Drug and Alcohol Resources

California made marijuana legal for recreational use in 2016, but that isn’t the end of the story. Marijuana is still illegal under federal law, and De Anza is required by federal financial aid regulations to prohibit all marijuana use on campus grounds and buildings. Students caught on campus with marijuana, in any form, can face discipline – including expulsion – even if it’s legal somewhere else.

Some people use marijuana to relax or deal with anxiety. Some experts say research shows that frequent marijuana use can be associated with taking longer to graduate, intermittent enrollment, skipping classes and lower grade point averages. 

Whether you choose to use marijuana or not, it’s important to find a healthy balance in life. You'll find more information about the effects of marijuana use on the National Institute on Drug Abuse website. You’re also welcome to talk with the health professionals in Student Health Services and the Mental Health and Wellness Center. We are here to help you.

Drinking alcohol is legal in California for those 21 years and older, but there are important rules, guidelines and research that everyone should know. Different drinks have very different amounts of alcohol content and impact on you, so be informed: Know what’s in your cup.

Alcohol content varies widely for each type of drink, but these are roughly equivalent:

• 12 ounces of beer (about 5% alcohol)
• 8-9 ounces of malt liquor (about 7% alcohol)
• 5-ounce glass of wine (about 12% alcohol)
• 1.5-ounce shot of spirits such as gin, rum, tequila, vodka or whiskey (about 40% alcohol) 

(Image source: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism)

Binge drinking is defined as four or more drinks for women and five or more drinks for men. It’s ok to not drink. Many students don’t. Survey results from the National College Health Assessment indicate that most students (73%) believe all their peers are using alcohol, but only 37% actually do.

If you choose to drink, it’s good to have a plan:

• Decide how much you will drink
• Alternate alcoholic drinks with water
• Go with a safe friend; leave with that friend
• Have a designated driver
• Plan a safe way home if you're walking

Here are some California laws regarding alcohol use:

• You must be 21 to drink alcohol. It’s a crime to buy alcohol for anyone under 21.
• Drinking alcohol is not allowed in public (except at licensed businesses) or in vehicles. Open containers are not allowed in vehicles.
• It’s illegal for those under 21 to drive with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.01% or higher.
  • Penalties include loss of driver’s license for one year.
• It’s illegal for those over 21 to drive with a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or higher.
  • Penalties including loss of license for six months, fines up to $1,000, jail time up to six months and increased insurance rates
• It’s illegal to possess, consume, sell, give or deliver any alcoholic drink on a school campus.
  • Penalties include suspension or explusion.

Researchers estimate that each year:

• 1,825 college students between the ages of 18 and 24 die from alcohol-related injuries, including motor-vehicle crashes.
• 696,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 are assaulted by another student who has been drinking.
• 97,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 report experiencing alcohol-related sexual assault or date rape.
• Roughly one in five college students meet the criteria for an alcohol use disorder.
• About one in four college students report academic consequences from drinking – including missing class, falling behind in class, doing poorly on exams or papers, or receiving lower grades overall.

Whether you choose to drink or not, it’s important to find a healthy balance in life. You can learn more about alcohol use and its potential effects by taking a personal, confidential online assessment: Log in to MyPortal and open the Apps section, then click on the tile for eCHECKUP TO GO.

You’re also welcome to talk with the health professionals in Student Health Services and the Mental Health and Wellness Center. We are here to help you.

You'll find more information about the effects of marijuana use on the National Institute on Drug Abuse website.

Tobacco is a significant health hazard.  It is a carcinogen for which there are no safe levels of exposure, for humans or pets.

De Anza is a smoke-free campus. Smoking is also prohibited at all California State University and University of California campuses.

You can get free, personalized, confidential help to quit smoking from KickIt California by visiting kickitca.org or calling 1.800.300.8086.

You’re also welcome to talk with the health professionals in Student Health Services and the Mental Health and Wellness Center. We are here to help you.

A variety of other drugs can lead to altered thinking or judgement when they are misused or abused. This can contribute to health risks that include

• Impaired driving
• Infectious or sexually transmitted diseases
• Hangovers, blackouts or fatigue
• Impaired learning
• Dependency
• Death

All drugs can affect an unborn baby. For more information please visit the National Institute on Drug Abuse website.

Students are welcome to use these college resources

• Contact the Mental Health and Wellness Center for individual consultation and guidance to community services
• Contact Student Health Services for individual consultation and guidance to community services
  • The Health Services office has free Narcan kits for treating opioid overdoses, and free fentanyl testing strips. Learn more on our Drug Safety webpage.
• Get a personal, confidential online assessment by logging in to MyPortal. Open the Apps section, then click on the tile for eCHECKUP TO GO.

These organizations and programs are available off campus

• Alcoholics Anonymous: Find local programs online or call 408.374.8511
• Al-Anon: Find local programs online or call 408.379.9375
• National Helpline: Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or call 1.800.662.HELP for free treatment referral and information services in English and Spanish.
• Start Your Recovery: Visit the nonprofit Start Your Recovery website for information and resources for college students, as well as firsthand stories about recovering from drug and alcohol issues
• ULifeline: The nonprofit ULifeline service provides information and resources online, where college students can be comfortable searching for the information they need and want regarding emotional health. 

