Our Lady of Peñafrancia Seminary

Philosophy Department
Bibincahan, Sorsogon City

SUBJECT : NATIONAL SERVICE TRAINING PROGRAM

SCHEDULE : MWF 5:30 – 6:30 PM
INSTRUCTOR : NARALYN D. JASARENO

TOPIC: DRUG ABUSE AND PREVENTION

A drug is a chemical substance that affects the function of living cells and alters, body, or mind processes
when taken into the body or applied through the skin. Drug abuse is the overuse or consumption of drugs other
than for medical reasons. It is characterized by taking more than the recommended dose of prescription drugs
using government regulated substances or other illegal drugs. Drug dependence is characterized by a compulsion
to use a drug to experience psychological or physical effects despite any deterioration in health, work, or social
activities.
Signs and Symptoms of Drug Abuse
1. Sudden shift in attitudes. A person who was once sober and polite suddenly becomes rude and irrational.
2. Mood swings. Depressed first then becoming highly elated.
3. Highly excitable and displays fits of rage and aggression.
4. Unusual effort to conceal needle marks on arms; wears dark spectacles to hide constricted or dilated pupils
and blood-shot eyes from public view even indoors and during night-time.
5. Sudden regression from the usual and normal capabilities such as from school, work, and social habits.
6. Neglect of personal grooming, hygiene, and appearance
7. Engaging in petty crimes and other forms of mischief to support the illegal habits.
8. Association with known drug abusers and people with shady character.
Classification of Community Abused Drugs
1. Depressants - known as “downers”, drugs which act on and depress the central nervous system causing
initial relaxation leading to drowsiness and sleep.
a. Alcohol – specifically ethyl alcohol which is the main ingredient of all alcoholic beverages. Certain
brands of liquor such as gin, whiskey, brandy, pilsen, and rhum are the most preferred by alcoholics
or problem drinkers to achieve the desired effects.
b. Sedative-Hypnotics – include barbiturates and benzodiazepines most commonly refer to as minor
tranquilizers. These drugs are used medically in the treatment of epilepsy, insomnia, and anxiety.
2. Narcotics – known as “opiates” include drugs derived from opium and its derivatives. These drugs are
used medically to relive pain, supress cough, reduce movement of the intestine and induce psychological
indifference.
a. Opium – coagulated juice of opium poppy formerly used as a pain reliever but has been replaced by
morphine and codeine.
b. Phenanthrene alkaloids – used as an analgesic and cough suppressants.
c. Morphine – principal alkaloid of opium exists in a white crystalline base and sold as tablets and
injectable solution.
d. Codeine – alkaloids extracted from morphine and used as mild analgesic.
e. Heroine – white crystalline narcotic synthesized from morphine and used as cough suppressant.
 3. Stimulants – drugs used in induce alertness, elevate mood, increase speech, mental and motor activity,
relieve fatigue or boredom, and decrease appetite.
a. Amphetamine – colorless liquid with acrid taste and faint odor which is greatly stimulates the central
nervous system.
b. Methamphetamine hydrochloride – known as “shabu” is a white odourless crystalline powder with
bitter taste, considered as the most abused stimulant in the Philippines. Abusers administer it through
the body by ingestion, inhalation, sniffing, or by injection.
c. Ecstasy – a synthetic amphetamine related substance, white, yellow, or brown in color with a bitter
taste and comes in form of tablets, capsules, or powders in various designs and shapes.
d. Cocaine – known as “coke”, alkaloids obtain from the leaves of the coca plant, generally used as local
anesthetic in minor surgery, one of the shortest and strongest stimulants.
e. Caffeine – active ingredients of coffee, tea, cola beverages, used to constrict blood vessel and as
remedy for headaches, diuretic, and treatment of severe asthma.
f. Nicotine – poisonous alkaloid which is an active ingredient in cigarette and tobacco. It is colorless
when extracted from tobacco leaves but quickly turns brown when exposed to air. It has an acrid
burning waste.
4. Hallucinogens – known as “psychedelics” a group of natural or synthetic psycho active drugs that produce
reactions such as perceptual alterations and changes in the state of consciousness. They produce
hallucinations or visions in the form of shape and color shifts in appearance of the outside world which
progresses to the replacement of external reality with imaginary beings and landscapes in extreme cases.
a. Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) – a crystalline substance derived from fungus which infects wheat
or rye. Best known and most potent hallucinogen taken orally in the form of tablets, gelatin, or
impregnated paper.
b. Mescaline – known as “STP” a drug derived from dried tops of peyote cactus.
c. Psilocybin – a hallucinogenic compound in mushroom ingested to achieve its effect similar to LSD
and STP.
d. Phencyclidine (PCP) – considered as menace and highly dangerous drugs because it can easily be
synthesized with no medical purpose for human but used by veterinarians as asesthetic and sedative
for animals.
e. Marijuana – known as cannabis which is a mild hallucinogenic drug derived from crushed leaves,
flowering tops and stems of hemp plant “cannabis sativa”. Usually smoked or eaten for pleasure in
juicing and folk medicine in central Asia and China.
5. Inhalants – substances that are not usually considered drugs but have great potential for abuse. They are
inhaled, or sniffed for their psychoactive (mind/mood altering) effects and to produce a state of
intoxication. Effects can be achieved immediately and can last long up to 45 minutes, depressing the
central nervous system. This includes the class of volatile hydrocarbons such as glue (rugby), gasoline,
kerosene (gaas), paint thinner, and solvent, nail polish and cuticle remover, lighter fluid, anf fluorocarbons
such as aerosol sprays, nasal sprays, and chemical isoamyl nitrate (poppers).
Common Causes of Drug Abuse
1. Unhappy home, parent showing no interest to their children.
2. Lack of parental values and guidance.
3. Domestic violence whether verbal or physical.
