About the Program
Learn about the college’s Drug-Free College policies, standards of conduct for students and staff, the health risks of drug and alcohol abuse, programs available at Central Piedmont for students and staff, and legal sanctions related to drug and alcohol abuse. This page is not intended as a substitute for counseling and treatment, but it can be a helpful starting point. Those who are interested in speaking with a professional about their questions and concerns are encouraged to click on the applicable resource on this page for more information and to contact counseling services.
For information and resources related to the college’s drug-free and tobacco-free policies, please visit the following:
Effects of drugs and alcohol
The consumption of drugs and alcohol can have significant negative effects on health. Repeated use of alcohol and drugs can lead to addiction, and cause serious damage to the nervous and circulatory systems, mental disorders and other health problems.
Alcohol facts and risks
Drug facts and risks
Visit drugabuse.gov for drug facts and risks.
Legal sanctions for drugs
Under federal and North Carolina state laws, illegal drug and alcohol activities carry criminal penalties. Note that both Federal and North Carolina law continue to prohibit the possession, sale, and delivery of marijuana and associated paraphernalia.
Federal laws and penalties
- Visit the U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Agency site to view data related to offenses and penalties per Title 21 United States Code (USC) Controlled Substances Act.
- U.S. Department of Justice information related to federal trafficking penalties
NC laws and penalties
Read the North Carolina Controlled Substances Act. Lists Schedule I-VI Controlled Substances and describes violations and penalties associated with controlled substances. Learn about NC laws concerning alcohol use, possession, and distribution and impaired driving and the associated penalties:
Getting help
How are alcohol and drugs affecting your life? A self-assessment can help you get clarity.
The Personal Counseling Assistance Program (PCAP) is a free and confidential service provided to Central Piedmont students who are facing challenging times. The student and the Counselor work together to discover solutions for problems and create strategies for successfully meeting goals. Central Piedmont provides individual counseling to students with concerns about their use and abuse of substances. You may call your nearest campus to make an appointment with a counselor. Central Piedmont also has a Collegiate Recovery Community (CRC) designed to help recovering students maintain their recovery and be successful in school.
Youth and College Drinking: Breaking the Patterns: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration describes this video: Examines youth and college student abuse of alcohol, illegal drugs, and prescription drugs and the effects of substance abuse on student life and achievements. Discuss contributing factors and the prevention role that parents and schools can play. Select “Download Digital Version.”
"Young People Recover Part 1"(video): Talk Therapy TV in partnership with Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers this video as a part of the Road to Recovery series. In this video, a panel of experts discuss treating addictions among our nation's youth.
- Metrolina Intergroup Association: Find information on local Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.
- Alcoholics Anonymous: Information for NC/SC Alcoholics Anonymous
- Narcotics Anonymous: Information for Narcotics Anonymous, a 12-Step Recovery program for individuals who want to stop using drugs
- Al-Anon: Al-Anon provides support to individuals who have been affected by someone else's drug or alcohol use. Find local meetings.