Alcohol and Other Drug Statement and Information Mount St. Mary's University is committed to maintaining an environment that supports and encourages the pursuit of faith, discovery, leadership and community. All members of the Mount - students, faculty, administrators and staff, share in the responsibility of protecting and promoting that environment and all are expected to exemplify high standards of professional and personal conduct. The illegal or abusive use of alcohol and other drugs by members of the community adversely affects this educational environment. The State of Maryland and federal laws restrict or prohibit the use of alcohol and other drugs in various contexts. The illegal or abusive use of alcohol and other drugs is not compatible with personal health and welfare and the pursuit of academic excellence, and will not be tolerated by Mount St. Mary's University on the campus or as part of any institutional activities.
The use and abuse of alcohol or other drugs can have serious negative consequences. High-risk choices can lead to significant academic, legal, financial, job performance and relationship problems, as well as problems with physical, mental and emotional health. A listing of some educational resources is listed below. High-risk use of alcohol and other drugs is also a factor in injuries and deaths related to overdose, accidents and crimes.
As long as one person is involved in high-risk behavior, all are at risk because problems related to the use of alcohol and other drugs affect not only the user, but friends, family, classmates, coworkers and the entire Mount community. We take every part of the Mount experience very seriously, and we have implemented a comprehensive prevention program to help our students make the safest, healthiest decisions possible. One way we do that is through AlcoholEdu® for College, a two-hour, Web-based alcohol prevention program being used at more than 500 colleges and universities around the country. The program uses the latest prevention techniques and science-based research to educate students about the impact of alcohol on the mind and body. Whether or not your child drinks alcohol, AlcoholEdu for College will empower our students to make well-informed decisions about alcohol and help him or her better cope with the drinking behavior of peers. While we are committed to making a difference with our students, we also understand that parents are the first line of defense against alcohol misuse and abuse. That’s why we are making the students’ course available for parents to review to help you open a dialogue about alcohol with their son or daughter. Educational Resoucres American Counsel for Drug Education Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Drug Prevention National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information National Institute on Drug Abuse Alcohol Observable indications of alcohol use include slurred speech, loud voice, impaired motor control or clumsiness, flushed face, and smell of alcohol on breath. Signs of overdose include vomiting, confusion, unconsciousness, shallow breathing, convulsions, and shock. If you suspect someone you know has overdosed on alcohol, call 911 and seek emergency treatment immediately. Basic Facts About Alcohol Alcoholics Annonymous Marijuana Marijuana is the most commonly abused illicit drug in the United States. The short term effects of marijuana use include problems with memory and learning, distorted perception, trouble with thinking and problemsolving, loss of motor coordination, and increased heart rate. These effects are even greater when other drugs are mixed with marijuana. Long term effects include pneumonia, increased risk of lung or oral cancer, damage to cells and tissues that protect body from disease, permanent damage to thinking and reasoning ability, and difficulty sustaining attention. Basic Facts About Marijuana Marijuana Annonymous Cocaine Cocaine is a powerfully addictive stimulant drug. The short term effects of cocaine use incude increased mental alertness, increased physical energy, elevated mood, loss of appetite, insomnia, paranoia, increased body temperature, increased heart rate, and elevated blood pressure. Signs of an overdose include heart palpitations, body tremors, heart attack, stroke, seizures, and respiratory arrest. Overdoses can be fatal. Basic Facts About Cocaine Narcotics Annonymous Hallucinogens Effects of hallucinogens include poor perception of time, movement, temperature, and distance, synesthesia (blending of senses), visual distortions, body tremors, perspiration or cills, and increased heart rate. High doses of hallucinogens can cause flashbacks. Effects of hallucinogenic drugs can occur weeks, months, and even years after use. Signs of overdose include a trancelike state, fearful or terrified state, and a psychotic episode. Basic Facts About Hallucinogens | 
