Controlled substances include, but are not limited to, marijuana, heroin, cocaine, LSD, and amphetamines. In addition, employees are required to remain free from the influence of controlled substances or alcohol while on duty. Caltech employees who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including discharge for cause. A violation of this policy is likely to result in termination, even for a first offense. Violation of this policy is likely to result in being barred from the workplace even for a first offense.
All drugs are toxic or poisonous when abused.
Health risks of drug abuse include, but are not limited to sleep disorders, confusion, hallucinations, paranoia, deep depression, malnutrition, liver and kidney damage, cardiac irregularities, hepatitis, and neurological damage. Alcohol is a depressant. It depresses the central nervous system and can cause serious physical damage. Excessive drinking damages the liver, resulting in cirrhosis. Chronic alcohol abuse also causes hypertension, cardiac irregularities, ulcers, pancreatitis, kidney disease, cancer of the esophagus, liver, bladder or lungs, memory loss, tremors, malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies and possibly sexual dysfunction.