Alcohol has a high potential for physical and psychological dependence as well as resulting in increased tolerance. Possible effects include impaired memory, slurred speech, drunken behavior, and organ damage. Overdose may result in vomiting, respiratory depression, loss of consciousness, and possible death. Withdrawal may include trembling, anxiety, insomnia, vitamin deficiency, confusion, hallucinations, and convulsions.

Cannabis includes marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and hashish or hashish oil. All can result in moderate psychological dependence which could results in physical dependence.  Cannabis may impair short-term memory, concentration and physical coordination. It may also interfere with judgment, attention span, and overall intellectual performance. Overdose may result in fatigue, paranoia and possible psychosis.  Withdrawal may occasionally result in insomnia, hyperactivity and decreased appetite.

Hallucinogens (including MDMA, LSD, Phencyclidine, and others) are less likely to result in physical dependence, with the exception of phencyclidines and analogs, and vary in terms of psychological dependence, ranging from none to moderate (MDMA) to high (phencyclidine and analogs).  Possible effects include heightened senses, teeth grinding, and dehydration (MDMA and analogs) and hallucinations, altered perception of time and distance in other types of hallucinogens. Overdose may result in increased body temperature and cardiac arrest for MDMA and more intense episodes for LSD. Some hallucinogens may result in muscle aches and depression when in withdrawal (MDMA) or may result in drug seeking behavior.

Stimulants (including cocaine, speed, methamphetamine, and methylphenidate) have a possible risk of physical dependence and high risk for psychological dependence. The possible side effects include increased alertness, excitation, euphoria, increased pulse rate and blood pressure, insomnia, and decreased appetite. Stimulants can cause cardiovascular system damage including heart attack, brain damage, seizures, severe depression, paranoia, psychosis and lung damage.  Overdose may result in agitation, increased body temperature, hallucinations, convulsions, and possible death. 

Tobacco smoke contains thousands of chemical compounds, many of which are known to cause cancer. Nicotine, which is a central nervous system stimulant, produces an increase in heart and respiration rates, blood pressure, adrenaline production and metabolism. People can rapidly become physically and psychologically dependent on tobacco. Nicotine compromises the immune system.

Inhalants are a diverse group of chemicals that easily evaporate and can cause intoxication when their vapors are inhaled. They vary in their level of psychological and physical dependence. Most inhalants are central nervous system depressants and may cause hypotension, headache, impaired memory, slurred speech, drunken behavior, and organ damage. Overdose may result in vomiting, respiratory depression, loss of consciousness, and possible death. 

Depressants - GHB or liquid ecstasy, valium, xanax, ambien, and barbituates -  have a potential for both physical and psychological dependence. The possible side effects include slurred speech, disorientation, appearance of intoxication, and impaired memory. Overdose may result in shallow respiration, clammy skin, dilated pupils, weak and rapid pulse, coma and possible death. 

Opioids are a class of drugs that include herion, fentanyl, and various pain relievers that are available legally by perscription, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine and morphine.  These drugs have a potential for both overdose and addiction if misused. Use of these drugs during pregnancy could cause miscarriage, low birth weight and/or neonatal abstinence syndrome.  When combined with alcohol, heartrate and breathing can be slowed, which could lead to coma or death.

Sanctions that may be imposed on students for violations of these policies include verbal or written warnings; disciplinary probation, payment for destroyed property, required counseling, treatment or community service, suspension and/or expulsion from the College.

Organizations or groups violating alcohol policies or laws may be subject to sanctions by the College.

Violators may be arrested or referred to local enforcement agencies.

No employee will report for duty or remain on duty if the employee uses any controlled substance, except as authorized by a physician who confirms that the employee’s ability to perform will not be impaired by the prescribed substance.

No employee will remain on duty if the employee tests positive for use of a controlled substance, unless a physician who confirms that the employee’s ability to perform will not be impaired by the substance prescribes the substance.

An employee may be required to satisfactorily complete an approved drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program as a condition of continued employment.

An employee may be reassigned.

An employee may be required to agree to a “last chance agreement” as a condition of employment.

An employee may be subject to immediate disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Violators may also be referred for criminal prosecution and/or require the violator to participate in appropriate treatment programs.

Violators may be arrested or referred to local enforcement agencies.

Minimum Sentence: Imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for life or for a term not more than 99 years or less than 15 years.

Maximum Sentence: Imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for life or for a term not more than 99 years or less than15 years, and a fine not to exceed $250,000.

Minimum Sentence:Imprisonment in a state jail for any term not more than 2 years or less than 180 days and a fine not to exceed $10,000

Maximum Sentence: Imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for life or for a term not more than 99 years or less than 10 years, and a fine not to exceed $100,000.

Minimum Sentence: Confinement in a jail for a term not to exceed 180 days and/or a fine not to exceed $2,000

Maximum Sentence: Imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for life or for a term not more than 99 years or less than
2 years, and a fine not to exceed $50,000.

Imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for life or for a term not more than 20 years or less than 2 years, and a fine not to exceed $10,000.

Minimum Sentence: Confinement in a jail for a term not to exceed 180 days and/or a fine not to exceed $2,000 with a minimum confinement of 72 hours.

Maximum Sentence: Confinement in a jail for a term not to exceed 180 days and/or a fine not to exceed $2,000 with a minimum confinement of 6 days.

Fine not to exceed $500

Imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for a term of not more than 10 years and a fine not to exceed $10,000.

Imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for life or for a term not more than 20 years or less than 2 years, and a fine not to exceed $10,000.

Fine not to exceed $500

Fine of $500-$1000

Fine of $500-$2000

Minimum Sentence: A term of imprisonment not more than 5 years, and a minimum fine of $250,000

Maximum Sentence: A term of life imprisonment without release (no eligibility of parole) and a fine not to exceed $8,000,000 (for an individual) or $20,000,000 (if other than an individual).

Minimum Sentence: Civil penalty in amount not to exceed $10,000

Maximum Sentence: Imprisonment for not more than 20 years or less than 5 years, a fine not less than $5,000 plus costs of investigation and prosecution.