Drug, Alcohol, and Tobacco Free College

In accordance with the Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Act, Oklahoma City Community
College would like to provide all Students and Employees with the information below.

The Oklahoma City Community College prohibits the possession, use, or distribution
of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees on its property and as part
of any activities held by the institution. Oklahoma City Community College makes available
to employees and to any enrolled or prospective student information regarding the
potential health risks associated with the use or abuse of various categories of drugs,
alcohol, and tobacco products in a brochure entitled, “Learning about Your Drug, Alcohol,
and Tobacco-Free Campus.” This brochure also lists possible consequences of possession
or use of these substances on College property or at College-sponsored events. Copies
of these brochures are made available to students at the Office of Recruitment and
Admissions and to employees through an annual distribution within each department.

COLLEGE COMMITMENT

Administrative Policy No.1015

Oklahoma City Community College recognizes its responsibility to educate the College
community about drug, alcohol, and tobacco abuse. In meeting this responsibility,
the College provides not only educational opportunities but also assistance through
support services. Crisis counseling, referral services, seminar offerings, and health
information are available to students. Disciplinary actions will be taken against
any student found to be possessing, using, or distributing illicit drugs or alcohol
on College property or as part of any College activity. This document lists some of
the federal, state and local penalties for drug use and alcohol abuse and the health
risks associated with not only drug and alcohol but also tobacco use. College policies
concerning penalties for on-campus use of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco may be found
in the Student Handbook and in the College policies and procedures (College Policy
1014 and Policy 5001, as amended from time to time) which can be accessed through
the OCCC website. The following information is provided in compliance with The Drug-Free
Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989 (Public Law 101-226).

Penalties

Students and employees are reminded that local, state and federal laws provide for
a variety of legal sanctions and penalties for the unlawful possession or distribution
of illicit drugs and alcohol. These sanctions include but are not limited to, incarceration
and monetary fines. The manufacturing, distributing, dispensing, or possession with
intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense carries different penalties depending
upon the Schedule of the drug at issue.

For Schedule I (e.g., heroin, cocaine, PCP, LSD, fentanyl, marijuana, methamphetamine,
“spice”, and GHB) and Schedule II drugs (e.g., morphine, methadone, codeine, oxycodone,
opiates and amphetamines), the penalty for the first offense is not less than 5 years
nor more than 40 years in prison, with a fine of not more than $2 million.

For Schedule III drugs (e.g., Tylenol #3 and codeine-based cough suppressants, Florinol,
anabolic steroids), the penalty is not more than three years in prison, with a fine
of not more than $250,000.
For Schedule IV drugs (e.g., Valium, oxazepam, chlordiazepoxide, ethchlorvynol), the
penalty is not more than five years in prison, with a fine of not more than $250,000.

For Schedule V drugs, (e.g., Terpine Hydrate and Robitussin AC), the penalty is not
more than one year in prison, with a fine of not more than $100,000. Regardless of
Schedule, enhanced penalties apply to second and later offenses, if death or serious
injury results, and to trafficking within 1,000 feet of a school, including colleges
and universities (21 U.S.C. §860).

In addition, persons convicted of a controlled substance violation may be denied Federal
benefits, such as student loans, grants, contracts and professional and commercial
licenses (21 U.S.C. §862(a)). Forfeiture of real and personal property may also apply
(21 U.S.C. §853(a)(2) and §889). The offender may also be ineligible to receive or
purchase a firearm (18 U.S.C. §922(g)). Oklahoma law provides that any person convicted
of distributing, dispensing, or possessing with intent to manufacture, distribute,
or dispense a controlled dangerous substance or a counterfeit substance shall be guilty
of a felony.

