Alcohol & Drug Policy

The possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages and other illegal drugs prior to, or during, any District sponsored activity, on or off our campuses, by any person attending, regardless of age, is forbidden by State law. The Federal government has mandated that as of October 1, 1990, there will be no drug usage by students, staff, or faculty on college campuses anywhere in the United States.
San Bernardino Community College District makes every effort to provide drug-free campuses. Assistance is available for those who seek help for themselves or others who may be addicted to substances. Please contact Student Health Services at ext. 4495 (SBVC) or 3272 (CHC) for confidential services and information. SBCCD Board Policy 3550 prohibits the possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol on college property, during any College-sponsored field trips, activities or workshops, by students and employees. (Please refer to that policy for details including sanctions). This policy is reviewed every two years.

Pursuant to SBCCD Board Policy 3560, The Chancellor is authorized to enact procedures as appropriate and permitted by law regarding serving alcoholic beverages on campus or at fund-raising events held to benefit non-profit corporations. Alcoholic beverages shall not be served on campus except in accordance with these procedures. The illegal possession, use and sale of alcoholic beverages by anyone on SBCCD-controlled property is a misdemeanor per California Business and Professions Code 25608 and a violation of Student Code of Conduct. Employees and students also can be subject to Discipline for drinking or being under the influence while working. The campuses are designated as “Drug Free” and the illegal possession, sale, use, manufacture or distribution of any controlled substance is a violation under federal law and a violation of District policy. Campus affiliated violators are subject to discipline, criminal prosecution, fine and incarceration.


Commonly Used and Abused Substances

Drugs commonly used and abused include: alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, methamphetamine (crystal meth), and prescription drugs (such as Vicodin, Oxycodone, Xanax and Anabolic Steroids). While some of these substances are legal, they all may result in serious health problems; such as addiction and sometimes death. Illicit substance use can also result in financial and legal challenges.

The effects of alcohol are primarily determined by the amount of alcohol that has been consumed and can include:

  • Euphoria
  • Diminished motor skills
  • Excitement
  • Confusion 
  • Stupor
  • Coma
  • Death

Additional information can be found at www.niaaa.nih.gov/FAQs.

The effects of marijuana can include:

  • Impaired short-term memory and concentration
  • Distorted perception and judgment
  • Diminished motor skills
  • Accelerated heart rate and increased blood pressure
  • Apathy

Additional information can be found at www.nida.nih.gov/infofacts/marijuana.

The effects of cocaine can include:

  • Accelerated heart rate and increased blood pressure
  • Dilated pupils
  • Seizures and strokes
  • Nasal damage requiring medical or surgical intervention
  • Paranoia

Additional information can be found at www.emedicinehealth.com/cocaine_abuse/article_em.htm.

The effects of methamphetamine can include:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Delusions, hallucinations, psychosis
  • Psychological and physical dependence
  • Paranoia

Additional information can be found at www.streetdrugs.org/methamphetamine2.htm.

The effects of steroid use can include:

  • Excessive acne and feminine breast growth in men
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Testicular shrinking, decreased sperm count, and infertility
  • Dramatic mood swings, depression, paranoia

Additional information can be found at www.usdoj.gov/ndic/pubs5/5448 and www.steroidabuse.org 

The effects of opioids use can include:

  • Decreased pulse
  • Drowsiness
  • Constricted pupils
  • Delirium

Referrals and Resources


Student Health Services and the Health & Wellness Center provide first-aid, health education, nursing advice, and mental health counseling and crisis intervention services. They also provide assistance with those dealing with drug and alcohol abuse. Immunizations, routine health exams, and screening for vision, hearing and blood pressure are also offered. Nurse Practitioners are available for consultation, medical examination, treatment, and referral.

Health exams including Pap smear, STD screening, pregnancy tests, birth control, and general medical consultation are available. There is no charge for office visits, however, there is a nominal fee charged for medication, lab work and immunizations.

Student Health Services are funded by student health fees. Student Health 101 includes articles on substance abuse and is emailed to students at least twice a year. During health fairs at the campuses, there is information regarding substance abuse awareness and assistance.

Employees of the District have the Employee Assistant Program for assistance with a drug and or alcohol problems 800-932-0034.
  • Center of Substance Abuse (24-hour hotline for drug abuse) (800) 662-4357 Provides treatment referrals for individuals in their respective area/county.
  • Alcoholics Anonymous (909) 825-4700
    Provides services related to alcoholics anonymous organizations including AA meetings, literature and referrals.
  • Al-Anon (909) 824-1516
    Provides support to the families/friends of alcoholics and drug addicts; offers AA meeting referrals. 
  • National Council on Alcoholism (909) 629-4084
    Provides alcohol and drug outpatient treatment; such as individual or group session counseling and random drug testing.
  • Inland Behavioral and Health Services, Inc. 909-881-6146 Provides individual and family counseling and substance abuse programs.
  • San Bernardino County Department of Public Health 800-782-4264 www.sbcounty.gov/dph
    Provides services that promote the health, safety, well-being, and quality of life of its residents according to the County Charter and general laws.
  • Coordinated Asthma Referral and Education (CARE) Program (800) 782-4264