Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program (DAAPP) Information for Students

Policy
Health Risks
Where to Get Help
Penalties

Campus Policy

In accordance with its mission of enabling students to achieve their educational goals, California State University, Northridge is committed to creating a campus environment that is free from both the illicit and harmful use of alcohol and other drugs.

The purpose of the Use of Alcohol and Illicit Drugs Policy is to delineate university regulations concerning alcohol and other drugs, provide procedural guidelines, communicate the consequences of failing to adhere to established policies, and provide guidance as to available resources.

This policy is a significant component of the University’s overall compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Campuses regulations, which implement the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989. The University respects the right of individuals within the University community to determine whether to engage in the lawful consumption of alcohol under circumstances authorized by this policy. Members of the campus community, particularly students, who elect not to use alcoholic beverages, or not to include alcohol as part of sponsored events and activities, will be fully supported in that choice. The use of alcohol or other drugs in a manner that undermines a campus climate of civility, collegiality, reasoned debate, and adherence to the policies contained herein is not consistent with the values of California State University, Northridge and will not be tolerated. The policy is excerpted below.

Except as permitted by the California State University, Northridge Use of Alcohol and Illicit Drugs Policy, the manufacture, possession, distribution, sale or use of alcohol, illicit drugs or drug related paraphernalia, and the misuse of legal pharmaceutical drugs on-campus, or off-campus while on University business or participating in University sponsored functions, is prohibited. Drugs and drug-related paraphernalia may be possessed or used as permitted by state and federal law AND campus policy, or when lawfully permitted for the purpose of research or instruction.

The policy is under revision. Complete text of the current policy and procedural guidelines can be viewed at:

Use of Alcohol and Illicit Drugs Policy

Potential Health Risks and Effects Associated with Alcohol and Other Drugs Use

Alcohol

• Short-term effects can include slurred speech, reduced inhibitions, motor impairment, confusion, drowsiness, emotional changes, sleep disruption, memory problems, concentration problems, reduced reaction time, decreased breathing and heart functions
• Long-term effects can include disruption of brain development, brain cell death, liver damage/cirrhosis of the liver, stomach and intestinal ulcers, increases in blood pressure, and other complications
• Overdose (alcohol poisoning) symptoms can include nausea and vomiting, loss of bladder and bowel control, blackouts (acute memory impairment), mental confusion, temporary loss of consciousness (with snoring/gasping for air), erratic breathing, hypothermia, paleness/blueness of skin, coma, death
• Risk of physical dependence: Low to high
• Risk of psychological dependence: Moderate to high
• Withdrawal symptoms can include shaky hands, sweating, anxiety, nausea/vomiting, headache, insomnia, disorientation*, hallucinations*, seizures*, coma/death*
  *in more chronic cases
• Please see "Hazards of Combinations" Category for dangerous combinations involving alcohol

Illicit Stimulants

Amphetamine ("speed"), cocaine, methamphetamine ("crystal meth") and more

• Short-term effects can include increased heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, and body temperature; decreased appetite; shakiness; cramping; anxiety; irregular heartbeat; panic attacks; irritability; paranoia; seizures; strokes
  • When injected, there is an increased risk of infection (HIV and hepatitis)
  • Many methamphetamine users experience skin wounds - "crank sores" (picking at imaginary bugs crawling on skin leads to scabs and infections)
• Long-term effects can include reduced appetite, tremors, loss of coordination, delirium, panic, paranoia, insomnia, hostility, brain damage, liver damage, chest pain, respiratory failure, nausea, seizures, and strokes
• Overdose symptoms can include intense chest pain, hallucinations, extremely shallow, slowed or stoppage of breathing, hyperthermia (fever), seizures, and sudden cardiac death
• Risk of physical dependence: Possible, but rare
• Risk of psychological dependence: Low (oral); high (snorted, injected IV, or smoked)
• Withdrawal symptoms can include depression, disorientation, irritability, craving, and sleep disturbance
• Combining cocaine and alcohol forms a third substance by the liver called Cocaethylene, which intensifies the effects of both drugs and increases risk of sudden death. Single high doses of cocaine or methamphetamine can lead to seizures, stroke, and sudden cardiac death.

