Drug-Free Campus Document

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  • No: SAAP 10-5
  • Date:
  • September 2020 (reviewed)
  • February 2015 (reviewed)
  • 1997 (revised)
  • July 3, 1989 (original)
  • Authority:
  • Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988,
  • Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1990, and
  • UWM Administration
  • Initiator:
  • Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administrative Affairs
  • Responsible Party:
  • Human Resources

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Standards of Conduct and University Sanctions
Concerning Illicit Drugs and Alcohol

The University of Wisconsin System and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee prohibit the unlawful possession, use, distribution, manufacture or dispensing of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees on university property or as part of university activities.

The use or possession of alcoholic beverages is prohibited on university premises, except in faculty and staff housing and as expressly permitted by the chief administrative office or under institutional regulations, in accordance with Ch. UWS 18, Wis. Adm. Code and UWM’s Guidelines for Serving Alcoholic Beverages (SAAP 3-1), Selected Academic and Administrative Policies. Without exception, alcohol consumption is governed by Wisconsin statutory age restrictions under s. UWS 18.09(1), Wis. Adm. Code.

The unlawful use, possession, distribution, manufacture or dispensing of illicit drugs (“controlled substances” as defined in Ch. 961, Wis. Stats.,) is prohibited in accordance with s. UWS 18.15(1), Wis. Adm. Code.

Violation of these provisions by a student may lead to the imposition of a disciplinary sanction, up to and including suspension or expulsion, under Ch. UWS 17, Wis. Adm. Code. University employees are also subject to disciplinary sanctions for violation of these provisions occurring on university property or the worksite or during work time, up to and including termination from employment. Disciplinary sanctions are initiated and imposed in accordance with applicable procedural requirements and work rules, as set forth in Wisconsin statutes, administrative rules, and faculty and staff policies. Referral for prosecution under criminal law is also possible. Further, violations of Ch. UWS 18, Wis. Adm. Code may result in additional penalties as allowed under that Chapter.

Employees who are convicted of any drug statute violation occurring in the workplace must notify their dean, director or department chair within 5 calendar days of the conviction if the employees are employed by the university at the time of the conviction in accordance with the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act, 41 U.S.C. §§ 701, et seq..

Procedures for Reporting Convictions
Drug-Free Campus Policy

The UWM Drug-Free Campus Policy, SAAP 10-5, (August 1990), incorporates the requirements of the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1990. The Drug-Free Workplace Act requires any employee who is convicted (including a plea of nolo contendere) of any drug statute violation occurring in the workplace to notify his or her dean, director or department chair within 5 calendar days of the conviction if employed by the university at the time of the conviction. This notification must be in writing.

Within 10 calendar days of receiving information from any source about a conviction, the university must notify the federal funding agency if the employee worked on any activity covered by a grant or contract. This includes both direct charge and indirect charge employees. The following steps explain the internal administrative procedure for reporting convictions to the federal funding agency:

  1. Dean, director or department chair obtains knowledge (from any source whatsoever) about a drug statute conviction at the workplace. (Consult Legal Affairs if there is a question about whether a particular location is considered a “workplace.”)
  2. Dean, director or department chair shall contact immediately the Dean or Associate Dean for Research and Sponsored Programs of the Graduate School to transmit the relevant information. This contact shall be by telephone, followed by written confirmation.
  3. The Dean or Associate Dean of Research and Sponsored Programs of the Graduate School shall obtain written confirmation of the conviction if the information was obtained by the dean, director or department chair from any source other than the convicted employee.
  4. The Dean or Associate Dean of Research and Sponsored Programs of the Graduate School shall determine whether the convicted employee worked on any activity related to a federal grant or contract.
  5. If the convicted employee worked on an activity related to a federal grant or contract, the Dean or Associate Dean of Research and Sponsored Programs of the Graduate School, within 10 calendar days of the conviction, must notify in writing the appropriate federal funding agency. The notification should be sent via certified mail and copies sent to the Provost and Director of the Office of Legal Affairs.
  6. The Provost shall ensure that appropriate internal discipline and/or rehabilitation is implemented for the employee following applicable due process requirements and UW System and UWM policies and procedures and in compliance with the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act.

