Republic of the Philippines

SOUTHERN LEYTE STATE UNIVERSITY- TOMAS OPPUS

San Isidro, Tomas Oppus, Southern Leyte

Maj-PEd 200:

Drug
Education,
Consumer
Health and
Nutrition

Course Description:
The course covers the different contents of Drug Education, Consumer
Health and Nutrition. It deals with the understanding of health-related issues and
concerns about Drug Education, Consumer Health and Nutrition. Practical
activities concerning drugs, consumerism and nutrition are required in the
course.

By:

CRISELYN S. SESCON, Ed.D.

2021

1
 Program Outcomes

1. P.O. 1- Disciplinal Knowledge:

*Apply scientific and evidence-based practices critical to the educational and
learning processes.

2. P.0. 2-Movement and Competency and Proficiency:

*Demonstrate skilful performance in a variety of physical activities.

*Adapt performance to variety of physical activity settings

3. P. O. 5-Communication:
*Communicate effectively with PE practitioners, other professionals and
stakeholders.
*Use oral, written, and technology formats deftly.

2
 Unit 1: Drug Education

Intended Learning Outcomes:

At the end of Unit 1, the students should be able to:
a. distinguish drug use, drug misuse and drug abuse by providing situations;
b. explain how drugs affect ones’ body, behavior, family and future thru a concept map; and
c. Create and submit a portfolio that shows the cause and effect of drug abuse.

Introduction:
This lesson gives information about drugs, its type and classifications. Further, it will
tackle the factors that increases the risks of addiction and its lifetime effect to the vital organs of
the body, to their relationship with their family and community.

What do you know about drugs?

Let us study!

What is a Drug?
A drug is a chemical that affect the body and brain. Different drugs can have different
effects. Some effects of drugs include health consequences that are long-lasting and permanent.
They can even continue after a person has stopped taking the substance.

Types of Drugs
1. Over-the-counter drugs- these are drugs which do not need prescription from the doctor
in buying.
2. Prescribed drugs- these are restricted drugs that can only be bought when prescribed by
a physician. These are controlled substances for they can be abused and are dangerous
when not properly used.
There are a few ways a person can take drugs, including injection, inhalation and
ingestion. The effects of the drug on the body can depend on how the drug is delivered. For

3
example, the injection of drugs directly into the bloodstream has an immediate impact, while
ingestion has a delayed effect. Drugs vary in forms. Such are capsules, tablet, liquid and powder.
Today, millions of people suffer from an illicit drug disorder, and one in four deaths results from
illicit drug use. In fact, more deaths, illnesses and disabilities are associated with drug abuse
than any other preventable health condition. People suffering from drug and alcohol addiction
also have a higher risk of unintentional injuries, accidents and domestic violence incidents.

Commonly Used and Abused Drugs

1. Marijuana from Cannabis plants
2. Inhaled chemicals
- Gasoline
- Rugby
- Paint thinner
- Nail polish
- Glue
3. Synthetic drugs such as heroin, ecstasy and LSD
4. Cocaine from Coca
5. Caffeine in coffee
6. Alcohol in wines

What do all these substances have in common? All of them have the ability to bring
about a change and if taken under doctor’s advice can help combat stress in a specific situation.
However, if a person uses a medicine prescribed by a friend or relative, following their own
prescription, that is misuse. And if an individual continue to misuse the drugs, the use becomes
abuse.

4
The Street Names of Common Drugs

There is a wide world of street names for drugs, and they’re constantly changing. For
parents, it’s important to recognize the alternative terms that people use to refer common drugs.
Even if you don’t have kids, you should be aware of the dangers that are present with illegal
drugs and what they’re sold as. Snow. Crank. Acid. Buttons. These words seem normal enough,
but they actually refer to cocaine, crystal meth, LSD and psychedelic mushrooms, respectively.

Substance Use, Misuse, and Abuse: What are the Differences?

A “substance” is anything that can alter a person’s mood or cognition. Substances can range from
caffeine and alcohol to cocaine and heroin. While many people want to differentiate between the
concepts of use and abuse, the line can become blurred easily. Many people mistakenly believe they are
using a substance responsibly when in actuality, they are putting themselves and their loved ones in
harm’s way.

