Module 2 - Drug Education

Lesson 7 - Drug Education

Learning Objectives

At the end of the lesson, students are expected to:

1. be familiar of the terms: drug education, drug abuse, drug dependence, drug user,
etc.
2. give the classifications of drug and their effects.
3. enumerate the roles of schools, community and parents in preventing drug abuse.
4. participate in the government campaign against prohibited drugs.

Learning Content
Legal Bases for Drug Education

Republic Act (R.A.) 9165 is an act instituting the Comprehensive Dangerous

Drug Act of 2002, repealing RA No. 6425 known as the Dangerous Drug Act of 1972.
This Act serves as guide in the implementation of dangerous drug prevention and control
in the country. It guides in the right approach towards issues geared against drug
activities. RA 9165, Article IV mandates the following:

1. Provide continuing in service training for teachers on the effective utilization and
support to instructional materials and on teaching strategies on drug education
2. Continuously monitor and evaluate the effectiveness and overall impact of drug
education
3. Secure funds from local and foreign donors for the implementation of drug
education programs.

Drug Education

The number of drugs used today is vast and is steadily increasing as new drugs
are developed and new uses are found for old drugs, several drugs still used by the doctor
such as the active principle in aspirin, have been used clinically for many hundreds of
years.

Drug - It is a substance that affects the function of living cells, used in medicine to
diagnose, cure, prevent the occurrence of diseases and disorders and prolong the life of
patients with incurable conditions.

Since 1990, the availability of new and more effective drugs such as antibiotics,
which fight bacterial infections and vaccines, which prevent diseases caused by bacteria
and viruses, has increased the average of Filipino’s life span from about 60 years to about
75 years. Drugs have vastly improved the quality of life. Today, drugs have contributed
to the eradication of once widespread and sometimes fatal diseases such as poliomyelitis
and smallpox.

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Module 2 - Drug Education

Drug abuse is the overuse of a drug without due regard to accepted medical
practice resulting in the individual’s physical, mental, emotional or behavioral
impairment.

Drug dependence is a compulsive behavior brought about by drug abuse. In

1987, the American Medical Association declared all drug dependencies to be diseases.
When chemical dependencies are viewed as diseases, their treatment and understanding
are facilitated. Such a view also reduces the guilt and blame traditionally associated with
chemical dependency

Drug user is another term for “drug addict” which refers to an individual who is
dependent on a certain drug or drugs. Smith et al. (1986) define addiction as a
pathological process involving a compulsion to use a psychoactive drug, loss of control
over use of the drug and continued use of the drug despite adverse consequences.

Common signs of drug abuse

1. Change in attendance at work or school

2. Change from normal capabilities (work habits, efficiency, etc.)
3. Poor physical appearance, including in attention to dress and personal hygiene
4. Constant wearing of sunglasses at inappropriate times (for instance, indoors or
at night not only to hide dilute or constricted pupils but also to compensate the
eyes’ inability to adjust to sunlight). Marijuana causes bloodshot eyes
5. Unusual effort made to cover arms in order to hide needle marks
6. Association with known drug abusers
7. Stealing items that can be readily sold for cash (to support a drug habit)
8. Change in mood, depending on the drug taken

Classifications of drugs and their Effects

1. Alcohol liquor, which is extracted from chemical compound as ethyl and

hydrocarbon, is a dangerous chemical substance that triggers the central nervous
system and may damage vital human organs.

Effects of Alcohol Use

• Give a feeling of relaxation and loss of inhibition
• A sense of excitement due to the release of inhibitions
• Disrupted motor activity, motor skills and coordination
• Deep intoxication that causes disturbance in bodily processes
• Dilated superficial blood vessels causing warm feeling
• Deep intoxication that can lead to “coma” and “death”
• Warning consciousness, causing mental dullness
• Loss of self-control resulting in violent behavior

googleimagesalcohol.com

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Module 2 - Drug Education

2. Marijuana (Cannabis Sativa), is annual plant that grows wild in many temperate
parts of the world.

Effects of Marijuana
• Throat intoxication and coughing
• Increased heartbeat and pulse rate
• Reddening of the eyes, dizziness, bodily incoordination
• Sleepiness and decreased physical activity
• Possible chronic bronchitis and asthma
• Feeling of excitement and friendliness googleimagesmarijuana.com

• Distortion of time and space perception

• Disturbance of brainwave activity, causing of impairment of skills leading to
abnormal behavior