The penalty varies depending upon the Schedule of the drugs at issue. Schedule, I
and II drugs, carry a penalty of not less than five years in prison, with a fine of
not more than $100,000. Schedule III and IV carry a penalty of not less than two years
nor more than life in prison. Schedule V drugs carry a penalty of not more than five
years in prison and with a fine of not more than $20,000. The distribution of imitation
controlled substances is a misdemeanor and can carry a penalty of not more than one
year in prison with a fine of not more than $1,000. Enhanced penalties apply to second
and later offenses, if death or serious injury results, and to trafficking within
1,000 feet of a school, including colleges and universities or in the presence of
a child under 12 years of age (63 O.S. §2-402).

It is unlawful for any person under 21 years of age to purchase or attempt to purchase
alcohol. Violations are misdemeanors punishable by a fine not to exceed $300 or community
service of 30 hours or less, or both. In addition, if the convicted party has an Oklahoma
driver’s license, that license shall be revoked for a period of time. If the convicted
party does not have an Oklahoma driver’s license, he/she shall be ineligible to obtain
a license for a period of time. Any person who provides an underage person with alcohol
or allows an underage person to consume alcohol and such action causes great bodily
injury or death of a person, shall in addition to any other penalty, be guilty of
a felony punishable by prison of not more than 5 years, with a fine of not less than
$2,500.00 nor more than $5,000. The local ordinances of Oklahoma City also provide
for prohibitions relating to illicit drug use and alcohol. The local ordinances follow
state law.

The section of the Student Handbook entitled “Drug, Alcohol, and Tobacco-Free College”
specifies that students abusing drugs or alcohol and/or violating the Student Conduct
Code will be referred to the Vice President for Student Affairs, or designated representative,
for disciplinary action. College policies concerning alcohol and drug use on campus
are found in the Student Handbook and in the College Policies and Procedures (College
Policy No. 1014 and Policy 5001, as amended from time to time) which can be accessed
through the OCCC website The College will impose sanctions on employees consistent
with federal, state and local law. Additional employee and student sanctions for illicit
drug use or alcohol use range from a verbal warning up to and including expulsion,
termination from employment, and referral for prosecution for violations of the law.

Currently, state law prohibits smoking in state-owned or operated buildings and vehicles,
and within 25 feet of the entrance to any state-owned or operated building. Knowing
violation is a misdemeanor punishable by fine. State law as amended in 2010 provides
that all property owned and operated by colleges and universities may be designated
as tobacco-free, including smoking and smokeless tobacco, with knowing less than $10.00
nor more than $100.00. All tobacco use will be prohibited on property owned or operated
by OCCC effective August 1, 2011 as stated in Administrative Policy No. 1015. OCCC
will impose disciplinary sanctions on students and employees.

HEALTH RISKS

There are many health risks associated with drug, alcohol, and tobacco use. Some of
these risks are:

ALCOHOL AND THE BODY

Mouth, Larynx, Esophagus

Alcohol irritates the lining of the throat and esophagus. Heavy use of alcohol is
associated with cancer of the larynx (voice box).

Stomach and Intestines

Alcohol irritates the lining of the stomach and can result in gastric or duodenal
ulcers. In the small intestine, alcohol blocks the absorption of vitamins and minerals
essential for good nutrition.

Bloodstream

Most alcohol (95%) is absorbed through the lining of the stomach and small intestines
causing irritation to the linings of these organs, slowing circulation, which deprives
tissues of oxygen, slowing the ability of white blood cells to destroy bacteria and
slowing the clotting ability of blood platelets.

Pancreas, Liver, Heart

Alcohol irritates the cells of the pancreas and can lead to hemorrhagic pancreatitis.
Pancreatitis can destroy the pancreas and create a lack of insulin. Alcohol inflames
and destroys the cells of the liver and causes inflammation of the heart muscle.

Bladder and Kidneys

Alcohol inflames the linings of the bladder. In the kidneys, alcohol causes an increased
loss of fluids.

Sex Glands
Swelling of the prostate gland interferes with the ability of the male to perform
sexually. It also interferes with the ability of the partners in a sexual relationship
to achieve full satisfaction.

