An academic community is harmed in many ways by the abuse of alcohol and the use of other drugs. These high risk behaviors lead to decreased productivity, serious health problems, strained social interactions, and impaired learning.
University Policy FPU-1.0036P prohibits the unlawful manufacture, alteration, possession, use, distribution, or dispensation of a controlled substances or use of any illicit drugs by the University community on its property, or as part of any University-sponsored activity.
University policy FPU-1.0003P establishes guidelines and procedures for the legal and responsible use of alcohol on University premises. The use of alcoholic beverages by members of the University community on University premises is subject to the applicable alcoholic beverage laws and ordinances of the State of Florida, the City of Lakeland, and Polk County at all times. No person may sell, furnish, or give alcohol to any person under the age of 21.
University regulation 3.006 prohibits the following misconduct:
Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that leads to the loss of control over judgment and a loss of inhibitions. Alcohol decreases motor coordination and control resulting in blurred vision, slurred speech, and loss of balance. This impairment can occur even at low levels of blood alcohol. When alcohol is abused, there is a significantly increased incidence of physical injury, motor vehicle accidents (nearly half of all fatal accidents), and injuries from assaults. High-risk drinking (loosely defined as getting drunk or binge use) is associated with an increased risk of sexual assault, alcohol poisoning, and poor academic performance.
Excessive drinking over time is associated with the following health problems and conditions:
Brain: Alcohol interferes with the brain’s communication pathways and can affect the way the brain looks and works. These disruptions can change mood and behavior and make it harder to think clearly and move with coordination.
Heart: Consuming a large amount over a long period of time or too much on a single occasion can damage the heart, causing problems including:
Liver: Heavy drinking takes a toll on the liver, and can lead to a variety of problems and liver inflammations including:
Pancreas: Alcohol causes the pancreas to produce toxic substances that can eventually lead to pancreatitis, a dangerous inflammation and swelling of the blood vessels in the pancreas that prevents proper digestion.
Cancer: Drinking too much alcohol can increase your risk of developing certain cancers, including cancers of the head, neck, esophagus, liver, breast, and bowels.
Immune System: Drinking too much can weaken your immune system, making your body a much easier target for disease. Chronic drinkers are more liable to contract diseases like pneumonia and tuberculosis than people who do not drink too much. Drinking a lot on a single occasion slows your body’s ability to ward off infections, even up to 24 hours after getting drunk.
[Source: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism]
Substance |
Nicknames/Slang Terms |
Short-Term Effects |
Long-Term Effects |
Amphetamines |
uppers, speed, meth, crack, crystal, ice, pep pills |
increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, dry mouth, loss of appetite, restlessness, irritability, anxiety |
delusions, hallucinations, heart problems, hypertension, irritability, insomnia, toxic psychosis, physical dependence |
Barbiturates and Tranquilizers |
barbs, bluebirds, blues, yellow jackets, red devils, roofies, Rohypnol, ruffies, tranqs, mickey, flying V's |
slurred speech, muscle relaxation, dizziness, decreased motor control |
severe withdrawal symptoms, possible convulsions, toxic psychosis, depression, physical dependence |
Cocaine |
coke, crack, snow, powder, blow, rock |
loss of appetite, increased blood pressure and heart rate, contracted blood vessels, nausea, hyper-stimulation anxiety, paranoia, increased hostility, increased rate of breathing, muscle spasms and convulsions, dilated pupils, disturbed sleep |
depression, weight loss, seizure, heart attack, stroke, hypertension, hallucinations, psychosis, chronic cough, nasal passage injury, and kidney, liver and lung damage |
Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate |
GHB, liquid B, liquid X, liquid ecstasy, G, Georgia homeboy, grievous bodily harm |
euphoria, decreased inhibitions, drowsiness, sleep, decreased body temperature, decreased heart rate, decreased blood pressure |
memory loss, depression, severe withdrawal symptoms, physical dependence, psychological dependence |
Heroin |
H, junk, smack, horse, skag |
euphoria, flushing of the skin, dry mouth, “heavy” arms and legs, slowed breathing, muscular weakness |
constipation, loss of appetite, lethargy, weakening of the immune system, respiratory (breathing) illnesses, muscular weakness, partial paralysis, coma, physical dependence, psychological dependence |
Ketamine |
K, super K, special K |
dream-like states, hallucinations, impaired attention and memory, delirium, impaired motor function, high blood pressure, depression |
urinary tract and bladder problems, abdominal pain, major convulsions, muscle rigidity, increased confusion, increased depression, physical dependence, psychological dependence |