Prescription Stimulants

Adderall, Ritalin and more

• Short-term effects can include increased heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, body temperature, decreased appetite, shakiness, cramping, anxiety, irregular heartbeat, panic attacks, irritability, paranoia, seizures and strokes
  • Risks increase when taken in a way or dose other than prescribed.
• Long-term effects can include damage to brain, blood vessels, liver, and kidneys, infectious diseases (if injected), damage to nose tissue (if snorted), malnutrition, disorientation, confusion, depression, paranoia, hostility, and seizures
• Overdose symptoms can include intense chest pain; extremely shallow, slowed, or stoppage of breathing; hyperthermia (fever); seizures; and possible death
• Risk of physical dependence: Possible, but rare
• Risk of psychological dependence: Low (oral); high (snorted, injected IV, or smoked)
• Withdrawal symptoms can include fatigue, depression, disorientation, irritability, craving, and sleep disturbance
• Combined with alcohol, the depressant effects of alcohol may be blocked, resulting in consumption of potentially dangerous amounts of alcohol

Cannabis

Marijuana, hashish, THC oils and extracts, edibles

Methods of consumption involving THC-extraction (high concentration of psychoactive ingredient in cannabis) have both increased desired and risky effects (e.g., edibles, oils, hash, dabs, etc.)

• Short-term effects can include slowed thinking and reaction time; confusion; emotional distress; increased heart rate; impaired balance; impaired learning and memory; and lack of coordination
• Long-term effects can include cough; respiratory infections; impaired learning and memory; increased heart rate; anxiety; panic attacks; and sleep difficulties
• Overdose symptoms can include fatigue; paranoia; at very high doses a hallucinogen-like psychotic state
• Risk of physical dependence: Low
• Risk of psychological dependence: Moderate
• Withdrawal symptoms can include irritability, anxiety, decreased appetite, restlessness, sleep difficulty

Heroin

• Short-term effects can include shallow breathing, flushing of skin, heaviness of extremities, drowsiness, nausea, constipation, spontaneous abortion (for women), difficulty urinating, and gastrointestinal distress
• Long-term effects can include tolerance; liver or kidney disease; if using a needle abscesses, infectious diseases (HIV, hepatitis, etc.), and collapsed veins; infection of heart lining and valves; sexual and reproduction impairment in men and women
• Overdose symptoms can include slow and shallow breathing; clammy skin; constricted pupils; slow heart rate; lack of oxygen to the brain; coma; and death
• Risk of physical dependence: High
• Risk of psychological dependence: Very high (IV)
• Withdrawal symptoms can include restlessness; muscle and bone pain; insomnia; diarrhea; vomiting; cold flashes and goose bumps; and craving
• Combined with alcohol or over-the-counter medications increases risk of overdose, convulsions, coma, and death

Prescription Opiate Painkillers

Codeine, fentanyl, hydrocodone (Vicodin), Methadone, morphine, Oxycodone (OxyContin), Percocet and more

Prescription narcotic, opiate pain relievers that can be addictive, create a euphoric high similar to heroin. Prescription opioid use, even when used as prescribed by a doctor can lead to a substance use disorder.

• Short-term effects can include shallow breathing, drowsiness, nausea, constipation, headache, vomiting, flushing of skin, difficulty urinating, anxiety, and other mood changes
  • Risks increase when taken in a way or dose other than prescribed.
• Long-term effects can include tolerance; muscle breakdown; kidney failure; cardiovascular problems; increased heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature; and depression
  • Long-term usage from injection can cause cardiovascular damage, scarred/collapsed veins, risks of infections (HIV, hepatitis, etc.)
• Overdose symptoms can include slow and shallow breathing; slow heart-rate; clammy skin; constricted pupils; extreme drowsiness; seizure; loss of consciousness/fainting; muscle weakness; coma; and death
• Risk of physical dependence: Varies, but many carry high risk
• Risk of psychological dependence: Varies, but many carry high risk
• Withdrawal symptoms can include restlessness, irritability, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, emotional distress, cold flashes and goose bumps, and craving
• Combined with alcohol or over-the-counter medicines increases risk of overdose, convulsions, coma, and death

Fentanyl

A synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. It is highly addictive and it is very easy to overdose on. Fentanyl is manufactured as both a pharmaceutical drug and an illicit drug. Fentanyl is often mixed with or "cut" into opioids such as heroin and counterfeit prescription drugs. Over the past years, it has been increasingly cut into other non-opioid drugs (liquid or powder form) such as ecstasy, cocaine, and cannabis. This makes the risk of accidentally ingesting Fentanyl much higher. For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control's Fentanyl Facts.

