Community voice
By Courtney Sartain Masters of Public Health Student Community Health & Prevention As a Drexel student, I understand the expectations of the University - that “all students . . . conduct themselves responsibly and in a manner that reflects favorably upon themselves and the University”. Much of that responsibility is laid out for students in a set of “Community Standards and Policies” at orientation including a drug policy that states, “[t]he possession and/or use of narcotics or drugs, other than those medically prescribed, properly used, and in the original container is prohibited”. Although each violation of the University’s drug policy is reviewed on an individual basis, depending on the case, “more or less severe sanctions may be imposed.” Additionally, “the primary response for use of possession of drugs will be separation from the University”. Violating the drug policy at the University can also result in suspension, loss of housing, counseling evaluation, community service, as well as other punishments. This policy aligns with state and federal laws that were intended to address an alarming drug culture that developed over the last century. Anecdotal evidence has suggested that although the University policy is not necessarily written in “zero-tolerance” language, it is the way the policy has been practiced. The policy discourages students from recreational drug use through strict punishment, but does not include information about drug substance use disorder or substance abuse problems as part of the practiced response. One student shared that at his violation hearing, he felt compelled to minimize his drug substance use disorder in order to maintain his status as a student. Had there been some offering of treatment or intervention, rather than only punishment, the University could have preempted a dangerous situation. Another student shared that although she enrolled in a rehabilitation program, she was summarily dismissed by the University rather than supported in her efforts to defeat her disease. After appealing that decision, she was allowed to continue her Drexel course of study, but was marked ineligible for a co-op, thus creating another hurdle to graduation and self-sufficiency. The University’s implementation of its drug policy misses a vital opportunity to support students by providing effective resources for those who face the prospect of substance use disorder. The possibility of expulsion makes it more likely that students will continue putting themselves in risky situations without considering short-term options and long-term solutions. For the past six months, I have been involved with a new student organization at Drexel called Dragons for Recovery. The student group was a brainchild of a close colleague in the MPH program. This Collegiate Recovery Community (CRC) at Drexel University is interested in inviting students, faculty, and staff to have conversations about the increasing social problems of substance use disorder and recovery in an effort to make the University’s policy and practice more effective and more aligned with the concept of substance use disorder as a disease of the brain. The campus group, along with many community practitioners and advocates, believes that a policy based on the concepts of harm reduction and acknowledgment of substance use disorder as a disease, would be of great benefit to students, faculty and staff at the University. Members of Dragons for Recovery, although a new group to the University Campus, have already begun their diligent work. A well-attended interest meeting and a communal showing of “The Anonymous People” in conjunction with UPenn’s CRC foreshadow the energy and commitment of Drexel students. Recent events included members attending a CRC Skiathon in Colorado, as well as provide training for students and others in the community with the goal of incorporating solutions for those facing the daunting prospect of substance use disorder. Perhaps the most impactful and immediate program sponsored by the CRC is Narcan training for Drexel personnel. Narcan, also known as Naloxone, is administered in the case of an opioid overdose. Dragons for Recovery recently held Narcan training, hosted by Prevention Point, in order to introduce this life-saving tool to students, faculty, and staff. While I encourage students, faculty and staff to start a conversation about de-stigmatizing substance use disorder and recovery, I challenge Drexel to implement a policy of opportunity, one that provides students with the tools and support to handle this public health crisis using current understandings of addition as disease, not a moral failing. While Drexel has legal responsibilities, my hope is that the policy will morph to be focused on harm reduction and self-help, instead of only punishment and stigma. Drexel is an excellent University – while I believe the dedication to support its students academically and professionally is unmatched, the University still has great potential to continue that support through aiding in personal perseverance and care of its students. |
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March 2017
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