What is Drug Use?

Drug use is the proper use of drugs. This refers to the usage of drugs based on the right amount
and at the right time or as prescribed by the medical doctors.
Many people only claim to use certain substances recreationally. For instance, alcohol, it is
commonly enjoyed socially. In other places, the use of marijuana is for medicinal purposes while others
considered it as for recreational use. However, it does not take much for people to begin experiencing
negative health effects from these substances. While many citizens believe marijuana use is safe, the
truth of the matter is that roughly one out of every seven users develops dependency, this is according to
a data from the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
The most commonly used drug in the United States is actually caffeine. A cup of coffee in the
morning may be fine, but people who consume excessively may experience mood problems and face an

5
increased risk of heart disease. People can become addicted to caffeine and sugar in a similar fashion to
other substances, and abuse can result in similar negative health effects.

What is Drug Misuse?

There’s also another common term called “drug misuse” that is often mentioned when talking
about substance use or abuse. Drug misuse refers to the use of a substance for a purpose that is not
consistent with legal or medical guidelines, most often with prescription medications. This could mean
taking more than what is prescribed, or taking a medication that was not prescribed to you. Self-
medication can lead to drug misuse because most likely, you are following the dosage as prescribed by
your friends or a family member.

What is Drug Abuse?

Drug abuse is the repeated misuse of drugs or substances. Numerous professionals believe the
difference between substance use and abuse blurs when chronic use begins impairing specific aspects of
life. If regular use results in one of the following, then an individual likely may have a substance abuse
problem.

 Health complications as a result of substance abuse

 Inability to carry out daily responsibilities
 Physical dependence
 Withdrawal symptoms if usage stops
 “Cravings” for drug or alcohol

According to Dr. Ananya Mandal, Drug abuse or substance abuse refers to the use of
certain chemicals for the purpose of creating pleasurable effects on the brain. There are millions
of drug users around the world and the problem has been increasing at alarming rates,
especially among young adults under the age of 30. Apart from the long term damage to the
body drug abuse causes, drug addicts who use needles are also at risk of contracting HIV and
hepatitis B and C infections.

What is Drug Addiction?

Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by
compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences. It is considered a brain disease
because drugs change the brain - they change its structure and how it works. These brain
changes can be long lasting, and can lead to the harmful behaviors seen in people who abuse
drugs.

6
Factors that Increase the Risk of Addiction
1. Biological factors increase the risk of addiction
Scientists estimate that genetic factors account for between 40 and 60 percent of a
person's vulnerability to addiction, including the effects of environment on gene expression and
function. Adolescents and individuals with mental disorders are at greater risk of drug
abuse and addiction than the general population.

2. Environmental factors that increase the risk of addiction

Home and Family. The influence of the home environment is usually most important in
childhood. Parents or older family members who abuse alcohol or drugs, or who engage in
criminal behavior, can increase children's risks of developing their own drug problems. Peer
and School. Friends and acquaintances have the greatest influence during adolescence. Drug-
abusing peers can sway even those without risk factors to try drugs for the first time. Academic
failure or poor social skills can put a child further at risk for drug abuse.

3. Other factors that increase the risk of addiction

Early Use. Although taking drugs at any age can lead to addiction, research shows that
the earlier a person begins to use drugs the more likely they are to progress to more serious
abuse. This may reflect the harmful effect that drugs can have on the developing brain; it also
may result from a constellation of early biological and social vulnerability factors, including
genetic susceptibility, mental illness, unstable family relationships, and exposure to physical or
sexual abuse. Still, the fact remains that early use is a strong indicator of problems ahead, among
them, substance abuse and addiction.

Method of Administration. Smoking a drug or injecting it into a vein increases its

addictive potential. Both smoked and injected drugs enter the brain within seconds, producing a
powerful rush of pleasure. However, this intense "high" can fade within a few minutes, taking
the abuser down to lower, more normal levels. It is a starkly felt contrast, and scientists believe
that this low feeling drives individuals to repeated drug abuse in an attempt to recapture the
high pleasurable state.

How are Drugs Classified?