UWM Drug-Free Campus Notifications

Authority:

Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988
Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989
UWM Selected Academic and Administrative Policy No. SAAP 10-5

 

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Standards of Conduct

The University of Wisconsin System and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee prohibit the unlawful possession, use, distribution, manufacture or dispensing of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees on university property or as part of university activities.

  • The use or possession of alcoholic beverages is prohibited on university premises, except in faculty and staff housing and as expressly permitted by the chief administrative officer or under institutional regulations. (Wis. Admin. Code § UWS 18.09(1); UWM’s Guidelines for Serving Alcoholic Beverages (SAAP 3-1))
  • Without exception, alcohol consumption is governed by Wisconsin statutory age restrictions. (Wis. Admin. Code § UWS 18.09(1))
  • The unlawful use, possession, distribution, manufacture or dispensing of illicit drugs (“controlled substances” as defined in Wis. Stat. § 961.01(4)) is prohibited. (Wis. Admin. Code §§ UWS 18.09(2), 18.15(1))
  • UWM’s policies relating to alcohol and drugs may be enforced off-campus, such as in the neighborhoods surrounding UWM’s campus. This may occur when the investigating officer determines that a student’s behavior adversely affects a substantial University interest. In making this determination, the investigating officer considers whether the conduct constitutes or would constitute a serious criminal offense, indicates that the student presented or may present a danger or threat to self or others, or demonstrates a pattern of behavior that seriously impairs the University’s ability to fulfill its mission. (Wis. Admin. Code § UWS 17.08(2))

UWM Disciplinary Sanctions

Violation of these provisions by a student may lead to the imposition of disciplinary sanctions, up to and including suspension or expulsion under Wis. Admin. Code Chapter UWS 17. University employees are also subject to disciplinary sanctions for violation of these provisions occurring in the workplace or during work time, up to and including termination from employment.

  • Disciplinary sanctions are initiated and imposed in accordance with applicable procedural requirements and work rules, as set forth in Wisconsin statutes, Wisconsin administrative code, faculty, academic staff, and university staff policies.
  • Violations of Wis. Admin. Code § UWS 18.09 and 18.15 may result in additional penalties as allowed under Wis. Admin. Code Chapter UWS 18.
  • Referral for prosecution under criminal law is possible.

Employees who are convicted of any drug statute violation occurring in the workplace must notify their dean, director or department chair within 5 days of the conviction if the employees are employed by the university at the time of the conviction, in accordance with the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act, 41 U.S.C. §§701 et seq, and UWM’s Drug-Free Campus Policy (SAAP 10-5).

Procedure for Reporting Convictions

The UWM Drug-Free Campus Policy (SAAP 10-5) incorporates the requirements of the Federal Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989. The Drug-Free Workplace Act requires any employee who is convicted (including a plea of nolo contendere) of any drug statute violation occurring in the workplace to notify his or her dean, director or department chair within 5 calendar days of the conviction if employed by the University at the time of the conviction. This notification must be in writing.

Within 10 calendar days of receiving information from any source about a conviction, the University must notify the federal funding agency if the employee worked on any activity covered by the grant or contract. This includes both direct charge and indirect charge employees. The following steps explain the internal administrative procedure for reporting convictions to the federal funding agency:

  1. Dean, director or department chair obtains knowledge (from any source whatsoever) about a drug statute conviction at the workplace. (Consult Legal Affairs if there is a question about whether a particular location is considered a “workplace.”)
  2. Dean, director or department chair shall contact immediately Vice Provost for Research or the Director of Sponsored Programs to transmit the relevant information. This contact shall be by telephone, followed by written confirmation.
  3. The Vice Provost for Research or the Director of Sponsored Programs shall obtain written confirmation of the conviction if the information was obtained by the dean, director or department chair from any source other than the convicted employee.
  4. The Vice Provost for Research or the Director of Sponsored Programs shall determine whether the convicted employee worked on any activity related to a federal grant or contract.
  5. If the convicted employee worked on an activity related to a federal grant or contract, Vice Provost or Director of Sponsored Programs, within 10 calendar days of the conviction, must notify in writing the appropriate federal funding agency. The notification should be sent via certified mail and copies sent to the Vice Chancellor responsible for the employee’s department and to the Director of Legal Affairs.
  6. The Vice Provost shall ensure that appropriate internal discipline and/or rehabilitation is implemented for the employee following applicable due process requirements or collective bargaining agreement provisions and in compliance with the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act.

