73 | STEVENS STUDENT HANDBOOK N.J.S.A. 2C:36-3: Distribute, Dispense, Possess with Intent to Distribute, Narcotics Paraphernalia, provides that such conduct is a fourth-degree crime. N.J.S.A. 2C:36-4: Advertise to Promote Sale of Narcotics Paraphernalia, provides that such conduct is a fourth-degree crime. N.J.S.A. 2C:36-5: Delivering Paraphernalia to Person Under Eighteen Years, provides that such conduct constitutes a third-degree crime. N.J.S.A. 2C:36-6: Possession or Distribution of Hypodermic Syringe, provides that such conduct constitutes a disorderly person’s offense. Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 It is unlawful for any University employee, including work-study students, and assistants in research or instruction, to manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess or use controlled substances in the workplace. Violations of such prohibitions are subject to penalties ranging from warning to permanent separation from the University. In addition, any employee convicted under a criminal drug statute for a violation occurring at the workplace must notify the University within five (5) days of that conviction. Health Risks of Substance Use and Abuse The use of tobacco, alcohol, and/or other drugs can have negative health implications and can often result in chronic physical ailments and chemical dependency, as well as permanent injury or death. While the specific physical and psychological effects of drug abuse and addiction tend to vary based on the particular substance involved, the general effects of abuse or addiction to any drug can be devastating. Psychologically, intoxication with or withdrawal from a substance can cause everything from euphoria as with alcohol, Ecstasy, or inhalant intoxication, to paranoia with marijuana or steroid intoxication, to severe depression or suicidal thoughts with cocaine or amphetamine withdrawal. In terms of effects on the body, intoxication with a substance can cause physical effects that range from marked sleepiness and slowed breathing as with intoxication with heroin or sedative hypnotic drugs, to the rapid heart rate of cocaine intoxication, or the tremors to seizures of alcohol withdrawal. What follows is a summary of the health effects and risks associated with various illicit drugs: Substance Abuse — All students and employees should be aware that the use of tobacco, alcohol and/ or other drugs can have negative health implications and can often result in chronic physical ailments and chemical dependency, as well as permanent injury or death. Alcoholic Beverages — Whether in the form of beer, wine or liquor, alcohol is a mind-altering chemical that has effects similar to barbiturates and narcotics. Alcohol acts as a depressant to the central nervous system. Even though small amounts of alcohol can produce mild relaxation and a feeling of well-being, alcohol affects each individual in different ways. Alcohol can cause intoxication, sedation, unconsciousness or death. Hangovers are probably the best-known sign of too much alcohol in the body. They are caused by the body’s reaction to the toxic, or poisonous, effects of alcohol. Often those effects can occur at very low levels of drinking. Repeated use of alcohol can lead to dependence. Sudden cessation of alcohol intake is likely to produce withdrawal symptoms, 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.