4. Parents who make free use of alcohol and illegal drugs.
5. Peer pressure/encouragement.
6. Curiosity or desire to experience.
7. Escape from physical and mental pain; relief from boredom and frustration.
8. Desire to escape from harsh realities.
 9. Weak personality, low sense of self-esteem and self-worth.
10. Feeling of insecurity.
Drug Abuse Preventive Measures
1. Exhaust all channels of communications; talk to persons you trust; feel free to open up and share your
emotions and concerns.
2. Learn to cope with negative feelings by using sport, music, mediation, and prayer as forms or relation.
3. Expand your horizons by finding new interest, meeting new people, visiting new places, and putting
yourself into new experiences.
4. Give yourself the chance to be all you can be by discovering and improving your special talents, acquiring
new skills, and developing your own personality.
5. Improve family relations; strive to create happy, healthy, and content family life. Parents should lead
good example; advise their children, and instruct the basic knowledge of using drugs.
6. Devise a drug awareness program to educate students on the dangers of drug abuse in the school.
7. Community officials should organize and conduct information dissemination campaign against drug
abuse. Organize a recreational and social project which serves as positive alternative to drug abuse.
8. Cooperate with authorities in the arrest of known drug pushers and in the dismantling of drug base network
existing in the community.
9. Help in the treatment and rehabilitation of drug users.
10. Implement a direct, sincere, quick action and hands-on approach on the part of the government to address
the growing menace of drug abuse.
PENALTIES AGAINST DRUG ABUSE
The Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines passed Republic Act No. 9165, known as
the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Acts of 2002, on May 29, 2002 and May 30, 2002, respectively. This
Act repeals R.A. 6425 and provides for the imposition of more severe penalties and the creation of Philippine
Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to carry out the provisions of this Act (Article IX, Section 82). Under
Article II, the following constitutes several “Unlawful Acts” and their corresponding penalties summarized
as follows:
UNLAWFUL ACTIVITY PENALTY
Importation of Dangerous Drugs and/or Life imprisonment to death, Fine ranging from Five
Controlled Precursors and essential Chemicals Hundred thousand (500,000.00) to ten million pesos
(10,000,000.00)
Sale, Trading, Administration, Dispensation, Life imprisonment to death and a fine ranging from Five
Delivery, Distribution, and Transportation of hundred thousand pesos (P500,000.00) to Ten million
Dangerous Drugs pesos (P10,000,000.00)
Maintenance of a Den, Dive or Resort Life imprisonment to death and a fine ranging from Five
hundred thousand pesos (P500,000.00) to Ten million
pesos (P10,000,000.00)
Employees and Visitors of a Den, Dive or Imprisonment ranging from twelve (12) years and one (1)
Resort day to twenty (20) years and a fine ranging from One
hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) to Five hundred
thousand pesos (P500,000.00)
Manufacture of Dangerous Drugs and/or Life imprisonment to death and a fine ranging from Five
Controlled Precursors and Essential hundred thousand pesos (P500,000.00) to Ten million
Chemicals. pesos (P10,000,000.00)
Illegal Chemical Diversion of Controlled Imprisonment ranging from twelve (12) years and one (1)
Precursors and Essential Chemicals day to twenty (20) years and a fine ranging from One
 hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) to Five hundred
thousand pesos (P500,000.00)
Manufacture or Delivery of Equipment, Imprisonment ranging from twelve (12) years and one (1)
Instrument, Apparatus, and Other day to twenty (20) years and a fine ranging from One
Paraphernalia for Dangerous Drugs and/or hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) to Five hundred
Controlled Precursors and Essential thousand pesos (P500,000.00)
Chemicals.
Possession of Dangerous Drugs Life imprisonment to death and a fine ranging from Five
hundred thousand pesos (P500,000.00) to Ten million
pesos (P10,000,000.00)
Possession of Equipment, Instrument, Imprisonment ranging from six (6) months and one (1) day
Apparatus and Other Paraphernalia for to four (4) years and a fine ranging from Ten thousand
Dangerous Drugs pesos (P10,000.00) to Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00)
Possession of Dangerous Drugs During Life imprisonment to death and a fine ranging from Five
Parties, Social Gatherings or Meetings hundred thousand pesos (P500,000.00) to Ten million
pesos (P10,000,000.00)
Possession of Equipment, Instrument, Imprisonment ranging from six (6) months and one (1) day
Apparatus and Other Paraphernalia for to four (4) years and a fine ranging from Ten thousand
Dangerous Drugs During Parties, Social pesos (P10,000.00) to Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00)
Gatherings or Meetings.
Use of Dangerous Drugs For first time, six (6) months rehabilitation in a
government center
Second time, imprisonment ranging from six (6) years and
one (1) day to twelve (12) years and a fine ranging from
Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00) to Two hundred
thousand pesos (P200,000.00)
Cultivation or Culture of Plants Classified as Life imprisonment to death and a fine ranging from Five
Dangerous Drugs or Are Sources Thereof hundred thousand pesos (P500,000.00) to Ten million
pesos (P10,000,000.00)
Maintenance and Keeping of Original Records Imprisonment ranging from one (1) year and one (1) day
of Transactions on Dangerous Drugs and/or to six (6) years and a fine ranging from Ten thousand
Controlled Precursors and Essential pesos (P10,000.00) to Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00)
Chemicals.
Unnecessary Prescription of Dangerous Drugs imprisonment ranging from twelve (12) years and one (1)
day to twenty (20) years and a fine ranging from One
hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) to Five hundred
thousand pesos (P500,000.00)
Unlawful Prescription of Dangerous Drugs Life imprisonment to death and a fine ranging from Five
hundred thousand pesos (P500,000.00) to Ten Million
pesos (P10,000,000.00)
 ASSESSMENT

