The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, Public Law 101-226, requires that our University implements a program to prevent unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees. In part, the law requires that all students and employees annually receive a description of University policies and possible sanctions for violation of drug or alcohol laws, possible health risks associated with use of drugs or alcohol, and counseling or rehabilitation services available to you. This is a critically important topic. Please take the opportunity to reflect on potential problems associated with drug use. In particular, consider the role of alcohol in our lives and its possible negative impacts.
University Standards of Conduct and Sanctions
Clarkson prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of controlled substances or alcohol on its property or as part of its activities. Employees are referred to the Operations Manual 3.1.7. Students are referred to the Clarkson Regulations, specifically IX-A and IX-B. Subject to fair process through the Operations Manual (employees) or Clarkson Regulations (students), the University will impose disciplinary sanctions on employees and students who violate University policy related to alcohol and other drugs. Sanctions for violation of these policies will range from written warning up to and including suspension, expulsion or termination, depending on the circumstances of the violation. Other possible sanctions include referral for counseling, fines or restitution, educational activities, or rehabilitation. Furthermore, the University may deem it appropriate to refer individuals for prosecution. In addition to University sanction, individuals are subject to criminal sanctions under local, state, and federal law.
Finally, any legal usage of alcohol in public areas on campus must comply with the Clarkson Regulations.
Legal Sanctions
It is widely known that selling illicit drugs can result in criminal conviction leading to large fines or imprisonment. However, it is important to know that simple possession of illegal drugs can lead to severe penalties as well. The federal and state laws that determine those penalties are complicated, but it is important that they be understood.
For your information, Appendix 1 is enclosed to summarize penalties for alcohol and drug offenses in New York State. These laws make it illegal to drive while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs; serve alcohol to persons under 21; misrepresent one’s identity to defraud; or for a person under 21 to possess alcohol with the intent to consume it. Also, anyone under 21 driving a motor vehicle after having consumed any alcohol will be fined and will lose driving privileges. More severe penalties are provided for persons convicted of providing controlled substances to minors, for repeat offenses, and for providing controlled substances in or near schools or parks.
Possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs is prohibited by federal law. Strict penalties are enacted for drug convictions, including mandatory prison terms for many offenses. Penalties increase significantly where use of the illicit drugs results in death or serious bodily injury. Appendix 2 is enclosed to summarize penalties for drug related offenses under federal law.
Finally, the Village of Potsdam municipal code (Sec. 124-7) makes it a violation to consume alcohol or to possess an open container containing alcohol on public land without special permission from the Village. The ordinance applies to anyone in a vehicle as well. Violation can result in a fine of up to $250 or 15 days in jail (Sec. 124-26).
This memo and corresponding appendices do not represent a comprehensive summary of drug and alcohol laws. The laws are complicated and details frequently change. However, it is designed to alert you to the consequences of illegal behavior associated with drugs and alcohol. You should also be aware that New York laws make it illegal to possess certain types of drug paraphernalia, to make or sell imitations of illegal drugs, to operate a motor vehicle while impaired by a drug, or even to be in public while under the influence of a drug. These, and other similar types of offenses, can bring penalties ranging from fines less than $100, to seizure of property used in transporting drugs, to imprisonment. Federal law also allows the doubling of fines or prison terms for anyone selling drugs to a minor or near a school, including any college or university.
Health Risks
Alcohol is widely used in our society. Its health risks can easily be overlooked. Effects of use can range from immediate impairment in judgment and muscle coordination, to increased risk-taking behavior and violence. Moderate to high doses of alcohol can result in respiratory failure and death. The danger of receiving a fatal dose is greatly increased when alcohol is combined with other depressants such as barbiturates. High levels of alcohol usage increase the risks of breast cancer. Consumption of alcohol during pregnancy may result in physical or mental abnormalities in infants. Dependence, both psychological and physical, can result from continued usage. Should one, who is dependent, attempt to stop using alcohol suddenly, and without medical help, life threatening withdrawal symptoms can appear.