Federal Legal Sanctions

The Controlled Substances Act (CSA), 21 U.S.C. §§801 et seq., is a consolidation of numerous federal laws regulating the manufacture and distribution of controlled substances. The CSA establishes mandatory minimum penalties for the unlawful manufacturing and distribution of controlled substances. Select penalties mandated by the CSA are highlighted below.

21 U.S.C. § 844(a)

  • 1st drug conviction: Up to 1 year imprisonment and/or fined at least $1,000
  • 2nd conviction: At least 15 days in prison, not to exceed 2 years and/or fined at least $2,500
  • 3rd conviction: At least 90 days in prison, not to exceed 3 years and/or fined at least $5,000

21 U.S.C. § 853 and 21 U.S.C. § 881

  • Forfeiture of personal and real property used to possess or to facilitate possession of a controlled substance, used to transport a controlled substance, obtained as the result of a violation of federal law, or otherwise used to violate federal law relating to controlled substances.

21 U.S.C. § 844a

  • Civil fine of up to $10,000.

21 U.S.C. § 862

  • 1st conviction: Ineligibility for Federal benefits, such as student loans, grants, contracts, and professional and commercial licenses for up to 5 years
  • 2nd conviction: Ineligibility for Federal benefits, such as student loans, grants, contracts, and professional and commercial licenses for up to 10 years
  • Third or subsequent conviction: permanently ineligible for all Federal benefits

18 U.S.C. § 922(g)

  • Ineligible to ship, transport, possess or receive a firearm or ammunition.

Miscellaneous

  • Drug convictions may result in the revocation of certain federal licenses and benefits, e.g. pilot licenses, public housing tenancy, etc. The power to revoke such licenses and benefits is vested within the authorities of the applicable government agency.

Wisconsin Legal Sanctions

The Uniform Controlled Substances Act (Wis. Stat. Chapter 961) regulates controlled substances and outlines the penalties for violations, including but not limited to the following:

  • A person convicted for the first time for possession of a controlled substance can receive a sentence of up to three years and six months in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000 (§ 961.41(3g)(am)-(g), Wis. Stats.).
  • If a person is convicted of possession of a controlled substance, with intent to manufacture, distribute or delivering, depending on the amount and type of drug, he or she can be imprisoned for up to 40 years and fined up to $100,000 (§ 961.41(1m)(a)-(j), Wis. Stats).
  • Penalties differ depending on the type of drug, the amount of the drug confiscated, previous convictions, and whether there are any aggravating factors.
  • The distribution of a controlled substance to a minor can result in a person receiving an increase of up to 5 years in the authorized sentence term (§ 961.46, Wis. Stats.).

Wisconsin has formidable legal sanctions that restrict the use of alcohol in a variety of situations.

  • It is illegal to procure for, sell, dispense or give alcohol to anyone that has not reached the legal drinking age of 21 years (§ 125.07(1)(a)(1), Wis. Stats.). A first-time violation can result in a fine up to $500. (§125.07(1)(b)(2)(a), Wis. Stats.)
  • All adults have a legal obligation to prevent the illegal consumption of alcohol on property they own or control. (§ 125.07(1)(a)(3), Wis. Stats). A first-time violation of can result in a fine up to $500. (§125.07(1)(b)(2)(a), Wis. Stats.)
  • It is illegal for an underage person to obtain or attempt to obtain an alcoholic beverage, or to represent falsely his or her age in order to obtain alcohol, to enter premises licensed to sell alcohol, or to consume or possess alcohol on licensed premises (§ 125.07(4), Wis. Stats.). A first-time underage violator can be fined at least $250 and up to $500, required to participate in a supervised work program or community service, and have his or her license suspended.

