Alcohol and Drug Abuse Resources

Safe Harbor Rule

WCTC has a Safe Harbor rule and believes that students who have a drug and/or addiction problem deserve help. If you bring your own use, addiction or dependency to the attention of WCTC officials outside the threat of drug tests or sanctions and you seek assistance, WCTC will not pursue a conduct complaint. We may use a written action plan to track your cooperation with the Safe Harbor program, and failure to follow the action plan will nullify the Safe Harbor protection and lead to campus conduct proceedings.

If you are struggling with alcohol or drug dependence, please make an appointment with WCTC’s Mental Health Counseling Services.

Alcohol and Drug Policy

As a condition of receiving financial aid funds, the federal government requires that colleges must disclose information to students and have an adopted alcohol and drug program in place. This serves as WCTC’s information for compliance of these regulations, as well as the information published in the WCTC College Safety and Security Resource Guide, found on the WCTC website.

It is the policy of this institution that the unlawful manufacture, distribution or possession of illicit drugs, or use or abuse of alcohol on any WCTC campus, or as a part of any WCTC activity, is strictly prohibited. Exceptions to this alcohol policy are for an individual situation, which must have written approval from the College president.

Anyone who violates the policy is subject both to the institution’s and criminal sanctions. Without exception, alcoholic consumption is governed by Wisconsin statutory age restrictions under Chapter 125 et al. Laws prohibit drug possession through Wis. Stat. 161 and mandate penalties up to 15 years of prison and fines.

WCTC policy recognizes that substance abuse is a complex problem that is not easily resolved solely by personal effort and may require professional assistance and/or treatment.

The College will not excuse a student for acts of misconduct committed on campus or while participating in any WCTC sponsored activity, whose judgment is impaired due to substance abuse. Students whose behavior indicates that they are under the influence of alcohol or other drugs upon their arrival at a WCTC activity or class are also subject to this policy. Law enforcement personnel may be contacted if disorderly or belligerent behavior exists.

Laws prohibit drug possession and delivery through the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, Wis. Stats. 961, and mandate stiff penalties that include up to 15 years of prison and fines up to $500,000. A person with a first-time conviction of possession of a controlled substance can be sentenced up to one year in prison and fined up to $5,000. The penalties vary according to the amount of drug confiscated the type of drug found, the number of previous offenses by the individual and whether the individual intended to manufacture the drug, sell the drug or use the drug. In addition to the stringent penalties for possession or delivery, the sentences can be doubled when exacerbating factors are present, such as when a person distributes a controlled substance to a minor.

Substantial restrictions against alcohol abuse also exist in Wisconsin. It is against the law to sell alcohol to anyone who has not reached the legal drinking age of 21, and there is a concurrent duty on the part of an adult to prevent the illegal consumption of alcohol on his (or her) premises, Wis. Stats. 125.07(1)(a)(1). Violation of this statute can result in a $500 fine. It is against the law for an underage person to attempt to buy an alcoholic beverage, falsely represent his or her age, or enter a licensed premise. Offenders can be fined $500, ordered to participate in a supervised work program and have their driver’s license suspended, Wis. Stats. 125.07(4)(3). Harsher penalties exist for the retailers of alcoholic beverages, including up to 90 days in jail and revocation of their retail liquor permit.

Summary of the Health Effects of Drugs and Alcohol Abuse

The following is a partial list of drugs and some of the consequences of their use. The abuse of alcohol and use of other illegal drugs is detrimental to the health of the user. Further, the use of drugs and alcohol is not conducive to an academic atmosphere. Drugs impede the learning process and can cause disruption for other students and disturb their academic interests. The use of alcohol or drugs in the workplace may also impede the employee’s ability to perform in a safe and effective manner and may result in injuries to others. Early diagnosis and treatment of drug and alcohol abuse is in the best interest of the student, employee and the College. The effects of any drug depend on the amount taken at one time, the past experience of the drug user, the circumstances in which the drug is taken (place, feelings, activities of the user, presence of other people and simultaneous use of other drugs) and the manner in which the drug is taken. This list includes only some of the known health risks, and not all legal or illegal drugs are covered in this brief section.

Alcohol

Alcohol is chemically classified as a mind-altering drug because it contains ethanol and has the chemical power to depress the action of the central nervous system. Alcohol is the most frequently abused drug on campus and in society. This depression affects motor coordination, speech and vision. In great amounts, it can affect respiration and heart rate control. Death can result when the level of blood alcohol exceeds 0.40 percent. Prolonged abuse of alcohol can lead to alcoholism, malnutrition, brain damage and cirrhosis.

Cannabis – Marijuana and Hashish

Marijuana and hashish are deleterious to the health and impact the short-term memory and comprehension of the user. When used, they alter the sense of time and reduce the ability of the user to perform tasks requiring concentration and coordination. They increase the heart rate and appetite. Motivation and cognition can be altered, making acquisition and retaining of new information difficult. Long-term users may develop psychological dependence that can produce paranoia and psychosis. Because this drug is inhaled as unfiltered smoke, it is damaging to the lungs and pulmonary system and has more cancer-causing agents than tobacco.

Cocaine and Crack

Cocaine and crack stimulate the central nervous system. They can cause psychological and physical dependency which can lead to dilated pupils, increased pulse rate, elevated blood pressure, insomnia, loss of appetite, paranoia and seizures. They can also cause death by disrupting the brain’s control of the heart and respiration.

Stimulants and Amphetamines

Other stimulant and amphetamine use can have the same effect as cocaine and cause increased heart rates and blood pressure that can result in stroke or heart failure. Symptoms include dizziness, sleeplessness and anxiety. They can also lead to psychosis, hallucinations, paranoia and even a physical collapse.

Depressants and Barbiturates

Depressants and barbiturates can cause physical and psychological dependence that can lead to respiratory depression, coma and death, especially when used in concert with alcohol. Withdrawal can lead to restlessness, insomnia, convulsions and even death. 5 Hallucinogens LSD, PCP, mescaline and peyote are classified as hallucinogens. Hallucinogens interrupt the brain messages that control the intellect and keep instincts in check. Large doses can produce convulsions and coma, heart and lung failure. Chronic users complain of persistent memory problems and speech difficulties for up to a year after their use. Because the drugs stop the brain’s pain sensor, drug experiences may result in severe self-inflicted injuries. Persistent memory problems and speech difficulties may linger.

Narcotics

Users of narcotics, such as heroin, codeine, morphine and opium develop dependence and increase the likelihood of an overdose that can lead to convulsions, coma and death.

Nicotine

Nicotine is highly addictive, whether ingested by smoking or chewing. This drug hits the brain in six seconds, damages the lungs, decreases heart strength and is associated with many types of cancers. The withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, progressive restlessness, irritability and sleep disturbance. WCTC provides intervention for students who need assistance with addiction, education, support, prevention and intervention of alcohol, tobacco and other drug abuse. Contact the Counseling Department at 262.691.5400 for more information. Counselors are available to assist students.

Tobacco Use

Since Aug. 1, 2009, tobacco use has been prohibited inside all College controlled vehicles, buildings, grounds and parking lots. All members of the campus community are responsible for helping to enforce this policy. Anyone who observes a violation of this policy is asked to make the person aware of the restriction contained in this policy. The smoking and tobacco use prohibitions above also apply to WCTC leased and rented buildings and vehicles whenever and wherever possible and practical. All sales and advertising of tobacco products on College campuses are prohibited. This includes the distribution of samples of tobacco products or coupons redeemable for tobacco products. The sponsorship of campus events by the tobacco industry or tobacco organizations is prohibited.