Alcohol, Substance Abuse,
and Smoking Policies

Alcohol & Substance Abuse Policy ("ASAP")

The Wake Forest University School of Law is concerned about the health and welfare of its students. Wake Forest University (“University”) and the School of Law policies and regulations in general – and alcohol and substance abuse policies in particular – reflect that concern. The purpose of the School of Law Alcohol and Substance Abuse Policy (“ASAP”) is to enable students to make informed – and, it is hoped, intelligent – choices, as well as to enable them to understand the consequences of making unhealthy choices. In compliance with the federal Drug-Free Schools and Campuses regulations, the University and School of Law have adopted a policy that includes the expectation that students will comply with federal, state, and local laws, including those relating to alcoholic beverages and controlled substances.

To underscore the seriousness with which the School of Law takes the issue of health and welfare of its constituent populations, violations of this ASAP may be addressed in accordance with the same procedures set forth in the Student Code of Conduct and may result in sanctions imposed pursuant to that code.

Students wishing to seek confidential help with alcohol or substance abuse for themselves or their classmates should reference the campus resources at the end of this policy. Use of these resources is strongly encouraged. Students may also request a private consultation with the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs for help for themselves or their classmates with alcohol or substance abuse.

General Regulations

1. The University and School of Law prohibit the unlawful: solicitation, possession, use, distribution, or facilitation of the distribution of alcohol and controlled substances by students on University and School of Law properties, or as part of any University- or School of Law-sponsored activity. The prohibition extends to off-campus activities that are officially sponsored by the University or the School of Law. The prohibition also extends to off-campus activities, when participation is sponsored by the University or the School of Law, or when the participating student is representing the University or the School of Law. 

2. The improper use of prescription drugs can be a serious problem on college and law school campuses. For this reason, it is a violation of this policy for a student to be in unlawful possession of, or use, another person’s prescription medication or for a student to offer, distribute, or solicit medications to or from one person that have been prescribed for another. Note that in addition to being violations of University and School of Law policy, these practices are also felonies under federal and state statutes.
   
   Alcohol and controlled substance misuse prohibited at the University or School of Law includes without limitation: 

• a. Use of alcohol and/or controlled substance that results in behaviors, physical signs, or medical consequences, including but not limited to: staggering, difficulty standing or walking, slurred speech, passing out, blackouts (loss of memory), vomiting, retching, bloodshot and/or glassy eyes, strong odor of alcohol and/or other drugs, physical injuries, or other medical problems.
  
  

• b. Use of alcohol and/or controlled substance in association with inappropriate action including but not limited to:

  • • i. Verbal abuse; 

    • ii. Physical abuse; 

    • iii. Failure to comply with a lawful command or directive from a University, Wake Forest Law, or law enforcement official; 

    • iv. Property damage; or 

    • v. Any behavior that violates the Student Code of Conduct.

The School of Law Events and Alcohol Policy also governs use of alcohol at the School of Law, use of law school funds to purchase alcoholic beverages, and other matters addressed in the policy. A violation of the terms of the School of Law Events and Alcohol Policy is also considered a violation of the Student Code of Conduct and will be addressed in accordance with the procedures set forth in that code.

Federal and State Laws

Federal and state laws provide specific penalties for drug and narcotics offenses. Federal law makes it unlawful for any person to manufacture, distribute, create, dispense or to possess with the intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense controlled substances. Title 21 of the United States Code provides terms of imprisonment and fines for violations of this act. The nature of the offense and whether the person has committed any previous unlawful acts under this statute will determine the term of imprisonment as well as the amount of the fine. 

Article 5 of Chapter 90 of the North Carolina General Statutes makes it unlawful for any person to manufacture, sell or deliver, or possess with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver those drugs designated collectively as “controlled substances.” The punishment includes a term of imprisonment as well as a substantial fine. 

The penalties for violations of alcoholic beverage regulations are found in Chapter 188 of the North Carolina General Statutes. Such penalties include terms of imprisonment and heavy fines.

Prescription Drugs

Medications and prescription drugs can be appropriate when used as prescribed for clinical conditions. However, many prescription drugs have the potential for abuse when used recreationally. Those listed below are some of the most frequently misused and can lead to dependence. When abused, these drugs can be dangerous.

Adderall, Concerta, Ritalin, Vyvanse, and Provigil, etc. are stimulants and controlled by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). These drugs are often prescribed for students who have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The risk from misuse of these drugs ranges from lack of sleep, high body temperature, stroke, and irregular heartbeat to anger and hallucinations (psychosis) with severely disorganized thinking. For individuals abusing these stimulants, abrupt withdrawal may lead to significant mood changes including depression with a risk of self-harm.

Codeine, Hydrocodone (Lortab and Vicodin), and Oxycodone (Percocet and OxyContin) are medications that are prescribed for severe pain. Use can cause drowsiness, nausea, confusion, addiction, and in overdose, may cause slowed breathing and death.

Xanax, Valium, and other benzodiazepine drugs can lead to psychological and physiological dependence. Symptoms associated with withdrawal from these drugs can include seizures. In combination with alcohol, both heart rate and breathing may slow to a degree that can lead to death.

How can you help prevent prescription drug abuse?

• Ask your doctor or pharmacist about your medications, especially if you are unsure about its effects.

• Keep your doctor informed about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medications.

• Read the information your pharmacist provides before starting to take medications.

• Take your medication(s) as prescribed.

• Keep all prescription medications secured at all times and properly dispose of any unused medications.

• Do not share your medications with others, or consume medications prescribed for others.

