Alcohol, Drug, and Smoking Policies

Alcohol and Drug Policy

The abuse of illicit drugs and alcohol disrupts classes, compromises your physical and mental health, subjects you to criminal penalties, and impairs your ability to benefit from the learning experience. We, therefore, ask the college community to actively support a drug- and alcohol-free learning environment by knowing and making others aware of college policies and the substantial health and legal consequences of abuse.

District Policy

Policy P-2443: Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace and College Premises states that the district "is committed to maintaining a drug- and alcohol-free workplace in accordance with the requirements of the US Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, and a drug- and alcohol-free college environment for students and employees in accordance with the requirements of the Drug-Free Schools and Community Act Amendment of 1989."

Legal Sanctions

The Los Rios Standards of Student Conduct prohibit the use, sale, or possession on campus of, or presence on campus under the influence of, any controlled substance. Controlled substances include cocaine, marijuana, LSD, heroin, methadone, mescaline, peyote, and methaqualone, among others.

If you abuse drugs or alcohol on campus or appear on campus or at a college-sponsored function under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you can be suspended, expelled, and/or criminally prosecuted. The penalties for the more common offenses are:

• Possession or use of alcohol: one year in jail and/or fine
• Possession of marijuana: criminal citation and fine
• Possession of cocaine: imprisonment in a state prison
• Sales of any illegal drug: imprisonment in a state prison
• Possession or use of alcohol by a minor: one year in jail and/or fine
• If you are a student employee, you may be terminated
• You are required to report any convictions within five days of the occurrence
• You will be ineligible for financial aid

Health Consequences

Use or misuse of controlled substances can lead to overdose, sudden death, liver disease, psychological disorders, and brain damage. Long-term alcohol abuse can cause ulcers, gastritis, pancreatitis, liver disease, cancer, loss of coordination, heart disease, stroke, emotional distress, sexual dysfunction, and other health problems. Occasional misuse may cause:

• Impaired learning due to drowsiness, memory loss, and indifference to academic achievement
• Impaired judgment leading to accidents, unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, violent behavior, and financial problems
• Any drug used intravenously can spread AIDS or hepatitis

Get Confidential Help

If you or someone you know is having problems with alcohol or drugs, then contact one of the following resources.

Smoking Policy

Per section 2.23 of Regulation R-1411: Use of Facilities, smoking, vaping, and the use of tobacco is prohibited on all district/college property. Smoking is defined as inhaling, exhaling, burning, or carrying any lighted or heated cigar, cigarette, pipe, or any other lighted or heated tobacco or other product intended for inhalation, in any matter or in any form. Smoking also includes the use of e-cigarettes. An e-cigarette is any oral device that provides a vapor of nicotine or any other substance for inhalation. E-cigarettes do not include products approved by the United States Department of Food and Drug Administration for medical treatment.

For individuals interested in quitting smoking or smokeless tobacco use, free cessation services are provided at Health and Wellness Services. You can also call the California Smokers' Helpline at 1 800-300-8086 or visit: kickitca.org.