The opioid epidemic has been a source of concern in the United States for several years, and college campuses are certainly not immune. Excessive binge drinking has been a problem at colleges and universities for decades.  

Severe abuse of drugs and/or alcohol can result in life-threatening medical emergencies. Aside from the immediate physical peril, there's another consideration: calling for help when they see a drug overdose or alcohol poisoning can land both the victim and the student reporting it in trouble for violating school policies. 

Now, at least one school is introducing a concept that removes that threat—and that will likely end up saving lives: medical amnesty. 

Contact the Education Law Team at the Lento Law Firm 

Our student defense attorneys are standing by to provide representation if you are facing disciplinary action at your school. You can send us a message to request a consultation appointment or call us at 888-535-3686. 

Putting Opioids in Perspective 

Over 106,000 people died of drug overdoses in 2021, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Opioids accounted for 80,411 of these deaths. 

Fentanyl, an opioid that is 50 times stronger than heroin, has become a major culprit. It is now the leading cause of death among Americans between the ages of 18 and 49. 

Any challenge that is impacting the population as a whole is going to manifest on college campuses as well. The problem persists despite a heightened sense of awareness, and the death toll is rising. 

Binge Drinking on College Campuses 

Underage drinking is common on college campuses. Dangerous binge drinking is also widespread among students. A 2022 government survey found that nearly half of students drank alcohol during the previous month, and 29% of college attendees engaged in binge drinking. 

Alcohol poisoning is relatively uncommon, but it happens. Intoxication is the root cause of many fatal motor vehicle accidents as well.  

In addition, people who are under the influence of alcohol can initiate physical assaults. As a result, administrators pursue many alcohol-related code of conduct infractions. 

Disciplinary Concerns Can Be Deadly 

When a student who is high on drugs witnesses someone experiencing an overdose, they may pause before calling for help because they don't want to face drug-related disciplinary actions. The dynamic can also apply to alcohol poisoning scenarios involving underage drinkers. 

North Carolina State Howl for Help Program 

The Office of Student Conduct at North Carolina State University has responded to these scenarios progressively. They have instituted a “Howl for Help” medical amnesty policy, which protects victims or students who report these incidents from incurring disciplinary actions. This is a game-changer for students at NC State, but the concept of medical amnesty is not widespread, leaving students at other colleges and universities with strong disincentives to call for help when a classmate's in trouble. 

Our Student Defense Attorneys Can Help 

If you are facing college disciplinary action as an overdose victim or a witness who did the right thing, we can provide the representation you need.  

The Lento Law Firm's Student Defense Team can and will engage with the school's administrators to make your case. To set the wheels in motion, call us at 888-535-3686 or send us a message through the contact form on this website.