Abstain from Alcoholic Beverages, Tobacco, Tea, Coffee, Kava and Substance Abuse

The word of wisdom is a covenant, conformity to which assures both strength of body and a special spiritual endowment. (Mormon Doctrine, p. 167) President Stephen L. Richards, a counselor in the first presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, noted that:

The Word of Wisdom is spiritual. It is true that it prohibits the use of deleterious substances and makes provision for the health of the body. But the largest measure of good derived from its observance is in increased faith and the development of more spiritual power and wisdom. Likewise, the most regrettable and damaging effects of its infractions are spiritual. Injury to the body may be comparatively trivial to the damage to the soul in the destruction of faith and the retardation of spiritual growth. (Conference Report April 1949, p. 141)

Over the years we have observed an increase in problems resulting from the misuse of kava (awa, yaqona) for social clubbing or party drinking. There has been chronic absenteeism from classes and work, with decreased church activity and marital infidelity, thus causing students to drop out of school. We are especially grieved when men neglect their families causing undue stress and unhappiness in the homes. In light of all these concerns, kava clubbing or party drinking is now a violation of the university honor code.

This regulation should not be construed as anti-culture, for kava has its vital place in the ceremonies and culture of Polynesia. But there is not doubt in our mind, that there is a vast difference between the ceremonial drinking of kava (such as in greeting a high ranking chief, bestowing a chiefly title, etc.) and the party drinking of kava. We believe this action will bring us in harmony with the teaching and principle of the Gospel.

In a recent general conference address, Elder Boyd. K Packer gave us some direct admonition regarding the above issue. "Everything harmful is not specifically listed [in the Word of Wisdom]; arsenic, for instance is certainly bad, but not habit forming! 'He who must be commanded in all things,' the Lord said, 'is a slothful and not a wise servant.' (D&C 58:26) In some cultures, native drinks are claimed to be harmless because they are not specifically mentioned in the revelation. Yet they draw members, particularly men, from their families to parties which certainly offend the principle. Promises made in the revelation will be denied to the careless or the reckless." (Conference talk. April, 1996)

Abstain from alcoholic beverages

Any consumption of alcohol, in any form, is a breach of the Honor Code. The following are examples of serious noncompliant behavior related to alcohol use:

Being present where alcohol is being consumed by others
Personal consumption of alcohol socially or as a consequence of alcoholism
Furnishing alcohol to others
Having alcohol in one's apartment
Honor Code Office courses of action are influenced by the level of use or involvement, the extent to which the behavior is known by others, and the willingness of the students to change.

Abstain from Tea, Coffee, Kava and Tobacco

The Worldwide expectation is that Latter-day Saints do not smoke, drink, or use tea and coffee, so BYUH students, as representatives of the LDS Church, do not.
Personal interpretations which go beyond this mark are not part of this policy.

Substance Abuse

Board policy requires dismissal on the first offense of drug use, except when the only contact with a drug is limited and where the student confesses and initiates repentance before disciplinary action is begun. (APPENDIX 2: BYUH Drug-Free School Policy)

Abusing substances other than illicit drugs is likewise not permitted
at BYUH.

We want to avoid anything like a drug culture in our campus environment.

Consumption of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, tea, coffee kava and substance abuse and/or participation in activities where these products are being used are violations of the Honor Code. (University Drug-Free School Policy)

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