The Risks of Various Drugs
The following is a partial list of the adverse effects of drug use on the individual and society arranged by source:
- Amphetamines/Methamphetamines
- Increased heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and metabolism, tremors, reduced appetite, irritability, anxiety, panic, paranoia, violent behavior, psychosis, weight loss, insomnia, severe dental problems, cardiac and cardiovascular complications, stroke, seizures, addiction.
- Cannabis (marijuana, hashish)
- Marijuana use can impair or distort short-term memory and comprehension, alter the user’s sense of time, and reduce coordination. A lowered immune system and an increased risk of lung cancer may also ensue. THC, the active chemical in marijuana, is stored in the fat cells of the body, and depending on the amount used and duration of time, can stay in the body for anything from a few days to about two months. Addiction is generally found psychologically more than physically.
- Cocaine (crack and other stimulants)
- The immediate effects of cocaine use include dilated pupils, and increased blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration rate followed by a crash when the drug wears off. Over the longer term, cocaine users often have nasal passage and nasal septum problems. Stimulant use is generally addictive.
- Hallucinogens (LSD, mescaline, psilocybin)
- Hallucinogens cause illusions and distortions of time and perception. The user may experience episodes of panic, confusion, suspicion, anxiety and loss of control. Flashbacks can occur even after use has stopped. PCP or phencyclidine has been shown to produce violent behaviors which can lead to injuries to the user or a bystander. There is generally little potential for addiction.
- Heroin (other opiates)
- Heroin causes the body to experience diminished pain. If injected, it can result in blood vessel damage (and possibly the transmission of infections such as hepatitis and HlV if needles are shared). There is a high rate of addiction among users.
- Inhalants
- loss of inhibition, headache, nausea or vomiting, slurred speech, loss of motor coordination, wheezing, cramps, muscle weakness, depression, memory impairment, damage to cardiovascular and nervous systems, unconsciousness, sudden death.
- Tobacco (cigarettes, chew, and other products)
- Tobacco use has been proven not only to be addictive, but to have serious, well-documented health consequences. While many people, particularly students, look to smoking as a way of reducing stress, it should be remembered that there is no comparison between the stress of facing emphysema or lung cancer and the stress of preparing for mid- terms.
Safe Harbor
The College has a Safe Harbor policy for students. The College believes that students who have a drug and/or addiction problem deserve help. If any College student brings their own use, addiction, or dependency to the attention of College officials outside the threat of drug tests or conduct sanctions and seeks assistance, a conduct complaint will not be pursued. However, if a student’s alcohol and/or other drug addiction/ dependency results in behavior that threatens the safety and security of the surrounding community, a student conduct process may be pursued. A written action plan may be used to track cooperation with the Safe Harbor program by the student. Failure to follow the action plan will nullify the Safe Harbor protection and the campus conduct process will be initiated.
Substance Abuse Help
As members of the Otis College community, we all share in the responsibility for creating and maintaining a healthy and productive environment for work and study alike. With this responsibility comes the obligation to be involved in preventing and addressing problems caused by the abuse of alcohol and other drugs. Free, confidential counseling for alcohol and other drug abuse issues is available to students through Student Counseling Services, located on the Goldsmith Campus, Student Health and Wellness Center, telephone 310-846-5738 or email studenthealth@otis.edu. Other referral resources may include assessment, individual counseling, educational programs, materials, referral and case management through community agencies, all which might include a fee.