DRUGS – is a chemical substance used in the treatment, cure, prevention, or diagnosis of

disease or used otherwise enhancing physical or mental well-being.

MEDICATION – is medicine that is used to treat and cure illness.

THREE CATEGORIES OF DISPENSING MEDICATIONS

1. OVER-THE-COUNTER (OTC) – Which are available in pharmacies and supermarkets
without special restrictions.
2. BEHIND-THE-COUNTER (BTC) – Which are dispensed by a pharmacist without
needing a doctor’s prescription.
3. PRESCRIPTION ONLY MEDICINES – Which must be prescribed by a license medical
professionals, usually a physician.

ENTHEOGENS – drugs that are considered to have spiritual or religious used.

NOOTROPICS – also commonly referred to as “smart drugs”

- Are drugs that are claimed to improve human cognitive abilities.

RECREATIONAL DRUG USE – is the use of psychoactive substances to have fun, for the
experience, or to enhance an already positive experience.

DRUGS, BOTH MEDICINAL OR RECREATIONAL, CAN BE ADMINISTERED IN A

NUMBER OF WAYS:

1. Inhaled (breathed into the lungs)

2. Injected
3. Insufflation (snorted into the nose)
4. Orally
5. Rectally
6. Sublingually
7. Topically
8. Vaginally

DRUG ABUSE AND ADDICTION

DEFINITION OF TERMS

1. Addiction – a state of periodic or chronic intoxication produced by the repeated

consumption of the same brand of a drug.
2. Dependence – continuous or periodic use of drugs, which result from psychological or
physical need or both.
- It is also known as addiction due to the similarities of their action in the body
such as state of physical or psychological dependency on drugs.
3. Depressant – a chemical agent that diminishes the activity of the bodily functions.
4. Drug Abuse – the overuse of beneficial drugs and the misuse of potentially dangerous
drugs.
5. Habituation – a condition resulting from repeated consumption of a drug.
6. Hallucination – experiences of sensations with no external cause, usually arising from
disorder of the nervous system or from drug abuse.
7. Interaction – people react differently with the same drug, however, when two or more
drugs are in the body in the same time, the effects cannot be simply added.
8. Psychoactive – any drug that produces a change in a person’s mood, thoughts, emotion,
or behavior that would lead to either suicide or criminality.
 9. Tolerance – a physical condition in which the user necessitates an increase of dosage to
maintain a given action or effect of a drug.

REASONS WHY PEOPLE ABUSE DRUGS

1. To relax 10. To cope with stress
2. To escape reality 11. To expand the mind
3. To have fun 12. To hurt self or others
4. To be more alert 13. To be accepted socially
5. To imitate others 14. To express dissatisfaction
6. To impress others 15. To ease pressure from friends or peers
7. To forget problems 16. To believe in oneself
8. To satisfy curiosity 17. To show off ability
9. To relieve boredom

PATTERNS OF DRUG ABUSE

1. Experimental Users – the users are curious about the drugs’ effects rather than the drugs’
danger. They wanted to try just once, however, the infrequent
misuse of drug may often lead to recreational use.
2. Occasional Users – the users feel that they are more sociable and more acceptable to their
peers. They don’t realize that their occasional use may form into a habit.
3. Regular Users – they regularly use drugs to maintain the drugged feeling, after which
they become psychological dependents.
4. Dependent Users – users rely on drugs physically and psychologically resulting from
severely stressed mind and body.

COMMONLY ABUSED DRUGS

A. STIMULANTS
-These drugs increase functions of the central nervous system. When taken, the users
become more active, alert, and nervous.
-The users of stimulants may develop psychological dependence resulting from the
increased heart action and blood pressure.

Amphetamine – street names are peaches, uppers, bennies, and speed.

Cocaine – street names are snow, big, coke, nose candy.

B. DEPRESSANTS
This refers to the reduction of the action of the nerves, heart and skeletal muscles.

Barbiturates – street names are barbs, bluebirds, blue devils, reds, downers, goofballs,
and yellow jackets.
Tranquilizers – this drugs is known for its quieting effects.
- The trade names are Equanil, Miltown, Thorazine, Librium, and Valium.
Methaqualine – street names are ludes, quads, sopes, and 714’s.
- This drug is also known as Quaalude, Parest, Optimil, Somnafac, and spoor,
a trade name.
Marijuana – street names are Acapulco, gold, Ganga, grass, pot, weed, and Mary Jane.
- Cannabis sativa is the botanical name, but the universal name is marijuana.