LSD |
acid, stamps, dots, blotter, A-bombs |
dilated pupils, change in body temperature, blood pressure and heart rate, sweating, chills, loss of appetite, decreased sleep, tremors, changes in visual acuity, mood changes |
may intensify existing psychosis, panic reactions, can interfere with psychological adjustment and social functioning, insomnia, physical dependence, psychological dependence |
MDMA |
ecstasy, XTC, Adam, X, rolls, pills |
impaired judgment, confusion, confusion, blurred vision, teeth clenching, depression, anxiety, paranoia, sleep problems, muscle tension |
same as LSD, sleeplessness, nausea, confusion, increased blood pressure, sweating, depression, anxiety, memory loss kidney failure, cardiovascular problems, convulsions death, physical dependence, psychological dependence |
Marijuana/ Cannabis |
pot, grass, dope, weed, joint, bud, reefer, doobie, roach |
sensory distortion, poor coordination of movement slowed reaction time, panic, anxiety |
bronchitis, conjunctivitis, lethargy, shortened attention span, suppressed immune system, personality changes, cancer, psychological dependence, physical dependence possible for some |
Mescaline |
peyote cactus |
nausea, vomiting, anxiety, delirium, hallucinations, increased heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature |
lasting physical and mental trauma, intensified existing psychosis, psychological dependence |
Morphine |
M, morf, duramorph, Miss Emma, monkey, Roxanol, white stuff |
euphoria, increased body temperature, dry mouth, “heavy” feeling in arms and legs |
constipation, loss of appetite, collapsed veins, heart infections, liver disease, depressed respiration, pneumonia and other pulmonary complications, physical dependence, psychological dependence |
PCP |
crystal, tea, angel dust, embalming fluid, killer weed, rocket fuel, supergrass, wack, ozone |
shallow breathing, flushing, profuse sweating, numbness in arms and legs, decreased muscular coordination, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, delusions, paranoia, disordered thinking |
memory loss, difficulties with speech and thinking, depression, weight loss, psychotic behavior, violent acts, psychosis, physical dependence, psychological dependence |
Psilocybin |
mushrooms, magic mushrooms, shrooms, caps, psilocybin, psilocyn |
nausea, distorted perceptions, nervousness, paranoia |
confusion, memory loss, shortened attention span, flashbacks may intensify existing psychosis |
Steroids |
roids, juice |
increased lean muscle mass, increased strength, acne, oily skin, excess hair growth, high blood pressure |
cholesterol imbalance, anger management problems, masculinization of women, breast enlargement in men, premature fusion of long bones preventing attainment of normal height, atrophy of reproductive organs, impotence, reduced fertility, stroke, hypertension, congestive heart failure, liver damage, psychological dependence |
[Source: U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Agency]
Possession or sale of alcohol under the age of 21
Possession of a fake identification card
Sharing an identification card
Fictitious or unlawfully altered identification card
Misrepresenting or misstating age of self or another for alcohol consumption under the age of 21
Second-degree misdemeanors are punishable with a $500 fine and a definite term of imprisonment not exceeding 60 days.
First-degree misdemeanors are punishable with a definite term of imprisonment not exceeding 1 year.
Third-degree felonies are punishable with a $5,000 fine, license suspension, and a term of imprisonment not exceeding five years.
Under Florida law, driving under the influence (DUI) of alcoholic beverages, chemical substances, or controlled substances is one offense, proved by impairment of normal faculties or an unlawful blood alcohol or breath alcohol level of .08 or above. The penalties upon conviction are the same, regardless of the manner in which the offense is proven.
Driving under 21 and under the influence of alcohol with blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.02 or higher
Lawful detainment
DUI fine schedule, per section 316.193, Florida statutes.
To review the complete statutory language, please refer to sections 316.193(2)(a)-(b), (4)(a), Florida Statutes.
At the court’s discretion, sentencing terms may be served in a residential alcoholism or drug abuse treatment program and credited toward the term of imprisonment.
To review the complete statutory language, refer to sections 316.193 (2)(a) 2, 4(b), (6)(b)-(c), 775.082(3)(e), and 775.084, Florida statutes.
Impoundment or immobilization of vehicle
Unless the family of the defendant has no other transportation:
Impoundment or immobilization must not occur concurrently with incarceration. The court may dismiss the order of impoundment of any vehicles owned by the defendant if they are operated solely by employees of the defendant or any business owned by the defendant.
To review the complete statutory language, please refer to section 316.193 (6), Florida Statutes.
Conditions for release of those arrested for DUI
To review the complete statutory language, please refer to section 316.193 (9), Florida statutes.