Health Effects of the Use of Alcohol and Other Drugs

Substance use among college students impacts all aspects of university life, including student well-being, academic performance, the educational environment, and the quality of life on campus and in the surrounding communities. The use of alcohol or other drugs in the workplace may inhibit an employee’s ability to perform in a safe and effective manner and may also have a detrimental effect on others. The following is a partial list of drugs and some of the possible consequences of their use. The listed effects may be more severe when using more than one substance at a time. Additionally, many of the drugs below can be laced with harmful contaminants, including fentanyl.

Fentanyl: According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration website, there is significant risk that illegal drugs have been intentionally contaminated with fentanyl, a synthetic opioid about 100 times more potent than morphine. Fentanyl is commonly mixed with drugs including but not limited to counterfeit prescription opioid pills, heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine, making them cheaper, more addictive, and more dangerous. Fentanyl is the primary driver in the alarming increase in overdose deaths in the U.S. Unless a drug is prescribed by a licensed medical professional and dispensed by a licensed pharmacy, it is very difficult to know what is in it.

For more information concerning the effects of alcohol or other drugs, contact:

Crysta Jarczynski, MPH
Alcohol & Other Drug Misuse Prevention Coordinator
Student Health and Wellness Center
(414) 251-9084
jarczyns@uwm.edu

Alcohol

Alcohol is the most frequently used drug on campus and in society. Alcohol is classified as a mind-altering drug due to its depressant effect on the central nervous system. Alcohol’s effects vary from person to person, depending on a variety of factors, including: how much and how often a person drinks, age, health status and family history.

Short-Term Effects
  • As a person drinks, they increase the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level, which is the amount of alcohol present in the bloodstream. The higher the BAC, the more impaired a person becomes by alcohol’s effects. These effects can include reduced inhibitions, slurred speech, motor impairment, confusion, memory problems, concentration problems, coma, breathing problems, death.
  • Combining alcohol with other depressant drugs can increase risk of overdose and death. Other risks can include car crashes and other accidents, risky behavior, violent behavior, suicide and homicide.
  • Heavy and frequent alcohol use can lead to acquired tolerance where a person needs to drink to a higher BAC to feel the same impacts they once felt. Tolerance interferes with the body’s natural warning systems that tell a person to slow down or stop drinking. This can lead to drinking to increasingly dangerous BAC levels.
  • Heavier drinking among college students is associated with poorer academic performance.

Long-Term Effects
  • People who drink too much over a longer period of time may experience alcohol’s longer-term effects, which can include alcohol use disorder; damage to the heart, liver and pancreas; a weakened immune system; and the development of head, neck, esophageal, liver, breast and colorectal cancers.

Anabolic Steroids

Concerns over a growing illicit market and the prevalence of abuse, combined with the possibility of long-term health effects, led Congress to classify anabolic steroids as a Schedule III Controlled Substance. Used most frequently by bodybuilders and athletes hoping to increase muscle mass and improve performance, use of anabolic steroids can have serious and irreversible health consequences.

Short-Term Effects
  • Abuse of steroids has been associated with increased mood problems, hostility, aggression, and paranoia.

Long-Term Effects
  • The abuse of oral and injectable steroids is associated with higher risks for heart attacks, strokes, and liver problems.
  • In men, steroids can result in breast development and genital shrinking.
  • In women, steroids can cause masculinization of the body.
  • Use of anabolic steroids can lead to acne and hair loss.
  • Use of anabolic steroids can lead to addiction.

Cannabis

Obtained from the cannabis plant, marijuana is the most widely used controlled substance in the U.S. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psychoactive (mind-altering) isomer in cannabis. Additionally, cannabis manufacturers are creating products from other cannabinoids in the plant, including delta-8 THC. These other cannabinoids occur naturally, but in low quantities. Manufacturers use synthetic processes to reach the potency and psychoactive effects they are claiming to provide. The synthetic conversion is unregulated, and the final product may include unknown toxic ingredients and harmful by-products.