• Short-term effects can include drowsiness, confusion, pinpoint pupils, constipation, nausea, vomiting, slowed breathing
• Long-term effects can increase the risk of chronic and severe constipation, which may lead to other complications; breathing problems during sleep; heart attack and heart failure; immune system suppression; hormonal and reproductive issues (both men and women); and anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders.
• Overdose symptoms can include tiny pupils; loss of consciousness; shallow, irregular, or stopped breathing; limp body; blue, cold, or pale skin; choking or gurgling noises; coma; and death
• Risk of physical dependence: Very high risk
• Risk of psychological dependence: Very high risk
• Withdrawal symptoms can include dysphoric mood, intense craving for fentanyl, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, sweating, dilated (large) pupils, diarrhea, aching muscles, and fever

MDMA

MDMA (3, 4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine)
"ecstasy", "molly"

• Short-term effects can include jitteriness, muscle tension, involuntary teeth clenching, nausea, blurred vision, rapid eye movements, dizziness, chills, sweating, decreased appetite, sleep difficulties, depression, panic attacks, paranoia, and psychotic episodes
• Long-term effects can include muscle breakdown; kidney failure; cardiovascular problems; increased heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature; and damage to serotonin neurons
• Overdose symptoms can include jitteriness, involuntary teeth clenching, high blood pressure, increased body temperature, panic attacks, loss of consciousness, kidney failure, seizures, coma, and death
• Risk of physical dependence: Unknown
• Risk of psychological dependence: Unknown
• Withdrawal symptoms can include fatigue, loss of appetite, depression, and trouble concentrating
• Combined with alcohol may cause nausea, vomiting, coma, and death (particularly in active, hot environments). Dangerous when combined with certain antidepressants (MAO inhibitors)

Sedative-Hypnotics & Benzodiazepines

Xanax, Valium, Rohypnol (“roofies”), GHB, Ketamine, Ambien, Xylazine, and more

Added Fall 2023: Xylazine is a powerful sedative, also known as "Tranq", that has been increasingly found in fentanyl power and pills. This significantly increases the risk of users suffering from a fatal overdose. Because it is a sedative and not an opioid, Narcan (naloxone) cannot reverse its effects, making it all the more dangerous

Effects of sedative-hypnotics and benzodiazepines include:

• Short-term effects can include light-headedness; vertigo; drowsiness; slurred speech; muscle incoordination; impaired learning and memory (from a couple hours to more than a day); anxiety; nightmares; and hostility
  • Risks increase when taken in a way or dose other than prescribed.
• Long-term effects can include learning and memory impairment; depression; psychotic experiences; aggressive and impulsive behaviors
• Overdose symptoms can include memory impairment; drowsiness; muscle incoordination; slurred speech; unresponsiveness; loss of reflexes such as blinking, gagging and reacting to painful stimulus; shallow or stopped breathing; heart failure; coma; and death
• Risk of physical dependence: Low to moderate (benzodiazepines); moderate to high (sedatives); low (hypnotics)
• Risk of psychological dependence: Moderate to high (benzodiazepines); moderate to high (sedatives); low (hypnotics)
• Withdrawal symptoms can include sleep disturbance; anxiety; insomnia; tremors; delirium; convulsions; increased heart and blood pressure; auditory and visual hallucinations; seizures; and death. (Medical supervision is needed!)
• Combined with other depressants (e.g., alcohol, opiates, benzodiazepines, etc.), can slow down the respiratory system to dangerous levels, increasing risk for convulsions, coma, or death

Hallucinogens

LSD "acid", mushrooms/psilocybin, PCP, Ketamine, salvia

• Short-term effects can include visual illusions; hallucinations; altered perception of one’s own body; increased blood pressure and heart rate; anxiety and/or panic symptoms; fear of going insane; suicidal/homicidal ideation
• Long-term effects can include flashbacks; changes in brain chemistry; depression; other mood shifts; symptoms of schizophrenia (Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder), though psychotic symptoms can occur following minimal use as well
• Overdose symptoms are rare and poorly understood. May resemble a state of psychosis. More dangerous than overdose symptoms are individuals acting on irrational thoughts experienced when under the influence.
• Risk of physical dependence: Varies none to low; some unknown
• Risk of psychological dependence: Varies low to high; some unknown
• Withdrawal symptoms are rare and poorly understood
• Combined with alcohol may intensify negative experiences (also known as "bad trips") and leave the user intoxicated and experiencing perceptual distortions, which can lead to very dangerous behavior.

