Psychoactive drugs are a class of drugs most frequently used socially or recreationally (and often illegally). These drugs act on the central nervous system (CNS), or more specifically the brain, creating altered states of consciousness. They may increase CNS activity (stimulants, such as cocaine, Ritalin, amphetamines), decrease CNS activity (depressants, such as alcohol, barbiturates, tranquilizers, opiates), cause the creation of illusions (hallucinogens, such as LSD, peyote, mushrooms, PCP), or have a combined effect (marijuana). Every drug has multiple effects on the brain and the body. Addiction to any of these substances is a disease that affects the sufferer mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. It can also have a profound effect on those closest to the addicted person.
21 U.S.C. 844(a) 1st conviction: Up to 1 year imprisonment and fined at least $1,000 but not more than $100,000, or both. After one (1) prior drug conviction: At least 15 days in prison, not to exceed two (2) years and fined at least $2,500 but not more than $250,000, or both. After 2 or more prior drug convictions: At least 90 days in prison, not to exceed 3 years and fined at least $5,000 but not more than $250,000, or both. Special sentencing provision for possession of crack cocaine: Mandatory at least 5 years in prison, not to exceed 20 years and fined up to $250,000, or both, if:
21 U.S.C. 853(a)(2) and 881(a)(7) Forfeiture of personal and real property used to possess or to facilitate possession of a controlled substance if that offense is punishable by more than one year of imprisonment. (See special sentencing provisions re: crack.)
21 U.S.C. 881(a)(4) Forfeiture of vehicles, boats, aircraft or any other conveyance used to transport or conceal a controlled substance.
21 U.S.C. 844a Civil fine of up to $10,000.
21 U.S.C. 853a Denial of Federal benefits, such as student loans, grants, contracts, and professional and commercial licenses, up to 1 year for first offense, up to 5 years for second and subsequent offenses.
18 U.S.C. 922(g) Ineligible to receive or possess a firearm or ammunition. Miscellaneous Revocation of certain Federal licenses and benefits, e.g., pilot licenses, public housing tenancy, etc., are vested within the authorities of individual Federal agencies. Note: These are only Federal penalties and sanctions. Additional State of North Carolina penalties and sanctions may apply.
Effect on Financial Aid Under the 2000 reauthorization of the Higher Education Act, eligibility for federal student aid is jeopardized for students convicted of a drug possession charge. For a first conviction, eligibility for aid may be suspended for one year; two years for a second; permanently for a third. Eligibility is restored once a student completes a drug rehabilitation program or has the conviction overturned.
For complete information regarding North Carolina state laws governing drugs, consult the North Carolina Controlled Substances Act or the North Carolina Toxic Vapors Act in the North Carolina General Statutes, Article 5, Chapter 90.
Emergency Phone Numbers
Duke Emergency Medical Service and/or Police 911/919-684-2444
Alcohol-related emergencies can be difficult to assess. When in doubt, contact professionals.
Duke Hospital Emergency Department 911/919-684-2413
If an intoxicated student cannot be aroused, is breathing erratically or slowly, or appears to be in a life-threatening state, get the student to the Emergency Department. Duke Emergency Medical Service or Duke Police can assist in transporting students.
24-hour confidential advice on alcohol or drug-related emergencies can be obtained through Holly Hill Hospital at 1-800-422-1840 or 1-800-447-1800.
Local Inpatient/Outpatient Treatment Facilities
Holly Hill Hospital 3019 Falstaff Road Raleigh, NC 27610 hollyhillhospital.com 919-250-7000
Fellowship Hall 5140 Dunstan Road Greensboro, NC 27405 fellowshiphall.com 800-659-3381
Local Outpatient Treatment Facilities
Duke Child Development and Behavioral Health 402 Trent Drive DUMC Box 2906 Durham, NC 27710 ipmh.duke.edu/content/cdbh 919-668-5559
Information, Screening, and Education
DuWell studentaffairs.duke.edu/duwell 919-681-8421
DuWell provides substance use screenings for students which identify risk factors and assist the student to develop a harm reduction plan with the goal to minimize problems regarding substance use. DuWell offers assistance and support for students interested in changing their substance use patterns. The office provides assistance with educational programming for student living groups and organizations.
Student Health studentaffairs.duke.edu/studenthealth 919-681-WELL (9355)
Student Health offers screening, evaluation, education and referral for alcohol and substance use/ abuse.
Individual Assessment and Counseling
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) studentaffairs.duke.edu/caps 919-660-1000
CAPS offers evaluation, consultation, counseling, and referral for individuals with alcohol and other substance abuse issues. A substance abuse specialist is available for personal consultation and counseling for students who are concerned about themselves or others because of alcohol or drug use.
UNC Health Care’s Alcohol and Substance Abuse Program www.unchealthcare.org/site/healthpatientcare/alcoholsubstanceabuse 919-966-6039
UNC offers a center for intensive outpatient treatment of chemical dependency and substance abuse. Cocaine
Anonymous ca.org 1-800-347-8998
An around-the-clock information and referral service, staffed by recovering cocaine addict counselors.
First Step Services www.firststepnc.com 919-833-8899
First Step specializes in intensive outpatient programs for individuals suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, stressing abstinence from mind and mood altering substances during the course of treatment.
C.S.A.P. 1-800-662-HELP; 1-800-662-9832 for information in Spanish
A 24-hour hotline maintained by the Center of Substance Abuse Prevention offers confidential information and referral.
N.C.A.D.I. www.samhsa.gov 1-800-729-6686
The National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information offers free print information on alcohol and other drugs. Other media may be available for rent or purchase.
Cancer Information Service 1-800-422-6237
Free telephone smoking cessation counseling, materials, support, referrals. Information in Spanish when needed.
American Lung Association 1-800-586-4872
Self-help materials available.
Academic courses related to alcohol use, treatment, and research
See course listings through the Office of University Registrar (registrar.duke.edu) or the Bulletin of each school.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) aanc32.org / aanc33.org 919 286-9499 / 1-800-662-4357
AA offers emergency support for individuals with alcohol problems in addition to group meetings. Many have found the 12-step program to be crucial in their recovery. Meeting locations in the Durham area can be found on the AA website.
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) na.org 919-956-5900
Similar to Alcoholics Anonymous, except focused on drug abuse/addiction issues. A variety of drugs are addressed, including marijuana and prescription medications.
ACOA/Al-Anon al-anon.alateen.org 919-403-0687 / 1-888-4AL-ANON
ACOA and Al-Anon meetings are support groups for family members dealing with the impact of living with, or being close to an alcoholic. Meeting locations in the Durham area can be found on the Al-Anon website.
For complete information regarding North Carolina state laws governing alcohol, consult the North Carolina General Statutes, Chapter 18B. Criminal penalties for a violation of these laws include a misdemeanor conviction, community service, possible loss of driver’s license, and/or fines. Repeat violations incur greater penalties. The complete statutes are available online at ncga.state.nc.us/gascripts/Statutes/Statutes.asp.
It is illegal for anyone less than 21 years of age to: