The Alcohol and Drug (AOD) Prevention Program at Northeast Community College utilizes a comprehensive approach to address alcohol and other drug-related problems. We encourage the college community to join with us through task forces and coalitions to employ multiple strategies including:

  • providing education
  • banning alcohol and alcohol advertisement on campus
  • changing the normative environment
  • promoting alcohol-free social options
  • developing alcohol policies and increasing the consistency of enforcement
  • reducing the marketing of alcohol
  • conducting early intervention
  • providing treatment referrals

In order to be effective in our approach we value the following key components of effective prevention: assessment and evaluation, strategic planning, media advocacy and publicity of efforts, senior administrative support, student involvement, and building relationships with key stakeholders.

The following programs and services have been implemented as part of our comprehensive approach to reducing the illegal and high-risk use of alcohol and other drugs and its related consequences.

  • Increasing the number of alcohol-free, social events offered on campus.
  • College-wide collaboration among various departments throughout the college such as Counseling Services, Faculty, Health Services, Residential Life, etc. to increase the effectiveness of educational and prevention programs across campus, as well as providing training to Residential Life Staff, Resident and Student Assistants, and other student leaders.
  • Faculty and Staff: The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at Northeast Community College is available to all faculty and staff and their immediate family members in need of information and/or assistance with any personal concerns, including alcohol or drug-related problems. The EAP provides confidential, free, professional, short-term counseling, assessment and referral.
  • Actively involving members of the Northeast community and members of the local area community in prevention efforts, through a campus task force and a campus and community coalition.
  • Northeast Community College is a member of The Nebraska Collegiate Consortium to Reduce High-Risk Drinking.

Despite current educational and prevention efforts, some students make high-risk choices around alcohol and other drug use. Students may refer themselves to the counseling office, may be referred by another member of the Northeast community, or may be mandated to the counseling office by violating the campus substance abuse policy.

Support and Resources

For Mental Health Crisis assistance during office hours, please call us at (402) 844-7277 or (402) 844-7261, or visit us at the College Welcome Center in the Admissions and Student Services office.

  • Campus Security: (402) 841-5163
  • Norfolk Police, Fire, and Ambulance: 911
  • Faith Regional Health Services Emergency Room: 2700 W Norfolk Ave. Norfolk NE 68701
  • Bright Horizons: (402) 379-3798

Alcohol & Drug Education and Prevention

People who drink, have friends who drink or have children of any age, should know the signs and symptoms of alcohol poisoning:

  • Confusion, stupor
  • Vomiting
  • Seizures
  • Slow breathing (less than eight breaths a minute)
  • Irregular breathing
  • Blue-tinged skin or pale skin
  • Low body temperature (hypothermia)
  • Unconsciousness (passing out)

It's not necessary for all of these symptoms to be present before you seek help. A person who is unconscious or can't be roused is at risk of dying.

When to see a doctor

If someone is suspected of having alcohol poisoning — even if the classic signs and symptoms are not present— seek immediate medical care. In an emergency, follow these suggestions:

  • If the person is unconscious, breathing less than eight times a minute or has repeated, uncontrolled vomiting, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. Keep in mind that even when someone is unconscious or has stopped drinking, alcohol continues to be released into the bloodstream and the level of alcohol in the body continues to rise. Never assume that a person will "sleep off" alcohol poisoning.
  • If the person is conscious, call (800) 222-1222, and you'll automatically be routed to your local poison control center. The staff at the poison control center or emergency call center can instruct you as to whether you should take the person directly to a hospital. All calls to poison control centers are confidential.
  • Be prepared to provide information. If known, be sure to tell hospital or emergency personnel the kind and amount of alcohol the person ingested, and when.
  • Don't leave an unconscious person alone. While waiting for help, don't try to make the person vomit. People who have alcohol poisoning have an impaired gag reflex and may choke on their own vomit or accidentally inhale (aspirate) vomit into their lungs, which could cause a fatal lung injury.

You Make The Call

LB 439 provides immunity from an MIP charge to intoxicated minors who request medical assistance for themselves or someone else due to excessive consumption of alcohol, as long as they remain on the scene and cooperate fully with police and medical officials.

