ResourcesPeer Education

Health Risks

Information on the health risks from using alcohol and different drugs.

Student Sanctions for Alcohol and Drug Policy Violations

Underage students confronted by the institution for the consumption of alcohol or other drugs will face disciplinary sanctions ranging from fines; alcohol education; disciplinary censure; academic probation; letters to parents, advisor, and coaches; chemical dependency assessment; CHOICES, FOUNDATIONS, and PATHWAYS. Sanctions resulting from alcohol violations are cumulative over the course of a student’s enrollment. Students hosting non-Gustavus guests are responsible for ensuring their guests’ compliance with all College policies.

Students whose use of alcohol or drugs results in harm, or the threat of harm to themselves or others, or to property, regardless of the location of the incident, may face disciplinary action by the College up to and including expulsion.

Minnesota Laws

  • DWI: Minnesota’s DWI law stipulates that it is a crime: (1) to drive, operate, or be in physical control of any motor vehicle anywhere in the state while: under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance, or an intoxicating substance (when the person knows, or has reason to know, that the substance has the capacity to cause impairment), or any combination of these; having an alcohol concentration (AC) of .08 or more at the time or within two hours of doing so; having any amount or the metabolites of a schedule I or II controlled substance, other than marijuana, in the body. If a person under age 21 consumes any amount of alcohol and drives any motor vehicle, a mandatory loss of drivers license will follow along with any other relevant penalties.
  • Implied Consent: A person who drives, operates, or is in control of any type of motor vehicle anywhere in the state consents to a chemical test of breath, blood, or urine for the purpose of determining the presence of alcohol or controlled or intoxicating substances in the person’s body.
  • Possession or Consumption by Persons Under the Age of 21: It is unlawful for a person under the age of 21 years to possess any alcoholic beverage with the intent to consume it at a place other than the household of the person's parent or guardian.
  • Underage possession or consumption immunity provided for a person seeking assistance for another: A person is not subject to prosecution if the person contacts a 911 operator to report that the person or another person is in need of medical assistance for an immediate health or safety concern, provided that the person who initiates contact is the first person to make such a report, provides a name and contact information, remains on the scene until assistance arrives, and cooperates with the authorities at the scene.
  • Consent for Sexual Activity: Per Minnesota State/Gustavus Sexual Misconduct Policy - Consent is informed, freely given and mutually understood. If coercion, intimidation, threats and or physical force are used, there is no consent. If someone is mentally or physically incapacitated or impaired—including from drug or alcohol consumption—and doesn't understand the situation, there is no consent. Silence does not constitute consent.
  • Misrepresentation of Age: It is unlawful for any person under the age of 21 years to claim to be 21 years old or older for the purpose of purchasing alcoholic beverages.
  • Furnishing Alcohol to Persons Under 21: It is unlawful to sell, barter, furnish or give alcoholic beverages to persons under 21. People who are injured by an underage drinker may sue adults who supplied alcohol to the underage drinker.
  • Minnesota Law Medical Cannabis: For updated legislative changes regarding Medical Cannabis Laws and Rules, see the Minnesota Department of Health webpage.

Federal Law

Drugs, substances, and certain chemicals used to make drugs are classified into five (5) distinct categories or schedules depending upon the drug’s acceptable medical use and the drug’s abuse or dependency potential. Learn more about Federal drug categories and Federal law

Student Resources:

24 Hour Confidential Lines

  • Mankato based Crisis/Warm Line 1-877-399-3040
  • Suicide Prevention Line 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
  • National Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800/656-HOPE (4673)
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800/799-SAFE (7233)
  • Lutheran Social Service of MN for Unplanned Pregnancy 1-888-205-3769
  • Mankato based CADA (24 hour Crisis Resource for Domestic and Sexual Violence) 507-625-8688 or 1-800-477-0466
  • Crisis Text Line (Minnesota suicide prevention service) Text "MN" to 741741
  • National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988
    The old number (which can still be used) is (800) 273-8255. As of July 16, 2022 you can simply dial 988 and you will be routed to their lifeline. You can also text 988 for text message-based support. Follow the link to their website for a live crisis chat feature, ayuda en español, support for persons who are deaf and hard of hearing, and various other resource options.

Assessment, Treatment and Detoxification

New Beginnings of Saint Peter: Offers chemical dependency assessments under private insurance and Rule 25 referrals. Outpatient CD treatment for primary, relapse, and aftercare issues. Day and evening appointments. Insurance and rule 25 referrals accepted. Offer a less intensive treatment program for students with chemical abuse issues. Offer educational classes if students are mandated after first DWI.

Nicollet County Human Services: Rule 25 CD assessments for low-income students living in Blue Earth County, with or without insurance. The assessment is free or can be billed to insurance if the student has it. Assessment is 1 ½ hours. If treatment is warranted and there is no insurance to cover it, students can apply for Medical Assistance and receive free or low-cost treatment.

Brown County Evaluation Center: Criterion for admission to Detox is 1) student is under the influence of alcohol or drugs and/or 2) student is in active withdrawal from alcohol or drug use. The county will bill insurance, if available, or will arrange for county funding if the student meets financial eligibility.

Kato Project 3: Kato Project 3 licensed by The Department of Human Services, provides services to youth and adults including chemical dependency assessments. Kato Project 3 accepts self pay as well as private insuranc

Lutheran Social Services: General counseling for CD issues. Offers sliding fee scale

Mankato Chemical Health, LLC: By Appointment only. Lower cost Chemical Use Assessments-also offers referral services to the appropriate resources including educational classes, treatment providers, therapists, and physicians.

Counseling Services of Southern Minnesota: Counseling Services in Saint Peter, offers comprehensive diagnostic assessments, Individual and couples therapy, co-occurring therapy-mental health diagnosis in addition to substance abuse or medical condition, referrals to neuropsychological assessments and DBT based group therapy.

Southern Minnesota Behavioral Health: Located in Saint Peter, offers outpatient therapy; psychiatric/medication services; rehabilitative services; telemental health services; and education and training.

Mankato Mental Health Associates, P. A.: offers mental health, chemical dependency, addictions, dietary and nutritional, mediation and conflict resolution to help individuals resove problem areas in their lives.

New Ulm Medical Center: Provides substance abuse assessment and treatment services. The substance abuse department provides residential and outpatient treatment and is licensed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services.

SAMHSA Treatment Facility Search Engine: Search anywhere in the country for treatment facility information through this search engine.

Education and Self-Help

Quan Drug Prevention Education

Smart Recovery Meeting:  SMART Recovery (Self-Management and Recovery Training) helps people recover from all types of addictive behaviors, including: alcoholism, drug abuse, substance abuse, drug addiction, alcohol abuse, gambling addiction, cocaine addiction, and addiction to other substances and activities. SMART Recovery is an alternative to Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.

Alcoholics Anonymous Saint Peter 

Narcotics Anonymous - Saint Peter

Gamblers Anonymous

Nicotine Dependence Program

SOBER NATION

QUITPLAN: Free telephone counseling, nicotine patches, gum, lozenges to those to quality at 1-888-354-PLAN