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Alcohol and Drug Prevention Policy

SAE Institute forbids the use, possession, distribution, or sale of illegal drugs or alcohol by students, faculty, or staff anywhere within the school facilities or on campus grounds. Anyone in violation of provincial, federal, or other local regulations with respect to illegal drugs or alcohol may be subject to both school disciplinary action and criminal prosecution, up to and including school expulsion for students or termination of employment for employees.

ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE PREVENTION INFORMATION

Alcohol and illegal drug consumption cause a number of changes in behavior and physiology, posing a significant threat to the health and welfare of our nation’s citizens. Even minor usage can impair judgment, coordination, and abstract mental functioning.

Statistics show that the vast majority of violent behaviors (including acquaintance rape, vandalism, and assaults) involve alcohol and/or drug use. Additionally, continued use stresses social relationships and may lead to dependency, which often causes permanent damage to vital organs and is counterproductive to a healthy lifestyle.

health risks

There are definite health risks associated with the use of alcohol and illegal substances.  Alcohol or any other drug used in excess over time can produce illness, disability, and death.  The health consequences of substance abuse may be immediate and unpredictable, such as cardiac arrest or liver deterioration. Below is a chart that is taken from the National Substance Abuse website which shows the stages of how a body responds to the consumption of alcohol, including the finality of death:

Effects of alcohol

preventing drug and alcohol abuse

Drug abuse costs Canadian taxpayers billions of dollars in preventable health care, law enforcement, crime, and other costs, not to mention the emotional costs to the abusers and their families.  But, as the sentence states, it is preventable.  Addiction is a developmental disease, usually starting during adolescence when the brain is still going through critical developmental phases.  Studies have shown that prevention and early intervention work best.  Early intervention programs such as D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) and The Courage to Speak Foundation, which is “saving lives by empowering youth to be drug-free and encouraging parents to communicate effectively with their children about the dangers of drugs” are best at preventing future alcohol and drug abuse.

drug and alcohol abuse resources

The results of alcohol and drug abuse can be devastating, but students and employees can find help. HealthLink BC provides resources to find help when needed.