Health risks of other common drugs are summarized in Appendix 3. While Appendix 3 is not a comprehensive list of drugs, it is intended to alert you to the many possible dangers in the use of illicit drugs. Three types of drugs not covered in the table include deliriums, designer drugs, and anabolic steroids. Deliriums such as solvents, aerosols, and anesthetics can have a variety of effects such as impaired judgment, hyperactivity, confusion, headache, nausea, respiratory depression, unconsciousness, and even death. Designer drugs are often manufactured in an attempt to avoid technical definitions of illegal drugs. Their effects vary depending on the drug they are intended to imitate. Many are much stronger than the original and can be many times as dangerous. Among the possibilities are permanent central nervous system damage or death. Anabolic steroids are often taken to enhance muscularity and strength. They can have negative effects such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, sterility, increased aggressiveness and stunted growth in adolescents.
Drug and Alcohol Resources
The following information is designed to raise awareness of possible dangers in alcohol and drug use. It is hoped problems can be prevented in our University community. However, if you or someone you know needs help for a problem related to drugs or alcohol, the following are some of the sources of counseling or referral available.
Employees:
Employee Assistance Program: 24/7 hotline 877-622-4327
Human Resources (referral for counseling or treatment): 315-268-6497 | Graham Hall first floor
Students:
Counseling Center (confidential and referral for treatment): 315-268-6633 | Schuler ERC 1300
General Resources:
Alcoholics Anonymous: 315-568-0120
Al-Anon (for whose with loved ones struggling with alcohol addiction): 888-425-2666
Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services: 877-846-7369 or text 467369
Seaway Valley Prevention Council: 315-713-4861
St Lawrence County Addiction Services: 315-386-2189
St Lawrence Health System Substance Use: 24/7 hotline 315-261-5395, general 315-353-2572
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: 24/7 hotline 800-662-4357
Appendix 1: State Penalties for Alcohol and Drug Offenses
| ALCOHOL AND BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) LAW VIOLATION | POSSIBLE PENALTIES |
| Fraudulent Attempt to Purchase Alcohol (fake ID)Additional violations and penalties are applicable under penal law. | Up to $100 fine Alcohol awareness program Up to 30 hours community service Suspension of driver’s license |
| Second Fraudulent Attempt to Purchase Alcohol (fake ID)Additional violations and penalties are applicable under penal law. | $50-300 fine Alcohol awareness program Up to 60 hours community service |
| Subsequent Fraudulent Attempt to Purchase Alcohol (fake ID)Additional violations and penalties are applicable under penal law. | $50-700 fine Up to 90 hours community service Alcohol use evaluation |
| Possession of Forged Instrument (ID of another person) | Up to $5,000 fine Up to 7 years in jail |
Possession of Alcohol Under 21 Years of Age | Up to $50 fine Alcohol awareness program Up to 30 hours community service |
| Serving Alcohol to Person Under 21 Years of AgeAdditional violations and penalties are applicable under penal law. | Up to $500 fine Up to 3 months in jail 1 year probation |
| ALCOHOL AND DRUG-RELATED DRIVING VIOLATION | MANDATORY FINE | MAXIMUM JAIL TERM | MANDATORY DRIVER LICENSE ACTION |
| Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Driving While Impaired by a Drug (DWAI-Drug) | $500 – $1,000 | 1 year | Revoked for at least six months |
| Second DWI or DWAI-Drug violation in 10 years (E felony) | $1,000 – $5,000 | 4 years | Revoked for at least one year |
| Third DWI or DWAI-Drug violation in 10 years (D felony) | $2,000 – $10,000 | 7 years | Revoked for at least one year |
| Driving While Ability Impaired by a Combination of Alcohol/Drugs (DWAI-Combination) | $500 – $1,000 | 1 year | Revoked for at least six months |
| Second DWAI-Combination in 10 years (E felony) | $1,000 – $5,000 | 4 years | Revoked for at least one year |
| Third DWAI-Combination in 10 years (D felony) | $2,000 – $10,000 | 7 years | Revoked for at least one year |
| Driving While Ability Impaired by Alcohol (DWAI) | $300 – $500 | 15 days | Suspended for 90 days |
| Second DWAI violation in 5 years | $500 – $750 | 30 days | Revoked for at least six months |
| Third or subsequent DWAI within 10 years (Misdemeanor) | $750 – $1,500 | 180 days | Revoked for at least six months |
| Zero Tolerance Law (under 21 years old with .02-.07 BAC) | $125 civil penalty and $100 fee to terminate suspension | None | Suspended for six months |
| Second Zero Tolerance Law | $125 civil penalty and $100 re-application fee | None | Revoked for one year or until age 21 |
Cannabis
In 2021, New York State legalized adult-use cannabis (also known as marijuana, or recreational marijuana) by passing the Marijuana Regulation & Taxation Act (MRTA). The MRTA modifies criminal violations and penalties relating to the sale and possession of cannabis. The Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) legalized cannabis for adults 21 years of age or older. It is illegal for anyone under age 21 to purchase, possess, or consume cannabis. It is important to note that despite this change in state law, the use, possession, or cultivation of cannabis for any purpose is not allowed on any University-owned or controlled property.
