Why Majority of Drug Users In The Philippines Are Teenagers.

Numerous incidents have been reported in local and international television and social
media about drug users and dealers who are caught in the acts, especially in those
squatters area or what they call “drug dens”. Not only those people who live in this
populated area are being reported to the authorities but believe it or not powerful
persons like government officials also indulge their selves in using prohibited drugs.

Most of the drug users in the Philippines are young people. Illegal drugs that are present
include Methamphetamine or the local name is shabu, marijuana, inhalants (rugby),
solvent, cocaine, diazepam, ecstasy and nubain. While there are no accurate statistics
available, it is estimated by Dangerous Drugs Board as many as 3.7 millions in the
Philippines are dealing with drug addiction just a year 2016, 65 percent of it -is young
people. So what is the reason why this young people in the Philippines are attracted to
use these illegal drugs? Maybe you will agree with this points I’ve listed. I’ll focus my
discussion on young people who use prohibited drugs.
First, enjoyment.
Despite all the concerns about illegal drug use and the attendant lifestyle by young
people, it is probably still the case that the lives of most young people are centered on
school, home and employment and that most drug use is restricted to the use of tobacco
and alcohol. They may adopt the behavior, fashion and dialect of a particular subculture
including the occasional or experimental use of illegal drugs without necessarily
adopting the lifestyle. Even so, the evidence of drug use within youth culture suggests
that the experience of substances is often pleasure rather than negative and damaging.
People who use drugs may like the feelings of excitement, confidence and connection
with others which some drugs can elicit. Drugs may also help relieve feelings of
boredom. So possibly the main reason why young people take drugs is that they enjoy
them.
Second, environment.
Many young people live in communities which suffer from poverty, with high
unemployment, low quality housing and where the surrounding infrastructure of local
services is fractured and poorly resourced. In such communities drug supply and use
often thrive as an alternative economy often controlled by powerful criminal groups. As
well as use that might be associated with the stress and boredom of living in such
communities, young people with poor job prospects recognize the financial advantages
and the status achievable through the business of small scale supply of drugs.
Third, curiosity.
Most young people are naturally curious and want to experiment with different
experiences. For some, drugs are a good conversation point, they are interesting to talk
about and fascinate everyone. Teenagers and adults can succumb to peer pressure. The
pressure of being around others who are abusing drugs or alcohol can make anyone
follow suit and do things that they never thought they would.
Lastly, personal problems.
Some young people will use drugs specifically to ease trauma and pain of bad
relationships and then physical and emotional abuse arising from unhappy home lives.
Such young people will often come to the attention of the school. If these problems can
addressed, then if drugs are involved they can become less of a problem.

So how can we prevent this widespread use of drugs and drug addiction? For me, it is
within ourselves, and that is DISCIPLINE. It’s hard for me to know that the lives of my
fellow young people are being devastated just because of these prohibited drugs. If I
have the opportunity to renew their lives, I would help them by conducting seminars
about drug addiction. I will encourage them to join some recreational activities to reverse
their attention on drugs. I will promote the importance of Education and FAMILY. Lastly,
encourage them to practice the healthier living habits.

https://blog.politicsmeanspolitics.com/why-majority-of-drug-users-in-philippines-is-
youth-57f323707e2d

Why do adolescents take drugs?

Adolescents experiment with drugs or continue taking them for several reasons,
including:
To fit in: Many teens use drugs “because others are doing it”—or they think
others are doing it—and they fear not being accepted in a social circle that
includes drug-using peers.
To feel good: Abused drugs interact with the neurochemistry of the brain to
produce feelings of pleasure. The intensity of this euphoria differs by the type of
drug and how it is used.
To feel better: Some adolescents suffer from depression, social anxiety, stress-
related disorders, and physical pain. Using drugs may be an attempt to lessen
these feelings of distress. Stress especially plays a significant role in starting and
continuing drug use as well as returning to drug use (relapsing) for those
recovering from an addiction.
To do better: Ours is a very competitive society, in which the pressure to perform
athletically and academically can be intense. Some adolescents may turn to
certain drugs like illegal or prescription stimulants because they think those
substances will enhance or improve their performance.
To experiment: Adolescents are often motivated to seek new experiences,
particularly those they perceive as thrilling or daring.
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/principles-adolescent-substance-use-
disorder-treatment-research-based-guide/frequently-asked-questions/why-do-
adolescents-take-drugs
Why Substance Abuse is Detrimental to the Brain
The teenage years are vital to healthy cognitive function as an adult, so it is
important to maintain a strict level of healthy behavior during these years. Drug
abuse can impact the brain’s ability to function in the short-term as well as
prevent proper growth and development for later in life.
Substance abuse affects teen brain development by:
Interfering with neurotransmitters and damaging connections within the brain
Reducing the ability to experience pleasure
Creating problems with memory
Causing missed opportunities during a period of heightened learning potential
Ingraining expectations of unhealthy habits into brain circuitry
Inhibiting development of perceptual abilities

Social and Professional Risks of Teen Substance Abuse

In addition to the physical risks of teen drinking and drug abuse, there are many
other consequences that could haunt teens well into adulthood. Because
substance abuse can muddy reasoning and encourage rash decisions, there are
many side effects of substance abuse that go far beyond the biological and
physiological aspects.
Some of these include:
-Criminal records that cannot be expunged -Car accidents
-Assaults -Sexually transmitted diseases
-Unplanned pregnancies -Wasted academic opportunities
-Late start in chosen career path
-Damaged relationships with friends and family
https://www.addictioncenter.com/teenage-drug-abuse/health-effects-teen-
substance-abuse/