1. Depressants: These cause depression of the brain's faculties and examples include
sleeping pills (barbiturates) and heroin.

7
 2. Stimulants: These cause stimulation of the brain, giving rise to alertness and increased
bursts of activity. A rapid heart rate, dilated pupils, raised blood pressure, nausea or
vomiting and behavioral changes such as agitation, and impaired judgment may also
result. In severe cases, there may be delusional psychosis which can occur with the use
of cocaine and amphetamines.
3. Hallucinogens: These cause hallucinations and an "out of this world" feeling of
dissociation from oneself. Hallucinogens may cause distorted sensory perception,
delusion, paranoia and even depression. Examples includes ecstasy, mescaline and LSD.

What are the Effects of Drug Abuse on Health?

Substance use disorders are associated with a wide range of short- and long-term health
effects. They can vary depending on the type of drug, how much and how often it’s taken and the
person’s general health. Overall, the effects of drug abuse and dependence can be far-reaching.
They can impact almost every organ in the human body.

Side effects of drug addiction may include:

1. A weakened immune system, increasing the risk of illness and infection
2. Heart conditions ranging from abnormal heart rates to heart attacks and collapsed veins
and blood vessel infections from injected drugs
3. Nausea and abdominal pain, which can also lead to changes in appetite and weight loss
4. Increased strain on the liver, which puts the person at risk of significant liver damage or
liver failure
5. Seizures, stroke, mental confusion and brain damage
6. Lung disease
7. Problems with memory, attention and decision-making, which make daily living more
difficult
8. Global effects of drugs on the body, such as breast development in men and increases in
body temperature, which can lead to other health problems
9. The most severe health consequences of drug abuse is death.

Effects of Drug Addiction on the Brain

All drugs–nicotine, cocaine, marijuana and others–affect the brain’s “reward” circuit,
which is part of the limbic system. This area of the brain affects instinct and mood. Drugs target
this system, which causes large amounts of dopamine—a brain chemical that helps regulate
emotions and feelings of pleasure—to flood the brain. This flood of dopamine is what causes a
“high.” It’s one of the main causes of drug addiction.

8
 Although initial drug use may be voluntary, drugs can alter brain chemistry. This can
actually change how the brain performs and interfere with a person’s ability to make choices. It
can lead to intense cravings and compulsive drug use. Over time, this behavior can turn into a
substance dependency or drug and alcohol addiction.

Drug Effects on Behavior

Substance use disorders can lead to multiple behavioral problems, both in the short- and long-
term, which can include:
1. Paranoia
2. Aggressiveness
3. Hallucinations
4. Addiction
5. Impaired Judgment
6. Impulsiveness
7. Loss Of Self-Control

These effects of drug abuse have serious consequences, such as-

1. You missed work
2. You can be punished with sever offenses
3. You may meet accidents that may cause injuries or even death
4. You may commit a crime
5. You can break families apart
6. You can ruin personal relationships
7. You will find it difficult to keep a job

Anti-drug Law Enforcement Agency

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) is the lead anti-drug law enforcement
agency, responsible for preventing, investigating and combating any dangerous drugs,
controlled precursors and essential chemicals within the Philippines. This agency is tasked with
the enforcement of the penal and regulatory provisions of Republic Act No. 9165 (R.A. 9165),
otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The narcotics bureau is generally considered the center of the police response to drug
trafficking and use. That operational unit aims directly at the source of the problem and mounts
the most sophisticated investigations against drug traffickers. It also accumulates the greatest
substantive knowledge about drugs in general and in the local community.

9
Assessment: Learning Task

Let’s try this!

Learning Task No. 1: Short Quiz

Discuss briefly but substantively.

1. Compare and contrast drug use, misuse and abuse by giving a scenario or situation.

2. Explain how drugs affect ones’ behavior, family and future.

10
Learning Task No. 2: Essay Writing
What is your view on this? Choose only 1 topic from the choices below and discuss your
personal perspective. (20 points each).
Your outputs will be rated based on the content, organization of thoughts and clarity of concepts.

