Alcohol and Other Drugs
Information and Policies
Eastern Washington University is committed to maintaining an environment free of alcohol and drug abuse. The University recognizes that alcohol abuse and drug use pose a serious health problem that can affect all aspects of a person’s life, including academic or employment success. The University seeks to provide a campus environment that is conducive to learning and working.
University Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Policy Statement
Eastern Washington University prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol and drugs by students, faculty, and staff on University premises or as part of any of its activities. The Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Policy is intended to meet, at a minimum, the requirements of all applicable federal and state laws, including but not limited to the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989, as amended, and the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988.
Please refer to WAC 172-64 and EWU 602-01 for more comprehensive information.
Student, Faculty, and Staff
Responsibility
This page provides notice for all university students, faculty, and staff of the standards of conduct that the university will apply to all activities conducted on university-owned property and at university-sponsored events. It is the responsibility of all members of the university community to familiarize themselves with relevant laws. As required by federal law, the University cooperates with law enforcement authorities in referring for prosecution of unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol and illicit drugs by students, faculty, or staff on University premises or as part of any of its activities.
Counseling, Education, Information, and Treatment
The University emphasizes the importance of information and education in helping to prevent alcohol and drug abuse. Eastern Washington University is committed to helping students, faculty and staff prevent and address alcohol and drug abuse problems.
Counseling and Wellness Services
Offers in-person/telehealth counseling services for students including on-going personal counseling and walk-in crisis sessions.
Student Rights and Responsibilities
Provides information, including consultation regarding EWU policy such as the Student Code of Conduct and Drug & Alcohol Policy. Conducts the Alcohol & Drug Education Process.
Student Accommodations and Support Services
Provides student support and advocacy and can be alerted regarding students who may be in need of support.
Collegiate program for EWU students who are in recovery, thinking about recovery, and those who want to participate as recovery allies. Hosts weekly All Recovery meetings.
The Recovery Café provides a haven for those navigating the complexities of recovery. From a friendly chat over a meal to attending classes and joining recovery circles, the Recovery Café provides connection and stability.
(866) 789-1511
Call Available 24/7
Text Available M-F 9AM-9PM
Provides comprehensive list of Alcoholics Anonymous and Alateen meetings held in WA state, including in-person and online options.
Northeast Washington Area of NA
Provides comprehensive list of Narcotics Anonymous meetings in the Northeast region of WA state, including in-person and online options.
Provides comprehensive list of Spokane community resources, including Addiction and Recovery resources.
Local, State, and Federal Law
Illegal use of alcohol and other drugs carries the consequences of local, state, and federal laws. This section outlines applicable laws for Eastern Washington University students, staff, and faculty.
It is unlawful:
- For anyone under twenty-one years of age to possess alcohol (RCW 66.44.270);
- To sell, purchase, deliver, or furnish alcohol, except a parent or legal guardian, to anyone under twenty-one years of age (RCW 66.44.270);
- To sell, purchase, deliver, or furnish alcohol to an intoxicated person (RCW 66.44.200);
- To consume alcohol in a public place (city streets, any buildings and grounds used for University purposes) or in a vehicle in public while exhibiting the effects of having consumed alcohol, exceptions defined in RCW 66.44.100;
- To misrepresent one’s age to obtain alcohol (RCW 66.44.310);
- To drive under the influence of alcohol, marijuana or other drug (RCW 46.61.502 and 46.61.503).
- To manufacture, deliver or possess an illicit drug (RCW 69.50.401).
- To possess or use drug paraphernalia for purposes relating to the manufacture, delivery, possession, or use of an illicit drug (RCW 69.50.102).
- It is unlawful to drive if your blood or breath alcohol concentration (BAC) meets or exceeds 0.08 percent or under the influence of drugs (RCW 46.61.502);
- It is unlawful to drive if alcohol has impaired your ability to drive safely, even if your BAC is under the legal limit (RCW 46.61.503);
- For a person under twenty-one, driving is unlawful if your blood or BAC meets or exceeds 0.02 percent (RCW 46.61.503).
- It is unlawful to drive if your THC concentration is 5.00 or higher, as shown by an analysis of the person’s blood (RCW 46.61.502).
- It is unlawful to drive while the person is under the influence or the combined influence of or affected by intoxicating liquor, marijuana, or any drug (RCW 46.61.502).
- Alcoholic beverages may not be consumed in a vehicle or carried within reach of the driver or passengers. Open containers may be carried in a trunk or nonpassenger areas (not glove boxes). This does not apply to vehicles commercially chartered by groups or to the living quarters of motor homes or campers (RCW 66.44.100 and 46.61.519).
University Sanctions
In addition to applicable legal penalties, the university may impose appropriate sanctions on students, staff, and faculty found in violation of the Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Policy.
The University will impose disciplinary sanctions on students found accountable for violations of the Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Policy. Sanctions will be imposed according to the provisions of the Student Conduct Code, Chapter 172-121 WAC.
Sanctions that may be imposed include but are not limited to:
- Loss of privileges, restitution, community service, and/or fines
- Eviction from University owned or controlled housing
- Suspension and/or dismissal from the University
- Loss of financial aid
- Some combination of the above
If a student is under the age of 21, their parents or guardians may also be notified.
Violation of this policy by faculty and staff may result in:
- Disciplinary action, up to and including the termination of employment, in accordance with applicable collective bargaining units, or other policies of the university; and/or
- Requirement of satisfactory participation in evaluation and/or treatment in an approved chemical dependency assistance or rehabilitation program
Health Risks of Commonly Abused Substances
The university values the health and safety of every individual and stresses the importance of educating yourselves on the potential harm drugs and alcohol has on a person’s health. Health risks of using illegal drugs and misusing alcohol or prescription drugs include physical, emotional, and psychological effects, as well as possible legal, vocational, and educational consequences. For a comprehensive list on the health effects of specific drugs, see the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
- Relationship problems with friends, family, and coworkers
- Substance use disorders
- Impaired learning ability, memory, ability to solve complex problems
- Hindrance of neurological development
- Increased risk of sexually transmitted diseases and infections (STD’s)
- Complications due to the combination of prescription medication and other drugs/alcohol
- Death, coma or toxic reactions, especially when combining alcohol with any other drug, including over-the-counter medicine or prescriptions
- Guilt/regret over activities performed while under the influence of alcohol/drugs
- Damage to brain, cardiovascular system, liver, and other organs
- Increased risk of cancer
- Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, birth or genetic defect
- Psychosis (hallucinations, loss of contact with reality, extreme changes in personality)
- Other physiological, psychological or interpersonal problems