3. Stimulants are drugs used to increase mental activity, relieve fatigue, increase
alertness and offset drowsiness.
a) Amphetamines
b) Cocaine
googleimagesstimulant.com
c) Shabu (methamphetamine, HCL)

Effects of Stimulants

• Feeling of being stronger, more decisive and self-possessed

• Extended wakefulness and increased mental alertness
• May include irritability, anxiety and fear
• Loss of appetite resulting in decreased body weight
• Pregnant women who abused “shabu” can cause mental retardation to their
unborn babies
• Loss of sexual desire and interest towards work
• “Schizophrenia” or split personality, leading to violent behavior
• Loss of memory by chronic users
• Chronic snorters from irritation of the nose leading to frequent nose
bleeding
• Injecting “shabu” using dirty needles can lead to various infections such as
Hepatitis B, blood poisoning and AIDS

4. Cough syrups are also called over the counter colds/cough preparations.
a) Ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine and
phenylproppanolamine for nasal decongestion
b) Clorophenamine maleate for allergic asthma, nocturnal cough
c) Dextromethorphan is cough suppressant; codeine has an anti-tussive effect

googleimagescoughsyrup.co
m

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Module 2 - Drug Education

5. Depressants are usually known as “downers”. These drugs act on the nervous
system, promoting relaxation and sleep.
a) Barbiturates
b) Mathaqualone
googleimagesdepressant.c

Effects of Depressants

A usual dose of barbiturates causing a calming, relaxing effect that promotes

sleep. Other notable reactions are given.

• Relief of anxiety and excitement

• Reduce mental and physical activity
• A marked decreased in breathing

6. Barbiturates are used to reduce the frequency of convulsions in epileptics. An

overdose of barbiturate produces the following reactions.

• Unconsciousness and decrease in breathing googleimagesbarbiturates.com

• Deepening unconsciousness leading to “coma”

7. Hallucinogens (Psychedelics) are drugs that can produce changes in mood

and behavior. They can produce delusions and hallucinations. They induce a
state of excitation of the central nervous system, shown by changes in mood.
Hallucinogens disorient the sense of direction, distance and time of a person.
A user may speak of “hearing” colors, “seeing” sounds.
a) Mescaline
b) LSD
c) Psilocybin
d) Phencyclidine

Effects of Hallucinogens

• Increased heartbeat and pulse rate

• Elevated or increased blood pressure googleimageshallucination.com

• Increase activity of the body due to the effect of the brain

• Enlarged or dilated pupils of the eyes
• Increased body temperature
• Paleness of the face and skin of the body

8. Tranquilizer is a drug used to treat nervous disorders, calm psychotic patients.

They are not habit-forming but when taken in large numbers will produce deep
unconsciousness, a drop in blood pressure and finally respiration stops leading top
death.

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Module 2 - Drug Education

While the margin of safety associated with these drugs is considerable, overdose
can occur and continuous use can lead to dependence. googleimagestranquilizer.co

a) Meprobamate
b) Diazepam

Effects of Tranquilizer

• Physical weakness and sleepiness

• Induced mental and psychological dullness
• It calms the nerves and relieves tension and anxiety
• Overdose can lead to “coma”, respiratory failure and death

Narcotics, in medicine, refer to opium, morphine, codeine, heroin and

hydromorphone.
googleimagesnarcotics.com

Effects of Narcotics

• Reduced size of the pupils of the eyes and reduced vision

• Drowsiness and decreased physical activity
• Nausea, vomiting and difficulty in breathing if taken in larger dosage
• “Tolerance”, which finally leads to “drug dependence”
• Induced “come” with slow, shallow respiration
• Convulsions, followed by the stopping of breathing that can lead to death if
overdosed

9. Inhalants are volatile substances derived from ether or chloroform. It is an

inhalator through the nose to experience intoxication. Recently, inhalation of
different substances known as “glue sniffing” has become popular among young
people in their early teens. These substances include the following:
a) Quick-drying glue or plastic cement, like rugby
b) Paint remover and lacquer, such as thinner and solvent
c) Gasoline and other gasoline-based products
d) Kerosene or commonly known as gaas
e) Nail polish and cuticle remover
f) Lighter-fluid and dry-cleaning fluid

Effects of Inhalants

• Unsteadiness and restlessness

• Drunkenness with depression leading to unconsciousness
• Irritability and highly agitated condition googleimagesinhalants.com

• Initial excitement thereby losing emotional control

• Irritation of the throat and nasal passages. Sometimes inhalants contain toxic
elements that are harmful to the heart and can cause sudden death when
inhaled

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Module 2 - Drug Education

What are the reason behind these drugs?

