The Florida State University General Bulletin
Registration Guide Spring 2005
The Florida State University Statement for Students on the Unlawful Possession, Use, or Distribution of Illicit Drugs and Alcohol
Standards of Conduct
State of Florida statutes declare that it is unlawful for any person under 21 years of age to possess or consume alcoholic beverages. Consequently, no one under the legal drinking age may consume, distribute, or possess alcohol on University properties or as part of any University activity.
It is unlawful to sell, give, serve, or permit to be served alcoholic beverages to a person under 21 years of age. Furthermore, servers can be held civilly liable for damage caused by underage drinkers to whom they provided alcoholic beverages.
It is unlawful to be under the influence of, to use, possess, distribute, sell, offer, or agree to sell, or represent to sell, narcotics, hallucinogens, dangerous drugs, or controlled substances, except as where permitted by prescription or law.
Legal Sanctions
Alcohol Offenses
| Common Alcohol Offenses (Leon County) |
Typical Penalty First Offense |
Maximum Penalty First Offense |
| Possession or attempt to purchase alcohol by a person under 21 years of age. |
Diversion program; $180 fine; 10 hours community work program |
60 days jail; $500 fine |
| Using a false driver's license ID or allowing someone to use your driver's license for an ID card |
Diversion program; $180 fine; 10 hours community work program |
60 days jail; $500 fine |
| Providing alcohol to a person under 21. |
Diversion program; $180 fine; 10 hours community work program |
60 days jail; $500 fine |
Illicit Drugs Offenses
The penalty for possession (second-degree misdemeanor) is 60 days jail and $500 fine. Penalties for trafficking (first-degree felony) range up to 30 years imprisonment and fines of $500,000.
Risks Associated with the Use of Illicit Drugs and the Abuse of Alcohol
Alcohol consumption causes a number of marked changes in behavior. It may increase aggressiveness, lower inhibitions, cloud judgement, reduce resistance, and hamper the ability to make decisions. The effects of alcohol are related to dose, rate of intake, body size and percentage of body fluid, expectations, social environment, physical conditions (disease or more common hormonal cycles can be factors), enzyme differences, and concentration of alcohol in a drink. Alcohol first affects the area of the brain responsible for higher functions, such as decision-making and social inhibitions, suppressing an individual's self-control. Alcohol in the blood slows reaction time, reduces muscle coordination and impairs eyesight, contributing to deficits in performance, judgement, memory, and motor skills. Even low doses significantly impair the judgement and coordination required to drive a car safely, increasing the likelihood that the driver will be involved in a crash. Moderate doses of alcohol may increase the odds of a variety of aggressive acts (violent crimes), including murder, rape, assault, vandalism, spouse and child abuse, and drunk driving. High doses of alcohol often cause marked impairment in higher mental functioning, severely altering a person's ability to learn and remember information, leading to blackouts and a general suspension of cognitive abilities. Heavy use may lead to various types of traumatic injury, chronic depression, suicide, fetal alcohol syndrome, respiratory failure, alcohol poisoning, and death.
Prolonged, heavy consumption of alcohol can result in long-term medical problems, including high blood pressure, increased risk of heart attack, pancreatitis, various cancers, cirrhosis of the liver, infectious diseases, mental disorders, and impairment of the central nervous system, all of which may lead to early death. Consistent use of alcohol can lead to tolerance, which is an indication of the body's adjustment to regular drinking, and is a warning sign of alcohol abuse. High tolerance may be an inherited function, which many researchers think is a sign of genetic predisposition to alcoholism. Sudden cessation of alcohol intake by alcoholics is likely to produce withdrawl symptoms, including severe anxiety, tremors, hallucinations, and convulsions, which can be life-threatening.
Illicit drugs all have some health-threatening qualities - some more than others. Examples include increased heart rate and lung damage from marijuana; central nervous system disorders from cocaine, heroin, and hallucinogens; and liver, lung and kidney damage from inhalents. AIDS also is spread widely among intravenous drug users. Even infrequent use of drugs can result in physical afflictions, such as hangovers, cardiovascular damage, digestive problems, tremors, impaired sexual response, and injuries due to lost coordination. Other possible effects include reduced alertness and impaired performance at school or work, interpersonal conflicts, and financial difficulties. Dependence and addiction are constant threats to users of illicit substances. Regular abuse of these substances generally expose users to criminal elements, which may lead to involvement in further criminal activities.
Information on Alcohol and Drugs and Treatment Referral
The Department of Health Enhancement, 644-8871, in the Thagard Student Health Center, provides educational workshops for any audience on request. It has an extensive reference library and refers students seeking assistance with alcohol and drug matters.
The Tallahassee Telephone Counseling and Referral Service phone number is 224-NEED, Narcotics Anonymous is 599-2876 and Alcoholics Anonymous is 224-1818.
The Florida State University Marriage and Family Therapy Clinic (644-1588) provides limited treatment. Students may also receive counseling at the Student Counseling Center, 644-2003.
Additional Information is available on the Internet at the following websites:
1. Children of Alcoholics Foundation at http://www.coaf.org
2. National Association for Children of Alcoholics at http://www.childrenofalcoholics.org
3. Alcoholics Anonymous at http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org
4. Families and Friends of Alcoholics at http://www.al-anon-alateen.org
University Disciplinary Sanctions for Alcohol/Drug Offenses
The disciplinary function at The Florida State University is an integral part of the educational mission of the University. Students in violation of state laws, city ordinances, or University policies will be reported to The Florida State University authorities for disciplinary action. Disciplinary processes are outlined in the Student Code of Conduct which gives the University authority to impose sanctions including suspension, dismissal, and expulsion.
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