Drug and alcohol policy
Pursuant to the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, the University of Missouri-Columbia is required to establish a drug and alcohol prevention program for its students and employees. A biennial review of this program will be done to determine its effectiveness, to implement changes to the program if they are needed and to ensure that the University’s disciplinary sanctions are consistently enforced.
Standards of conduct
University of Missouri-Columbia regulations prohibit the unlawful possession, use, distribution, and sale of alcohol and illicit drugs by University students and employees on University-owned or controlled property and at University-sponsored or supervised activities.
Violation of these University of Missouri-Columbia regulations can result in disciplinary action up to and including expulsion for students and discharge for employees.
Legal sanctions
Local, state and federal laws also prohibit the unlawful possession, use, distribution, and sale of alcohol and illicit drugs. Criminal penalties for violation of such laws range from fines up to $20,000 to imprisonment for terms up to and including life.
Health risks
Specific serious health risks are associated with the use of illicit drugs and alcohol. Some of the major risks are listed below.
Alcohol and other depressants
Addiction; accidents as a result of impaired ability and judgment; overdose when used with other depressants; damage to a developing fetus; heart and liver damage.
Marijuana
Panic reaction; impaired short-term memory, increased risk of lung cancer and emphysema, particularly in cigarette smokers; impairment of driving ability.
Cocaine
Addiction, heart attack, seizures, lung damage, severe depression, paranoia, psychosis. Similar risks are associated with other stimulants, such as speed and uppers.
Resources
A variety of resources exist for drug or alcohol counseling, treatment or rehabilitation programs. For detailed information concerning resources available from the University and community agencies, students may contact the Counseling Center, 220 Parker Hall, 882-6601. Employees may contact the Employee Assistance Program, 205 Parker Hall, 882-6701. Such referrals will respect individual confidentiality.
Substance abuse information, education and counseling
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Team (ADAPT)
34 Brady Commons, 882-4634
This office offers alcohol and other drug abuse prevention programs, speakers, peer educators, a referral service and research. It provides leadership in the planning and coordination of Alcohol Awareness Month, Wellness Month, Safe Spring break and more. Also, it provides abuse prevention brochures and other printed materials, and houses a large library.
Department of Residential Life
15 Defoe, 882-2834
This office assists in Alcohol Awareness Month, Wellness Month and other promotional campaigns, and provides educational programs for residence hall students. It has a library of books, brochures and videos.
Counseling Center
220 Parker Hall, 882-6601
This center provides individual counseling, alcohol or drug evaluations, and group counseling for adult children of alcoholics.
Student Health Center
University Physicians Medical Building, 1101 Hospital Dr., 882-7481
This center offers medical services and individual consultation, presentations to campus groups, stop smoking groups, printed materials, and peer educators on alcohol and other drugs.
University Police crime prevention unit
901 Virginia Ave., 882-7210
This unit provides alcohol and drug awareness presentations, and printed and video resources.
395 Hearnes Center, 882-0708
This program offers services for intercollegiate athletes including counseling, drug and alcohol abuse prevention programs, printed materials, and wellness programming. Outreach prevention programs are also offered to area schools.