 Teenage Drug Addiction and Social Influence

 To What Extent Does Drug Addiction Affects One’s Life?
 Drug Addiction: Is it a Brain Disease?
 Drug Use: At its highest level.
TOPIC : ________________________________________________________________

11
 Electronic Resources:

Gateway Foundation, 2020. Effects of Drug Abuse and Addiction. Retrieved from:
https://www.gatewayfoundation.org/faqs/effects-of-drug-abuse/

Gonzales, M. 2020. What Are Gateway Drugs? Information and Prevention. Retrieved from:
https://www.drugrehab.com/guides/gateway-drugs/

Hays, JT. 2020. What is third-hand smoke? Retrieved from:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/third-hand-
smoke/faq-20057791

12
 Unit 2: Gateway Drugs

Intended Learning Outcomes:

At the end of Unit 2, the students should be able to:

1. Identify and discuss addictive substances that are found in gateway drugs;
2. Submit a reflection paper on the impact of smoking and excessive alcohol drinking to the body,
family and community;
3. Discuss strategies in the prevention of cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking; and
4. Suggest healthful alternatives to cigarettes and alcohol to promote healthy lifestyle.

Introduction:
This module introduces gateway drugs that are commonly used anywhere. The
addictive substances found in these particular drugs are tackled and strategies to prevent from
addiction are also discussed.

Let us study!

What Are Gateway Drugs? Information and Prevention

A gateway drug is a habit-forming drug that can lead to the use of other, more addictive
drugs. These are inexpensive and readily available. People who use gateway drugs are
encourage to use and experiment other dangerous drugs.

What Are the Common Gateway Drugs?

Alcohol and cigarette smoking are the commonly talked about as gateway drugs.

What is alcohol?
Alcohol is an intoxicating substance produced by fermentation of grains and fruits. It is a
central nervous system depressant that affects the function of the brain and motor skills if done

13
excessively. Alcohol is one of the most prevalently consumed substances in the world. It is used
by millions of people despite the fact that it can have a pervasive impact on health.

According to Health Promotion Agency(2020), Alcohol is the ingredient found in beer,

wine and spirits that causes drunkenness. It is formed through fermenting the sugars in
different food. For example, wine is made from the sugar in grapes, beer from the sugar in
malted barley (a type of grain), cider from the sugar in apples, vodka from the sugar in potatoes,
beets or other plants.

How does alcohol affect the person who is drinking beyond his/her capacity?
Alcohol is classified as sedative drug since it can slow down the central nervous system.
It slows down the body functions such as movement. It causes the person to stagger while
walking and the speech becomes slurred while talking. Thinking ability is likewise affected. If
alcohol is taken in low dosage, it can act as stimulant in fact there are people who becomes
talkative and experience euphoria. However, when one drinks too much alcohol, it leads to
drowsiness so most likely, the person can sleep without knowing where he/she is. There are
multiple studies reveal that drinking at a young age leads to a long-term effect in the body later
in life.

Why do some people drink alcohol?

Mostly, people especially teenagers, drink out of curiosity. Others are pressured by
their friends, they want to socialize with others to feel that they belong, while some young
adults tend to model after their parent. There are also professionals who drink to feel relax
and feel good especially when they are stressed. For them, drinking certain amount of alcohol
can relieve stress and tensions.

14
How alcohol does affects the body?
Many people do not realize how alcohol affects their physical and mental health until
they become hooked on it and too late get rid of it. Alcohol affects the vital organ in the body.
The long-term effects of alcohol would result to the brain, heart, liver and pancreas damage.
How alcohol affects the body depends on the amount consumed, age, weight and
gender(Mountain View Hospital, 2015).

Effects of Alcohol to the Organs of the body

Liver

The liver is responsible for metabolizing alcohol with enzymes called dehydrogenases. As these
enzymes break down alchohol, acetaldehyde, a toxic agent is released into the blood stream.
Though the body excretes acetaldehyde through urine, sweat or even in a stool but it remains in
the body even when you stopped drinking and that contributes to a hangover.

15
Stomach
Alcohol is absorbed in the bloodstream through the lining of the stomach however, it depends
on the amount of alcohol and amount of food eaten on that day.

Brain
Consuming alcohol slows down the brain processing that’s why a couple of drinks can make a
person feel weak and drowsy but if drinking excessively can cause suppression of the nervous
system which could possibly lead to unconsciousness or even coma.

