Frequently Asked Questions About Alchohol Or Drugs
Q- What is alcohol poisoning or alcohol overdose, and what are the symptoms?
- Alcohol poisoning is a condition where toxic amounts of alcohol have been consumed, usually in a short period of time. The person may become extremely disoriented, unresponsive, or unconscious, with shallow breathing. Symptoms can also include vomiting, seizures, blue tinged or pale clammy skin, or low body temperature. Because alcohol poisoning can be deadly, emergency treatment is needed immediately. Do not wait for all symptoms to be present, call 9-1-1 and get help right away if in doubt.
Q- If I am underage and have been drinking, will I be in trouble if I call 9-1-1 to help a friend?
- Washington State has a medical amnesty law for alcohol and drugs that allows underage users to call for help without fearing prosecution. The law is meant to encourage minors to call 9-1-1, if needed during a medical emergency.
Q- Does drinking really affect my grades?
- Drinking alcohol can have a negative impact on cognitive functions (concentration, memory, and attention). With heavy drinking, positive blood alcohol levels can remain the next day and may limit a student’s ability to get up for class and impair mental processing and memory resulting in incomplete work, poor exam results, and lower grades.
Q- Why can’t I use cannabis (marijuana) on campus when it is legal in Washington?
- Cannabis is still illegal under federal law and permitting its use at Shoreline College would violate the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act. If SC failed to comply with the act, it could become ineligible for federal funding and lose financial aid for students.
Q- How do I find help for a friend who is drinking too much?
- In supporting your friend, you can guide them to the College’s Counseling Center. Services provided are short-term mental health counseling and self-care/wellness education and referral to community resources at no charge for students. For more information, please visit https://www.shoreline.edu/counseling-center/default.aspx.
Q- What is Shoreline College’s policy on the use of drugs or alcohol?
- Shoreline College advocates maintaining a safe, healthy and productive educational and work environment for students, employees and the public. Shoreline College (SC) complies with the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989. The College has established the following policies, including Policy 5030 – Student Conduct Code / Washington Administrate Code (WAC) 132G-121-015 (9) & (10)032 (2) & (3), Policy 3805 - Alcohol Consumption and Possession, Policy 5326 – Drugs, Policy 5328 – Substance Abuse and STDs, Policy 1004 (132G-137- 060) (1) & (3) – Use of College Facilities, 4120 - Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace.
- Policy 1004 states that State law relative to public institutions governs the use or possession of intoxicants on campus or at college functions. The use or possession of unlawful narcotics or drugs, not medically prescribed, on college property or at college functions, is prohibited. Students, staff, and faculty who are obviously under the influence of intoxicants, unlawful drugs, or narcotics while in college facilities shall be subject to disciplinary action.
- The vaping or smoking of marijuana or herbal or chemical products, and the use of smokeless or chewing tobacco is prohibited at all times on campus.
- Policy 5326, Drugs, states that students possessing, manufacturing, selling, using or causing someone else to use unlawful drugs on College property or on property under the supervision and control of the College may be subject to disciplinary action.
- Policy 3805 notes that the possession, sale, or use of alcohol is prohibited on the campus of Shoreline College [with limited exceptions].
- Policy 5030, the Student Conduct Code, includes the following prohibited conduct related to alcohol and drugs:
(a) Alcohol. The use, possession, delivery, sale, or being observably under the influence of any alcoholic beverage, except as permitted by law and applicable college policies.
(b) Marijuana. The use, possession, delivery, or sale of marijuana or the psychoactive compounds found in marijuana intended for human consumption, regardless of form, or being observably under the influence of marijuana or the psychoactive compounds found in marijuana. While state law permits the recreational use of marijuana, federal law prohibits such use on college premises or in connection with college activities.
(c) Drugs. The use, possession, delivery, sale, or being observably under the influence of any legend drug, including anabolic steroids, androgens, or human growth hormones as defined in chapter 69.41 RCW, or any other controlled substance under chapter 69.50 RCW, except as prescribed for a student's use by a licensed practitioner
The possession, use, manufacturing, sale or being observably under the influence of
illegal drugs is not tolerated and will be subject to discipline. Marijuana use is
prohibited by federal law on campus or off campus at college sponsored events such
as student activities, athletic events, conferences or workshops (regardless of the
fact it is legal in Washington for those 21 and older).
The possession, consumption, manufacturing, sale, or being observably under the influence
of any form of alcohol by any student on college facilities or participating in a
college sponsored activity will be cause for disciplinary action.
Resources for Help
Help.org
Crisis Connections
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline | 988
211 Basic Needs Resources | 211
Community Care Hub Intake Center | 833-453-0336
Washington Recovery Helpline | 866-789-1511
King County Stop Hate Hotline | 833-786-7481
Teen Link | 866-833-6546
Warm Line | 877-500-9276
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services’ National Helpline
1-800-662-4357 (HELP)
Washington Poison Control Center
1-800-222-1222; Text (206) 526-2121