Short-Term Effects
  • Short-term effects include feeling euphoric, relaxation, altered senses, altered sense of time, impaired body movement, increased heart rate, and cognitive impairment in the areas of learning, memory, and attention. It can cause mild to severe anxiety or mild paranoia in some users. Cannabis use is associated with an increased risk of motor vehicle crashes.
  • Synthetically manufactured cannabinoids, such as delta-8 THC, can cause adverse effects, including hallucinations, vomiting, tremor, anxiety, dizziness, confusion, and loss of consciousness.

Long-Term Effects
  • Cannabis use in teens affects brain development, which may reduce thinking, memory and learning functions for an indefinite period.
  • Research has associated long-term use of cannabis with worse respiratory symptoms and more frequent chronic bronchitis episodes.
  • Use during pregnancy is linked to lower birth weight in babies.
  • There is an association between cannabis use and mental health, including the development of schizophrenia or other psychoses, with the highest risk among frequent users; increased incidence of suicidal ideation and attempts among heavier users; and increased incidence of social anxiety disorder among regular users.
  • Cannabis can be addictive. People who begin using before age 18 are at higher risk for developing problems with use. Withdrawal symptoms (including irritability, difficulty sleeping, cravings, anxiety, decreased appetite) make quitting difficult.

Cocaine

Cocaine (and its smokable freebase form “crack”) is among the most potent of the stimulant drugs. In addition to its euphoric effects, many use cocaine for the short-lived experience of increased mental alertness or clarity, increased energy, or increased sense of confidence.

Short-Term Effects
  • Immediate negative effects reported by some users include restlessness, irritability, and anxiety with depressed mood following the high period.
  • High doses of cocaine can cause mood disturbances, paranoia, and auditory hallucinations. Crack can potentially produce particularly aggressive paranoid behavior.
  • Moderate to severe depression lasting weeks can follow cessation of use in heavy users.
  • Even those experimenting with the drug may experience disturbances in heart rhythm, heart attacks, chest pain, respiratory failure, strokes, and seizures.
  • Mixing cocaine and alcohol can increase the risk of sudden death.

Long-Term Effects
  • Cocaine and crack pose a relatively high potential for addiction. The more intense and immediate euphoric effects of crack increase its potential for addiction.
  • Prolonged snorting of cocaine can cause serious damage to the nasal membranes and nasal septum.
  • Prolonged use can produce irritability, mood disturbances, paranoia, and auditory hallucinations.
  • Medical complications of frequent cocaine use can include disturbances in heart rhythm, heart attacks, chest pain, respiratory failure, strokes, and seizures.

Nicotine

Nicotine is a highly addictive stimulant drug whether it is ingested by smoking, vaping, or chewing.

Short-Term Effects
  • Nicotine causes a short-term increase in blood pressure, heart rate, and the flow of blood from the heart. It also causes the arteries to narrow. Nicotine activates reward circuit in the brain, producing a pleasurable effect.

Long-Term Effects
  • Some of the risks associated with smoking include numerous types of cancer, stroke, heart disease, emphysema, elevated blood pressure, chronic bronchitis, gastric ulcers, frequent colds, and premature and more abundant facial wrinkles.
  • Because the brain continues developing until about age 25, young people who use nicotine in any form are uniquely at risk for addiction, diminished attention and learning, mood disorders and permanent problems with impulse control.
  • E-cigarette use exposes the lungs to a variety of chemicals produced during the heating/vaporizing process. Vaping, like smoking, may harm lung health. Emerging evidence suggests that exposure to aerosols from e-cigarettes harms the cells of the lung and diminishes the ability to respond to infection.
  • Nicotine dependence is both physical and psychological. When a person quits, nicotine withdrawal can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on how long and how much a person used nicotine. Withdrawal involves physical, emotional, and mental symptoms. Physical withdrawal symptoms may include increased appetite, nicotine cravings, cough, insomnia, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and constipation. Mental and emotional withdrawal symptoms can include irritability, anxiety, depression and difficulty concentrating.

