Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program

Overview

Divine Mercy University is committed to maintaining a learning and working environment free from the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of controlled substances and alcohol. This page documents DMU's compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA, 20 U.S.C. §1011i) and the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988.

DMU is a graduate institution without on-campus student housing. The University's drug and alcohol policies apply on University property, in connection with University activities, and as further specified in the Student Handbook.

Standards of conduct

For students

The following standards apply to all DMU students:

• The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of controlled substances is prohibited on University property and at any University-sponsored activity.
• The consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages on University property is permitted only at events specifically authorized by the University and only by individuals of legal drinking age.
• Students must not attend classes, clinical placements, supervised practica, or any University activity while impaired by alcohol or controlled substances. Programs leading to clinical licensure (Psy.D., M.S. in Counseling, Ph.D. in CES) carry additional professional-conduct standards detailed in the program handbooks.
• Operating a motor vehicle on University property while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances is prohibited.

For employees

The Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of controlled substances by employees in the workplace. Employees must notify their supervisor of any criminal drug conviction for a violation occurring in the workplace within five days. Employee conduct is further governed by the DMU Employee Handbook.

Legal sanctions

Federal, Virginia, and local laws impose a range of sanctions for the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol:

• Federal sanctions for trafficking controlled substances under the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. §841) range from up to one year and $1,000 for simple possession of a small quantity to life imprisonment and millions of dollars in fines for trafficking of large quantities. Penalties are enhanced for distribution to minors or within 1,000 feet of a school.
• Virginia sanctions for possession of controlled substances range from a Class 1 misdemeanor (Schedule V, up to 12 months in jail and $2,500 fine) to a Class 5 felony (Schedules I and II, 1–10 years in prison and up to $2,500 fine). Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is punishable by license suspension, fines from $250 to $2,500, and imprisonment up to one year for a first offense.
• Federal financial aid eligibility may be lost or suspended following a drug conviction while a student is receiving federal financial aid.

Students and employees who are arrested or convicted of a drug or alcohol-related offense are encouraged to consult an attorney about the specific penalties that may apply.

Health risks

The misuse of alcohol and controlled substances is associated with a wide range of health risks, including but not limited to:

• Alcohol — liver damage (cirrhosis, hepatitis), cardiovascular disease, increased cancer risk, neurological impairment, fetal alcohol syndrome, increased risk of unintentional injury and suicide.
• Stimulants (cocaine, methamphetamine, prescription stimulants) — cardiac arrhythmia, stroke, seizure, paranoia, severe weight loss, dependence.
• Opioids (heroin, prescription painkillers, fentanyl) — respiratory depression and death from overdose, dependence and severe withdrawal, increased risk of infectious disease through injection.
• Cannabis — impaired short-term memory and judgment, respiratory effects from smoking, dependence (especially with adolescent use), increased risk of psychotic disorders in vulnerable individuals.
• Hallucinogens — perceptual disturbances, anxiety, psychosis in vulnerable individuals, risk of accidental injury.
• Inhalants — sudden sniffing death, brain damage, liver and kidney damage.

For more detailed information on health risks, students may consult resources from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (nida.nih.gov) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (samhsa.gov).

Counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation programs

DMU students and employees who need assistance with substance use are encouraged to seek help. Available resources include:

National hotlines and treatment locators

• SAMHSA National Helpline — 1-800-662-HELP (4357), free and confidential, 24/7. Treatment referral and information.
• SAMHSA Treatment Locator — findtreatment.gov
• Alcoholics Anonymous — aa.org — meeting finder by location.
• Narcotics Anonymous — na.org
• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline — dial 988 for mental health and substance crisis support.

Local and regional resources (Northern Virginia)

• Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board — (703) 383-8500 — substance use treatment, outpatient counseling, detoxification referral.
• Inova Behavioral Health Services — substance abuse and dual-diagnosis treatment in the Northern Virginia region.
• Loudoun County Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Developmental Services — (703) 777-0320.

Confidential support for DMU community

Faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to reach out to the DMU Office of Student Services for confidential guidance and referral. Faculty and staff may also access the DMU Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through the Office of Human Resources.

University disciplinary sanctions

Violations of DMU's drug and alcohol policies will result in disciplinary action, up to and including:

For students:

• Mandatory referral for substance use assessment and treatment
• Academic probation
• Suspension or dismissal from the University
• Dismissal from clinical training placements (Psy.D., M.S. in Counseling, Ph.D. in CES)
• Loss of federal financial aid eligibility for drug-related convictions
• Referral to law enforcement when violations involve criminal conduct

For employees:

• Mandatory referral for substance use assessment and treatment under the EAP
• Disciplinary action up to and including termination
• Referral to law enforcement when violations involve criminal conduct

Biennial review

Pursuant to the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, DMU conducts a biennial review of its drug and alcohol abuse prevention program. The most recent review is available at the linked page; the full report may also be requested from the Vice President for Student Affairs at studentservices@divinemercy.edu.

Annual notification

This information is distributed annually to all DMU students and employees in writing pursuant to 20 U.S.C. §1011i(a)(1). Receipt of this notification through enrollment in or employment with DMU satisfies the annual distribution requirement.

Last reviewed

This page was last reviewed in 2026. For questions about DMU's drug and alcohol abuse prevention program, contact studentservices@divinemercy.edu.