Reproduction

Alcohol consumption is the third leading cause of mental retardation in infants. Medical
experts now recommend that NO alcohol be consumed during pregnancy.

Brain and Central Nervous System

Alcohol may produce lack of coordination, confusion, disorientation, stupor, anesthesia,
coma, and finally death. Even in small amounts, alcohol is especially dangerous when
combined with barbiturates, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, sleeping pills, or narcotics.
It should not be consumed when taking antihistamines, motion sickness pills, and many
other over-the-counter and prescription medications.

TOBACCO AND THE BODY

Mouth, Larynx, Esophagus

Smokers have three times as many cavities as nonsmokers. Tobacco, both smoked and
smokeless, is the leading cause of cancers of the cheeks, gums, palate, tongue, and
lips. Smokers lose their teeth at a rate three times greater than nonsmokers. A one-pack-a-day
smoker increases his/her chances of cancer of the esophagus by as much as 500%.

Stomach, Heart

Peptic ulcers are twice as high in smokers as nonsmokers. Nicotine from any source
causes secretion of excessive amounts of gastric acids and delays healing of ulcers.
Nicotine is a powerful constrictor of small arteries leading to insufficient oxygen
supply to the heart and possible heart attacks.

Pancreas, Bladder, Kidneys

Smokers have a 100% increased risk of developing cancer of the pancreas, three times
the risk of bladder cancer, and a 50% greater rate of kidney cancer. Carcinogens absorbed
from cigarette smoke and smokeless tobacco are concentrated and excreted in the urine.
The bladder and the kidneys are in constant contact with these cancer-causing chemicals.

Bronchioles, Lungs

Smoking causes the lungs and bronchioles to be inflamed and congested. Chronic bronchitis
predisposes smokers to emphysema, an incurable lung disease. Emphysema is characterized
by stretching and breaking of the tiny air sacs of the lungs, making them useless
for breathing. Cigarette smokers are ten times more likely to die of lung cancer than
nonsmokers.

Reproduction

Smoking more than half of a pack of cigarettes daily is associated with higher incidence
of infertility in women. Babies born to women who smoke are lighter and smaller than
those born to nonsmokers. This is important because birth weight is a predictor of
infant health. Women who take birth control pills and who smoke are at a greater risk
for cancer.

Brain

Strokes are generally caused by a combination of high blood pressure and smoking and
are the third leading cause of death in the U.S. Nicotine from any source constricts
blood vessels and restricts oxygen supply.

Prescription Medications

A growing trend among recreational drug users is the use and abuse of prescription
drugs. Many of these drugs are designed to release small doses of their active ingredients
over an extended period of time. Abusers try to find ways to circumvent this time-release
process so that they get a massive dose all at once. They may also combine various
drugs to get an intense combination of reactions (the “Skittles” method). The danger
is that these medications are highly toxic and may be lethal if used inappropriately.
Abusers often believe that these drugs are not dangerous because doctors prescribe
them. However, when taken in too high a dose or in combination with other drugs, they
may be more dangerous than some illegal drugs. Prescription medications should only
be used by the person for whom they were prescribed and according to the directions
on the package. Use by any other person or in any other manner, is illegal.

MARIJUANA, COCAINE, CRACK COCAINE, AND THE BODY

Eyes, Skin

Marijuana smokers may have inflamed watery eyes and develop wrinkled skin due to irritants
present in smoke. Cocaine users have increased sensitivity to light, see fuzzily,
see “floaters,” have double vision or image distortion.

Mouth, Larynx, Esophagus

Marijuana contains 50% more tar than tobacco and 400 other identified chemicals. Using
3 - 5 marijuana joints a week equals smoking 16 cigarettes daily. Smoking is associated
with gum disease, loss of teeth, cancer of the cheeks, gums, palate, tongue, lips,
larynx, and esophagus.