Numerous health risks have been identified with substance abuse (use of illicit drugs and excessive use of alcohol). Abusers can lose resistance to disease, develop heart problems, contract infections, or become malnourished, physically exhausted, and even die.

Reality is often distorted, reactions may be slower, and the risk of accidents can increase. Extended substance abuse can cause coma, respiratory arrest, and convulsions. Injected drugs increase the risk for infectious diseases such as hepatitis and AIDS. Body systems are affected. The liver, lungs, and heart are damaged.

For women, there is an increase in birth defects associated with use during pregnancy. The Student Services office located in the College Welcome Center (CWC) has more in-depth information on the inherent health risks related to substance abuse.

Adapted from U.S. Department of Justice-publication Drugs of Abuse (website September 2009)

 

Dependence

Narcotics

Drugs CSA Schedules Trade or Other Names Medical Uses Physical Psycho-logical Tolerance Duration (Hours) Usual Method Possible Effects Effects of Overdose Withdrawal Syndrome
Heroin Substance I Diamorphine, Horse, Smack, Black tar, ChivaNegra (black tar) None in U.S., Analgesic, Antitussive High High Yes 3-4 Injected, snorted, smoked

Euphoria, drowsiness, respiratory depression, constricted pupils, nausea

Slow and shallow breathing, clammy skin, convulsions, coma, possible death

Watery eyes, runny nose, yawning, loss of appetite, irritability, tremors, panic, cramps, nausea, chills and sweating

Morphine Substance II MS Contin, Roxanol, Oramorph SR, MSIR Analgesic High High Yes 3-12 Oral, injected
Hydrocodone Substance II, Product III, V Hydrocodone w/ Acetaminophen, Vicodin, Vicoprofen, Tussionex, Lortab Analgesic, Antitussive High High Yes 3-6 Oral
Hydromorphone Substance II Dilaudid Analgesic High High Yes 3-4 Oral, injected
Oxycodone Substance II Roxicet, Oxycodone w/ Acetaminophen, OxyContin, Endocet, Percocet, Percodan Analgesic High High Yes 3-12 Oral
Codeine Substance II, Products III, V Acetaminophen, Guaifenesin or Promethazine w/Codeine, Fiorinal, Fioricet or Tylenol w/Codeine Analgesic, Antitussive Moderate Moderate Yes 3-4 Oral, injected
Other Narcotics Substance II, III, IV Fentanyl, Demerol, Methadone, Darvon, Stadol, Talwin, Paregoric, Buprenex Analgesic, Antidiarrheal, Antitussive High-Low High-Low Yes Variable Oral, injected, snorted, smoked

 

Depressants

Drugs CSA Schedules Trade or Other Names Medical Uses Physical Psycho-logical Tolerance Duration (Hours) Usual Method Possible Effects Effects of Overdose Withdrawal Syndrome
gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid Substance I, Product III GHB, Liquid Ecstasy, Liquid X, Sodium Oxybate, Xyrem® None in U.S., Anesthetic Moderate Moderate Yes 3-6 Oral

Slurred speech, disorientation, drunken behavior without odor of alcohol, impaired memory of events, interacts with alcohol

Shallow respiration, clammy skin, dilated pupils, weak and rapid pulse, coma, possible death

Anxiety, insomnia, tremors, delirium, convulsions, possible death

Benzodiazepines Substance IV Valium, Xanax, Halcion, Ativan, Restoril, Rohypnol (Roofies, R-2), Klonopin Antianxiety, Sedative, Anticonvulsant, Hypnotic, Muscle Relaxant Moderate Moderate Yes 1-8 Oral, injected
Other Depressants Substance I, II, III, IV Ambien, Sonata, Meprobamate, Chloral Hydrate, Barbiturates, Methaqualone (Quaalude) Antianxiety, Sedative, Hypnotic Moderate Moderate Yes 2-6 Oral

 