Manufacture or Delivery Florida Statutes 893.13 & 893.03 |
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Illegal Drug |
First-Degree Felony |
Second-Degree Felony |
Third-Degree Felony |
Heroin |
|
x |
|
Cocaine |
|
x |
|
Morphine |
|
x |
|
Peyote |
|
|
x |
Barbiturates |
|
|
x |
Amphetamines |
|
|
x |
Lysergic Acid (LSD) |
|
|
x |
Methaqualone |
|
x |
|
Phencyclidine |
|
x |
|
Ketamine |
|
|
x |
GHB |
|
x |
|
Ecstasy |
x |
|
|
Possession Florida Statutes 893.147 |
|||
Illegal Drug |
First-Degree Felony |
Second-Degree Felony |
Third-Degree Felony |
Heroin |
|
|
3 grams and under |
Cocaine |
|
|
27 grams and under |
Morphine |
|
|
3 grams and under |
Peyote |
|
|
9 grams and under |
Barbiturates |
|
|
|
Amphetamines |
|
|
|
Lysergic Acid (LSD) |
|
|
9 grams and under |
Methaqualone |
|
|
|
Phencyclidine |
|
|
|
Ketamine |
|
|
|
GHB |
|
|
|
Ecstasy |
|
|
9 grams and under |
The possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs is prohibited by federal law. Strict penalties are enforced for drug convictions, including mandatory prison terms for many offenses. The following information, although not complete, is an overview of federal penalties for first convictions. All penalties are doubled for any subsequent drug conviction.
Under the Higher Education Act of 1998, students convicted under federal or state law for the sale or possession of drugs will have their federal financial aid eligibility suspended. This includes all federal grants, loans, federal work-study programs, and more. Students convicted of drug possession will be ineligible for one year from the date of the conviction of the first offense, two years for the second offense, and indefinitely for the third offense. Students convicted of selling drugs will be ineligible for two years from the date of the first conviction, and indefinitely for the second offense. Those who lose eligibility can regain eligibility by successfully completing an approved drug rehabilitation program.
Any person convicted of a federal drug offense punishable by more than one year in prison shall forfeit to the United States any personal or real property related to the violation, including houses, cars, and other personal belongings. A warrant of seizure is issued, and property is seized, at the time an individual is arrested on charges that may result in forfeiture.
Penalties for federal drug trafficking convictions vary according to the quantity of the controlled substance involved in the transaction. The following list is a sample of the range and severity of federal penalties imposed for first convictions. Penalties for subsequent convictions are twice as severe.
If death or serious bodily injury result from the use of a controlled substance that has been illegally distributed, the person convicted on federal charges of distributing the substance faces mandatory life sentence and fines ranging up to $8 million.
Those convicted on federal charges of drug trafficking within 1,000 feet of a University (21 USC 845a) face penalties of prison terms and fines that are twice as high as the regular penalties for the offense, with a mandatory prison sentence of at least one year.
Drug/Substance |
Amount |
Penalty - First Conviction |
Barbiturates |
Any amount |
Up to five years prison. Fine up to $250,000. |
Cocaine |
5 kilograms or more |
Not less than 10 years prison, not more than life. Fine up to $4 million. |
Cocaine |
Less than 100 grams |
10-63 months prison. Fine up to $1 million. |
Crack Cocaine |
50 grams or more |
Not less than 10 years prison, not more than life. Fine up to $4 million. |
Crack Cocaine |
5-49 grams |
Not less than five years prison, not more than 40 years. Fine up to $2 million. |
Crack Cocaine |
5 grams or less |
10-63 months prison. Fine up to $1 million. |
Ecstasy |
Any amount |
Up to 20 years imprisonment. Fine up to $1 million. Three years of supervised release (following prison). |
GHB |
Any amount |
Up to 20 years imprisonment. Fine up to $1 million. Three years of supervised release (following prison). |
Hashish |
10-100 kilograms |
Up to 20 years imprisonment. Fine up to $1 million.. |
Hashish |
10 kilograms or less |
Up to five years imprisonment. Fine up to $250,000. |
Hash Oil |
1-100 kilograms |
Up to 20 years imprisonment. Fine up to $1 million. |
Hash Oil |
1 kilogram or less |
Up to five years imprisonment. Fine up to $250,000. |
Heroin |
1 kilogram or more |
Not less than 10 years prison, not more than life. Fine up to $4 million. |
Heroin |
100-999 grams |
Not less than five years prison, not more than 40 years. Fine up to $2 million |
Heroin |
100 grams or less |
10-63 months prison. Fine up to $1 million |
Ketamine |
Any amount |
Up to five years imprisonment. Fine up to $250,000. Two years of supervised release. |
LSD |
10 grams or more |
Not less than 10 years prison, not more than life. Fine up to $4 million. |
LSD |
1-10 grams |
Not less than five years prison, not more than 40 years. Fine up to $2 million. |
Marijuana |
1000 kilograms or more |
Not less than 10 years prison, not more than life. Fine up to $4 million. |
Marijuana |
100-999 kilograms |
Not less than 5 years prison, not more than 40 years. Fine up to $2 million. |
Marijuana |
50-99 kilograms |
Up to 20 years imprisonment. Fine up to $1 million. |
Marijuana |
50 kilograms or less |
Up to five years imprisonment. Fine up to $250,000. |