Inhalants

Nitrous oxide/whippets, aerosol propellants, nitrates, solvent glue and more

• Short-term effects can include intoxicating effects, accidents, disorientation, slurred speech, lack of muscular coordination, loss of consciousness, headaches, vomiting, asphyxiation, seizures, coma, and death
  • Use while engaging in sexual activities can also lead to unsafe sexual practices, thus risking transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
  • Higher risk of death from first time use
• Long-term effects can include central nervous system, brain, kidneys, liver, heart, and lung damage
• Overdose symptoms can include slurred speech, balance difficulties, headaches, vomiting, suppression of respiration, seizures, and coma
• Risk of physical dependence: Varies
• Risk of psychological dependence: Varies
• Withdrawal symptoms can include nausea, loss of appetite, sweating, headaches, sleep difficulties, and mood changes
• Combined with alcohol, inhalants can dangerously lower blood pressure

Hazards of Combinations

• Alcohol (a depressant) + Other Depressants (heroin, OxyContin, Vicodin, Xanax, Valium, etc.) - heart rate and respiration slows down, increased risk of coma, convulsions, and death
• Alcohol + Stimulants - can lead to nausea, vomiting, loss of consciousness, coma, and death
• Alcohol + Antihistamines - intensifies the sedative effects of the drugs
• Alcohol + Antidepressants - may lead to blood pressure problems; increases sedative effects of the antidepressant; and increases negative effect of alcohol on the liver. Using alcohol with certain antidepressants (MAO inhibitors) can cause potentially fatal sudden increases in blood pressure, known as hypertensive crisis

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Stop Overdose. (2022). Fentanyl Facts
Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Department of Justice. (2022). Public Safety Alert
Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Department of Justice. (2022). Drugs of Abuse: A DEA Resource Guide 2022v
Hart, C. & Ksir, C. (2018). Drugs, Society & Human Behavior. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education.
Kuhn, C., Swartzwelder, S., & Wilson, W. (2019). Buzzed: The Straight Facts about the Most Used and Abused Drugs from Alcohol to Ecstasy. New York, NY: W. W. Norton & Company Inc.
National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health. (2023). Commonly Used Drugs Charts

Where to Get Help

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, related to substance use and any other circumstances, dial 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Campus Support

Campus resources include:

University Counseling Services (UCS) (818) 677-2366
UCS staff provide support to students who feel challenged by substance use, including referrals to treatment beyond the scope of UCS’ services, and support to those students reentering campus following treatment. Any CSUN student experiencing concern about their substance use can schedule an initial evaluation appointment with Dr. Steve Silver.

• UCS Alcohol and Other Drug Counseling
  Dr. Steve Silver, Psychologist and Alcohol and Other Drugs Counselor, UCS (818) 677-2366

Klotz Student Health Center (818) 677-3666

Klotz Student Health Center Matadors4Wellness Peer Education Program (818) 677-6665

Vice President for Student Affairs Office (818) 677-2391

Community Support Programs

12-step programs provide support for addiction recovery include:

Al-Anon (818) 760-7122

Alcoholics Anonymous (818) 988-3001

Cocaine Anonymous (818) 760-8402

Marijuana Anonymous (800) 766-6779

Narcotics Anonymous (818) 773-9999

Community Treatment Programs

Local treatment centers include:

Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, Substance Abuse Prevention & Control (844) 804-7500

Cri-Help (fee for service) (818) 985-8323

Tarzana Treatment Centers (fee for service) (818) 996-1051

National Treatment Locator

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) maintains a Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator, a confidential and anonymous source of information for persons seeking treatment facilities in the United States or U.S. Territories for substance use/addiction and/or mental health problems.

Penalties

This section provides information regarding sanctions for violation of campus policies as well as local, state, and federal alcohol and other drug related laws.

Campus Sanctions

The California State University (CSU) judicial process is governed by CSU Executive Order 1098 (revised 8/14/20), Student Conduct Procedures (EO1098). At California State University, Northridge (CSUN), the Student Conduct Administrator is the Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Student Conduct and Ethical Development (ADOS), under the purview of the University’s chief judicial officer, Vice President of Student Affairs/Dean of Students. Reports of violations of the Student Conduct Code or the campus policy on the Use of Alcohol and Illicit Drugs, are referred to the ADOS for review of the facts and circumstances contained in written referrals.

