• 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:
Applicable Texas state laws and sanctions include, but are not limited to:

Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor(Texas Alcohol Beverage Code Sec. 106.04). Defined as a minor who consumes alcohol, regardless of amount. Class C Misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $500 for the first offense and at least $250 to $2,000 for the second offense and/or 180 days in jail.

Minor in Possession of Alcohol(Texas Alcohol Beverage Code Sec. 106.05).

Defined as a minor possessing alcohol. Class C Misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $500 for the first offense and at least $250 to $2,000 for the second offense and/or 180 days in jail.

Misrepresentation of Age by a Minor(Texas Alcohol Beverage Code Sec. 106.07). Defined as a minor falsely presenting himself/herself as being 21 or older.  Class C Misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $500.

Purchase of Alcohol by a Minor(Texas Alcohol Beverage Code Sec. 106.02). Defined as a minor purchasing alcohol.  Class C Misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $500 for the first offense and at least $250 to $2,000 for the second offense and/or 180 days in jail.

Purchase of Alcohol for a Minor; Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor(Texas Alcohol Beverage Code Sec. 106.06). Defined as a person who purchases alcohol for or gives alcohol to or with criminal negligence makes alcohol available to a minor.  Class A Misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $4,000 and/or up to one year in jail.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol by a Minor(Texas Alcohol Beverage Code Sec. 106.041). Defined as a minor operating a motor vehicle having any detectable amount of alcohol in the minor’s system.  Class C Misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $500.

Public Intoxication(Texas Penal Code Sec. 49.02). Defined as being intoxicated in public to the degree that one poses a danger to him/herself or to others. Class C Misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $500 and/or subject to arrest.

Possession of Alcoholic Beverage in Motor Vehicle(Texas Penal Code 49.031). Defined as possessing an opened container of alcohol in a motor vehicle regardless of whether the vehicle is being operated or is stopped or parked. Class C Misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $500.

Driving While Intoxicated(Texas Penal Code Sec. 49.04). Class B Misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $2,000 and/or 180 days in jail.

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Drugs
The Texas Penal Code defines intoxication as “not having the normal use of mental or physical faculties by reason of the introduction of alcohol, a controlled substance, a drug” or any combination of substances.  Therefore, drug consumption and intoxication laws under the Texas Penal Code may overlap with alcohol offenses.

Applicable Texas state drug laws and sanctions include, but are not limited to:

Manufacture or Delivery of a Controlled Substance(Texas Penal Code Sec. 481.1121, 481.113, 481.114). Defined as knowingly manufacturing, delivering, or possessing with intent to deliver a controlled substance without a valid prescription. The minimum penalty (depending on amount) includes a State Jail Felony punishable by a fine up to $10,000 and a minimum of 180 days up to 2 years jail.

Possession of a Controlled Substance(Texas Penal Code Sec. 481.115, 481.116, 481.117, 481.118). Defined as knowingly or intentionally possessing a controlled substancewithout a valid prescription. The minimum penalty (depending on amount) includes a Class B Misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $2,000 and/or 180 days in jail.

Possession of Marijuana(Texas Penal Code Sec. 481.121). Defined as knowingly or intentionally possessing a usable quantity of marijuana.  The minimum penalty (depending on amount) includes a Class B Misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $2,000 and/or 180 days in jail.

Possession or Delivery of Drug Paraphernalia(Texas Penal Code Sec. 481.125). Defined as knowingly or intentionally using or possession with intent to use drug paraphernalia. The minimum penalty includes a Class C Misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $500.

Offenses listed above that occur within 1,000 feet of property owned by an institution of higher learning may be punishable to stricter criminal sanctions.

For more information on specific state codes, including the Texas Penal Code, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, and the Texas Health and Safety Code, visit: www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/

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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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