• State, Local and Federal Laws for Alcohol
• State, Local and Federal Laws for Drugs
• Federal Law
• University Policies on Alcohol and Drugs
• Non-Disciplinary Process
• Health Risks
• Available Resources

Abilene Christian University is committed to maintaining an alcohol and drug-free campus. ACU prohibits the possession, use or distribution of alcohol, illegal drugs, and controlled substances on campus or at University-sponsored activities. Offenses involving on-campus possession, use or distribution of alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs and controlled substances may be referred to the ACU Police Department for investigation and possible filing of applicable criminal charges. The university upholds local, state and federal laws about the possession, use and distribution of alcohol, illegal drugs, and/or drug paraphernalia off campus as well.

The following laws and university polices below are not to be construed as all encompassing.  The Dean of Students and other university officials are given discretion in addressing incidents not listed below.

State, Local and Federal Laws

Alcohol: View Texas Alcohol Sanctions

Drugs: View Texas and Federal Drug Sanctions

Federal Law
Civil Rights Forfeiture. According to state and federal laws, a person convicted of certain misdemeanor or felony offenses may forfeit certain civil rights, including his/her right to vote, hold public office, purchase or possess firearms, or obtain or maintain certain licenses for a specified period of time. (United States Code Sec. 1973gg-6, United States Code Sec. 992(g)).

Possession of a Controlled Substance(United States Code 844(a)). Defined as knowingly or intentionally possesses a controlled substance unless such substance was obtained directly or pursuant to a valid prescription or order, from a practitioner.  Punishable by up to 1 year imprisonment and/or a minimum fine of $1,000.  Note: Possession of Flunitrazepam (also known as Rohypnol) may be punishable by up to 3 years imprisonment.

For more information on specific United States Codes, visit: www.gpoaccess.gov/uscode/

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University Policies on Alcohol and Drugs
All policies and regulations of the Student Handbook may apply to all students on or off campus and regardless of whether school is in session.

Click for the University Alcohol Policy.

Click for the University Drug Policy.

Violations of these university policies will be assessed the full range of disciplinary responses. For the full Explanations of Sanctions. In cases where a student is under the age of 21, parents or guardians may be notified with respect to the final disciplinary responses. Click for the detailed Notification to Parents Policy.

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Non-Disciplinary Process for Students Voluntarily Reporting Alcohol or Drug Use
In keeping with the redemptive nature of ACU’s disciplinary policy, students who come forward voluntarily confessing a violation of the university policies or an addictive lifestyle (such as illegal drugs and controlled substances or alcohol use or abuse) may be afforded an opportunity to submit to a range of possibilities outside the disciplinary process. Click for the Non-Disciplinary Policies.

Amnesty Policy: A student and/or witness who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs should not be reluctant to seek assistance from university personnel in the event of a health issue (physical or mental) or safety issue for fear of being sanctioned. Abilene Christian University will not pursue disciplinary violations against a student for his or her improper use of alcohol and/or drugs under these circumstances. This practice only applies to amnesty from violations of Abilene Christian University’s policies.

Health Risks and Resources

Description of Health Risks Associated with Alcohol and Other Drug Use

The use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol lead to significant physical and mental health risks. These risks range from immediate dangers (overdose, accidents) to long-term chronic conditions (organ failure, addiction).

1. Alcohol (Depressant)

Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance on college campuses. It affects the central nervous system, slowing down bodily functions.

• Short-Term Risks: Impaired judgment, loss of motor coordination, slurred speech, and blurred vision. High doses can lead to alcohol poisoning, which causes respiratory failure, coma, and death.
• Long-Term Risks: Chronic use can result in permanent liver damage (cirrhosis), heart disease, various forms of cancer (esophagus, liver, breast), and neurological disorders.
• Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: Use during pregnancy can cause permanent physical and mental defects in the developing fetus.

2. Opioids & Fentanyl (Narcotics)

Opioids include prescription painkillers (OxyContin, Vicodin), heroin, and synthetic opioids like Fentanyl.

• The Fentanyl Crisis (2026 Update): Fentanyl is 50x stronger than heroin. As little as 2mg (roughly the size of two grains of salt) can be fatal.
• Counterfeit Pills: Most illicitly sold Adderall, Xanax, or Percocet pills today are “fakes” containing deadly doses of Fentanyl.
• Health Risks: Opioids suppress the part of the brain that controls breathing. Overdose results in hypoxia (restricted oxygen to the brain), which can cause permanent brain damage or death within minutes.

3. Stimulants (Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Adderall)

Stimulants increase heart rate, blood pressure, and alertness, but they place immense strain on the cardiovascular system.

• Short-Term Risks: Extreme agitation, tremors, high body temperature (hyperthermia), and seizures.
• Long-Term Risks: Cardiovascular collapse, strokes, “meth mouth” (severe dental decay), and chronic paranoia or psychosis.
• Cocaine Specific: Even “recreational” use can cause sudden cardiac arrest due to its effect on heart rhythm.

4. Emerging Synthetics: Xylazine (“Tranq”)

In 2025 and 2026, Xylazine (a non-opioid animal sedative) became a common additive in the illicit drug supply.

• Health Risks: It can cause dangerously low blood pressure and a slow heart rate. Because it is not an opioid, Narcan/Naloxone cannot reverse its effects (though Narcan should still be used if an opioid is also present).
• Physical Damage: Xylazine use is associated with severe, necrotic skin wounds that can lead to infection and limb amputation.

5. Marijuana (Cannabis)

• Cognitive Risks: Impaired short-term memory, slowed reaction time, and interference with complex learning.

• Mental Health: Regular use is linked to increased anxiety, depression, and in some individuals, the triggering of latent schizophrenia or “cannabis hyperemesis syndrome” (severe, uncontrollable vomiting).

6. Polysubstance Use (Mixing Drugs)

The majority of drug-related deaths in 2025-2026 involve polysubstance use.

• Alcohol + Depressants: Combining alcohol with Xanax or opioids creates a “synergistic effect” where the central nervous system is suppressed far more than by either drug alone, often leading to fatal respiratory failure.
• Stimulants + Opioids: This combination (sometimes called a “speedball”) masks the effects of each drug, making it highly likely that the user will consume a lethal dose of one or both.

Summary of Health Impacts by System

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Available Resources for Counseling, Treatment and Rehabilitation

The following services are available through the University Counseling Center for those students who are struggling with a substance abuse problems.

1. Assessment
2. Referral
3. Individual therapy
4. Family and/or relational
5. Educational programs

Students may obtain the above services on a confidential basis by calling the University Counseling Center at 325-674-2626 or you can go to our Homepage for more info.

To request ACU’s binennial review of alcohol and drug prevention programming (in compliance with the Higher Education Opportunities Act of 2008), please contact the Office of the Dean of Students at deanofstudents@acu.edu or 325-674-2067.

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