Controlled Substances
The State of New York Penal Law defines a wide range of offenses and penalties for possessing or distributing controlled substances. These sanctions can include imprisonment (up to life), probation, fines, community service, and loss of student financial aid eligibility. The State of New York Public Health Law prohibits selling or possessing a hypodermic needle without a doctor’s written prescription; or manufacturing, selling, or possessing with intent to sell an imitation controlled substance.
Appendix 2: Federal Penalties for Drug Offenses
Federal Drug Possession Penalties
Persons convicted of illegally possessing any controlled substance face penalties of up to one year in prison, a minimum fine of $1,000, or both. Second offenses are punishable by 15 days to 2 years in prison and a minimum fine of $2,500. Subsequent offenses are punishable by 90 days to 3 years in prison and a minimum fine of $5,000.
Special sentencing provisions for possession of Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol, “roofies” or “roaches”) impose a prison term of up to 3 years, a fine, or both.
Civil penalties of up to $10,000 may also be imposed for possession of controlled substances, whether or not criminal prosecution is pursued. Persons convicted of possession may also be fined for the reasonable costs of the investigation and prosecution of the offense. Penalties for possession with intent to distribute are potentially even more severe.
Drug Paraphernalia
Persons convicted on federal charges of the sale, import, export, or shipping of drug paraphernalia face penalties of up to 3 years in prison and a fine.
Forfeiture of Personal Property and Real Estate
Any person convicted of a federal drug offense punishable by more than one year in prison shall forfeit to the United States any personal or real property related to the violation, including houses, cars, and other personal belongings. Property may be seized upon arrest on charges that may result in forfeiture.
Denial of Federal Benefits
A federal drug conviction may result in the loss of federal benefits, including school loans, grants, contracts, and licenses. Federal drug trafficking convictions may result in denial of federal benefits for up to 5 years for a first offense, 10 years for a second offense, and permanent denial of federal benefits for a subsequent offense. Federal drug convictions for possession may result in denial of federal benefits for up to 1 year for a first offense and up to 5 years for subsequent offenses.
Drug Trafficking
Penalties for federal drug trafficking convictions vary according to the quantity of the controlled substances involved in the transaction. The tables in the following pages summarize penalty information for several types of controlled substances. Persons who violate federal drug trafficking laws within 1,000 feet of a university may face penalties or prison terms and fines up to twice as high as the regular penalties for the offense, with a mandatory prison sentence of at least one year.