Other Stimulants

Other stimulant drugs with the potential for abuse and dependence include amphetamines, Adderall, Ritalin, and methamphetamine. These substances stimulate the central nervous system.

Short-Term Effects
  • Stimulants cause increased energy, increased stamina, decreased need for sleep, decreased appetite, euphoria, and increased sense of power and well-being.
  • Short-term effects of stimulant use include anxiety, headaches, and increased heart rate and blood pressure.
  • In higher doses, there is a risk of stroke, convulsions, and irregular heartbeat and respiration that can lead to death.
  • Crushing and snorting stimulant tablets greatly increases the risk of overdose and serious infections. These risks are increased by intravenous use, as well.

Long-Term Effects
  • Prolonged abuse of stimulants can cause weight loss, paranoia, hallucinations, delusions, and the feeling of bugs crawling under one’s skin.
  • Prolonged abuse can also cause significant depression after the high and during periods of abstinence.
  • Methamphetamine use can cause irreversible damage to the blood vessels in the brain and lead to strokes.
  • Methamphetamine has been associated with long-term decreased functioning of brain areas that regulate motor control and memory.
  • Methamphetamine has a very high potential for addiction.

Club Drugs

The term “club drugs” refers to a wide variety of substances, many of which are associated with use by individuals who are seeking their stimulating and/or psychedelic properties. Club drugs include Ecstasy (MDMA), Special K (Ketamine), GBH, and Rohypnol.

Short-Term Effects
  • GBH and Rohypnol are often referred to as “date rape” drugs, due to their use by some to immobilize or cause unconsciousness in unknowing users. Rohypnol can cause a type of amnesia in which the user may not remember what was said or done while under its influence.
  • In higher doses, Ecstasy can cause dehydration, dangerous increases in heart rate, dangerous increases in body temperature, heart attacks, seizures, and potentially death.
  • Ketamine is a depressant drug that has dissociative properties. In low doses, it can produce psychedelic effects quickly. In higher doses, it can lead to lack of coordination, slurred speech, paranoia, aggressive behavior, heart attacks, strokes, comas, or death.
  • In general, combining club drugs with alcohol can exaggerate the negative effects of each substance and increase the risks associated with even small amounts.

Long-Term Effects
  • Chronic abuse of Ecstasy has been shown to cause long-term damage to the nerve cells in the brain that are important to the regulation of emotion, memory, sleep, and pain.
  • Some studies suggest that lasting negative effects may occur with only experimental use.

Hallucinogens

Hallucinogenic drugs are substances that distort the perception of objective reality. The most well-known and widely-used hallucinogens include LSD, PCP, psilocybin (“magic mushrooms”), mescaline, and peyote.

Short-Term Effects
  • Under the influence of hallucinogens, the senses of direction, distance, time, sound, and visual perception can become distorted. Effects can last up to 12 hours.
  • Psychological risks associated with the use of hallucinogens include “bad trips,” which can involve significant anxiety, confusion, depression, paranoia, and loss of emotional control. Other risks include flashbacks, violent behavior, or behaviors resembling psychosis.
  • Possible physical health risks associated with hallucinogens include elevated heart rate and blood pressure, sleeplessness and tremors, and the decreased awareness of touch and pain. Use may result in injury, convulsions, and coma.

Long-Term Effects
  • Hallucinogen use may precipitate significant mental health problems in emotionally vulnerable individuals.

Depressants

Depressant drugs depress, or slow down, activity in the central nervous system. Included in this broad category are medications to relieve anxiety and those to induce sleep. They include the general classes of barbiturates and benzodiazepines, as well as newer anti-anxiety drugs. Some of the more common brand names in the category are Xanax, Ativan, Valium, Librium, Amytal, Butisol, Nembutal, Seconal, Luminal, Quaalude, Notec, Plscidyl, Doriden, and Ambien. When used as prescribed, these drugs can be very beneficial in short-term use or at safe dosages over a longer period. However, they pose significant potential for abuse through taking them in higher dosages than prescribed, taking them without a prescription, or using them with alcohol or other depressant medications.

