Alcoholic Beverages Policy
The possession, sale, or furnishing of alcohol on Northark’s campus is governed by Arkansas law. Violators are subject to college disciplinary action, criminal prosecution, fines, and imprisonment.
Illegal Drug Policy
The possession, sale, manufacture, or distribution of any controlled substance is illegal under both state and federal laws. Violators are subject to college disciplinary action, criminal prosecution, fines, and imprisonment.
Conduct
In compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, and with belief that substance abuse is detrimental to the functioning of the individual, his/her family, and the local community, North Arkansas College prohibits the possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol on its property or at any Northark sponsored event.
Sanctions
North Arkansas College: The above prohibition applies equally to students, employees, and visitors to the college. Such reviews will consider the severity of the individual’s action(s), academic/employment record, and previous offenses, if any. Northark reserves the right to place students/employees on probation for a period of time determined appropriate by the institution. Subsequent offenses could result in suspension from school/employment or termination of school attendance or employment.
Initial sanctions are not restricted to probation and Northark reserves the right to suspend individuals on the first offense if the circumstances indicate such a sanction is appropriate. Northark also reserves the right to require an individual to complete a rehabilitation program before reinstating that individual in school or for employment.
Local, State, and Federal: Students and employees understand that sanctions are not restricted to those imposed by North Arkansas College. Individuals are subject to the penalties imposed by local, state, and federal law. The penalties for possession of and/or trafficking in illicit drugs vary, depending upon the substance(s) involved and quantity, and previous offenses, if any. Fines can range from the thousands of dollars to the millions, while imprisonment can be for as long as life.
Health Risks of Drug and Alcohol Use
Illicit drugs as well as alcohol and other drugs have various effects on the body and mind. The initial, short-term effects may be positive feelings like alertness, optimism, self-confidence, energy, or stress relief. However, the secondary, long-term, negative effects far exceed the initial positive effects.
The use of alcohol impairs reasoning and clouds judgment. Long term drinking can lead to alcoholism and liver and heart disease. A person who begins drinking early in life is more likely to become a heavy drinker during adolescence and to experience alcohol abuse or dependence in adulthood.
Effects of drug and alcohol use on the body:
- mood swings/impaired judgment
- depression/mania
- sleep disturbances and irritability
- increase in aggressive or combative behavior
- heart and/or breathing difficulties/death
- increased susceptibility to bacterial and viral infections
- liver damage
Signs that indicate a person is becoming dependent on a substance:
- Increased tolerance. It takes more and more to get the desired effect. This increases the risk of overdose.
- Changes in relationships with friends and family.
- Withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, shakiness, headaches, convulsions, or hallucinations.
- Psychological dependence – thinking that using a substance will help him or her get through the day.
- Visit NIDA at www.drugabuse.gov for more information on the effect of substances and the Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment.
Assistance
Initial assistance for substance abuse is available through the Advising office. Should long-term counseling or rehabilitation be necessary, the individual will be referred to the various agencies and programs available in the area. Some of the local agencies/services are listed below.
Alcoholics Anonymous
902 N. Maple
Harrison, AR 72601
800-808-8680
Charter Behavior Health Clinic of Harrison
707 N. Main St.
Harrison, AR 72601
870-741-2658
Decision Point Prevention Resource
120 E. Rush
Harrison, AR 72601
870-741-9131
Chrissie Larchez, CADC, MHPP
600 E Stephenson Ave, Harrison, AR 72601
870-688-8352
Ozark Counseling Services, Inc
715 W Sherman, Suite A, Harrison, AR 72601
(870) 741-8216
Hotline (870) 741-7755
800-662-4357(HELP)