Binghamton University's philosophy regarding substance use
Written by the Alcohol and Substance Abuse Education and Advisory Committee appointed by the Division of Student Affairs
The Binghamton University community — composed of students, faculty and staff — shares the responsibility for creating and maintaining an atmosphere conducive to academic excellence and human growth. In this regard, the University remains firm in its commitment to foster an environment that promotes the health and well-being of the entire community while responsibly and compassionately addressing the issues of the use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs.
Binghamton University is a microcosm, in many ways reflecting American society and the peoples of the world. Like this larger family of people, approximately 10 percent of the University population or more than 1,500 people may be affected by substance-use problems and disorders. In addition, countless others are impeded in reaching their own goals due to the substance use of others.
The specific consequences of substance use at Binghamton University, and at any other college or university, are very serious. These include impaired student performance and academic failure; impaired work performance and turnover of employees at all levels; mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety; suicide and harm to self and others; physical impairments, illnesses, accidents, injuries and death; disruption of University life and social/family relations; and victimization, legal offenses and financial problems. In addition, the use of alcohol or other drugs by any member of the campus community can result in disciplinary sanctions and/or possible criminal prosecution.
Binghamton University’s continued commitment to addressing the impact of alcohol and other drug use is demonstrated through its clear policies and procedures, as well as through the range of its resources and activities aimed at substance-use education, prevention and assistance. The University provides many sources of information to individuals concerning counseling, treatment and rehabilitation programs.
Each member of the University needs to make a commitment to foster a policy that, while proactive in the health and well-being of all and dedicated to low-risk choices regarding the use of alcohol and other drugs, handles abusive and illegal use of alcohol and other drugs in a forthright and humanitarian manner.
The Binghamton University Alcohol Policy can be found here: https://www.binghamton.edu/operations/policies/policy-505.html.
