Addiction: A Chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite adverse consequences. It is considered a brain disorder because it involves functional changes to brain circuits involved in reward, stress, and self-control. Those changes may last a long time after a person has stopped taking drugs.

Alcohol: Any form or derivative of ethyl alcohol (ethanol), including but not limited to beer, wine, and spirituous liquors.

Controlled Substance: A controlled substance include those controlled substances list in schedules I through V of section 202 of the federal Controlled Substance Act (21 U.S.C. 812).

Marijuana / Cannabis: The dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds from the Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica plant. The plant contains the mind-altering chemical THC and other similar compounds. Extracts can also be made from the cannabis plant.

Narcotic/Opioid: A class of drug used to reduce moderate to severe pain. Opioids can be made from the opium poppy plant or in the laboratory. They block pain signals by binding to opioid receptors on nerve cells in the nervous system or other organs in the body. Opioids used for pain relief are usually safe when taken for a short time and as prescribed by a health care provider, but they can be highly addictive.

Substance Misuse: The use of a substance for a purpose not consistent with medical or legal guidelines.

Under the Influence: To be under the influence of drugs or alcohol while in the workplace or performing work-related duties such that the person’s motor senses (e.g., sight, hearing, balance, reaction, reflex) or judgment either are, or may reasonably be presumed to be affected.

Students

Renton Technical College is committed to maintaining an environment of teaching and learning, which is free of alcohol and illicit substances. Any student who, while in any college facility or participating in a college-related program, uses, possesses, consumes, is demonstrably under the influence of, or sells any narcotic drug or controlled substance as defined in RCW 69.50.101, in violation of law or in a manner which significantly disrupts a college activity, shall be subject to discipline. This includes all the definitions of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, which includes marijuana.

Employees

Renton Technical College is committed to providing a safe work environment and to fostering the well-being and health of its employees. This commitment is jeopardized when any RTC employee uses alcohol or controlled substances on the job, comes to work demonstrably under the influence of alcohol or with controlled substances present in their body, or possesses, distributes, or sells controlled substances in the workplace. Disciplinary action up to and including termination will be processed in accordance with federal and state regulations, union agreements and other college policies. In addition, an employee who has violated this policy may be required to participate in evaluation or treatment for substance misuse.

Misuse of alcohol and other drugs can lead to serious health problems, chemical dependency, deterioration of the quality of life, and if untreated, early death.

Alcohol misuse may impair judgment, result in inappropriate behavior, increase feelings of anxiety, depression, and isolation, and inhibit attention and memory. In extreme instances, intoxication can result in permanent brain damage, comas, or death. Prolonged use may cause liver and heart disease, cancer, and neurological problems including alcohol dependency. Alcohol use during pregnancy may cause miscarriage or cause children to be born with physical and developmental problems (fetal alcohol spectrum disorders).

Marijuana use can result in a variety of short- and long-term effects. Short-term effects of marijuana include impaired judgement, coordination and attention, drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness or lightheadedness, nausea and vomiting, hallucinations, and an increased heart rate. Long-term effects include impaired memory and cognitive function, high blood pressure and other cardiovascular effects, and in some cases can worsen symptoms of mental health conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.

The effects and risks of other drugs, including the misuse of opiods and prescription drugs, vary depending on their class and can cause severe health problems such as brain damage, addiction, and death among others. In all cases, these effects critically impede students’ ability to learn course material and complete assignments and critically impede an employee’s ability to fulfill their educational or administrative responsibilities and ensure the safety of students and other employees.

Alcohol and drugs are heavily regulated by state and federal law. Consequences of violating these laws can include fines, suspension of a driver’s license or incarceration.

In an effort to combat deaths to due opioid, alcohol, or other drug-related deaths, Washington State Law grants protections from many criminal charges (such as drug possession) and civil liabilities to those seeking help for a medical emergency, such as an overdose, and those rendering aid to someone in a medical emergency (RCW 4.24.300 and RCW 69.50.315).

• Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board: for more information on state laws.
• United States Drug Enforcement Administration: for more information on federal laws.
• Washington State Department of Licensing: for more information on DUI (Driving Under the Influence) laws and policies.

• 2020–2022