Heart

Smoking one marijuana joint may cause increases in heart rate and blood pressure by
as much as 50%. Cocaine increases heart rate and blood pressure. Temperature rises
and arteries constrict, causing restricted blood flow to the heart and the possibility
of a heart attack. Bladder, Kidneys The concentration of tars, carcinogens, and chemicals
from marijuana in the kidneys and bladder is associated with cancers in these organs.
Cocaine use causes inflammation and breakdown of small and medium arteries in the
kidneys and gastrointestinal tract.

Bronchioles, Lungs

Marijuana is a respiratory irritant that causes sore throats and chronic coughs. Use
of crack or cocaine may cause the respiratory system to fail.

Reproduction

The gonads, ovaries, and testicles are high-fat organs which absorb and hold more
of the active ingredient in marijuana (THC) than most other cells of the body. Males
experience lowered testosterone levels, levels essential for the development of secondary
male characteristics. Users may experience impotency and infertility, pregnancy complications,
and changes in sexual characteristics. Cocaine users have babies addicted at birth.

Brain/Central Nervous System

Marijuana use may result in poor transmission of nerve impulses. The result is impairment
of speech, comprehension, memory, and sleep. Cocaine stimulates the central nervous
system causing restlessness, tremors, and convulsions. Cocaine alters normal electrical
activity of the brain, which can result in seizures or convulsions similar to epilepsy.

Club Drugs and The Body

The term “club drugs” refers to a wide variety of drugs often used at all-night dance
parties (raves), nightclubs, and concerts. These drugs have gained popularity due
to the misconception that they are less harmful and less addictive than mainstream
drugs.

MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine)

Street Names: Ecstasy, XTC, E, X, Adam, eccy, clarity, essence, doctor, insight

MDMA affects the brain by destroying serotonin-producing neurons and possibly by interfering
with the brain’s ability to use serotonin. This interferes with the brain’s ability
to regulate aggression, moods, sexual activity, sleep, and pain sensitivity. MDMA
can destroy the brain cells that use dopamine, resulting in motor disturbances similar
to those seen in Parkinson’s disease. The drug has stimulant and mildly hallucinogenic
effects on users and creates a hyperthermic condition, which may be fatal if left
untreated.

Ketamine

Street Names: K, Special K, and Cat Valium

Ketamine produces physical effects similar to phencyclidine (PCP). Use of the drug
can cause delirium, amnesia, depression, long-term memory and cognitive difficulties,
and fatal respiratory problems. Due to its disassociated effect, it may be used as
a date- rape drug.

GHB (Gamma Hydroxybutyrate)

Street Names: Liquid Ecstasy, Soap, Easy Lay, Georgia Home Boy, Grievous Bodily Harm,
Liquid X, and Goop

GHB is a central nervous system depressant. Low doses may cause drowsiness, dizziness,
nausea, and visual disturbances. Higher doses may cause unconsciousness, seizures,
severe respiratory depression, and coma. Because it is easily concealed in drinks,
GHB may be used in the commission of sexual assaults because it renders the victim
incapable of resisting and may cause memory problems. GBL (Gamma-Butyrolactone)

GBL is synthesized by the body to produce GHB. Ingesting this drug, even in small
quantities, may produce a severe physical reaction. GBL increases the effects of alcohol,
often causing respiratory distress, seizures, coma, and death.

Rohypnol (Flunitrazepam)

Street Names: Roofies, Rophies, Roopies, Rope, Ropies, Ruffies, Roaches, Roche, Roach-2,
Forget-me Pill, Circles, Mexican Valium, and Rib

Rohypnol is most commonly known as a date-rape drug because one of the significant
effects of the drug is anterograde amnesia. In addition, Rohypnol often causes decreased
blood pressure, drowsiness, visual disturbances, dizziness, confusion, gastrointestinal
disturbances, and urinary retention.

