POLICIES RELATED TO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND/OR DRUG/CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE SEE 6.1
LEGAL IMPLICATIONS (PROVIDED BY PUBLIC SAFETY)
If you are under 21 and…
Alcohol is in your hand
It is a class C Misdemeanor to possess or consume an alcohol beverage under the age of 21. As part of your sentence, the court may suspend your driving privileges suspended for up to one (1) year and if you are under eighteen (18) years of age, the court shall order your driving privileges suspended for at least sixty (60) days.
If you…
Try to buy alcohol at a store
It is a class C Misdemeanor.
Use a Fake ID
It is a class C Misdemeanor and your driver’s license could be suspended.
Visit a local bar or tavern
It is a class C Infraction.
If you…
Buy or provide alcohol to a minor
It is a class B Misdemeanor.
It is a level 6 felony if it ends up injuring someone and a level 5 felony if someone is killed.
Are drunk in public
It is a class B Misdemeanor to be intoxicated in a public place.
Drive a motor vehicle while drunk
It is a class C Misdemeanor if your blood alcohol content is at least .08 and less than .15 and a class A misdemeanor if your blood alcohol level is at least .15
If it causes someone injury, it is a level 6 felony and if a death is involved it is a level 5 felony.
Your driver’s license may be suspended.
Possible Penalties
- Class C Misdemeanor = Up to 60 days in jail and up to a $500 fine
- Class B Misdemeanor = Up to 180 days in jail and up to a $1000 fine
- Class A Misdemeanor = Up to one year in jail and up to a $5000 fine
- Level 5 Felony = one (1) year to six (6) years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine
- Level 6 Felony = six months to two and a half years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine
Felony convictions may affect the rest of your life. You may be unable to receive financial aid for school, you may be prohibited from some professions, and many employers are not willing to hire you.
IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE DRUG-FREE SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITIES ACT, AND THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION’S SUPPORTING REGULATIONS.
HEALTH RISKS OF ALCOHOL / EFFECT OF ALCOHOL INTOXICATION
An over consumption of alcohol can have very serious and dangerous effects. We encourage students who are of drinking age to be responsible when drinking. All students regardless of age should become familiar with the effects that drinking can cause.
Below, we have outlined several alcohol related problems and causes. We will discuss the general, short-term and long-term effects alcohol can have on your life.
General Effect
Alcohol is a depressant drug that reduces activity in the central nervous system. The alcohol intoxicated person exhibits loose muscle tone, loss of fine motor coordination, and often has a staggering drunken gait. The eyes may appear somewhat glossy, and pupils may be slow to respond to stimulus. At high doses, pupils may become constricted. At high doses, alcohol can decrease heart rate, lower blood pressure and respiration rate, and result in decreased reflex responses and slower reaction time.
Short-Term Intoxication
Consumption of more than two average sized servings of alcohol within several hours will produce measurable impairment of motor coordination and reasoning. The more alcohol consumed the greater the impairment. Although many states (including Indiana) set a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% by volume as a presumptive level of intoxication for certain purposes, intoxication and impairment begin at a much lower level. It is safest to avoid all alcohol if operating a vehicle or engaging in risky recreational activities. Intoxication at levels of 0.20% BAC and above presents risks of loss of consciousness, nausea and vomiting, injuries, and even overdose and death.
Although the average lethal dose is about 0.40%, overdose deaths occur in some situations with BACs near 0.20%.
Long-Term Heavy Drinking
Drinking to the point of intoxication one or two times per week or more frequently over a period of several years can cause serious health consequences, including: liver disease and cirrhosis, circulatory problems and cardiomyopathy, nervous system damage and polyneuropathy, alcohol dependence, and psychosis. Alcohol abuse can increase the risks of certain types of cancers, including cancer of the tongue, mouth, pharynx, esophagus, larynx, and liver. The cancer-producing effects of alcohol abuse are increased by use of tobacco.
HEALTH RISKS OF OTHER DRUGS
Aside from alcohol, there are several drugs that can also cause severe damage to your body. We ask that you read and become familiar with these drugs so that you can make an informed decision. Again, the University of Southern Indiana does not tolerate drug use of any kind.
Health Risks of Commonly Abused Substances
Description of Health Risks Associated with Alcohol and Controlled Substances (Drugs)
All persons should be aware of the health risks caused by the use of alcohol, and by the illegal use of controlled substances (drugs).
- Consumption of more than two average servings of alcohol in several hours can impair coordination and reasoning to make driving unsafe.
- Consumption of alcohol by a pregnant woman can damage the unborn child. A pregnant woman should consult her physician about this risk.
- Regular and heavy alcohol consumption can cause serious damage to the liver, nervous and circulatory system, mental disorders, and other health problems.
- Drinking large amounts of alcohol in a short time may quickly produce unconsciousness, coma, and even death.
The use of controlled substances (drugs) can result in damage to health and impairment of physical condition, including:
- Impaired short-term memory or comprehension
- Anxiety, delusions, hallucinations
- Loss of appetite resulting in general damage to the user’s health, over a long term
- A drug-dependent newborn if the mother is a drug user during pregnancy.
- AIDS, because of “needle-sharing” among drug users
- Death from overdose
Pregnant women who use alcohol, drugs, or smoke should consult their physicians
The health risks associated with drugs or excessive use of alcohol are many and are different for different drugs, but all nonprescription use of drugs and excessive use of alcohol endangers your health. THERE ARE NO GOOD REASONS FOR USING A DRUG THAT IS NOT PRESCRIBED BY YOUR DOCTOR OR FOR DRINKING TO EXCESS.
Adopted from the Indiana University Southeast at https://www.ius.edu/dean-of-students/student-resources/alcohol-and-drug-free-campus.php
RESOURCES
We encourage anyone having difficulties with alcohol or other drugs seek help from the campus and community resources listed below.
USI Campus Resources
Counseling and Psychological Service
Orr Center 1051
812-464-1867
The Counseling and Psychological Service staff provide short-term individual counseling and intervention to students who are having difficulties or concerns with alcohol- or other substance-related issues. If the Counseling and Psychological Service is unable to provide the type of service you need or request, we will refer you to an appropriate community agency and assist you in obtaining services there.
University Health Center
HP 0091
812-465-1250
The Health Center is a full-service clinic offering medical care and health information to students.
USI Public Safety
812-492-7777 (emergencies) or 812-464-1845 (non-emergencies)
If you experience or witness an emergency on campus, including alcohol and drug emergencies (blackouts, overdoses, etc.), immediately contact Public Safety. If off campus, dial 911.
Community Resources in the Evansville Area
Southwestern Behavioral Health
812-423-7791
Deaconess Cross Pointe
812-476-7200
Counseling for Change
812-491-2615
Adapt Counseling
812-421-9900
New Visions Counseling
812-422-6812
Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in Evansville (AA)
http://www.southwesternindianaaa.org/
Narcotics Anonymous meetings in Evansville (NA)
http://www.atrana.org/
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