Warning Signs of Possible Alcohol and Controlled Substance Abuse

• Withdrawal from social interaction

• Loss of pleasure in everyday activities 

• Change in personal appearance (increasingly unkempt or sloppy)

• Change in friends

• Easily discouraged; defeatist attitude

• Low frustration tolerance (outbursts)

• Unpredictable behavior and/or destructive behavior

• Terse replies to questions or conversation

• Sad or forlorn expression

• Lying

• Poor classroom attendance

• Decline in academic performance

• Apathy or loss of interest

• Change in sleep pattern ranging from excessive sleep to inability to sleep

• Frequent excuses for absences from planned activities

• Change in weight or eating behavior. 

If such signs appear in friends or classmates:

DO...

• Express your concern and caring using “I” statements

• Be ready to listen

• Communicate your desire to help

• Make concrete suggestions as to where the friend or classmate can find help or how they might cope with a given problem

• Encourage the friend or classmate to seek professional help

• Seek assistance from campus resources

• Be persistent

• Understand that the definition of friendship includes making difficult decisions that may anger your friends

DON’T...

• Take the situation lightly or as a joke

• Be offended if the friend or classmate tries to avoid you

• Take “I don’t have a problem” as an answer

• Think the situation can be handled by yourself – instead seek assistance

• Lecture about right and wrong

• Promote feelings of guilt about grades or anything else

• Gossip – instead speak of the situation only to those who can help

• Excuse behavior because “everybody does it”

Medical Situations / Helpful Campus Resources

If students are concerned about their own or a classmate’s alcohol or substance use, several places on campus offer assistance. Many of those places are confidential, as noted below. The School of Law encourages students to get help with alcohol and substance abuse issues as early as possible and to stay healthy. 

Deacon Health (Confidential)

Ground Level, Wellbeing Center | 336.758.5218 | shs@wfu.edu

The staff provides confidential care for alcohol-related problems 24 hours a day during the academic semester. If a student needs immediate medical attention related to alcohol or other drug use, call 911 or 336-758-5911 to dispatch emergency personnel for assistance, including transportation to an appropriate medical facility. Alternatively, students can bring a friend who has had too much to drink to Deacon Health for an evaluation. 

Other services include urgent care, illness care, physical examinations, medications, laboratory tests, psychiatric care, allergy injections, routine immunizations, and routine gynecological services. Referrals to community specialists are made when necessary. A nurse is available on site with a physician on call after-hours and on weekends.

Office of Wellbeing 

Main Level, Wellbeing Center | 336.758.3089 | thrive@wfu.edu

Thrive is a campus-wide initiative – owned by every member of the Wake Forest University community.  The Office of Wellbeing leads the campus in making wellbeing a part of every experience in the lives of our students, faculty, and staff.

Wellbeing Coaching (Private, Not Confidential)

Office of Wellbeing | Lobby Level, Wellbeing Center | 336.758.4371 | wakewell@wfu.edu 

Wellbeing Coaching is an evidence-based practice designed to help you reach your personal health and wellbeing goals.  Health and wellbeing coaching is structured around the changes that you want to make in your life when you are ready to make them – you are empowered through this process to identify the life you want to be living and are not told by a coach what your life “should” look like. 

Certified health coaches meet one on one with you to provide support and accountability to reach your health and wellbeing goals over a period of weeks together. Coaches apply strategies and practical skills as they partner with you to work through lifestyle challenges and to help you reach a quality of life that is meaningful, self-sustaining, healthy, and value-driven.  If you’re ready to make healthy, goal-directed changes in your life – Wellbeing Coaching is for you!

Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Abuse Prevention

Office of Wellbeing | Lobby Level, Wellbeing Center | 336.758.4371 | aod@wfu.edu 

The Office of Wellbeing coordinates the Wake Forest University Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) misuse prevention, education, and intervention program.  The mission of the WFU AOD program is to gain a greater understanding of the dynamics of alcohol and other drug misuse in our community, provide prevention and education programming, intervention and support services, and resources to individuals and groups, and empower students to make healthy choices.

University Counseling Center (Confidential)

117 Reynolda Hall | 336.758.5273 | 

The University Counseling Center assists students to deal effectively with personal, interpersonal, vocational and academic issues. The Center offers a wide range of services including individual and group counseling, testing, seminars and workshops, consultation, self-help resources, and referral assistance. 

The University Counseling Center provides crisis assistance for urgent mental health needs 24 hours a day.  Just call: 336.758.5273. Between the hours of 8:30am – 5:00pm Monday-Friday, walk-in and same-day urgent appointments are available for students who may be at an elevated mental health risk. 

Additionally, below are national crisis resources that you may also utilize:

Crisis Text Line (Text: 741741) to message with a trained crisis counselor

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Dial: 988)

For problems related to substance abuse, the Center offers initial consultation and referral for evaluation and treatment; counseling groups for students with family alcoholism or other substance abuse histories; and consultation for those interested in approaching a friend with a substance abuse problem. All services are confidential. 

The Office of the Chaplain (Confidential)

Office of the Chaplain | 336.758.5210

Chaplain & Associates | Suite 8, Reynolda Hall

Program Directors | Suite 317 & Room 321, Benson University Center

University Police 

Alumni Hall | 336.758.5911 (on-campus emergency) | | 336.758.5591 (non-emergency) | police@wfu.edu

The Wake Forest University Police Department is committed to a comprehensive approach in providing a safe and inclusive community where students, faculty, staff and visitors may experience a sense of security and belonging.

The WFU Police Department is comprised of professionally trained police officers, security officers, communications officers, and support staff. The primary concern of the department is to protect and assist the campus community.

Safe Office (Confidential)

24/7 Confidential Help Line 336.758.5285 ext. 1 | safe@wfu.edu (non-urgent messages)

The Safe Office provides confidential crisis response and on-going support services to Reynolda Campus students for concerns related to interpersonal violence (including sexual misconduct, relationship violence, and stalking).