Stimulants

Drugs CSA Schedules Trade or Other Names Medical Uses Physical Psycho-logical Tolerance Duration (Hours) Usual Method Possible Effects Effects of Overdose Withdrawal Syndrome
Cocaine Substance II Coke, Flake, Snow, Crack, Coca, Blanca, Perico, Nieve, Soda Local anesthetic Possible High Yes 1-2 Snorted, smoked, injected

Increased alertness, excitation, euphoria, increased pulse rate & blood pressure, insomnia, loss of appetite

Agitation, increased body temperature, hallucinations, convulsions, possible death

Apathy, long periods of sleep, irritability, depression, disorientation

Amphetamine/
Meth-amphetamine
Substance II Crank, Ice, Cristal, Krystal Meth, Speed, Adderall, Dexedrine, Desoxyn Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, narcolepsy, weight control Possible High Yes 2-4 Oral, injected, smoked  
Methylphenidate Substance II Ritalin (Illy's), Concerta, Focalin, Metadate Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder Possible High Yes 2-4 Oral, injected, snorted, smoked  
Other Stimulants Substance III, IV Adipex P, Ionamin, Prelu-2, Didrex, Provigil Vasoconstriction Possible Moderate Yes 2-4 Oral

 

Hallucinogens

Drugs CSA Schedules Trade or Other Names Medical Uses Physical Psycho-logical Tolerance Duration (Hours) Usual Method Possible Effects Effects of Overdose Withdrawal Syndrome
MDMA and Analogs Substance I (Ecstasy, XTC, Adam), MDA (Love Drug), MDEA (Eve), MBDB None None Moderate Yes 4-6 Oral, snorted, smoked  Heightened senses, teeth grinding and dehydration Increased body temperature, electrolyte imbalance, cardiac arrest Muscle aches, drowsiness, depression, acne
LSD Substance I  Acid, Microdot, Sunshine, Boomers None None  Unknown Yes 8-12 Oral

Illusions and hallucinations, altered perception of time and distance

(LSD) Longer, more intense "trip" episodes None
Phencyclidine and Analogs Substance I, II, III PCP, Angel Dust, Hog, Love boat, Ketamine (Special K), PCE, PCPy, TCP Anesthetic (Ketamine) Possible High Yes 1-12 Smoked, oral, injected, snorted

Unable to direct movement, feel pain, or remember

Drug seeking behavior
*Not regulated

Other Hallucinogens Substance I Psilocybe mushrooms, Mescaline, Peyote Cactus, Ayahuasca, DMT, Dextromethorphan* (DXM) None None None Possible 4-8 Oral

 

Cannabis

Drugs CSA Schedules Trade or Other Names Medical Uses Physical Psycho-logical Tolerance Duration (Hours) Usual Method Possible Effects Effects of Overdose Withdrawal Syndrome
Marijuana Substance I Pot, Grass, Sinsemilla, Blunts, MotaYerbaGrifa None Unknown Moderate Yes 2-4 Smoked, oral

Euphoria, relaxed inhibitions, increased appetite, disorientation

Fatigue, paranoia, possible psychosis

Occasional reports of insomnia, hyperactivity, decreased appetite

Tetrahydrocannabinol Substance I, Product III THC, Marinol Antinauseant, Appetite stimulant Yes Moderate Yes 2-4 Smoked, oral
Hashish and Hashish Oil Substance I Hash, Hash oil None Unknown Moderate Yes 2-4 Smoked, oral

 

Anabolic Steroids

Drugs CSA Schedules Trade or Other Names Medical Uses Physical Psycho-logical Tolerance Duration (Hours) Usual Method Possible Effects Effects of Overdose Withdrawal Syndrome
Testosterone Substance III Depo Testosterone, Sustanon, Sten, Cypt Hypogonadism Unknown Unknown Unknown 14-28 days Injected

Virilization, edema, testicular atrophy, gynecomastia, acne, aggressive behavior

Unknown

Possible depression

Other Anabolic Steroids Substance III Parabolan, Winstrol, Equipose, Anadrol, Dianabol, Primabolin-Depo, D-Ball Anemia, Breast cancer Unknown Yes Unknown Variable Oral, injected

 