Federal Drug Trafficking Penalties – Excluding Marijuana, Hashish, and Hashish Oil (as of 9/2023)
| DRUG/SCHEDULE | QUANTITY | PENALTIES | QUANTITY | PENALTIES |
| Cocaine (Schedule II) | 500–4999 grams mixture | First Offense: Not less than 5 years, and not more than 40 years. If death or serious injury, notless than 20 or more than life. Fine of not more than $5 million if an individual, $25 million if not an individual. Second Offense: Not less than 10 years, and not more than life. If death or serious injury, life imprisonment.Fine of not more than $8 million if an individual, $50 million if not an individual. | 5 kgs or more mixture | First Offense: Not less than 10 years, and not more than life. If death or serious injury, not less than 20 or more than life. Fine of not more than $10 mil- lion if an individual, $50 million if not an individual. Second Offense: Not less than 20 years, and not more than life. If death or serious injury, life imprisonment. Fine of not more than $20 million if an individual, $75 million if not an individual.Subsequent Offenses:Life imprisonment. Fine of not more than $20 million if an individual, $75 million if not an individual. |
| Cocaine Base (Schedule II) | 28–279 grams mixture | 280 grams or more mixture | ||
| Fentanyl (Schedule II) | 40–399 grams mixture | 400 grams or more mixture | ||
| Fentanyl Analogue (Schedule I) | 10–99 grams mixture | 100 grams or more mixture | ||
| Heroin (Schedule I) | 100–999 grams mixture | 1 kg or more mixture | ||
| LSD (Schedule I) | 1–9 grams mixture | 10 grams or more mixture | ||
| Methamphetamine(Schedule II) | 5–49 grams pure or50–499 grams mixture | 50 grams or more pure or500 grams or more mixture | ||
| PCP (Schedule II) | 10–99 grams pure or 100–999 grams mixture | 100 gm or more pure or 1 kg or more mixture | ||
| DRUG/SCHEDULE | QUANTITY | PENALTIES | ||
| Other Schedule I & II drugs (and any drug product containing Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid) | Any amount | First Offense: Not more than 20 years. If death or serious injury, not less than 20 years, or more than life. Fine $1 million if an individual, $5 million if not an individual. Second Offense: Not more than 30 years. If death or serious bodily injury, life imprisonment. Fine $2 million if an individual, $10 million if not an individual. | ||
| Flunitrazepam (Schedule IV) | 1 gram | |||
| Other Schedule III drugs | Any amount | First Offense: Not more than 10 years. If death or serious injury, not more than 15 years. Fine not more than $500,000 if an individual, $2.5 million if not an individual. Second Offense: Not more than 20 years. If death or serious injury, not more than 30 years. Fine not more than $1 million if an individual, $5 million if not an individual. | ||
| All other Schedule IV drugs | Any amount | First Offense: Not more than 5 years. Fine not more than $250,000 if an individual, $1 million if not an individual. Second Offense: Not more than 10 years. Fine not more than $500,000 if an individual, $2 million if other than an individual. | ||
| Flunitrazepam (Schedule IV) | Other than 1 gram or more | |||
| All Schedule V drugs | Any amount | First Offense: Not more than 1 yr. Fine not more than $100,000 if an individual,$250,000 if not an individual.Second Offense: Not more than 4 years. Fine not more than $200,000 if an individual, $500,000 if not an individual. | ||
Federal Drug Trafficking Penalties: Marijuana, Hashish, and Hashish Oil (as of 9/2023)
| QUANTITY | FIRST OFFENSE | SECOND OFFENSE * |
| 1,000 kg or more marijuana mixture; or1,000 or more marijuana plants | Not less than 10 years. or more than life. If death or serious bodily injury, not less than 20 years., or more than life. Fine not more than life. Fine not more than $10 million if an individual, $50 million if other than an individual. | Not less than 20 years. or more than life. If death or serious bodily injury, life imprisonment. Fine not more than $20 million if an individual, $75 million if other than an individual. |
| 100 kg to 999 kg marijuana mixture; or100 to 999 marijuana plants | Not less than 5 years. or more than 40 years. If death or serious bodily injury, not less than 20 years., or more than life. Fine not more than life. Fine not more than$5 million if an individual, $25 million if other than an individual. | Not less than 10 years. or more than life. If death or serious bodily injury, life imprisonment. Fine not more than $20 million if an individual, $75 million if other than an individual. |
| More than 10 kgs hashish; or50 to 99 kg marijuana mixture; orMore than 1 kg of hashish oil; or50 to 99 marijuana plants | Not less than 20 years. If death or serious bodily injury, not less than 20 years., or more than life. Fine $1 million if an individual, $5 million if other than an individual. | Not less than 30 years. If death or serious bodily injury, life imprisonment. Fine $2 million if an individual, $10 million if other than an individual. |
| Less than 50 kilograms marijuana (but not 50 or more marijuana plants regardless of weight); or1 to 49 marijuana plants; or10 kg or less hashish;or 1 kg or less hashish oil | Not less than 5 years. Fine not more than $250,000, $1 million if other than an individual | Not less than 10 years. Fine $500,000 if an individual, $2 million if other than individual |
*The minimum sentence for a violation after two or more prior convictions for a felony drug offense have become final is a mandatory term of life imprisonment without release and a fine up to $20 million if an individual and $75 million if other than an individual.