The most common reason why drugs are abused are as follows:
 For relief from problems – personal, family, school or work
 To experience its effect on the mind and body
 To ease depression, boredom, pain or misery
 Giving in to pressures from “peers” or other drug users
 For curiosity, due to misinformation from acquaintances
 For security feelings – with drugs, they have self-confidence


Some of the preventive measures for drug abuse

Drug abuse must be avoided from the start before problems set in. There are
several basic ways to do this, namely:

a) Improvement in family relations. The parents and children must communicate

with each other and strengthen their ties to combat drug addiction;
b) Direct and sincere action on the part of the government to address the growing
problems of drug abuse;
c) Clear and noticeable reforms in the environment and economy to provide
everyone with a bright future and good life;
d) Strict enforcement of drug laws against violators and traffickers;
e) Establishment of a dedicated judiciary so as to facilitate the delivery of aid of
victims of drug abuse;
f) Complete “crackdown” against drug pusher and syndicates; and
g) Instituting heavy penalties, specifically the “death penalty’ for drug-related
crime and serious drug violators

Roles of school, the community, youth and parents in preventing drug abuse

School
Every school must formulate a “drug policy “designed to help students and all
school personnel fight drug abuse. Also, the school can initiate “drug awareness”
program and realistic prevention efforts that will benefit the entire community. All
students must take an active part in making this program a success.

Community
The community, as a whole, must work toward eradicating the drug menace by:
 conducting an anti-drug campaign, cooperating with authorities in the arrest of the
drug pushers;
 helping drug users get treatment from drug rehabilitation centers, dismantling the
drug-based network existing in the community through police action;
 planning a community action program involving young people, civic welfare, and
religious organizations in tackling the drug problem; and
 organizing worthwhile and constructive activities such as recreational, social, and
economic projects that will serve as a positive alternative to drug abuse.

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Module 2 - Drug Education

Youth
The role of the youth in nation building is crucial and important. They are
problem solvers, have positive influence in other young people and the nation, and are
extremely ambitious. They have the ability to create and identify themselves and move
the nation forward positively.
As responsible youth of today, be strong and always remember:
S - steadfast personality
T – trustworthy in words and actions
R – respectable in relating with others
O – open-minded in facing situation
N – noble character
G – gusty actions and ideals

Ten (10) ways to say NO to Drugs

1. be vocal, just say NO to drugs and mean it.
2. Project an image of a clean living for yourself.
3. Get into sports.
4. Choose your friend and influence them positively.
5. Get involved into community-based activities.
6. Join organizations or youth club or form your interest group (church, school or
social)
7. Learn how to manage stress.
8. Join seminars on anti-drug abuse prevention.
9. Talk to your family, listen to the problems of your siblings.
10. Enhance your talents and skills by taking part on workshops, trainings or
seminars.

Parents
Parents must serve as a model to their children through the following:
 If parents use medicines improperly and in large dosages, children will imitate
this bad example. This should be avoided.
 Parents must teach their children not to use drugs indiscriminately so as to
develop in their children the correct drug attitude.
 Parents should advice their children on their choice of friends and inculcate the
basic knowledge about drug abuse.
 If parents discover their son or daughter is into drugs, they must face the problem
and seek professional help at once.
 Parents must create a happy family life and maintain an open communication
between them and their children.

What are some pieces of helpful and timely advice for these problems?
 Maintain good physical and mental health.
 Use drugs properly. Most drugs are beneficial when used under medical advice.
 Understand your own self. Accept and respect yourself for what you are.
 Develop your potentials. Engage in wholesome, productive and fulfilling
activities.
 Learn to relate effectively with others. Have somebody to whom you can
communicate your problems and other stresses without the use of drugs.

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Module 2 - Drug Education

 Seek professional help if you cannot cope with your problems anymore.
 Develop strong moral and spiritual foundation in life.

Learning Activity

Google Images
Google Images

Activity #1: In a clean white paper, create a promotional poster concerning drug
education in our country along with this is a simple slogan on the bottom of your art.

Activity #2: Prepare an inspirational quote to promote a drug free world. (minimum of
three (3) quotes) Note: please make it an eye catcher.

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