Inhalants

Drugs CSA Schedules Trade or Other Names Medical Uses Physical Psycho-logical Tolerance Duration (Hours) Usual Method Possible Effects Effects of Overdose Withdrawal Syndrome
Amyl and Butyl Nitrite   Pearls, Poppers, Rush, Locker Room Angina (Amyl) Unknown Unknown No 1 Inhaled Flushing, hypotension, headache Methemoglobinemia Agitation
Nitrous Oxide   Laughing gas, balloons, Whippets Anesthetic Unknown Low No 0.5 Inhaled

Impaired memory, slurred speech, drunken behavior, slow onset vitamin deficiency, organ damage

Vomiting, respiratory depression, loss of consciousness, possible death

Trembling, anxiety, insomnia, vitamin deficiency, confusion, hallucinations, convulsions

Other Inhalants   Adhesives, spray paint, hair spray, dry cleaning fluid, spot remover, lighter fluid None Unknown High No 0.5-2 Inhaled

 

Alcohol

Drugs CSA Schedules Trade or Other Names Medical Uses Physical Psycho-logical Tolerance Duration (Hours) Usual Method Possible Effects Effects of Overdose Withdrawal Syndrome
    Beer, wine, liquor None High High Yes 1-3 Oral

Impaired memory, slurred speech, drunken behavior, slow onset vitamin deficiency, organ damage

Vomiting, respiratory depression, loss of consciousness, possible death

Trembling, anxiety, insomnia, vitamin deficiency, confusion, hallucinations, convulsions

 

Tobacco/Nicotine

Through the use of tobacco, nicotine is one of the most heavily used addictive drugs and the leading preventable cause of disease, disability, and death in the U.S. Cigarette smoking accounts for 90% of lung cancer cases in the U.S., and about 38,000 deaths per year can be attributed to secondhand smoke. Cigarettes and chew tobacco are illegal substances in most U.S. states for those under 18; a handful of states have raised the age to 19.

Effects:

Nicotine is highly addictive. The tar in cigarettes increases a smoker's risk of lung cancer, emphysema, and bronchial disorders. The carbon monoxide in smoke increases the chance of cardiovascular diseases. Pregnant smokers have a higher risk of miscarriage or low birthweight babies. Secondhand smoke causes lung cancer in adults and greatly increases the risk of respiratory illnesses in children.

Statistics & Trends

In 2008, nearly 71 million Americans age 12 and older had used a tobacco product at least once in the month prior to being surveyed. Source: National Survey on Drug Use and Health (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration Web Site). The NIDA-funded 2008 Monitoring the Future Study showed that 6.8% of 8th graders, 12.3% of 10th graders, and 20.4% of 12th graders had used cigarettes and 3.5% of 8th graders, 5.0% of 10th graders, and 6.5% of 12th graders had used smokeless tobacco at least once in the month prior to being surveyed. And while rates of smoking have continued to decline to historically low levels the overall rate of smoking by Americans remains unacceptably high. Source: Monitoring the Future (University of Michigan Web Site)

Underage and high-risk alcohol use among college students is a complex problem requiring a comprehensive approach. The Alcohol and Other Drug Workgroup (AOD) consists of leaders across campus that are responsible for key departments which have an impact on student alcohol use. Workgroup members will develop a plan to reduce illegal and high-risk alcohol use among Northeast college students by addressing both individual and environmental factors. The AOD workgroup utilizes a subcommittee structure to address three main areas:

  • Developing policy and increasing the consistency of enforcement efforts to create greater risk-awareness associated with high-risk consumption
  • Increasing and promoting the availability of alcohol-free programming both on and off Northeast campus
  • Coordinating educational efforts, and increasing the effectiveness of intervention and treatment services

In order to accomplish the goals of the Alcohol and Drug Workgroup, it is crucial to actively involve members of the Northeast College community and members of the local community surrounding Northeast in prevention efforts.  

As a condition of receiving funds or any other form of financial assistance under any federal program, an institution of higher education (IHE) must certify that it has adopted and implemented a program to prevent the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees. Northeast Community College has programs and policies in place to support a drug-free environment.

