PURPOSE / SCOPE:
The Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM) is committed to providing its employees a safe and healthy environment. The use of drugs and alcohol can adversely affect the educational environment and may have devastating effects on the personal lives of those who abuse these substances. For this reason, ICOM prohibits the unlawful possession, use, manufacture or distribution of unauthorized drugs and alcohol on campus or at any ICOM-sponsored activity.
POLICY AND PROCEDURE:
Operation of the Program
ICOM has established a drug-free and alcohol abuse awareness program to inform its faculty and staff about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse and the penalties that may be imposed for drug and alcohol abuse violations. The Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program is available to all faculty and staff of ICOM. As part of this program, ICOM has implemented several measures:
- New staff and faculty members are informed of the ICOM Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program at New Employee Orientation.
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Employees are sent program information through electronic mail within 30 days from the start of each school year.
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Employees may request literature from the ICOM Library.
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Additional information or events may be held throughout the year addressing drug and alcohol related issues.
Biennial Review
This program is the responsibility of the Departments of Human Resources and will be reviewed biennially. ICOM is committed to monitoring and assessing the effectiveness of the policy and program. ICOM strives to ensure the uniform application of sanctions to employees and will maintain documentation of the number of violations and associated sanctions imposed. Documentation pertaining to employees will be maintained by the Human Resources department.
Standards of Conduct
The use, consumption, sale, purchase, possession, manufacture or distribution of illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, and/or alcohol while on ICOM property or while engaged in ICOM-sponsored activities is prohibited. Employees are expected to adhere to ICOM policy and applicable federal, state and local laws. Violations may result in criminal action and/or disciplinary actions, up to and including termination.
ICOM retains the right to grant limited exceptions to this policy only for the moderate consumption of alcohol during ICOM-sponsored activities or meals. Such exceptions must have the prior approval of the Dean.
Health Risks
There are serious physical and psychological health implications associated with the use and/or abuse of drugs and alcohol that vary based on the frequency, extent, and intensity of consumption. When consumed in excess, drugs and alcohol can also lead to overdose or death. Drug use can cause changes in the brain that result in memory and cognition problems or lead to severe consequences such as seizures, stroke, and possible brain damage. Alcohol use can impair brain function and motor skills; excessive use can increase the risk of certain cancers, stroke, and liver disease. Drug and alcohol use while pregnant may result in a number of health complications for the fetus such as premature birth, miscarriage, and low birth weight.
For a comprehensive guide regarding the harms and consequences of a drug’s effects on the body and mind, overdose potential, and other key factors, see the Drugs of Abuse DEA Resource Guide found at: https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2018-06/drug_of_abuse.pdf.
For additional information on alcohol’s effect on the body, visit the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism at: https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/alcohols-effects-body
Prevention
While there is no one way or guaranteed way to prevent someone from abusing drugs and alcohol, there are things that everyone can do to prevent substance abuse. Here are the top five ways to prevent substance abuse:
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Understand how substance abuse develops. Substance abuse starts by:
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Using addictive drugs (illicit or prescribed) for recreational purposes
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Seeking out intoxication every time you use
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Abusing prescription medication
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Avoid Temptation and Peer Pressure. Develop healthy friendships and relationships by avoiding friends or family members who pressure you to use substances. It’s often said “we become most like those we surround ourselves by,” meaning if you surround yourself with people who abuse drugs and alcohol you are more likely to as well. Peer pressure is a major part of life for teens and adults. If you are looking to stay drug free develop a good way to just say no, prepare a good excuse or plan ahead of time to keep from giving into peer pressure.
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Seek help for mental illness. Mental illness and substance abuse often go hand in hand. If you are dealing with a mental illness such as anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder you should seek professional help from a licensed therapist or counselor. A professional will provide you with healthy coping skills to alleviate your symptoms without turning to drugs and alcohol.
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Examine the risk factors. Look at your family history of mental illness and addiction, several studies have shown that this disease tends to run in the family, but can be prevented. The more you are aware of your biological, environmental and physical risk factors the more likely you are to overcome them.
