Florida State University Statement for Faculty and Staff on the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol
The University standard of conduct is that no employee will report to work under the influence of or unlawfully possess, unlawfully use, or unlawfully distribute illicit drugs and alcohol on University property or as part of any University activities.
State law prohibits the possession of alcoholic beverages by persons under age 21, punishable for the first offense by a definite term of imprisonment not exceeding 60 days and/or a $500 fine, and for a subsequent offense by a definite term of imprisonment not exceeding 1 year and a fine of $1,000. It is similarly prohibited and punishable to distribute alcohol to minors.
State law makes it a crime for any person to possess or distribute illicit drugs (controlled substances as described in section 893.03, Florida Statutes) under section 893.13, Florida Statutes. Certain limited exceptions are provided by law. The crimes range form second degree misdemeanors (up to 60 days' imprisonment and up to a $500 fine) to first degree felonies (up to 30 years' imprisonment and up to $10,000 fine).
Trafficking (distributing specified large quantities of various controlled substances under section 893.03, Florida Statutes) under section 893.135, Florida Statutes is punishable, depending on the particular illicit drug and the quantity involved, by a minimum term of imprisonment of 3 to 25 calendar years and fine of $25,000 to $500,000.
Federal trafficking penalties for first offenses, depending upon the illicit drug involved, range from not more than 1 year imprisonment and a fine of not more than $100,000 for an individual to 40 years to life imprisonment and a fine of not more than $4 million dollars for an individual. Second offense penalties range from not more than 2 years' imprisonment and a fine of not more than $200,000 for an individual to not less than life imprisonment and a fine of not more than $8 million dollars for an individual.
Alcohol consumption causes a number of marked changes in behavior. Even low doses significantly impair the judgment and coordination required to drive a car safely, increasing the likelihood that the driver will be involved in an accident. Moderate doses of alcohol also increase the incidence of a variety of aggressive acts, including murder, rape, armed robbery, vandalism, spouse and child abuse, and drunk driving. Moderate to high doses of alcohol can cause marked impairment in higher mental functions, severely altering a person's ability to learn and remember information. Heavy use may cause chronic depression and suicide, and is also greatly associated with the abuse of other drugs. Very high doses cause respiratory depression and death. If combined with other depressants of the central nervous system, much lower doses of alcohol will produce the effects described. The use of even small amounts of alcohol by pregnant women can damage their fetus.
Long term heavy alcohol use can cause digestive disorders, cirrhosis of the liver, circulatory system disorders, and impairment of the central nervous system, all of which may lead to early death.
Repeated use of alcohol can lead to dependence, particularly in persons with one or more parents or grandparents who were problem drinkers. At least 15-20% of heavy users will eventually become problem drinkers or alcoholics if they continue drinking. Sudden cessation of alcohol intake is likely to produce withdrawal symptoms, including severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations and convulsions, which can be life threatening.
Illicit drugs all are health threatening. Examples include: cannabis: impairment of short-term memory and comprehension and ability to perform tasks requiring concentration, lung damage, paranoia and possible psychosis; narcotics, depressants, stimulants, and hallucinogens: nervous system disorders, with possible death the result of an overdose. Illicit inhalants can cause liver damage. Dependence and addiction are a constant threat to users. AIDS is widely spread among intravenous drug users.
Drug and Alcohol counseling and rehabilitation programs are available through the Employee Assistance Program. Contact the Employee/Labor Relations Section in the University Personnel Relations Department at 644-6475.
Florida State University, through an agreement with the Student Counseling Center, provides referral advice to faculty with substance abuse problems. Deans and Department Chairmen who determine that a faculty member in their unit may have such a problem will contact the Dean of the Faculties, who will arrange for assistance from the Student Counseling Center. The goal of this service is to counsel the at-risk faculty member into participating in a rehabilitation program of one of the local service agencies or a similar program in the private sector.
Board of Regent Rules and the Collective Bargaining Agreement provide that faculty whose alcohol or substance abuse impairs their ability to perform assigned duties will be required to enter a prescribed rehabilitation program known as the Compulsory Disability Leave Program. Refusal to comply with its provisions can lead to disciplinary action. Failure to fulfill the terms and conditions of the program can lead to the faculty member being released from employment.
In addition, help is also available through the following:
Alcoholics Anonymous: 385-1551
Narcotics Anonymous: 681-8120
The University will impose disciplinary sanctions on employees who violate the standards of conduct described.
The disciplinary sanctions for the illegal possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol will be consistently enforced and will range from a written reprimand, to a 3 day suspension without pay, up to and including dismissal from employment, in accordance with applicable collective bargaining agreements, and/or other applicable policies and procedures, as well as referral for prosecution for violation of the criminal law. A sanction may also include the completion of an appropriate rehabilitation program.