Standards of Conduct for Employees and Students Regarding Alcohol and Drugs

In satisfaction of this mandate and in order to fulfill its obligations under the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, 41 U.S.C. § 701 and the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989, 20 U.S.C. § 1145g, the College has formulated standards of conduct for both its employees and its students referenced in the following Board policies:

  1. BP-5227 - Alcoholic Beverages and Controlled Substances (Students)
  2. AP-3233 - Alcoholic Beverages and Controlled Substances (Employees)
  3. AP-3237 - Alcoholic Beverages and Controlled Substance Testing for Commercial Drivers License

Student and employee violations of the policy will be subject to disciplinary procedures consistent with applicable laws, rules, regulations and collective bargaining agreements.  Violations of the policy shall result in any one of a combination of the following disciplinary sanctions:

  • Warning
  • Disciplinary probation
  • Suspension/termination/eviction from on-campus housing facilities
  • Referral to an appropriate drug/alcohol treatment program
  • Referral to law enforcement agencies
  • Any other action considered necessary by college officials

Definitions and accompanying procedures of these sanctions pertaining to students can be found in the Student Code of Conduct

Policies and Procedures pertaining to employees are included in the General Staff Handbook and Instructional Services Handbook. The Director of Residence Life and Student Conduct should be notified of any violations by students. The Director of Human Resources should be notified of any violations by faculty and staff.

Students and employees accused of violating the drug/ alcohol policy as established shall have the right to:

  1. a hearing before the Grievance Committee (employees), or before the Director of Residence Life and Student Conduct (students)
  2. access to appeals as defined within the college policies and procedures.

Implementation of Alcohol and Drugs Policy

In implementing this policy, the following guidelines will be followed:

  1. All Nebraska laws pertaining to alcohol and drug use will be observed, including, but not limited to, legal drinking age, prohibitions against providing alcohol to minors, and restrictions against operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Compliance with these laws will be assumed in what follows.
  2. The laws of the State of Nebraska pertaining to the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illegal drugs and controlled substances shall be followed specifically. Violations will be referred to Campus Security and/or local law enforcement. If a person's behavior violates a College regulation and the civil law simultaneously, the College may take disciplinary action independent of that taken by local authorities.
  3. No alcohol cans, bottles or paraphernalia are allowed in the residence halls or campus apartments for any purpose.
  4. No advertising for beer or other alcohol will be accepted in any campus publication or for display on campus. This includes posters in the public areas of the residence halls.
  5. Neither the college nor any group of Northeast Community College, whether officially or unofficially, will be permitted to use any organizational funds held by the institution for the purchase of any kind of alcoholic beverage.
  6. Northeast Community College groups/clubs may not provide alcoholic beverages at any off-campus functions. No alcoholic beverages of any kind will be permitted at any on-campus function involving students, faculty, administrators, board members, alumni or other persons on Northeast Community College.  All members of the Northeast Community College community are responsible for abiding by this policy and for the enforcement thereof.
  7. Individuals and their guests will be held responsible for their behavior and any destruction that occurs while under the influence of beer, wine, distilled spirits or other drugs. The College will not tolerate the endangerment or injury to any person, including their self, while under the influence of any alcohol or drugs.
  8. Guests of students are bound by the same rules regarding alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs as are students. Violators will be asked to leave the campus and/or referred to local authorities.
  9. It is a violation of the law, as well as Northeast Community College's Alcohol and Drug policy, to be under the influence of, to possess, to distribute, to use or to sell illegal drugs or any other controlled substance or agent having the potential for abuse, except pursuant to a physician's or dentist's prescription, or to possess paraphernalia for drug use on College-owned or controlled property.
  10. Violations may be referred directly to local authorities and/or action may be taken by the Director of Residence Life and Student Conduct. The College will impose sanctions on students for violations of the Alcohol and Drug Policy (consistent with local, state and federal law). Sanctions may include administrative termination of the residence hall contract as well as other sanctions available through the judiciary process. These sanctions may include disciplinary warning, disciplinary probation, fines, restitution, and revocation of privileges or restriction of activities, disciplinary suspension and disciplinary expulsion. The local authorities may impose legal sanctions that may include incarceration and/or fines for those found guilty of violating the local, state, and federal law.