C. HALLUCINOGENS
Referred also as psychedelics. This drugs produce hallucinations. The physical sense and
the feeling of time and space are altered.
 LSD – known as Lysergic Acid Diethylamide. Among the effects that may be
experienced as physical changes are increased heart rate or a rise in blood
pressure. The occurrence of chills, fever, trembling, loss of appetite, and
nausea can be experience.
PCP – is a synthetic drug with street names such as angel dust, crystal, peace pills,
superjoint, busy bee, green tea leaves, elephant tranquilizer, DOA (Death On
Arrival), and hog.
Peyote and Mescaline – street names are beans, buttons, cactus, mesc, mescal, and
moon.
Psilocybin and Psilocyn – this kind of drug is also known as sacred mushroom and
magic mushroom.
D. NARCOTICS
This drugs is also known as opiates, a product of opium poppy. The effects of these drugs
could depress the central nervous system and create a short-term sense of elation. Also,
can induce drowsiness or sleep, decrease physical activity and visual ability.

Opium – this drugs brings dreamy stupor and unconsciousness that lasts for several
hours.
Morphine – street names are cube, first line, hocus, Miss Emma, and mud. The name
was derived from saying “the arms of Morpheus”, the Greek God of dreams and
the namesake for drug morphine.
Codeine- is the least addicting drug among narcotics. Suffering from severe cough or
toothache, the physician will prescribe a drug containing codeine to quiet cough
reflex or depress pain.
Heroin – street names are big horse, junk, scag, and smack. The drug was derived from
morphine in 1874 to treat morphine addicts.
Methadone – was made by a chemist during World War II to cure addicts of heroin and
morphine. This drug is also to relieve pain and prevent the onset of withdrawal
symptoms.

COMMON SIGNS OF DRUG ABUSE

1. Poor physical appearance.

2. Wears shades or sunglasses during night time.
3. Performance in school or office is affected.
4. Work efficiency and punctuality have changed.
5. Changes in mood depending on drugs used.
6. Associations with drug users.
7. Stealing of items for cash.
8. Wears long sleeves shirts.

PREVENTION OF DRUG ABUSE

1. Use drugs only with physician’s prescription.
2. Consult professional for help when coping with personal problem is impossible.
3. Seek parent’s advise and not only with those from friends.
4. Select friends who are thinkers of their future.
5. Make a personal decision to maintain good health.
6. Learn to relate and reflect yourself without using drugs.
7. Build a strong foundation and faith in God.
8. Respect yourself and accept who you are and your family status in life.
9. Familiarize yourself with the Dangerous Drug Act of 2002.
5 MYTHS ABOUT DRUG ABUSE AND ADDICTION
Myth 1: Overcoming addiction is simply a matter of willpower. You can stop using drugs if you
really want to.
Myth 2: Addiction is a disease; there’s nothing you can do about it.
Myth 3: Addicts have to hit rock bottom before they can get better.
Myth 4: You can’t force someone into treatment; they have to want help.
Myth 5: Treatment didn’t work before, so there’s no point trying again.

COMMON SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DRUG ABUSE

1. You’re neglecting your responsibilities
2. You’re using drugs under dangerous conditions or taking risks while high
3. Your drug use is taking you into legal trouble
4. Your drug use is causing problems in your relationships
5. You’ve built up a drug tolerance
6. You take drugs to avoid or relieve withdrawal symptoms
7. You’ve lost control over your drug use
8. Your life revolves around drug use
9. You’ve abandoned activities you used to enjoy
10. You continue to use drugs, despite knowing it’s hurting you

PHYSICAL WARNING SIGNS OF DRUG ABUSE

1. Bloodshot eyes, pupils larger or smaller than usual.
2. Changes in appetite or sleep patterns. Sudden weight loss or weight gain.
3. Deterioration of physical appearance, personal grooming habits.
4. Unusual smells on breath, body, or clothing.
5. Tremors, slurred speech, or impaired coordination.

BEHAVIORAL SIGNS OF DRUG ABUSE

1. Drop in attendance and performance at work or school.
2. Unexplained need for money or financial problems. May borrow or steal to get it.
3. Engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviors.
4. Sudden change in friends, favorite hangouts, and hobbies.
5. Frequently getting into trouble (fights, accidents, illegal activities).