Appendix 3: Health Risk Information
The information below is from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Alcohol
Drinking too much can harm your health. Excessive alcohol use led to approximately 95,000 deaths and 2.8 million years of potential life lost each year in the United States from 2011 – 2015, shortening the lives of those who died by an average of 29 years. Excessive drinking was responsible for 1 in 10 deaths among working-age adults aged 20-64 years. The economic costs of excessive alcohol consumption in 2010 were estimated at $249 billion, or $2.05 a drink.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans defines moderate drinking as up to 1 drink per day for women and up to 2 drinks per day for men.
Excessive alcohol use has immediate effects that increase the risk of many harmful health conditions. Over time, excessive alcohol use can lead to the development of chronic diseases and other serious problems including: high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, digestive problems, various cancers, dementia, poor school or work performance, depression, anxiety, lost productivity, family problems, unemployment, alcohol dependence, or alcoholism. Everyone can reduce the risk of these short- and long-term health risks by limiting alcohol intake.
Marijuana
Marijuana is the most commonly used federally illegal drug in the United States, and marijuana use may have a wide range of health effects on the body and brain.
About 1 in 10 marijuana users may experience some form of addiction. For people who begin using before the age of 18, that number rises to 1 in 6. People who are addicted to marijuana may also be at a higher risk of other negative consequences of using the drug, such as problems with attention, memory, and learning. Some people who are addicted may need to increase consumption to get the same high. It is also important to be aware that the amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in marijuana (i.e. marijuana potency or strength) has increased over the past few decades. The higher the THC content, the stronger the effects on the brain. Some methods of using marijuana (e.g. dabbing, edibles) may deliver very high levels of THC to the user.
Marijuana is often smoked in the form of hand-rolled cigarettes (joints), in pipes or water pipes (bongs), in bowls, or in blunts—emptied cigars that have been partly or completely refilled with marijuana. Smoked marijuana, in any form, can harm lung tissues and cause scarring and damage to small blood vessels. Smoke from marijuana contains many of the same toxins, irritants, and carcinogens as tobacco smoke. Smoking marijuana can also lead to a greater risk of bronchitis, cough, and phlegm production. These symptoms generally improve when marijuana use ceases.
Marijuana use has also been linked to depression and anxiety Marijuana use, especially daily or near daily use and use in high doses, can cause disorientation, and sometimes cause unpleasant thoughts or feelings of paranoia. Marijuana use is associated with temporary psychosis (not knowing what is real, hallucinations, and paranoia) and long-lasting mental health challenges, including schizophrenia.
MDMA
MDMA is taken as a capsule or tablet most often, but can also be swallowed in liquid form or snorted as powder. The popular nickname Molly (slang for “molecular”) often refers to the supposedly “pure” crystalline powder form of MDMA, usually sold in capsules. People who purchase powder or capsules sold as Molly often actually get other drugs such as synthetic cathinones (“bath salts”) instead. Some people take MDMA in combination with other drugs such as alcohol or marijuana.
MDMA increases the activity of brain chemicals:
- Dopamine—produces increased energy/activity and acts in the reward system to reinforce behaviors Norepinephrine—increases heart rate and blood pressure, which are particularly risky for people with heart and blood vessel problems
- Serotonin—affects mood, appetite, sleep, and other functions. It also triggers hormones that affect sexual arousal and trust. The release of large amounts of serotonin likely causes the emotional closeness, elevated mood, and empathy felt by those who use MDMA
Other health effects include nausea, muscle cramping, involuntary teeth clenching, blurred vision, chills, and sweating.
The effects of MDMA last about 3-6 hours, but many users take a second dose as the first dose’s effects begin to fade. Over the course of a week moderately using MDMA, a person may experience irritability, impulsiveness, aggression, depression, sleep problems, anxiety, memory and attention problems, decreased appetite, and decreased interest in and pleasure from sex. Some of these effects may be due to the combined use of MDMA with other drugs, especially marijuana.
High doses of MDMA can affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature, leading to a spike in body temperature that can occasionally result in liver, kidney, or heart failure or death.
Prescription Opioids
Prescription opioids used for pain relief are generally safe when taken for a short time and as prescribed by a doctor, but they can be misused.