Below are definitions of the formal disciplinary sanctions as defined by CSU EO 1098 (Article V):

1. Disciplinary Probation. A designated period of time during which privileges of continuing in Student status are conditioned upon future behavior. Conditions may include the potential loss of specified privileges to which a current Student would otherwise be entitled, or the probability of more severe disciplinary sanctions if the Student is found to violate the Student Conduct Code or any University policy during the probationary period.
2. Suspension. Temporary separation of the Student from active Student status or Student status.
   1. A Student who is suspended for less than one academic year shall be placed on inactive Student (or equivalent) status (subject to individual Campus policies) and remains eligible to re-enroll at the University (subject to individual Campus enrollment policies) once the suspension has been served. Conditions for re-enrollment may be specified.
   2. A Student who is suspended for one academic year or more shall be separated from Student status but remains eligible to reapply to the University (subject to individual Campus application polices) once the suspension has been served. Conditions for readmission may be specified.
   3. Suspension of one academic year or more, withdrawals in lieu of suspension, and withdrawals with pending misconduct investigations or disciplinary proceedings shall be entered on the Student's transcript permanently without exception; this requirement shall not be waived in connection with a resolution agreement.
3. Expulsion. Permanent separation of the Student from Student status from the California State University system. Expulsion, withdrawal in lieu of expulsion, and withdrawal with pending misconduct investigation or disciplinary proceeding shall be entered on the Student's transcript permanently, without exception; this requirement shall not be waived in connection with a resolution agreement.

Local Law

Proposed legal sanctions for local alcohol and other drug violations are decided by the court and filing district or city attorney. Sanctions may include fines, community service, incarceration, and more. A searchable municipal code library is provided by American Legal Publishing.

California Law

California laws regarding use, sale, and distribution of alcohol and other drugs by individuals or businesses are organized into code types (e.g. Business and Professions; Health and Safety; and Vehicle Codes. Direct links to some of these laws, which are enforced by the CSUN Department of Police Services, are provided below. The full text of these state laws and their associated penalties can be found in the code search section of the California Legislative Information website.

Business and Professions Code

DIVISION 9 Alcoholic Beverages 23000-25762

• CHAPTER 1 General Provisions and Definitions 23000-23047
  Definitions for alcohol and alcohol products.
• CHAPTER 16 Regulatory Provisions; Article 1 In General 25602, 25608
  Selling, furnishing, giving alcohol to intoxicated individuals and minors; Alcohol in or on a public schoolhouse or grounds.
• CHAPTER 16 Regulatory Provisions; ARTICLE 3 Women and Minors 25657-25668
  Furnishing alcohol to minors; Possession of false ID; Minor in possession of alcohol; Drinking in public.

Civil Code

DIVISION 3 Obligations, Part 3, 1714 a-d
Furnishing alcohol to an intoxicated person or minor.

Health and Safety Code

DIVISION 10 Uniform Controlled Substances Act

• CHAPTER 1. General Provisions and Definitions 11000-11033
  Definitions for various drugs, drug paraphernalia, etc.
• CHAPTER 2. Standards and Schedules 11053-11058
  Scheduled drugs and derivatives.
• CHAPTER 6. Offenses and Penalties 11350-11392
  Offenses and penalties for specific substances.
  • ARTICLE 1. Offenses Involving Controlled Substances Formerly Classified as Narcotics 11350-11356.5
    Possession of controlled substance without a prescription and more.
  • ARTICLE 2. Cannabis 11357-11362.9
    Possession; use; sale; cultivation, transport; synthetic cannabinoids and more.
  • ARTICLE 2.5. Medical Marijuana Program 11362.7-11362.85
  • ARTICLE 3. Peyote 11363
• CHAPTER 6.5. Analogs 11400-11401

Vehicle Code

DIVISION 11 Rules of the Road 21000-23336
Driving under the influence; use and possession.

• CHAPTER 1. ARTICLE 4 Operation of Bicycles 21200-21213
• CHAPTER 12 Public Offenses 23100-23249.50

DIVISION 11.5. Sentencing for Driving While Under the Influence 23500-23675

California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control
The sale and service of alcoholic beverages must also be conducted in accordance the California Alcoholic Beverage Control Act and any regulations under the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. The Alcoholic Beverage Control Disciplinary Guidelines provide more information.

Federal Law

The Drugs of Abuse, A DEA Resource Guide 2022 Edition, found on the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration website provides information on the Controlled Substances Act including drug scheduling, drug classes, penalties, and resources. The following tables provide some of the penalties for controlled substance related violations.

Federal Penalties for Possession

Federal Trafficking Penalties – Controlled Substances

Federal Trafficking Penalties – Controlled Substances, continued

Federal Trafficking Penalties - Marijuana

*The minimum sentence for a violation after two or more prior convictions for a felony drug offense have become final is not less than 25 years imprisonment and a fine up to $20 million if an individual and $75 million if other than an individual.

(Rev. 10/1/23)