LSD (d-lysergic acid diethylamide)

Street Names: Acid, Boomers, Yellow Sunshines, Cid, Doses, Trips, Blotter, and Window
Panes

Use of LSD produces hallucinations, generalized panic and anxiety, confusion, and
suspicion. Flashbacks can occur even after the user has stopped taking the drug.

Methamphetamine

Street Names: Speed, Ice, Chalk, Meth, Crystal, Crank, Fire, and Glass

Methamphetamine, the “poor man’s” cocaine, is a central nervous system stimulant.
Use can lead to memory loss, aggressive behavior, violence, psychotic and paranoid
behavior, and potential cardiac and neurological damage. Users may suffer a significant
loss in the brain’s ability to use dopamine. Injection of the drug can lead to a higher
risk of infectious diseases, especially hepatitis, HIV, and AIDS.

PCP (Phencyclidine)

Street Names: Angel Dust, Crystal, Hog, Supergrass, Killer Joints, Ozone, Wack, Embalming
Fluid, and Rocket Fuel

PCP is a highly addictive hallucinogen that has anesthetic properties. Users often
become agitated, delusional, and irrational while recovering from the drug’s anesthetic
effects. Users may become violent and/or suicidal and should not be left alone.

At low to moderate doses, physiological effects of PCP include a slight increase in
breathing rate and a more pronounced rise in blood pressure and pulse rate. Respiration
becomes shallow, and flushing and profuse sweating occur. Generalized numbness of
the extremities and muscular incoordination may also occur. Psychological effects
include distinct changes in body awareness, similar to those associated with alcohol
intoxication.

Use of PCP among adolescents may interfere with hormones related to normal growth
and development as well as with the learning process. At high doses of PCP, there
is a drop in blood pressure, pulse rate, and respiration. This may be accompanied
by nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, flicking up and down of the eyes, drooling, loss
of balance, and dizziness. High doses of PCP can also cause seizures, coma, and death
(though death more often results from accidental injury or suicide during PCP intoxication).
Psychological effects at high doses include illusions and hallucinations.

PCP can cause effects that mimic the full range of symptoms of schizophrenia, such
as delusions, paranoia, disordered thinking, a sensation of distance from one’s environment,
and catatonia. Speech is often sparse and garbled. People who use PCP for long periods
report memory loss, difficulties with speech and thinking, depression, weight loss,
and mood disorders. These symptoms can persist up to a year after cessation of PCP
use. PCP has sedative effects, and interactions with other central nervous system
depressants, such as alcohol and benzodiazepines, can lead to coma or accidental overdose.

Use of any “club drug” in combination with other drugs, especially alcohol, may be
fatal.

WHERE TO GO FOR HELP

Students in a crisis situation, who need personal counseling, or who need information
about drug or alcohol-related problems may request help by contacting the Licensed
Counselor in the Office of Student Accessibility and Support at 682-7520. This counselor
will provide short-term assistance and referral services. Several agencies in the
Oklahoma City area provide drug and alcohol counseling and assistance in overcoming
chemical dependency.

HOTLINE

Reach Out Referral Hotline * 1-800-522-9054
V/TDD for deaf or hearing-impaired
Drug and Alcohol Referral  * 271-2444
North Care Center * 272-0660
V/TDD for deaf or hearing-impaired
Drug Recovery Community Health * 424-4347
Norman Alcohol and Drug Treatment Center (NADTC) * 321-4880, Ext. 6624
Oklahoma City/County Crisis Intervention Center * 522-8100

The above agencies provide services on a sliding-scale basis.

HOSPITAL TREATMENT PROGRAMS

Veterans Administration Hospital  *  270-0501
Alcohol Treatment Program - services are provided on a sliding-scale or at no cost
to eligible veterans
Norman Regional Hospital * 307-1000, Ext. 5000
Chemical Dependency Unit - services provided for a fee. Variety of therapies
St. Anthony Hospital * 272-7240
Care Unit - services provided for a fee. Inpatient, outpatient and aftercare program
Alcoholics Anonymous * 524-1100