Here are some of the best sites for information that is useful and based on scientific research.

• Alcohol and Your Health:  Find out more about the effects of alcohol on the brain and body by visiting the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism website.
• Facts About Alcohol Overdoses: Learn what happens to your body during an alcohol overdose, and how to help someone in an emergency, by visiting the College Drinking Prevention website.
• Rethinking Drinking: Get tips for evaluating your own habits and making changes on this National Institutes of Health website.
• drugabuse.gov: Find accurate information and scientific research about alcohol and other drugs, including marijuana, on this National Institute on Drug Abuse website.

The unlawful possession, use or distribution of any illicit drug or alcohol by students or employees on property of the Foothill-De Anza Community College District, or at activities or events sponsored by the district or De Anza College, is prohibited.

The unlawful possession, use or distribution of any illicit drug or alcohol by students or employees on college property or at college events may constitute criminal conduct which could result in criminal prosecution under state or federal law. Federal penalties are posted on the "Controlled Substances and Trafficking Penalties" chart, which is posted on the college website and in the college catalog. State penalties may also apply. A listing of these penalties may be found at the campus offices for College Life and Student Health Services.

It is the policy of the college to impose appropriate disciplinary sanctions on employees and students for the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs or alcohol. Appropriate disciplinary sanctions may include suspension or expulsion for students or suspension or termination for employees. Appropriate disciplinary action may also include requiring the completion of a rehabilitation program.

The standards of conduct for students and the applicable sanctions for violating the standards are contained in these policies and procedures adopted by the Foothill-De Anza Community College District:

• Student Rights and Responsibilities: Board Policy 5500 and Administrative Procedure 5500
• Student Code of Conduct: Administrative Procedure 5510
• Student Due Process and Discipline: Administrative Procedure 5520 

The standards of conduct and sanctions applicable to employees are contained in the Foothill-De Anza Community College District Board Policy on a Drug Free Workplace (BP 4500) and in the applicable collective bargaining agreements or employee handbooks.

Controlled Substances: Uses and Effects

The use of drugs and alcohol may pose significant health risks including hangovers, blackouts, general fatigue, impaired learning, dependency or death. Uses and effects of various drug categories are described in the "Controlled Substances: Uses and Effects" chart, which is posted on the college website and in the college catalog.  Drugs known as "designer drugs" are a unique combination of the drugs listed in this chart.

Substance misuse includes possession or use of any federally illegal drug, or any possession or use of any prescription drug or other controlled substance except under the direction of a licensed physician. This includes marijuana (even medical marijuana), which is prohibited on campus in all circumstances.

The following is prohibited:

• Manufacture or distribution of any federally illegal drug including any form of cannabis
• Being under the influence of any federally illegal drug, prescription or non-prescription drug, or other controlled substance to the point of endangering one’s own health or safety regardless of age
•  Any possession or use on De Anza College premises of paraphernalia used to facilitate the use of any federally illegal drug or other controlled substance in violation of the Student Code of Conduct regardless of age. (This includes but is not limited to marijuana pipes, bongs and scales or other measuring devices.)
• Any act which causes a person to ingest any federally illegal drug, prescription drug, or other controlled substance without their effective consent.
• Any violation of the Student Code of Conduct while under the influence of any federally illegal drug, prescription drug, or other controlled substance in violation of this policy regardless of age

De Anza students are expected to abide by the policies of the Foothill-De Anza Community College District, including 

• Student Rights and Responsibilities: Board Policy 5500 and Administrative Procedure 5500
• Student Code of Conduct: Administrative Procedure 5510
• Student Due Process and Discipline: Administrative Procedure 5520

For certain violations of the Student Code of Conduct, the dean of Student Development may require students to attend fee-based online courses offered through 3rd Millenium Classrooms, regarding college policies on alcohol and drug use. 

• Marijuana 101: This course is consistently updated with the latest and strongest research available. Six lessons cover a variety of key issues such as marijuana dependence, marijuana's effects, mental health issues, synthetic marijuana, local laws and legalization issues, and legal penalties associated with use. Students receive a confidential, personalized feedback report that summarizes use and negative consequences, compares individual use with social norms, challenges personal expectations and provides a range of strategies to quit.
• Alcohol-Wise Intervention: This course focuses on reducing risk and improving campus culture. It teaches about the harmful effects of alcohol, raises retention rates and acts as a prevention tool for alcohol-related violations. S students receive personalized feedback, self-referral tools and pre- and post-course assessments to measure behavior change and knowledge gain.
• Other Drugs: This course is designed for individuals charged with alcohol or drug violations. It covers opiates, stimulants, sedatives, ecstasy and prescription drug misuse. Students begin the course by answering a series of questions about their illicit drug or prescription drug use. However, the course is confidential and students are not required to share personal feedback.