Lesson 4

Effects of Drug abuse

Topics:
1. The general effects
2. The symptoms of abuse on the dangerous drugs
3. Dangers of abuse of the dangerous drugs

Desired Learning Outcomes:

1. Enumerate the characteristics of drug addiction

2. Differentiate the group classification of drug abuser

THE EFFECTS OF DRUG ABUSE

A. THE GENERAL EFFECTS

As to the Physical Effects

a. Malnutrition - The life of an addict revolves around drug use. He misses

even his regular meals. He losses appetite and eventually develops malnutrition.
Likewise, the drug dependent who has tried on his own to withdraw may suffer
from Revere gastrointestinal disturbance that result to severe dehydration.
b. Skin Infections and Skin Rashes - Oftentimes the drug abuser neglects
his personal hygiene, uses unsterilized needles and syringes that result in skin
infections or even ulceration at the sites of the needle puncture. Skin rashes may
even occur as a side effect or sensitivity reaction to certain drugs of abuse.
Infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis, bronchitis, bronchial asthma, viral
hepatitis, sequel of drug abuse. Marijuana smoking can produce physical
conditions like chronic bronchitis and asthma. Physically ill persons, like a
tuberculosis individual who has suffered so much from his illness may resort to
drug taking as a temporary measure for relief. A drug abuser, because of his use
of unsterilized paraphernalia, tends to develop lowered resistance and becomes
susceptible to various infections; among them are viral hepatitis, and HIV
infections/ AIDS.

As to the Psychological Effects

The abuse of drugs can bring many psychological malfunctions such as the
following:
The abuse of drugs can bring many psychological malfunctions such as the
following:
a. Deterioration of personality with impaired emotional maturation.

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b. Impairment of adequate mental function.
c. Loss of drive and ambition.
d. Development of psychosis and depression.
e. Loss of interest to study.
f. Laziness, lethargy, boredom and restlessness.
g. Irritability, rebellious attitude.
h. Withdrawn forgetfulness.

As to the Social Effects

The drug abuser may also experience social dysfunction such as the following:

a. Deterioration of interpersonal relationship and development of conflict with

authority.
b. Commission of crimes.
c. Social maladjustment; loss of desire to work study and participate in
activities or to face challenges.
As to the Mental Effects
The drug abuser can experience adverse effect on the central nervous system.
Regular use or injection of large doses of a substance reduces the activity of the
brain and depresses the central nervous system. The drug dependent then
manifests changes in his mind and behavior that are undesirable by people in his
environment. Another mental effect would the deterioration of the mind. The
dependent is a "mental invalid” in the sense that drugs can manipulate him, make
him lose his power, and prod him to behave contrary to what he usually think is
right. These drugs are essentially reality modifiers, which create a masked sense
of wellbeing by either dulling or distorting sensory perceptions and providing a
temporary means of escape from personal difficulties, either real or imaginary.
They can reduce or accelerate activity to create indifference, depressive mood, or
carelessness.
As a result, the abuser’s mind deteriorates gradually. In other instances, he
abruptly loses interest and motivation in the pursuit of achievement and
constructive goals. Instead of providing him relaxation and escape from
discomfort, drug, alcohol and tranquilizers may blur his attempts to come to terms
with reality. His character becomes weak and inadequate in coping with his
problems.
As to the Economic Effect
Some economic problems are encountered due to drug abuse like:
a. Inability to hold stable job.
It is impossible for a drug abuser to hold a steady job since he spends all his time
and money on drugs. If he does not have a regular job, he and his friends steal to
raise money. If he has one, he would be unable to concentrate since he would be
either over- stimulated or lazy and drowsy.
b. Dependence on family .
Instead of contributing to the economic stability of the family, a dependent
becomes an economic burden. Besides depending on the family for his basic

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necessities, he also has to rely on the family resource to provide him money for
the support of his expensive habit.
c. Accidents in industry.
In a state of agitation or dullness of the mind as a result of the drug he has taken,
the dependent becomes careless and loses concentration on his job. Consequently,
an accident may occur which may adversely affect both drug abuser and his co-
workers.

SYMPTOMS OF DRUG ABUSE ON THE DANGEROUS DRUGS

The Depressants
Narcotics - Narcotic drugs produces lethargy and drowsiness. Pupils are
constricted and fail to respond to light. Inhaling heroin in powder form leaves
traces of white powder around nostrils causing redness and irritations. Injecting
heroin leaves scars, usually on the inner surface of the arms and elbows although
user may inject drug in the body where needle marks will not be seen readily. The
user often leaves syringes, bent spoons, bottle caps, eyedroppers, cotton and
needles in lockers at school or hidden at home. The user scratches self frequently,
loss of appetite, sniffles, running nose, red watery eyes, and coughing which
disappears when user gets a “fix”.
Barbiturates/Tranquilizers - symptoms of alcohol intoxication without odor or
alcohol on breath, staggering or stumbling, falling asleep unexplainably,
drowsiness, may appear disoriented, lack of interest in school and family
activities.
Volatile Solvents — there is unusual odor of substance on breath and clothes of
the user'. Excessive nasal secretions, watering of eyes, and poor muscular control
are also experienced. There is also an increased preference for being with a group
rather than being alone. Plastic or paper bags or rags, containing dry plastic
cement or other solvent, found at home or in locker at school or at work. Obvious
slurred speech.