Methamphetamine |
50 grams or more |
Not less than 10 years prison, not more than life. Fine up to $4 million. |
Methamphetamine |
10-49 grams |
Not less than five years prison, not more than 40 years. Fine up to $2 million |
Methamphetamine |
10 grams or less |
10-21 months prison. Fine up to $1 million. |
PCP |
100 grams or more |
Not less than 10 years prison, not more than life. Fine up to $4 million. |
PCP |
10-99 grams |
Not less than five years prison, not more than 40 years. Fine up to $2 million. |
PCP |
10 grams or less |
10-21 months prison. Fine up to $1 million. |
Rohypnol |
1 gram or more |
Up to 20 years imprisonment. Fine up to $1 million. |
Rohypnol |
Less than 30 milligrams |
Up to five years imprisonment. Fine up to $250,000. |
Those convicted of federal charges of possessing any controlled substance face penalties of up to one year in prison and a mandatory fine of no less than $1,000 up to a maximum of $100,000.
Second convictions are punishable by not less than 15 days but not more than two years in prison and a minimum fine of $2,500. Subsequent convictions are punishable by not less than 90 days but not more than three years in prison and a minimum fine of $5,000. Possession of drug paraphernalia is punishable by a minimum fine of $750.
Special sentencing provisions for possession of crack cocaine impose a mandatory prison term of not less than five years but not more than 20 years and a fine up to $250,000, or both if:
Civil penalties of up to $10,000 may also be imposed for possession of small amounts of controlled substances, whether or not criminal prosecution is pursued.
CARE Services (Florida Poly’s health and wellness program) can help students identify and overcome barriers that affect a student’s ability to be successful at Florida Poly. These barriers can be academically related, but they can also include mental health concerns, financial concerns, or personal concerns.
CARE services can help students get involved or connected on campus or within the community. Sometimes it can be difficult to navigate the University system in order to access services or resources. Staff can help students navigate these services or develop an action plan for academic success.
The University provides free, voluntary, and confidential counseling services for Florida Poly students facing personal issues that interfere with their academic success.
Counselors can help students work through most personal issues that may affect their success at Florida Poly including:
During evenings and weekends, students are encouraged to reach out to the following resources:
If you are in crisis and need immediate help, dial 911 or visit Lakeland Regional Medical Center’s emergency room.
BayCare’s Student Assistance Program (free/confidential/voluntary)
24-Hour Line: 800-878-5470
Peace River Center
24-Hour Crisis Line: 800-627-5906
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
24-Hour Hotline: 800-273-825
To schedule an appointment, email care@floridapoly.edu or contact Kristin Stokes, the University’s care manager at 863-874-8599, or visit the Academic Success Center East location in residence hall II.
Florida Poly has partnered with BayCare to provide all employees with an Employee Assistance Program. Enhancing the well-being and dignity of each team member is vital to the success of our organization. For more than 20 years, BayCare's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) has been helping employees manage the stresses of work and everyday life by providing a confidential support system. From work issues to problems at home, issues affecting an employee's personal or professional life can be addressed with short-term assistance services. These services provide an initial assessment, assist with problem resolution and initiate referral services for the employee or their family members if necessary.
Help is available for:
For confidential assistance, employees can contact the Employee Assistance Program at 800-878-5470 or BayCareEAP@BayCare.org.
A clear statement of the disciplinary sanctions the institution will impose on students and employees, and a description of those sanctions.
A student who is found responsible for violating the University’s drug or alcohol policies may face sanctions commensurate with the offense with consideration given to any aggravating and mitigating circumstances. Sanctions that may be imposed upon those responsible include, but are not limited to:
Any University employee who violates this policy will be subject to discipline up to and including termination, as outlined in the Employee and Faculty Handbooks, applicable University policy, applicable University regulation, or applicable collective bargaining agreement, if any.
The University conducts a biennial review of its alcohol and drug prevention efforts and policies to determine program effectiveness and consistency of policy enforcement. This review also identifies changes needed to the University’s alcohol and drug prevention program and policies and sets goals for the University to work towards in improving its alcohol and drug prevention efforts. Through the biennial review, the University seeks to continuously improve its alcohol and drug abuse prevention program to combat the serious negative impacts alcohol and other drug abuse has on the University community.