Heart
Excessive drink of alcohol can also lead to high blood pressure knwon as cardiomyopathy or
disease of a heart muscle. This also increase the risk of a stroke.

Esophagus
Alcohol consumption can also weaken esophageal sphincter. This is the muscle that divides the
esophagus and the stomach. If done excessively, this can cause Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
or GERD.

Pancreas
The pancreas is responsible for producing insulin and digestive enzymes. It can be damaged by
excessive use of alcohol.

Reproductive Organ
Another study shows that alcohol can also have dramatic effects on an individual’s reproductive
system. Men who drink excessively often experience problems with erectile dysfunction, a
condition that results in difficulty achieving and/or maintaining an erection. (Emanuele, 2021).

Impact of drinking alcohol to the family

Alcohol abuse has the potential to destroy families. Research shows that families
affected by alcoholism are more likely to have low levels of emotional bonding, expressiveness
and independence. Couples that include at least one alcoholic have more negative interactions
than couples that aren’t affected by alcoholism.
Addiction is an expensive disease. Depending on the type of alcohol a person drinks
and how much they drink, a person addicted to alcohol may spend hundreds to thousands on

16
alcohol each month. That can be a major drain on a family budget which may result to a major
family problem especially if such addiction ends by losing a job, accident or even death.

On Community
The damaging effects are also felt in the community where the person belongs. This can
be seen in the increased vehicular accidents, high rates of violent crimes, decreased labor
productivity and increases medical expenses.

How to prevent and control alcohol drinking and smoking?

1. Be firmed in saying NO.
2. Be consistent in saying NO.
3. Give valid reasons for refusing.
4. Avoid situations where you can be pressured
5. Avoid people who always makes a wrong decision, pessimistic and desperate.

Healthy alternatives to cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking.

1. Participate actively in sports, Zumba, and other physical activities.
2. Involve and actively participate cycling/ biking activity.
3. Join clubs, civic and religious organizations in school or in the community.
4. Develop a wholesome and enjoyable hobby like cooking, baking, planting or painting.

Cigarettes
A cigarette is a narrow cylinder containing psychoactive material, typically tobacco that
is rolled into thin paper for smoking. Most cigarettes contain a "reconstituted tobacco" product
known as "sheet", which consists of "recycled [tobacco] stems, stalks, scraps, collected dust, and
floor sweepings", to which are added glue, chemicals and fillers; the product is then sprayed
with nicotine that was extracted from the tobacco scraps, and shaped into curls.
The cigarette is ignited at one end, causing it to smolder; the resulting smoke is orally
inhaled via the opposite end. Most modern cigarettes are filtered, although this does not make
them safer. Cigarettes are addictive because of nicotine and can eventually cause cancer, chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease, and other health problems.

17
Why do some people smoke?
Just like drinking alcohol, most people especially teenagers, smoke out of curiosity.
Others are pressured by their friends, they want to socialize with others to feel that they
belong, while some young adults tend to model after their parent. There are also professionals
who smoke to feel relax and feel good especially when they are stressed. For them, smoking
can relieve stress and tensions. However, some people experience a heightened sense of well-
being from smoking and use it to self-medicate for illnesses that cause tension and pain.

18
Negative impact of smoking cigars to one’s health

Cigarette smoking affects every part of the body both inside and outside. The harmful
chemicals found in cigarette smoke are nicotine, tar, carcinogens and carbon monoxide.
These can gradually damage every organ of the body if smoking started in early years. Some of
these effects may happen immediately and others may take longer time to occur.

