Balico, Vanessa Rica

Llames, Lena Janelle

Nicolas, Jeanette Melody

1. What is drugs?

A drug is any substance (with the exception of food and water) which, when taken into the body,
alters the body's function either physically and/or psychologically. Drugs may be legal (e.g.
alcohol, caffeine and tobacco) or illegal (e.g. cannabis, ecstasy, cocaine and heroin).

2. When is drugs harmful? What is drug abuse?

Drugs are becoming harmful a person takes it excessively. Drug is use to solve health problems
meaning a drug intake should be advisable but if a person takes it not in moderation an without
the proper prescript it turns to drug abuse.

3. Why do people turn to drug abuse?

To feel good. Drugs can produce intense feelings of pleasure. This initial euphoria is followed by
other effects, which differ with the type of drug used. For example, with stimulants such as
cocaine, the high is followed by feelings of power, self-confidence, and increased energy. In
contrast, the euphoria caused by opioids such as heroin is followed by feelings of relaxation and
satisfaction.

To feel better. Some people who suffer from social anxiety, stress, and depression start using
drugs to try to feel less anxious. Stress can play a major role in starting and continuing drug use
as well as relapse (return to drug use) in patients recovering from addiction.

Curiosity and social pressure. In this respect, teens are particularly at risk because peer pressure
can be very strong. Teens are more likely than adults to act in risky or daring ways to impress
their friends and show their independence from parents and social rules.

These are just some of the reasons why people turn to drug abuse. But whatever their reason for
starting, once addiction sets in, the disease usually spirals more and more out of their control.

4. What are the common effect of drug abuse?

The sad truth is that more deaths, illnesses, and disabilities are caused by substance abuse than
by any other preventable health condition. Prolonged drug dependence interferes with just
about every organ in the human body, and while different drugs have different damaging effects,
these are some of the common conditions substance abuse can cause: Damaged immune
system, which increases susceptibility to infection, Cardiovascular conditions, including heart
attacks and collapsed veins, Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, Liver overexertion or liver
failure, Seizures and strokes, Widespread brain damage that can interfere with memory,
attention, and decision-making, as well as permanent brain damage.

5. How can one tell when a person is abusing drugs?

·0 Difficulties at school, disinterest in school-related activities, and declining grades

·1 Poor work performance, being chronically late to work, appearing tired and disinterested
in work duties, and receiving poor performance reviews

·2 Changes in physical appearance, such as wearing inappropriate or dirty clothing and a

lack of interest in grooming

·3 Altered behavior, such as an increased desire for privacy

·4 Drastic changes in relationships

·5 A noticeable lack of energy when performing daily activities

·6 Spending more money than usual or requesting to borrow money

·7 Issues with financial management, such as not paying bills on time

·8 Changes in appetite, such as a decreased appetite and associated weight loss

·9 Bloodshot eyes, poor skin tone, and appearing tired or run down

·10 Defensiveness when asked about substance use

These are just some noticeable change to a persons' behaviour when on the influence of drug.

6. What can one do to prevent drug abuse?

a.) Effectively deal with peer pressure. The biggest reason teens start using drugs is because
their friends utilize peer pressure. No one likes to be left out, and teens (and yes, some adults,
too) find themselves doing things they normally wouldn’t do, just to fit in. In these cases, you
need to either find a better group of friends that won’t pressure you into doing harmful things,
or you need to find a good way to say no. Teens should prepare a good excuse or plan ahead of
time, to keep from giving into tempting situations.

b.) Deal with life pressure. People today are overworked and overwhelmed, and often feel like a
good break or a reward is deserved. But in the end, drugs only make life more stressful — and
many of us all too often fail to recognize this in the moment. To prevent using drugs as a reward,
find other ways to handle stress and unwind. Take up exercising, read a good book, volunteer
with the needy, create something. Anything positive and relaxing helps take the mind off using
drugs to relieve stress.
c.) Seek help for mental illness. Mental illness and substance abuse often go hand-in-hand.
Those with a mental illness may turn to drugs as a way to ease the pain. Those suffering from
some form of mental illness, such as anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder should
seek the help of a trained professional for treatment before it leads to substance abuse.

d.) Examine the risk factors. If you’re aware of the biological, environmental and physical risk
factors you possess, you’re more likely to overcome them. A history of substance abuse in the
family, living in a social setting that glorifies drug abuse and/or family life that models drug abuse
can be risk factors.

e. ) Keep a well-balanced life. People take up drugs when something in their life is not working,
or when they’re unhappy about their lives or where their lives are going. Look at life’s big
picture, and have priorities in order.

7. How would you contribute in the fight against the use of drugs in our society?

By engaging mydself to anti-drugs campaign and programs. I would glady volunteer to every
programs for I, my self can be a tool to help other people realize that drugs in excessive use are
harmful.