IDENTIFICATION: Read each item and write your answer on the space provided before each item.
____________________ 1. It is a chemical substance that affects the function of living cells and alters, body, or
mind processes when taken into the body or applied through the skin.
____________________ 2. It is specifically ethyl alcohol which is the main ingredient of all alcoholic beverages.
____________________ 3. It is characterized by a compulsion to use a drug to experience psychological or
physical effects despite any deterioration in health, work, or social activities.
____________________ 4. It is the overuse or consumption of drugs other than for medical reasons.
____________________ 5. This drugs used in induce alertness, elevate mood, increase speech, mental and motor
activity, relieve fatigue or boredom, and decrease appetite.
____________________ 6. These substances that are not usually considered drugs but have great potential for
abuse.
____________________ 7. It is known as “STP” a drug derived from dried tops of peyote cactus.
____________________ 8. This drugs known as “psychedelics” a group of natural or synthetic psycho active
drugs that produce reactions such as perceptual alterations and changes in the state of consciousness.
____________________ 9. This drugs known as “opiates” include drugs derived from opium and its derivatives.
____________________ 10. It is known as “downers”, drugs which act on and depress the central nervous system
causing initial relaxation leading to drowsiness and sleep.
____________________ 11. It is an alkaloids extracted from morphine and used as mild analgesic.
____________________ 12. It is a poisonous alkaloid which is an active ingredient in cigarette and tobacco.
____________________ 13. It is known as cannabis which is a mild hallucinogenic drug derived from crushed
leaves, flowering tops and stems of hemp plant “cannabis sativa”.
____________________ 14. It an active ingredients of coffee, tea, cola beverages, used to constrict blood vessel
and as remedy for headaches, diuretic, and treatment of severe asthma.
____________________ 15. It is also known as “coke”, alkaloids obtain from the leaves of the coca plant,
generally used as local anesthetic in minor surgery, one of the shortest and strongest stimulants.
____________________ 16. It is a coagulated juice of opium poppy formerly used as a pain reliever but has been
replaced by morphine and codeine.
____________________ 17. It is a principal alkaloid of opium exists in a white crystalline base and sold as tablets
and injectable solution.
____________________ 18. It is a synthetic amphetamine related substance, white, yellow, or brown in color
with a bitter taste and comes in form of tablets, capsules, or powders in various designs and shapes.
____________________ 19. What is the other name for “shabu”.
____________________ 20. It is a colorless liquid with acrid taste and faint odor which is greatly stimulates the
central nervous system.
____________________ 21. It include barbiturates and benzodiazepines most commonly refer to as minor
tranquilizers.
____________________ 22. It is a white crystalline narcotic synthesized from morphine and used as cough
suppressant.
____________________ 23. It is a republic act known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Acts of 2002.
____________________ 24. It is a hallucinogenic compound in mushroom ingested to achieve its effect similar
to LSD and STP.
____________________ 25. It is used as an analgesic and cough suppressants.

Essay. As a seminarian, what ways can you provide in your own communities to help youth such as
yourself eliminate drug addiction.