Short-Term Effects
  • When used with alcohol or other depressant medications, the risk of overdose and possible death is multiplied.
  • Side effects include loss of coordination, slowed reaction time, sleepiness, or poor judgment. These side effects, which can sometimes occur in dosages slightly higher than those prescribed, may lead to accidents.

Long-Term Effects
  • Tolerance can develop, in which the person needs larger amounts to achieve the desired effect. This can lead to accidental overdoses.
  • Depressants have a high potential for physical and psychological dependence.

Opioids

Opioids (also called ‘narcotics’) are a class of drugs that include the illegal drug heroin as well as pain relievers available by prescription. Some opiates come from the Asian poppy, including opium, morphine, heroin, and codeine. Others are synthetics, such as Fentanyl, Demerol and Oxycontin.

Short-Term Effects
  • Pain relief, relaxation, drowsiness, slowed breathing, constipation.
  • Different potencies of opioids can lead to overdose, which can slow or stop breathing. Lack of oxygen to the brain can result in coma, permanent brain damage or death. Unintentional overdoses can also occur due to inhaling drugs prescribed to be taken orally.
  • Combining opioids with alcohol or other depressant drugs can increase risk for overdose and death.

Long-Term Effects
  • Due to their powerful habit-forming properties, opioids have high potential for misuse.
  • Tolerance can lead to taking remarkably high amounts to achieve the desired effects, which increases the chance of accidental overdose.
  • Contamination of the drug, use of unsterile needles, or mixing the drug with other substances can lead to HIV infection, infections in the heart lining or valves, skin abscesses, liver disease, hepatitis, tetanus, and other health complications.

Drug and Alcohol Prevention and Treatment Programs, Services & Resources

UWM has a strong foundation of evidence-based alcohol and other drug misuse prevention strategies to support the health and safety of students and the campus community. UWM uses a multi-disciplinary, comprehensive approach that stems from a social ecological perspective that substance use behavior is influenced at multiple levels (i.e., individual, interpersonal, institutional and community) and requires the integration of varied strategies and interventions at multiple levels. From mandatory and voluntary educational programs to confidential screenings and treatment, to policy enforcement and healthy environments, the staff, faculty and students at UWM work together to address substance misuse and promote healthy choices. To learn more about substance misuse prevention at UWM, please visit the Alcohol & Other Drug page of the Student Health and Wellness Center website. The following resources are available for those looking for information or support.

Resources for Students

  • e-Check Up to Go: Alcohol

    This anonymous, online, evidence-based prevention intervention is designed to provide students with personalized information and feedback regarding their alcohol use and how it might affect one’s health, relationships and academic, career and life goals. Visit Alcohol eCHECKUP TO GO at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

  • BASICS

    Brief Alcohol and other drug Screening and Intervention for College Students (BASICS) offers UWM students an opportunity to explore their use of alcohol, cannabis or other drugs in a confidential and non-judgmental setting and to consider strategies to reduce harmful consumption and negative experiences related to use. In BASICS, students will:

    • Reflect on their use and its relation to things like school, relationships, health, goals and values.
    • Receive personalized feedback on individual risk factors.
    • Compare their use to that of other students.
    • Explore options for reducing harm and, if interested, make a plan for changes.
    • Learn about additional resources for support on and off campus.

    BASICS typically includes a small group discussion followed by an individual feedback session with a trained facilitator. Another option is to meet individually with the Substance Misuse Prevention Coordinator for 1-3 sessions. BASICS is free for voluntary (non-mandated) students. BASICS does not provide a diagnosis of substance abuse or dependence. For more information about this evidence-based program, visit https://uwm.edu/basics/ or contact the Student Health and Wellness Center at (414) 229-7429 or aodresources@uwm.edu.

