National University of Ireland, Galway
Draft Drug Policy
Version One
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Rationale
2.1 Public health drug policy
2.2 University environment
2.3 Student life
3. Terms of reference
4. Aims of the University drug policy
5. Policy Measures
5.1 Drug education
5.2 Managing drug related situations
5.3 Health & safety
5.4 The law and code of conduct
5.5 Staff responsible for implementing the procedure
5.6 Staff development, training and support issues
5.7 Review, monitoring and evaluation
5.8 The involvement of outside agencies
References
Appendix A – Misuse of Drugs Act 1984 section 19
Appendix B – Local Support Services
Appendix C – Membership of Drug Policy Development Group
1. Introduction
The College Lifestyle and Attitudinal Lifestyle (CLAN) report (Hope et al, 2005) determined that drug use amongst the 3rd level student population was much higher than that reported by a similar age group in the national drug prevalence survey (NACD, 2003). With regard to cannabis use 37% of students and 11% of a similar age group (15-24) reported using cannabis in the past 12 months in the CLAN and national drug prevalence surveys respectively.
There is evidence that lifestyle choices including the use of drugs can have an affect on mental health and also that mental health affects lifestyle choices (NIMHE, 2005; Department of Health and Children, 2006)
The development of a drug policy for the students of NUI Galway was an action that was part of the process as outlined in the NUI Galway Mental Health Strategy (NUI Galway, 2008) of promoting mental health.
It was stated in this strategy ‘Strengthening those aspects of University life and University policy that promote mental health will benefit all students including those with existing mental health problems.’ Further it is considered that there are strong links between mental health, well-being, student retention and academic success.
The strategic objective of the National Drug Strategy 2001-2008 (Department of Tourism, Sport & Recreation, 2001) was to significantly reduce the harm caused to individuals and society by the misuse of drugs through a concerted focus on supply reduction, prevention, treatment and research. A new National Drug Strategy 2009- 2016 is currently being developed.
The development & implementation of a drug policy fits in with achieving the objective of the National Drug Strategy.
In 1998, NUI Galway adopted an alcohol policy, formulated and recommended by the Student Services Committee. The policy aimed to address concerns about the promotion of alcoholic drink on the campus and the damaging effects of excessive consumption by students of the University (NUI Galway, 2002). This policy resulted in a number of significant changes.
It is hoped that the implementation of a drug policy can have a similarly positive impact.
2. Rationale – A moral and value framework
2.1 Public health drug policy
The World Health Organisation considers policies which influence the levels and patterns of substance use and related harm can significantly reduce the public health problems attributed to substance use, and interventions at the health care system level can work towards the restoration of health in affected individuals (WHO).
It has been concluded that government policies have only limited impact on rates of drug use but however, policies are highly relevant because they can have significant impact on the levels of drug related harm (Reuters and Stevens, 2007).
The provisional National Drug Strategy 2009-2016 (Department of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs, 2009) highlights the relevance of local drug policies as an effective strategy to deal with the drug issue at a local level.
2.2 University environment
At all universities and colleges diversity of opinion and freedom of choice have long been part of the academic tradition. However, freedom of choice brings with it personal responsibilities which include the obligation to respect the rights of others and to comply with the university rules and regulations. The ethos of the University not only promotes positive learning experiences and academic excellence, but also provides a caring and supportive community where students and staff in need of support are given the necessary supports. The University is also obliged to provide a safe working environment for students and staff. Any activity or practice that constitutes a hazard needs to be eliminated to reduce injury or loss. When students engage in drug use, academic performance, health, personal relationships and safety may suffer. However, drug issues cannot and should not be tackled in isolation and must be seen within a broader context of lifestyle issues and a supportive University environment. The health promoting University structure provides an ideal mechanism to address the drug issue.
2.3 Student life
The period of late adolescence and early adult life is a transitional phase for students where new freedoms, new relationships and adapting to a different environment provides daily challenges in addition to the academic challenges of new courses (Healy et al, 1999).
Drug use is a feature in the lives of some young people in Ireland. A number of surveys provide evidence of the availability and use of drugs by young people in Ireland.
The CLAN survey (Hope et al, 2002) indicated that the levels of illicit drug use for all drugs amongst 3rd level students was higher than that of a similar general population group of the same age (16-24 years). An effective drug policy is an important part of a University’s retention of student’s strategy and represents a scheme of actions to improve the quality of student life.
3. Terms of Reference
a. Definition of a drug
A drug for the purpose of this policy is defined as a substance other than those required for the maintenance of normal health which on administration alters biological function, mood, cognition and behaviour (Johns, 1990).
As such it includes illegal and legal drugs that have the potential to cause harmful consequences to the individual who use and misuse them. For the purpose of this policy the term drugs will also include solvents which are generally referred to as volatile substances. The term substance is sometimes used as a means of referring to drugs and for the purpose of this policy the two terms can be considered equivalent and interchangeable.
It is recognised however that the procedures adopted by the University for dealing with legal and illegal drug use will differ in some respects for legal reasons.
b. The geographical boundaries of the policy
This policy outlines procedures applicable to drug related incidents that occur within grounds owned and administered by NUI Galway as interpreted in the NUI Galway Code of Conduct (NUI Galway, 1983).
It is considered that activities arranged by a student organisation that is affiliated to NUI Galway and occur outside of the grounds of NUI Galway are governed by the Code of Conduct and such procedures as set down by that body. It is considered that the drug policy will also be of relevance.
There is also provision within the policy for dealing with drug related incidents that occur outside of the domain of the University and involve the student with external agencies.
4. Aims of the University Drug Policy
The aims of this drug policy are to:
1. Promote the University as a supportive environment that enables students to make healthy choices that promote health and well-being.