Dangers of mainstream smoke, second -hand smoke and third -hand smoke

1. Mainstream smoke is the inhaled and exhaled smoke created while taking a puff on a
lit cigarette. It is the smoke that is inhaled directly into the smoker's lungs.
2. Second-hand smoke is smoke from burning tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars,
or pipes. It is a smoke that has been exhaled, or breathed out, by the person smoking.
There is no risk-free level of secondhand smoke exposure; even brief exposure can be
harmful to health. It is even more harmful because the smoke is not filtered and it goes
directly to the lungs of the person who have inhaled it.
3. Third-hand Smoke means the chemical residual of tobacco smoke contamination that
clings to clothes, furniture, drapes, walls, bedding, carpets, dust, vehicles and other
surfaces long after smoking has stopped. The residue from third-hand smoke builds up
on surfaces over time. To remove the residue, hard surfaces, fabrics and upholstery need
to be regularly cleaned or laundered. Third-hand smoke can't be eliminated by airing
out rooms, opening windows, using fans or air conditioners, or confining smoking to
only certain areas of a home.

19
 Children and nonsmoking adults might be at risk of tobacco-related health
problems when they inhale, swallow or touch substances containing third-hand smoke.
Infants and young children are in danger too due to their tendency to mouth objects and
touch affected surfaces.
Third-hand smoke is a relatively new concept, and researchers are still studying
its possible dangers. In the meantime, the only way to protect nonsmokers from third-
hand smoke is to create a smoke-free environment.

Effects of Cigarette Smoking to the Human Body

No matter how you smoke it, tobacco is dangerous to your health. There are no safe
substances in any tobacco products, from acetone and tar to nicotine and carbon monoxide. The
substances you inhale don’t just affect your lungs. They can affect your entire body. Smoking can
lead to a variety of ongoing complications in the body, as well as long-term effects on your body
systems. While smoking can increase your risk of a variety of problems over several years, some
of the bodily effects are immediate.
The illustration below shows how the body is affected after a long- term use of cigarette.
It means there is no safe way to smoke. Whether you replace it with cigar or a pipe, it won’t help
you avoid the health risks. Indeed, it is incredibly harmful to your health.

Impact of smoking to the family and environment

To the family, although they are not smoking but since they are expose to the smoke
exhaled by the smoker, they are subject to the same health dangers by letting them inhale the
second-hand smoke or by exposing them to third-hand smoke.

To the environment, smoking has destructive effects. It includes air pollution, littering
caused by cigarettes butts, fires caused by discarded lighted cigarettes

20
Assessment: Learning Task

Let’s try this!

Discuss the following thoroughly.

1. Through a concept map, discuss the impact of excessive smoking to the vital organs of the
body. You can use another sheet for your answer.

2. Considering the negative health impact of smoking and drinking alcohol to our body, how
would you convince your family member or friends who have been hooked to smoking and
drinking to adopt healthy alternatives in order to promote healthy lifestyle? What
interventions you can suggest? List down your suggested interventions in a table indicating
on the 2nd column the advantages or impact of the activity. You can use another sheet for
this activity.

21
 Electronic Resources:

Addiction Hope. 2020. Why Are There Different Drug Names On The Street? Retrieved from:
https://www.addictionhope.com/blog/why-different-drug-names-on-street/

Center for Addiction Recovery. 2020. What is Drug Addiction? Retrieved from:
https://www.centerforaddictionrecovery.com/drug-rehab/drug-abuse-and-addiction-
introduction

Elkins, C. 2020. Effects of Alcoholism on Families: Retrieved from:

https://www.drugrehab.com/addiction/alcohol/effects-of-alcoholism-on-families/

Emanuelle, MA & N.(2021). Effects of Alcohol to the Body. Retrieved from:

https://americanaddictioncenters.org/alcoholism-treatment/body-effects

Health Promotion Agency, 2020. What is Alcohol? Retrieved from:

https://www.alcohol.org.nz/alcohol-its-effects/about-alcohol/what-is-alcohol

Mandal, A. 2020. What is Drug Abuse? Retrieved from: https://www.news-

medical.net/health/What-is-Drug-Abuse.aspx

By: Mountain View Hospital, 2015. Retrieved from:

https://mountainview-hospital.com/about/newsroom/alcohol-s-impact-on-your-organs

Pietrangelo, A.,Cherney, K. 2017. The Effects of Smoking to the Body. Retrieved from:
https://www.healthline.com/health/smoking/effects-on-body#1

Pyramid Health Care. 2018. Substance Use, Misuse, and Abuse: What are the Differences?
Retrieved from: https://www.pyramidhealthcarepa.com/substance-use-misuse-and-abuse/

22