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Keep a well-balanced life. People often turn to drugs and alcohol when something in their life is missing or not working. Practicing stress management skills can help you overcome these life stressors and will help you live a balanced and healthy life.
Develop goals and dreams for your future. These will help you focus on what you want and help you realize that drugs and alcohol will simply get in the way and hinder you from achieving your goals.
~ information adapted from the American Addiction Centers https://americanaddictioncenters.org/blog/five-tips-help-prevent-substance-abuse
Treatment Options
Various treatment options are available to employees. ICOM urges individuals experiencing symptoms associated with their own or someone else’s alcohol or drug use to seek assistance and support.
EAP Program – Employees
ICOM employees may seek assistance through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Reliant Behavioral Health (RBH). RBH can be reached at 866-750-1327 or at www.MyRBH.com. Support, guidance, and resources are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Employees are encouraged to contact Human Resources with additional questions.
Employees are encouraged to seek help through available national and community resources. Some examples include, but are not limited to, the resources found in the following chart:
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Resource |
Web Page |
Phone Number |
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Local Resources: |
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Recovery 4 Life |
208-376-7083 |
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NorthPoint Recovery |
855-801-0836 |
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Ashwood Recovery at NorthPoint |
208-918-4613 |
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Ascent Behavioral Health Services |
208-898-9755 |
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Brickhouse Recovery |
208-650-7359 |
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Idaho Center for Behavioral Health |
208-376-5021 |
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Intermountain Hospital |
208-377-8400 |
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National Resources: |
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National Drug and Alcohol Helpline |
888-633-3239 |
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SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) |
800-662-4357 |
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National Institute on Drug Abuse |
N/A |
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National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence |
800-622-2255 |
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Alcoholics Anonymous |
www.aa.org |
208-344-6611 |
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Narcotics Anonymous |
208-391-3823 |
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Self-Screening – Narcotics |
N/A |
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Self-Screening – Alcohol |
N/A |
Sanctions
ICOM employees are expected to comply with ICOM policy, as well as federal, state, and local drug and alcohol laws. Employees found participating in the use, consumption, sale, purchase, possession, manufacture or distribution of illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, and/or alcohol while on ICOM property or while engaged in ICOM-sponsored activities shall be subject to disciplinary sanctions on a case-by-case basis. Employees in violation of federal, state or local laws will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency and may be subject to prosecution in accordance with the law.
ICOM Sanctions
Substantiated violations of ICOM’s drug and alcohol policies may result in disciplinary sanctions, up to and including termination from ICOM. Sanctions may include, but is not limited to the following:
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Warning – written notice that the behavior is not acceptable at ICOM and that additional incidents may result in more severe sanctions.
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Behavior Contract – a contract that states behavioral expectations with penalties and sanctions addressed if the contract is violated. If the employee refuses to sign the behavior contract, the penalties and sanctions identified in the contract will be enacted.
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Disciplinary Probation – a period of time (which may be indefinite) during which an employee is under warning that any other violation of college policy may result in suspension or termination.
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Suspension – During the period of suspension, the employee is banned from ICOM property unless otherwise stated.
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Termination – termination of employment at ICOM.
Federal and State Sanctions
Alcohol:
The federal government gives control regarding alcohol to the states, with some exceptions, such as interstate and foreign commerce, certain production requirements and federal excise taxes. Idaho Statutes pertaining to alcoholic beverages can be found at: Idaho State Code Title 23
Controlled Substances:
The federal government statutes pertaining to narcotics can be found in Title 21, Chapter 13, “Drug Abuse Prevention and Control” of the U.S. Code (21 U.S.C. ch. 13). Details of Offenses and Penalties may be found in Subchapter I, Part D (§841): U.S. Code 21, Ch 13
Idaho Statutes pertaining to controlled substances can be found at: Idaho State Code Title 37
PRIMARY POLICY OWNER:
VP of Human Resources & Organizational Development
APPROVAL:
Effective: 5/1/20
Last Reviewed: 5/15/23
Review Requirement: 3 Years