2. Ensure that the University is safe for students and complies with health and safety regulations.
3. Ensure that the social and academic life on campus is conducive to the health and well being of students.
4. Provide support services for those who may require assistance during their time at University.
5. Contribute to the ongoing development of the University as a Health Promoting University.
The specific objectives include
· Promoting the health and well being of students and their personal responsibility and social obligation to the University community
· Providing up to date, balanced and accurate drug–related information and education for all students and developing strategies to deliver this so that it can be accessed by all students to enable students to make informed choices
· Promoting a harm reduction approach to drug use whilst discouraging drug use
· Supporting and promoting alternatives to drug misuse, thus creating choice and a balanced social programme
· Providing non-judgemental, confidential, effective and accessible supports for those who seek assistance as a result of problem drug use as well as opportunities for brief intervention
5. Policy Measures
Policy measures will discourage the misuse of drugs. However it is recognised that some individuals will choose to use drugs. As such policy measures whilst not condoning the use of drugs will encourage those who decide to and continue to use drugs to do so in a way that minimises harm to themselves and others.
The following policy areas are included:
Drug education
Managing drug related situations
Health and safety
The law and code of conduct
Staff responsible for implementing the policy
Staff development, training and support issues
Review, monitoring, evaluation and research
The involvement of outside agencies
5.1 Drug Education
The aim of drug education is to discourage students from using illicit drugs and to encourage those students who decide to use or to continue to use drugs to do so in a manner that minimises the risk to their well being and that of others.
Information on drugs and treatment services will be made available to students and staff.
A drug education group will be set up. This group will consist of representatives of students, staff and appropriate agencies external to the University. This group will develop an educational programme on drugs in line with good practice.
The University is committed to the provision of education on drugs to the general student population and of treatment to those in need.
5.2 Managing Drug Related Situations
The University has a responsibility to be alert for the identification of students who have developed or thought to be at risk of developing drug related problems.
Those in need of help will be encouraged to seek it. Students and staff will be made aware of the current opportunities for receiving help or advice.
Students who are concerned about their use of drugs might contact support services within the University about their concerns or might approach fellow students or staff members.
Guidelines are available in the booklet ‘Supporting and Responding to Students in Distress’ (NUI Galway, 2007) which provides guidelines for dealing with distressed students including those presenting with concerns including the use of drugs.
It is the responsibility of all relevant stakeholders to develop protocols for managing drug related situations and the drug education group is available to collaborate in this process.
5.3 Health & Safety
Use of drugs can have an impact on an individual’s sense of judgement and ability to perform tasks. No one should attend for work or study in an unfit state because of consumption of drugs.
The policy of the University is to provide a safe and healthy work environment through a range of measures and by the active commitment of all staff and students to safety considerations in all their activities (NUI Galway, 2007).
Students not adhering to the safety policy of NUI Galway will be considered to have breached the Code of Conduct of NUI Galway (NUI Galway, 1983) and be subject to the procedures laid down in this code.
5.4 The Law & Code of Conduct
NUI Galway has a legal responsibility to uphold the laws of the Irish state. This includes the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 (Department of Justice, 1977) and Misuse of Drugs Act 1984 (Department of Justice, 1984). Section 19 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 has particular relevance to NUI Galway and is stated in Appendix A.
Students breaking the law will be subject to the University code of conduct (NUI Galway, 1983) and the University authorities may inform the Gardai of the offence. Students will be encouraged to attend appropriate student support services for advice and help.
5.5 Staff Responsible for Implementing the Policy
The Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 section 19 (Department of Justice, 1977) outlines the legal requirements of ‘a person who is the occupier or is in control in the management of any land, vehicle or vessel’ and the consequences if these legal requirements are not met
The NUI Galway Safety Statement (NUI Galway, 2007) outlines the responsibility of staff with respect to implementing the safety statement.
The responsibility to develop and implement the drug education programme rests with the group set up to develop an educational programme on drugs, similarly the responsibility to review the policy rests with the policy review group.
5.6 Staff Development, Training and Support
Opportunities for training and related issues will be made available to staff members and student mentors. The drug education group will co-ordinate provision of this training.
5.7 Review, Monitoring and Evaluation
A drug policy review group will be set up. This group will consist of representation from the student body and staff of NUI Galway as well as from relevant external agencies.
The group will review how the policy is being implemented and take steps to ensure implementation. The group will evaluate the impact of the policy with respect to its stated aims and objectives. It will also be responsible for implementing appropriate research.
5.8 The Involvement of External Agencies
Agencies external to the University, including student accommodation managers, Gardaí, and community health services may have contact with students regarding drug-related issues. These organisations will be provided with information regarding the University agencies and support services. Representatives of external agencies and any other stakeholder who may be identified will be encouraged to participate in the drug education and policy review groups.
References
1. Department of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs, (2009). Provisional National Drug Strategy (unpublished) 2009-16.
2. Department of Health and Children (2006). A vision for change: report of the expert group on mental health policy. Dublin: Government of Ireland.
3. Department of Justice (1977), Misuse of Drugs Act 1977.
4. Department of Tourism, Sport & Recreation (2001). National Drug Strategy 2001-08.Dublin: Stationery Office.
5. Healy, M., Carpenter, A., & Lynch, K. (1999). Non-compliance in Higher Education: A study of first year students in three Institutions of Technology. I.T. Carlow, I.T. Dundalk, I.T. Tralee.
6. Hope, A., Dring, C.,& Dring, J., (2005). The Health of Irish Students. Health Promotion Unit, Department of Health and Children, Ireland.
7. Johns, A. (1990). What is Dependence. In Substance Abuse and Dependence: An Introduction for the Caring Professions, eds Ghodse, H., & Maxwell, D. London: Macmillan.