Opioids bind to and activate opioid receptors on cells located in many areas of the brain, spinal cord, and other organs in the body, especially those involved in feelings of pain and pleasure. When opioids attach to these receptors, they block pain signals sent from the brain to the body and release large amounts of dopamine throughout the body. This release can strongly reinforce the act of taking the drug, making the user want to repeat the experience.
Harmful effects of opioids include drowsiness, confusion, nausea, constipation, euphoria, and slowed breathing. Opioid misuse can cause slowed breathing, which can cause hypoxia, a condition that results when too little oxygen reaches the brain. Hypoxia can have short- and long-term psychological and neurological effects, including coma, permanent brain damage, or death. Researchers are investigating the long-term effects of opioid addiction on the brain, including whether damage can be reversed.
People addicted to an opioid medication who stop using the drug can have severe withdrawal symptoms that begin as early as a few hours after the drug was last taken. Withdrawal symptoms include muscle and bone pain, sleep problems, diarrhea and vomiting, cold flashes with goosebumps, uncontrollable leg movements, and severe cravings.
An opioid overdose occurs when a person uses enough of the drug to produce life-threatening symptoms or death. When people overdose on an opioid medication, their breathing often slows or stops. This can decrease the amount of oxygen that reaches the brain, which can result in coma, permanent brain damage, or death.
If you suspect someone has overdosed, the most important step to take is to call 911 so they can receive immediate medical attention. Once medical personnel arrive, they will administer naloxone. Naloxone is a medicine that can treat an opioid overdose when given right away. It works by rapidly binding to opioid receptors and blocking the effects of opioid drugs. Naloxone is available as an injectable (needle) solution, a hand-held auto- injector (EVZIO), and a nasal spray (NARCAN Nasal Spray).
Rohypnol, Ketamine, and GHB
There are three specific drugs that are commonly utilized in drug facilitated sexual assault: Rohypnol, Ketamine, or GHB (Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid). If an individual believes they or a friend have consumed Rohypnol, Ketamine, or GHB, they should visit a local healthcare facility. While receiving care, the individual who has ingested the drug can request the hospital to take a urine sample for drug toxicology testing. If the person cannot immediately go to a hospital, they should save their urine in a clean sealable container as soon as possible and place it in the refrigerator or freezer for future toxicology testing.
Rohypnol, also known as flunitrazepam, is not approved in the United States, although it is available for use as a prescription sleep aid in other countries. It is most commonly found as a tablet which is consumed by dissolving it in a drink or swallowing it. The short term health effects include drowsiness, sedation, sleep, amnesia, blackout, decreased anxiety, muscle relaxation, impaired reaction time and motor coordination, impaired mental functioning and judgment, confusion, aggression, excitability, slurred speech, headache, and slowed breathing and heart rate. When combined with alcohol, the possible effects include severe sedation, unconsciousness, and slowed heart rate and breathing, which can lead to death. The long-term health effects of Rohypnol are still unknown. Rohypnol can take 36-72 hours to leave the body.
Ketamine is a dissociative drug used as a surgical anesthetic, an anesthetic in veterinary practice, and as a prescription for treatment resistant depression under strict medical supervision. It is most commonly found in liquid or white powder and is consumed through swallowing, smoking, snorting, or injections. Short term health effects include problems with attention, learning, and memory, dreamlike states, hallucinations, sedation, confusion, loss of memory, raised blood pressure, unconsciousness, and dangerously slowed breathing. If ketamine is consumed with alcohol there is a risk of adverse effects. The possible health effects associated with long term use include ulcers and pain in the bladder, kidney problems, stomach pain, depression, and poor memory.
GHB is a depressant approved for use in treatment of narcolepsy, and commonly goes by the other names of Goop, liquid ecstasy, and liquid X. It is most commonly found as a colorless liquid or white powder which is consumed through swallowing, often in combination with alcohol. Short term health effects include euphoria, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, memory loss, unconsciousness, slowed heart rate and breathing, lower body temperature, seizures, coma, and death. In combination with alcohol, the health effects include nausea, problems with breathing, and greatly increased depressant effects. The long-time effects of GHB are unknown. GHB, unlike Rohypnol, leaves the body between 10-12 hours after consumption.