The New York School for Medical and Dental Assistants, as part of its mission to provide career-oriented professional education to its students, recognizes the importance of providing an environment that is conducive to learning and free of substance abuse. Under the Student Conduct, no student will use or possess any weapon, alcoholic beverage, or controlled substance (including narcotics, marijuana, and/or other drugs), unless prescribed by a physician (School Rules and Regulations, pg. 3).
The NYSMDA works with our Program Directors, educators and students to support best practices, research, and connection to community resources to address the detrimental impact of substance abuse on students and the campus community. Regional and state-wide professional associations provide an opportunity for professional development, the use of shared resources, and the promotion of best practices to address substance abuse and related issues that impact student health and success.
Alcohol is the most commonly used, potentially addictive substance. Chronic and heavy drinking can cause a number of health problems including cancer, heart disease, liver damage, and brain and nervous system problems. Drinking in excess, especially at an early age can also lead to addiction. The earlier in life an individual consumes alcohol, the more likely they are to develop an alcohol use disorder later in life. More immediate risks include alcohol poisoning and alcohol overdose.
If you think drinking alcohol is affecting your life negatively, talk to a friend, family member, academic advisor, mental health professional or medical provider in order to receive the right resources for treatment or learning how to manage and moderate your drinking.
Sources:
Office of Addiction Services and Supports: Alcohol
Additional Resources:
The misuse of illicit and prescription drugs can result in serious health problems including addiction, overdose, and death. Addiction can happen to anyone.
The harms associated with drug use vary and are based on a number of factors. Potential harms include:
Resources:
Drug User Health Drug use resources from the NY State Department of Health
Drugs & Health Information about drugs and their health effects from NYC Health
Drug and Alcohol Treatment From NYC311.
NYC988 Help with problems like stress, depression, anxiety, or drug and alcohol use. For you or someone you care for.
Call 988 24/7 for free and confidential emotional support from the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Para acceder al apoyo en español, marque 988 y presione 2
Lifeline Chat connects individuals with counselors for emotional support and other services via web chat
Los servicios de texto y chat de 988 Lifeline ya están disponibles en español
NY State HOPEline 24/7 problem gambling and chemical dependency hotline. Toll-free and confidential.
Call 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369)
Text 467369.
The NYSMDA Student Conduct details the sanctions that may be imposed by the institution for violations of the disciplinary action. Sanctions outlined include warning, probation, suspension, or expulsion (School Rules and Regulations, pg. 4). The NYSMDA is also committed to upholding federal, state, and local laws in order to maintain a drug-free quality educational environment, and may refer a student to appropriate authorities for prosecution for alcohol and other drug abuse violation. Possession of any alcoholic beverage, or controlled substance (including narcotics, marijuana, and/or other drugs) are subject to any or all of the following legal penalties:
Examples of NY legal sanctions for unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs:
Examples of NY legal sanctions for driving while intoxicated
Each day in NYC, about 3 people die from a drug overdose. Naloxone is a medication that reverses overdoses from opioids such as heroin and prescription painkillers. Naloxone is available to anyone who is at risk of opioid overdose — or knows someone who is. Source: NYC988.
The NYSMDA has identified a strong demand from faculty and students for naloxone training. Therefore, we provide naloxone Training to interested students and employees. This training teaches individuals how to recognize and reverse an opioid overdose. Once they complete training, they will become a Certified Opioid Overdose Responder and receive an Overdose Rescue Kit with naloxone. Go here for information about getting a free naloxone kit and to register for a Zoom naloxone training..
For information only— NYSMDA does not endorse or recommend specific programs.
Programs may have been changed or may be unavailable due to COVID-19 restrictions.
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