Legislative and humanitarian impetus for development of alcohol and other drug policy at an Australian university.
The rationale for comprehensive alcohol and other drug policy at a tertiary institution is presented here as a health promotion strategy for educating University policy makers. Particular emphasis is placed on a discussion of humanitarian issues, that is, the right to a healthy environment, and the potential for legal liability in an environment where alcohol is readily available and other drugs are present. There is little attention paid to drug use related legal issues in the University, but at the same time drawing the attention of policy makers to the organisation's vulnerability to lawsuits has been reported to be a motivating force for adoption of drug use policy. Universities do experience problems related to alcohol and other drug use by staff and students. Problem reduction, and better management of problems, are the major goals of policy in this area. Local initiatives, for example at the organisational level, make important contributions to the overall drug prevention efforts of the nation. Well-developed policy and procedures and effective implementation constitute an important structural health promotion strategy. Such policy would comply with the immediate requirements of Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare legislation and provide some protection against wrongful dismissal claims and negligence lawsuits, as well as providing long-term educative effects. Situations for which policies are needed, range widely due to the University's unique environment and complex roles.
Blaze-Temple
D
D
Howat
P
P
Barney
J
J
Saunders
B
B
Saxon
S
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D011634:Public Health / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014495:Universities; D014904:Western Australia