The Federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989, which is a companion to the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, requires the University to certify that it has adopted and implemented a program to prevent illegal drug and alcohol use by employees and students. It also requires the University to annually notify each employee and student of the program. In keeping with this law, we have included the following information regarding substance abuse at UCSF. I urge each of you to read this material and help to create a campus community that is free from the problems of substance abuse and dependency.

Joseph B. Martin, MD, PhD

Chancellor, University of California, San Francisco

UC Policies Related to Substance Abuse

To help achieve a campus free from the problems of substance abuse, the University has adopted policies prohibiting the unlawful manufacture, sale, distribution, possession, or use of controlled substances and alcohol. Any member of the campus community who violates these policies may be subject to disciplinary action. The University of California Policies Applying to Campus Activities, Organizations, and Students contains the following:

100.00 Student Conduct: Chancellors may impose discipline for violation of University policies or campus regulations. Such violations include the following types of misconduct:

* Unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, use, or sale of, or the attempted manufacture, distribution, dispensing, or sale of controlled substances, identified in federal and state law or regulations, on University properties or at official University functions.

* Manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, use, or sale of, or the attempted manufacture, distribution, dispensing, or sale of alcohol on University properties or at official University functions which is unlawful or otherwise prohibited by, or not in compliance with, University policy or campus regulations.

Health Risks Associated with Substance Abuse

Substance abuse may result in a wide spectrum of extremely serious health and behavioral problems with both short and long-term effects upon the body and mind. There are specific health risks related to alcohol and drug use, and there are general health risks related to impairment and addiction. Alcohol and drugs are toxic to the body’s systems and contaminant poisonings often occur with illegal drug use.

Acute health problems may include heart attack, stroke, and sudden death which, in the case of some drugs such as cocaine, can occur after first-time use. Long-lasting health effects of drugs and alcohol may include disruption of normal heart rhythm, high blood pressure, leaks of blood vessels in the brain, bleeding and destruction of brain cells and permanent memory loss, infertility, impotency, immune system impairment, kidney failure, cirrhosis of the liver, and pulmonary damage. Drug use during pregnancy may result in fetal damage and birth defects causing hyperactivity, neurological abnormalities, and developmental difficulties. HIV infection associated with intravenous drug use is also a hazard.

Where to Get Help

The harmful outcomes of alcohol abuse and other drug use, including health problems, difficulties in personal and school relationships, and decreased productivity, diminish the quality of our campus life. Fortunately, drug and alcohol dependency are treatable conditions. A number of campus programs and services are available as noted below. All members of the campus community who feel they may have a drug and/or alcohol dependency are encouraged to seek help from these or the many community programs available. Information obtained about individuals who participate in these campus support programs will be treated as confidential, consistent with federal and state law.

Student Health Services’ Student Assistance Program

Counseling for students with psychological problems including those related to drug or alcohol abuse problems is available at Student Health Service. Depending on individual needs, Student Health Service provides assessment, evaluation and individual treatment planning. This may include short-term psychotherapy at Student Health Service, referral to campus or community resources for rehabilitation, and/or counseling services. Inpatient care for acute conditions is covered under the Student Health Service insurance plan. Educational materials pertaining to these problems are available at Student Health Services. Appointments can be made in-person in MU H005, or by calling 476-1281.

Further Assistance

If you have questions regarding any of the above, including University policies and assistance programs that may be available to you, please contact one of the following individuals:

•Charles Alexander, Director, School of Dentistry

•Troy E. Daniels, Associate Dean, School of Dentistry

•Betty Furuta, Assistant Dean, School of Nursing

•Betty-ann Hoener, Associate Dean, School of Pharmacy

•Eric Koenig, Director, Student Relations

•Carol Landa, Assistant Dean, Graduate Division

•Emilie Osborn, Associate Dean, School of Medicine