious injury, not less than 20 or more than life. Fine of not more than $4 million if an individual, $50 million if not an individual.
    • Second Offense: Not less than 20 yrs., and not more than life. If death or serious injury, life imprisonment. Fine of not more than $20 million if an individual, $75 million if not an individual.
    • 2 or More Prior Offenses: Life imprisonment
• PCP (Schedule II)
  • 10 - 99 gms pure or 100 - 999 gms mixture
    • First Offense: Not less than 5 yrs., and not more than 40 yrs. If death or serious injury, not less than 20 or more than life. Fine of not more than $25 million if an individual, $25 million if not an individual.
    • Second Offense: Not less than 10 yrs., and not more than life. If death or serious injury, life imprisonment. Fine of not more than $8 million if an individual, $50 million if not an individual
  • 100 gm or more pure or 1 kg or more mixture
    • First Offense: Not less than 10 yrs., and not more than life. If death or serious injury, not less than 20 or more than life. Fine of not more than $4 million if an individual, $50 million if not an individual.
    • Second Offense: Not less than 20 yrs., and not more than life. If death or serious injury, life imprisonment. Fine of not more than $20 million if an individual, $75 million if not an individual.
    • 2 or More Prior Offenses: Life imprisonment
• Other Schedule I & II drugs (and any drug product containing Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid)
  • Any amount
    • First Offense: Not more than 20 yrs. If death or serious injury, not less than 20 yrs., or more than life. Fine $1 million if an individual, $5 million if not an individual.
    • Second Offense: Not more than 30 yrs. If death or serious injury, not less than life. Fine $2 million if an individual, $10 million if not an individual.
• Flunitrazepam (Schedule IV)
  • 1 gm or more
    • First Offense: Not more than 20 yrs. If death or serious injury, not less than 20 yrs., or more than life. Fine $1 million if an individual, $5 million if not an individual.
    • Second Offense: Not more than 30 yrs. If death or serious injury, not less than life. Fine $2 million if an individual, $10 million if not an individual.
  • 30 to 999 mgs 
    • First Offense: Not more than 10 years. Fine not more than $500,000 if an individual, $2,500,000 million if not an individual.
    • Second Offense: Not more 20 yrs. Fine not more than $1,000,000 if an individual, $5 million if not an individual.
  • Less than 30 mgs
    • First Offense: Not more than 5 years. Fine not more than $250,000 if an individual, $1 million if not an individual.
    • Second Offense: Not more than 10 yrs. Fine not more than $500,000 if an individual, $2 million if not an individual.
• Other Schedule III drugs
  • Any Amount
    • First Offense: Not more than 10 years. Fine not more than $500,000 if an individual, $2,500,000 million if not an individual.
    • Second Offense: Not more 20 yrs. Fine not more than $1,000,000 if an individual, $5 million if not an individual.
• All Other Schedule IV drugs
  • Any Amount
    • First Offense: Not more than 5 years. Fine not more than $250,000 if an individual, $1 million if not an individual.
    • Second Offense: Not more than 10 yrs. Fine not more than $500,000 if an individual, $2 million if not an individual.
• All Schedule V drugs
  • Any Amount
    • First Offense: Not more than 1 yr. Fine not more than $100,000 if an individual, $250,000 if not an individual.
    • Second Offense: Not more than 4 yrs. Fine not more than $200,000 if an individual, $500,000 if not an individual.
• Marijuana
  • 1,000 kg or more mixture; or 1,000 or more plants
    • First Offense
      • Not less than 10 years, not more than life
      • If death or serious injury, not less than 20 years, not more than life
      • Fine not more than $10 million if an individual, $50 million if other than an individual
    • Second Offense
      • Not less than 25 years, not more than life
      • If death or serious injury, mandatory life
      • Fine not more than $20 million if an individual, $75 million if other than an individual
  • 100 kg to 999 kg mixture; or 100 to 999 plants
    • First Offense 
      • Not less than 5 years, not more than 40 years
      • If death or serious injury, not less than 20 years, not more than life
      • Fine not more than $5 million if an individual, $25 million if other than an individual
    • Second Offense
      • Not less than 10 years, not more than life
      • If death or serious injury, mandatory life
      • Fine not more than $8 million if an individual, $50 million if other than an individual
  • 1 to 49 plants; less than 50 kg mixture
    • First Offense
      • Not more than 5 years
      • Fine not more than $250,000, $1 million other than individual
    • Second Offense
      • Not more than 10 years
      • Fine $500,000 if an individual, $2 million if other than individual
• Hashish (10 kg or less) & Hashish Oil (1 kg or less)
  • First Offense
    • Not more than 5 years
    • Fine not more than $250,000, $1 million other than individual
  • Second Offense
    • Not more than 10 years
    • Fine $500,000 if an individual, $2 million if other than individual