Federal Penalties and Sanctions for Illegal Possession of a Controlled Substance:

You can find the penalties on the Federal Student Aid website.

State Penalties and Sanctions for Illegal Possession of a Controlled Substance:

Nebraska Revised Statute 28-416 lists state penalties.

Selected Nebraska Alcohol Offenses:

  • Minor In Possession: It is against the law for a person under the age of 21 years to possess alcohol. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 53-180.02 (Reissue 1998). Violation of this law is punishable by three months imprisonment, or $500 fine, or both. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 53-180.05 (1) (Reissue 1998) and § 28-106 (1) (Cum. Supp. 1998). As part of sentencing a judge may order an offender to become part of a public work detail under the supervision of the County Sheriff for not more than 10 days in lieu of the above penalties. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 53-180.05 (1) (Reissue 1998).
  • Procuring Alcohol: It is a violation of Nebraska law to sell, give away, dispose of, exchange, or deliver, or permit the sale, gift or procuring of any alcoholic liquors to or for any minor or to any person who is mentally incompetent. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 53-180 (Reissue 1998). Violation of this law is punishable by not more than 1 year imprisonment, or $1,000 fine, or both. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 53-180.05 (1) (Reissue 1998) and § 28-106 (1) (Cum. Supp. 1998).
  • Consumption on Public Property: It is a violation of Nebraska law for any person to consume alcoholic liquors in the public streets, alleys, parking areas, roads or highways, or inside vehicles while upon the public streets, alleys, parking areas, roads, or highways; or upon property owned by the state or any governmental subdivision thereof, unless authorized by the governing bodies having jurisdiction over such properties. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 53-186 (Supp. 1999). A violation of this statute is punishable on the first offense by a fine of up to a maximum of $100; a second offense within two years is punishable by a fine not less than $100 and not more than $300; a third offense within two years is punishable by a fine of not less than $200 and not more than $500. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 53-136 (Reissue 1998) and § 29-436 (Reissue 1995).
  • Driving While Intoxicated: Driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquors or drugs is a violation of Nebraska law. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,196 (Supp. 1999). Violation of this law is punishable on first offense by not more than 60 days, not less than 7 days imprisonment and not more than $500 fine but not less than $400 fine. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-106 (1) (Cum. Supp. 1998). In addition, an offender's driver's license is revoked for six months and the offender is ordered not to drive any motor vehicle for any purpose for a like period. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,196 (2) (a) (Supp. 1999). Suspended sentence of probation includes mandatory requirement that probation or suspension be conditioned on order that offender will not drive any motor vehicle for any purpose for sixty days. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,196 (2) (a) (Supp. 1999).
    • Penalties for second offense result in a mandatory thirty days imprisonment and $500 fine. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-106 (1) (Cum. Supp. 1998). As part of the judgment of conviction the offender is ordered not to drive any motor vehicle for any purpose for a period of one year and the offender's operator's license is revoked for a like period. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,196 (2) (b) (Supp. 1999). If an offender is placed on probation or the sentence is suspended, one of the mandatory conditions of probation or sentence suspension is that the offender must be ordered not to drive any motor vehicle in the state for any purpose for a period of six months, and the probation order shall include as one of its conditions confinement in the city or county jail for forty-eight hours or the imposition of not less than two hundred forty hours of community service. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,196 (2) (b) (Supp. 1999).
    • Third or subsequent convictions result in not more than five years imprisonment or ten thousand dollars fine, or both. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-105 (Cum. Supp. 1998). Offenders in this class may not drive any motor vehicle in the state for any purpose for a period of fifteen years and their operator's license is revoked for like period. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,196 (2) (d) (Supp. 1999). Probation or suspension of sentence for this offense must be conditioned so that the offender is ordered not to drive any motor vehicle in the state for any purpose for a period of one year and probation must be conditioned on an offender's confinement in the city or county jail for ten days or the imposition of not less than four hundred eighty hours of community service. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 60-6,196 (2) (d) (Supp. 1999).
  • Local laws may also make it a crime to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or to commit certain acts involving the consumption or possession of alcohol, e.g. "open container" laws.