Alcohol and Drug Policy

Dalton State College strictly prohibits the consumption, sale, distribution or possession of any illegal substance or alcoholic beverage on college property or at events sponsored by Dalton State College. Behaviors which are prohibited include, but are not limited to:

• Being intoxicated on the Dalton State campus or at a college-sponsored activity;
• Operating any vehicle on campus while under the influence of any drug, including alcohol;
• Using club or student activity money to purchase any controlled substance, including alcoholic beverages.

Dalton State College is committed to following Georgia State laws concerning drug and alcohol abuse. Any violation of those laws, which are incorporated into the Dalton State Alcohol and Drug Abuse policy, will result in disciplinary action as decided by the Student Conduct Board. If you have any questions concerning Georgia state laws or Dalton State’s policy on alcohol and drug abuse contact Public Safety at 706-272-4461.

Alcohol Offenses

OCGA 40-6-391 states that a person under the age of 21 shall not drive or be in actual physical control of any moving vehicle while the person’s alcohol concentration is 0.02 grams or more at any time within three hours after such driving or being in physical control from alcohol consumed before such driving or being in actual physical control of the vehicle ended.

Consequences for a DUI conviction under the age of 21:

First Offense – .02% to .07% BAC

• License will be revoked for six months
• No nolo contender plea will be accepted
• Must attend DUI school
• Must retake driver’s test before license is reinstated
• Must serve at least 20 hours of community service within 60 days
• Cannot obtain next level of driver’s license for a 12 month period

Second Offense - .02% to .07% BAC

First offense still applies, with addition of the following:

• License will be suspended for 12 months
• License will not be reinstated prior to the 12 month period
• Must do 40 hours of community service that must be served within 60 days

Consequences for a DUI conviction for the age of 21 or over:

First Offense – .08% and above BAC

• Same as above, with addition of:
  • Mandatory 24 hour jail time when convicted
  • Driver’s license is revoked for 12 months

Second Offense – .08% and above BAC

• Same as above, with additional 40 hours of community service

Other provisions

• Anyone over 21 convicted of a DUI could be ordered by a judge to serve a jail sentence for up to 12 months
• Subject to a $1000 fine.

Health Risks

Cirrhosis of the liver, kidney damage, physical and psychological addiction, hallucinations, lung damage, diminished sperm count in males, impairment of motor coordination and perception, heart disease and failure, damage to the developing fetus, stomach ulcers, brain damage, coma, depression and psychosis are all health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and alcohol.

Drug and alcohol abuse result in significant health problems for those who use them. Drug and alcohol use in the workplace not only contributes to lost productivity, but also causes tremendous financial losses related to absenteeism, accidents, health care, loss of trained personnel and employee treatment programs. Drug and alcohol abuse causes physical and emotional dependence. Certain drugs, such as opiates, barbiturates, alcohol and nicotine create physical dependence. With prolonged use, these drugs become part of the body chemistry. When a regular user stops taking the drug, the body experiences the physiological trauma known as withdrawal. Psychological dependence occurs when taking drugs becomes the center of the user’s life. Drugs have an effect on the mind and body for weeks or even months after drug use has stopped. Drugs and alcohol can interfere with memory, sensation, and perception. They distort experiences and cause loss of self control that can lead users to harm others as well as themselves.

There are certainly many additional health risks associated with substance abuse too lengthy to list. The above are some of the most common and detrimental. For more information concerning these health risks and others, please contact Hamilton Medical Center or the Westcott Center of Hamilton Medical Center.

Drug and Alcohol Counseling, Treatment or Rehabilitation Programs Available to Students

Several campus offices can provide assistance or act as a referring agency for those with substance abuse problems. The offices of Academic Resources, Fiscal Affairs, and Department of Public Safety can all provide assistance and referrals.

Services offered by the Academic Resources office include programs and resources to educate and inform students concerning substance abuse and its emotional, physical, and familial effects.

These institutional departments will:

• provide information and act as a referral service for students and employees with substance abuse problems;
• provide consultation to campus organizations and offices;
• provide multi-media resources on substance abuse information and alternatives to substance abuse;
• maintain drug education and resource material for students and employees;
• explain to employee’s group insurance covered charges related to alcohol/ substance abuse referral and treatment.

All inquiries, treatment, and referrals by the Academic Resources Office staff will be treated with utmost confidence.

Quit Alcohol