PSYCHOLOGICAL WARNING SIGNS OF DRUG ABUSE

1. Unexplained change in personality or attitude.
2. Sudden mood swings, irritability, or angry outbursts.
3. Periods of unusual hyperactivity, agitation, or giddiness.
4. Lack of motivation; appears lethargic or “spaced out”.
5. Appears fearful, anxious, or paranoid, with no reason.

WARNING SIGNS OF COMMONLY ABUSED DRUGS

A. MARIJUANA
Glassy, red eyes; loud talking, inappropriate laughter followed by sleepiness; loss of
interest, motivation; weight gain or loss.

B. DEPRESSANTS (INCLUDING XANAX, VALIUM, GHB)

Contracted pupils; drunk-like; difficulty concentrating; clumsiness; poor judgment;
slurred speech; sleepiness.
 C. STIMULANTS (INCLUDING AMPHETAMINES, COCAINE, CRYSTAL METH)
Dilated pupils; hyperactivity; euphoria; irritability; anxiety; excessive talking followed by
depression or excessive sleeping at odd times; may go long periods of time without eating
or sleeping; weight loss; dry mouth and nose.

D. INHALANTS (GLUES, AEROSOLS, VAPORS)

Watery eyes; impaired vision, memory and thought; secretions from the nose or rashes
around the nose and mouth; headaches and nausea; appearance of intoxication;
drowsiness; poor muscle control; changes in appetite; anxiety; irritability; lots of
cans/aerosols in the trash.

E. HALLUCINOGENS (LSD, PCP)

Dilated pupils; bizarre and irrational behavior including paranoia, aggression,
hallucinations; mood swings; detachment from people; absorption with self or other
objects, slurred speech; confusion.

F. HEROIN
Contracted pupils; no response of pupils to light; needle marks; sleeping at unusual times;
sweating; vomiting; coughing, sniffling; twitching; loss of appetite.

WARNING SIGNS OF TEEN DRUG ABUSE

1. Having bloodshot eyes or dilated pupils; using eye drops to try to mask these signs.
2. Skipping class; declining grades; suddenly getting into trouble at school.
3. Missing money, valuables, or prescriptions.
4. Acting uncharacteristically isolated, withdrawn, angry, or depressed.
5. Dropping one group of friends for another; being secretive about the new peer group.
6. Loss of interest in old hobbies; lying about new interests and activities.
7. Demanding more privacy; locking doors; avoiding eye contact; sneaking around.

SUPPORT IS ESSENTIAL TO ADDICTION RECOVERY

Don’t try to go it alone; it’s all too easy to get discouraged and rationalize “just one
more” hit or pill. Whether you choose to go to rehab, rely on self-help programs, get therapy, or
take a self-directed treatment approach, support is essential. Recovering from drug addiction is
much easier when you have people you can lean on for encouragement, comfort, and guidance.

Support can come from:

1. Family members
2. Close friends
3. Therapists or counselors
4. Other recovering addicts
5. Healthcare providers
6. People from your faith community

WHEN A LOVED ONE HAS A DRUG PROBLEM

If you suspect that a friend or family members has a drug problem, here are a few things you can
do:
1. Speak up
2. Take care of yourself
3. Avoid self-blame

BUT DON’T
 Attempt to punish, threaten, bribe, or preach.
  Try to be martyr. Avoid emotional appeals that may only increase feelings of guilt and
the compulsion to use drugs.
 Cover up or make excuses for the drug abuser, or shield them from the negative
consequences of their behavior.
 Take over responsibilities, leaving them with no sense of importance or dignity
 Hide or throw out drugs.
 Argue with the person when they are high.
 Take drugs with the drug abuser.
 Feel guilty or responsible for another’s behavior.

WHEN YOUR TEEN HAS A DRUG PROBLEM

Discovering your child uses drugs can generate fear, confusion, and anger in parents. It’s
important to remain calm when confronting your teen, and only do so when everyone is sober.
Explain your concerns and make it clear that your concern comes from a place of love. It’s
important that your teen feels you are supportive.

Five steps Parent can take:

 Lay down rules and consequences.

 Monitor your teen’s activity.
 Encourage other interests and social activities.
 Talk to your child about underlying issues.
 Get Help.