Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention and Policy

Goals of the Policy

International University of Nursing, St.Kitts (IUON) is committed to the prevention of the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol and to the principle of the drug-free workplace and campus. This commitment is especially important in a school devoted to the professional education of future physicians who are expected to be role models for the wider community in their attitudes and behavior towards drug and alcohol use, and are yet at the same time a group at high risk of substance abuse problems.

All students, faculty and staff of IUON are expected to familiarize themselves with the University’s policy and to act in accordance with them.

Campus Policy on Alcoholic Beverages

The Campus has a strict policy relating to the consumption, sale or distribution of alcoholic beverages on the campus itself. Anyone demonstrating visible signs of being under the influence of alcohol will be refused entrance to the campus. Any student, faculty or employee reported to be under the influence of alcohol while on campus will be escorted by Campus Security to the Dean’s office or to the H.R. Department for evaluation and the appropriate action will be taken. The University encourages all of its community to avoid over indulgence in consuming alcoholic beverages, especially when out in public as this may lead to potential accident or to possibly becoming the victim of a crime. Except for driving while intoxicated, St. Kitts has no criminal offenses for the abuse of alcohol. Whenever off-campus University or Student sponsored functions include alcoholic beverages, the University usually provides transportation to and from those events.

Campus Policy on Illegal Drugs and Substance Abuse

The use, possession, distribution, sale, manufacturing or cultivation of any illegal drug, narcotic or otherwise controlled substance as defined by the laws of the Federation of St. Kitts / Nevis is strictly prohibited. The University has a “Drug Free” policy and any student, faculty or employee reported to be under the influence of any controlled substance while on campus will be escorted by Campus Security to the Dean’s office or to the H.R. Department for evaluation and the appropriate action will be taken. Violators of this policy are subject to University disciplinary action, criminal prosecution, fine and imprisonment.

Student Sanctions

SUBSTANCE ALCOHOL (AT .08 BLOOD ALCOHOL CONCENTRATION & ABOVE)
Impaired motor abilities; reduced judgment; sleepiness; increased sexual desire but reduced ability to
perform; nausea, vomiting; liver disorders-alcoholic hepatitis, alcoholic cirrhosis; cancer of the-tongue,
mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, breast; fetal alcohol syndrome (most common symptom is mental
retardation).

CANNABIS MARIJUANA HASH/HASH OIL THC
Diminished-short term memory, motivation & cognition, coordination & concentration, oral communication,
reaction time; anxiety & panic reactions; carcinogenic elements in smoke; damaged lungs & respiratory
system.

COCAINE (INCLUDES CRACK COCAINE)
Increased likelihood of risk taking; seizures; sleeplessness; paranoia; irregular heartbeat; can cause
sudden death by stroke or heart failure, even in young users; cocaine psychosis (paranoia &
hallucinations); ulceration of mucous membranes in the nose; sexual dysfunction; during pregnancy can
cause severe physical & emotional problems in babies.

DEPRESSANTS, TRANQUILIZERS, BARBITURATES, METHAQUALONE
Dangerous effects when mixed with alcohol; calmness & relaxed muscles; slurred speech, staggering
gait, loss of motor coordination; altered perceptions; respiratory depression which can result in coma or
death; disruption of normal sleep cycle; during pregnancy-birth defects, brain tumors in children; tolerance develops severe withdrawal symptoms; physical & psychological dependence.

OTHER STIMULANTS (EXCLUDING COCAINE), AMPHETAMINES, METHAMPHETAMINES
Increased heart & respiratory rates; elevated blood; decreased appetite; headaches; blurred vision;
dizziness; sleeplessness; anxiety; amphetamine psychosis-violent behavior, hallucinations, delusions,
paranoia; drug tolerance & dependency; mood swings; ulcers; mental confusion.

PSYCHEDELICS, LSD, MESCALINE, PSILOCYBIN, PHENCYCLIDINE (PCP), MDMA (ECSTASY), MDA
Distorted sense of distance, space and time; blockage of pain sensations; nausea, vomiting & diarrhea;
severe mood disorders, panic depression, anxiety; greater suggestibility & feelings of invulnerability;
unpredictable reactions if drugs are "cut" with impurities; tolerance after (3-4 daily doses--higher doses
are required to produce same effects).

NARCOTICS, OPIUM, MORPHINE, CODEINE, THEBAINE, HEROIN, METHADONE, DARVON, DEMEROL
Feeling of euphoria followed by drowsiness; nausea & vomiting; respiratory depression; central nervous
system depression; use of unsterile needles promotes-AIDS, hepatitis B, endocarditis (infection in the
heart); women dependent on opiates have multiple pregnancy complications-spontaneous abortions, still
births, anemia, diabetes.

Health Risks and Effects Associated with the Use of Illicit Drugs and Alcohol

Alcohol consumption causes a number of marked changes in behavior. Even low doses significantly impair the judgment and coordination required to drive a car safely, increasing the likelihood that the driver will be involved in an accident. Low to moderate doses of alcohol also increase the incidence of a variety of aggressive acts, including domestic violence and date rape. Moderate to high doses of alcohol cause marked impairments in higher mental functions, severely altering a person’s ability to learn and remember information. Very high doses cause respiratory depression and death. If combined with other depressants of the central nervous system, much lower doses of alcohol will produce the effects just described.

Repeated use of alcohol can lead to dependence. Sudden cessation of alcohol intake is likely to produce withdrawal systems, including severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations, and convulsions. Alcohol withdrawal can be life threatening. Long-term consumption of large quantities of alcohol, particularly when combined with poor nutrition, can also lead to permanent damage to vital organs such as the brain and the liver.

Mothers who drink alcohol during pregnancy may give birth to infants with fetal alcohol syndrome. These infants have irreversible physical abnormalities and mental retardation. In addition, research indicates that children of alcoholic parents are at greater risk of becoming alcoholics.

Counseling, Treatment and Rehabilitation

Resources for Assistance

The Campus offers counseling and education for Drug and Substance Abuse thought the Student Counseling Office.  Students indentified through the School Nurse Services are referred to the Counseling Department.    All new students are required to attend a presentation during orientation regarding the use of illegal drugs and substance abuse and that a violation of any law regarding alcohol or illegal drugs is also a violation of the University’s Student Code of Conduct as explained in the Student Handbook. 

All students are encouraged to seek early help if they feel they have a problem with alcohol and/or other drugs, and to learn how to assist others with substance abuse problems. With early assistance it is less likely that serious consequences will result from an alcohol or other drug problem.

College resources such as the Counseling Office and School Nurse Services are confidential and free of charge.

Community/Self-Help Resources

Depression, suicide, and information and referrals for emotional and substance abuse programs
(24 hours per day, 7 days per week)
800 LIFENET (800 543.3638)

Self-Help Groups

Alcoholics Anonymous
www.aa.org

Narcotics Anonymous Regional Helpline
www.na.org

Al-anon
www.al-alon.alateen.org
For friends, relatives, and domestic partners who are coping with a loved one’s alcohol or drug use.