Statement of Position on Drugs
The possession, sale or use of any illegal drugs or controlled substances while on chapter premises or during a fraternity event, or at any event that an observer would associate with the Fraternity, is strictly prohibited.
In states or municipalities in which marijuana has been “legalized,” Federal law and PHI KAPPA TAU Health & Safety Policy consider marijuana an illegal, controlled substance. Any prescription use of medical marijuana may be used only in pill form.
What Is Chemical Dependency?
It’s a disease or illness like any other. It is a primary disease, not a symptom of some other underlying cause. Chemical dependency causes the related problems that occur in the user’s or drinker’s life.
Causes of Chemical Dependency
The exact cause remains unknown, but it is not caused by lack of willpower, weakness or character, or some flaw in a person’s moral structure. It is impossible to predict who will become dependent when exposed to using drugs or alcohol. Due to the ever-present availability of and exposure to drugs and alcohol in our society, evidence is clearly showing that anyone who can become dependent, in all probability, will become dependent.
Q: Once chemically dependent, is a person likely to initiate recovery by himself?
A: Probably not. Chemical dependency is predictable and progressive. Untreated, it will almost always get worse.
Q: How long does it last?
A: Once dependent, the person remains so forever. However, dependency can be arrested and will remain so as long as there is abstention from mood-altering chemicals. Relapse is an ever-present danger. Recovery is a lifelong commitment.
Q: What will happen if it is left untreated?
A: Chemical dependency is fatal. If the dependency is not arrested, premature death will result.
Q: Can the illness be treated?
A: Chemical dependency is treatable and intervention is the best and most reliable method for initiating treatment. Over 70% of interventions are successful in leading the chemically dependent individual to accept his or her problem and seek treatment.
Q: What are the symptoms of chemical dependency?
A: The symptoms are compulsions to use drugs or drink. The compulsion is evident in using or drinking that is inappropriate, unpredictable, excessive or constant.
Q: What is the difference between chemically dependent and non-dependent? What if the person has used drugs once?
A: A non-dependent person will stop using or drinking as a result of a brush with the law, reprimand, or an episode with a family problem. A dependent person will not stop. If using alcohol or drugs is causing any continuing disruption in an individual’s personal, social, spiritual, or economic life and the person does not stop using, he or she is chemically dependent.
Q: Can a person be helped while continuing to drink or use?
A: No. Not even the best psychiatric help can have a lasting effect until substance use or drinking stops.
Q: Why doesn’t a chemically dependent person seek help when bad experiences are continually occurring?
A: People with this illness generally do not seek treatment of their own volition because they are not aware of their dependency. They remain utterly unaware of the progress of the disease. This is due, in large part, to rationalization and delusion. Every bizarre behavior is rationalized away, and as a result of delusion (repression, blackouts, and/or recall), the person’s ability to remember what has happened during any given drinking or using episode is destroyed.
Q: What are the progressive phases of substance abuse?
A: The four phases of substance abuse are listed below:
LEARNS MOOD SWINGS (experimentation)
Experiences the effect of transferring from normal feelings to euphoric feelings.
SEEKS MOOD SWINGS (compulsion)
Growing anticipation of effects; preoccupied with experiencing effects; desires regular use; develops tolerance (requires more of a drug to obtain the same level of effect).
NEGATIVE REACTIONS (delusions)
Experiences depression after euphoria; rationalizes all negative behaviors and feelings; experiences blackouts.
USES CHEMICALS TO FEEL NORMAL (dependency)
Reality is distorted to the extent that continual use is required to cope with day-to-day living.
Q: What drugs are being abused?
A: Alcohol, stimulants, marijuana, narcotics, hallucinogens, sedatives, and inhalants are all substances that are commonly abused. Some of these are legal and some are illegal. For those that are legal, there is a propensity for misuse because they are more widely available.
Q: Why are drugs being abused?
A: There are numerous reasons for people abusing drugs. Many people abuse drugs for their psychotic (mind-altering) properties. Others have the wish or belief that drugs can solve their problems; they are pressured by peers to experiment; they want to experiment; they derive enjoyment from taking the drug. Aiding and abetting the abuse is the ease of obtaining some drugs (such as alcohol).
Options Available for Chapters Wanting to Help Their Chemically Dependent Members
A primary source should be your local campus counseling or crisis center. For more information on and treatment of drug abuse (including alcoholism), look in your local Yellow Pages - “Drug Abuse - Treatment.” You may also use the resources:
Organizations
Hazelden Foundation
PO Box 11
15251 Pleasant Valley Rd.
Center City, MN 55012-0011
(800) 257-7810
(800) 651-213-4200
World’s largest source of educational materials on chemical dependency. http://www.hazelden.org/web/landing.view
Cocaine Hotline
(800) COCAINE (262-2463)
Counselors on duty 24 hours a day; staffed by professionals. http://www.thegooddrugsguide.com/
The Johnson Institute
7151 Metro Blvd. #250
Minneapolis, MN 55439-2122
(800) 231-5165 (U.S.)
(800) 247-0484 (MN)
Provides reference to appropriate agencies in your area.
Alcoholics Anonymous
(check local telephone book)
Very successful treatment program for alcoholics. http://www.aa.org/
Narcotics Anonymous
(check local telephone book)
Self-help treatment modeled on successful AA program. www.na.org
Al-Anon Family Groups
(check local telephone book)
Support program for family and friends of alcoholics. www.al-anon.alateen.org/
Nar-Anon
(check local telephone book)
Support program for family and friends of narcotic users. www.nar-anon.org/
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
(800) 662-4357
Gives information on treatment facilities. www.nida.nih.gov/ www.drugabuse.gov/
Alcohol & Drug Abuse
(866) 600-3427
Write to obtain information on education and treatment Education Program materials. www.drug-rehab.org
Books
Roads to Recovery (Ed., Jean Moore)
New York: Macmillan, 1985
Lists and provides description of several hundred residential treatment centers nationwide.
Intervention (By Vernon Johnson)
Johnson Institute, 1986
Complete description of the intervention process.
Links
Signs, Symptoms and Help for Drug Problems and Substance Abuse
Alcohol and Drug Help Line
24/7 Referral line: (206) 722-3700
Information and Support for Addicts and Family
Hope Line: (800) 622-2255 or contact (212) 269-7797
Helps Parents with Teens
Parent Helpline: (855) 378-4374
Drug Information
Helpline: (800) 448-3000