  • Fentanyl Test Strips

    Fentanyl test strips (FTS) are available to students for free at the Student Health and Wellness Center dispensary. FTS are small strips of paper that can detect the presence of fentanyl in drugs in different kinds of forms (pills, powder, and injectables). For people who use illicit drugs or prescriptions pills that are obtained anywhere other than a licensed pharmacy, testing drugs for fentanyl allows them to make educated decisions about their safety. A negative fentanyl test result does not guarantee safety, and therefore FTS should be used as a part of a larger safety plan.

  • Building a Recovery Community

    The Student Health and Wellness Center is working with interested students to build a recovery community. The sober social group, Club Soda, welcomes all students in recovery from a substance use disorder, those struggling with substance use, those sober for any reason, as well as allies of those seeking freedom from addiction. For information about the next Club Soda gathering, contact the Alcohol & Other Drug Misuse Prevention Coordinator at aodresources@uwm.edu.

  • Evaluation and Treatment Services

    The Student Health and Wellness Center at Milwaukee offers voluntary, short-term alcohol and other drug counseling services for students who have questions or concerns regarding their use of alcohol or other substances. Short-term counseling is offered for students desiring treatment of an identified substance use problem. For students with a substance use disorder that requires more intensive services, referrals to community resources are provided. The Student Health and Wellness Center does not offer medications designed specifically for drug detoxification or maintenance. For more information, please visit the Student Health and Wellness Center webpage or call (414) 229-7429.

    For information related to services at UWM at Waukesha contact the Campus Counseling Center at wak-counseling@uwm.edu, or go to their website at https://uwm.edu/waukesha/students/counseling-center/. For information related to services at UWM at Washington County contact the Campus Counseling Center at wsh-counseling@uwm.edu, or go to their website at https://uwm.edu/washington/students/counseling-center/.

  • UWM has partnered with Mantra Health to increase the availability of counseling services to our students. Mantra counselors provide free short-term psychotherapy to enrolled in-person and online learners for whom teletherapy is appropriate. If taking classes only online, looking for evening or weekend appointment times, or in need of an identity-specific provider, you can find more information about the expanded counseling services on the webpage below.

    https://uwm.edu/wellness/counseling/expanded-counseling-services/

  • If you or a loved one is facing a mental health crisis or in need of immediate support, call or text UW Mental Health Support 24/7 at (888) 531-2142, or start a chat in the UW Mental Health Support 24/7 Portal.

Resources for Faculty and Staff

  • The Employee Assistance Program

    The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) was established at UWM because alcohol, drug, and other personal problems can affect the quality of an employee’s life at home and performance on the job. UWM has contracted with a private agency, Acentra Health, to provide EAP services to all permanent employees and their immediate families/household members. Participation is voluntary, confidential, and free. You may contact Acentra Health by calling (833) 539-7285 or online at https://sowi.mylifeexpert.com/ (code SOWI). You will need to create an account to access the EAP resources online. Access to services is available 24/7, 365 days per year.

Campus and Community Resources for Faculty, Staff and Students

UWM has partnered with Wisconsin Voices for Recovery to provide free access to naloxone/Narcan (a safe medication that can reverse an opioid overdose) to members of the community. Nalox-ZONE boxes have been installed across UWM campuses. Optional training on how to administer Narcan is available to students, faculty, and staff. For more information, including how to request a training, please visit the Narcan at UWM page.

Faculty, staff, and students may wish to contact community resources directly for assistance or information. The names and phone numbers of some of the agencies and groups that are involved with counseling and/or treatment and self-help programs are listed below.

Information, Counseling and Treatment Resources

Self-Help/Support Groups

  • Al-Anon Family Groups of Southeastern Wisconsin

    (414) 257-2415

  • Alcoholics Anonymous

    (414) 295-9564

  • Cocaine Anonymous Wisconsin Area

    (414) 445-5433

  • Galano Club

    (414) 276-6936

  • The Milwaukee Alano Club

    (414) -278-9102

  • Narcotics Anonymous

    1-866-913-3837

  • SMART Recovery

    https://www.smartrecovery.org

  • Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line

    1-800-QUITNOW

Updated: February 2024

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