Substance Abuse Program

The administration of Howard College/SWCID strongly believes that the abuse of alcohol and the use of illegal drugs and abuse of other drugs by faculty, staff, and students have serious effects on their ability to meet the educational goals of the college. Therefore, Howard College/SWCID has implemented a program of drug education/prevention and assistance that is available to faculty, staff, and students.

1. Purpose of Program
   The purpose of the Substance Abuse Program is to directly aid faculty, staff, and students. The program will focus primarily on education as a means of prevention. However, there must be adequate assistance available for those individuals seeking help with their abuse problems as well as clear consequences for unacceptable substance abuse behavior.
   The three different areas that will be emphasized are as follows:
   1. Education Information
      Primary emphasis will be directed at the non-user or the early abuser in order to prevent them from either starting to use drugs, to abuse alcohol, or to accelerate their current use.
   2. Intervention
      Provide early intervention counseling and other support to individuals with minor problems with alcohol and/or drugs.
   3. Referral
      Identify those individuals who need referral and provide recommendations regarding the best plan for the individual.
2. Implementation of the Program
   Specific proposals for implementation are as follows:
   1. That this program coordinates all college alcohol and drug programs. Exceptions would be classes or programs conducted by an academic department as part of their curriculum.
   2. That the Wellness Committee be given the charge for developing and implementing this program.
   3. That the committee consider an outside consultant from one of the major service providers in alcohol and drug treatment be brought on campus for consultation.
   4. That an initial target population be identified through a college-wide "needs assessment" survey to assess education/intervention program would be helpful.
   5. That the program have a strong disciplinary component to it, i.e., Student Services Administration, Security, Housing, Athletics.
   6. That adequate funding and resources be available. Possible sources for funding are from Student Service fees, Housing, Personnel, and matching fund grants from the Federal Government. Students majoring in related areas such as psychology, counseling, and health education may be utilized as well as interested volunteers from various student groups.