Shabu ~ use of the drug Methamphetamine Hydrochloride can give the following
symptoms of abuse:
1. produces elevations of mood, heightened alertness and increased energy
2. some individuals may become anxious, irritable or loquacious
3. causes decreased appetite and insomnia.

The Hallucinogens
Marijuana - smoking of this kind of drug the user can experience the following
symptoms:
1. may appear animated with rapid, loud talking and bursts of laughter
2. sleepy or stuporous
3. pupils are dilated
4. odor (similar to burnt rope) on clothing or breath

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5. remnants of marijuana, either loose or ^ partially smoked “joints” in
clothing or possessions

LSD/STP/DMT
1. user usually sits or reclines quietly in a dream or trance - like state
2. user may become fearful and experience a degree of terror which makes
him attempt to escape from his group
3. senses of sight, hearing, touch, body image and time are distorted
behavior are affected, the manner upon emotional and environmental
4. chain smoking
if injecting drug, user may have hidden eye droppers and needles among
possession

DANGERS OF ABUSE OF THE DANGEROUS DRUGS

The Depressants
Users of depressant drags may suffer the following:
a. Death due to respiratory arrest.
b. In large doses can cause respiratory depression and coma, the combination
of depressants and alcohol can multiply the effect of the drugs, thereby
multiplying the risks.
Babies born to mothers who abuse depressants during pregnancy may be
physically dependent on the drug and show withdrawal symptom shortly after
they are born. Birth defects and behavioral problems may also result.

The Stimulants
Users of stimulants may suffer the following:
Death due to infections, high blood pressures. Extremely high doses can cause a
rapid or irregular heartbeat, tremors, loss of coordination, and even physical
collapse.

Shabu
a. Overdose leads to chest pains, hypertension, acute psychotic reaction,
convulsions and death due to cardiac arrest
b. Due to the appetite suppressing effects of shabu, pregnant mother may
become malnourished. This may affect the nutritional needs of the baby.
c. Babies born to shabu-using women show sever emotional disturbances.

The Hallucinogens

Users of hallucinogens may suffer the following;

a. Can lead to serious mental changes (psychoses) like insanity, suicided and/or
homicidal tendencies
b. Poor impulse control.
c. Damage to chromosomes, hence, affecting potentially the offspring.
d. Death due to paralysis of the respiratory system.

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Lesson 5

APPROACHES TO THE DRUG PROBLEM

Topics:

1. The Law Enforcement Approach (Educational and Rehabilitation)

2. Dangerous Drugs board (R.A 9165- Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of
2002); PDEA
3. Anti- Drug Drivers and operational concept

Desired Learning Outcomes:

1. Recognize the government efforts and strategies in fighting the drug

problem

2. Determine the penal provisions of the Dangerous Drug Act

The Educational Approach

The primary role of the school is to impart I knowledge, skills and a sound values
base in relation to health and drug use. Therefore, the content of school drug
education curricula should be selected to achieve specific educational outcomes
that have been identified as contributing to the achievement of the broader health
goals of preventing drug use and reducing adverse consequences to individuals
and society.
Drug education in the classroom is thus defined as the set of lessons, programs,
activities and practices that lead to the achievement of the specific education
outcomes agreed upon. The school drug education program can be described as
the collection of these educational activities sequenced over the years of
compulsory schooling.

Content
Knowledge about, drugs and drug use is important for informing decisions and
shaping or reinforcing values and attitudes about both personal and societal drug
use. The nature of the Information, how it is presented, and when, can have a
significant influence on its impact.

Guidelines for selecting content

1. Information about drugs and drug use should be selected for and evaluated on
its capacity to contribute to drug-related learning outcomes that lead to reducing
drug use and adverse individual and social consequences of drug use. In relation
to achieving learning outcomes, selection and presentation of information should
be considered in terms of:

• what students already know and what they need to know about drugs;

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• the values, attitudes and perceptions held by students;
• skills students already have mastered and skills that need developing
• ensuring a balance of knowledge, values/attitudes and skill development;
and opportunities to link knowledge, attitudes/values and skills.

2. Decisions about what drugs and drug use information to include in a

program should be based on knowledge of the drugs that cause most harm to
individuals and/or society, and the drugs that students are likely to encounter at
some time in their lives.
In relation to drugs used, selection of information should be considered in terms
of:
• the prevalence of drugs in the community indicated by the Surveys at
local and broader levels information from police, dray counsellors and/or health
workers; community consultation ; student input.
• the personal and social context of the use of particular drugs;
• the age when students start using particular substances;
• the level of use of particular drugs and the level of harm associated with
such use by particular age groups; and
• laws, policies and school rules pertaining to the use/misuse of different
drugs.

3. Information about selected drugs should be presented only after consideration

of both the social context in which a particular drug is (or may be) used by your
students and the learning context (the way information will be presented) which is
most appropriate.

With regard to the way information is presented, it is particularly important to

choose content and teaching methods that do not support, encourage or
normalize drug use or experimentation with dangerous substances.

Examples of approaches that may be counterproductive include:

• glamorising - presenting drug use/users as sophisticated (cool);
• strategies that exaggerate and misrepresent the dangers of drug use reduce
the achievement of drug-related learning outcomes — especially for students who
know, or believe, based on their experience, that the message may not reflect the
whole truth;
• sensationalising - using graphic images can portray drug use as dangerous
and exciting;
• Frightening case studies that are too far removed from the reality of young
people;
• encourages students to reflect on what they have learned and how it can be
applied to their social situations and their lives generally;
• does not increase either use of or harm caused by the drugs being
addressed;

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• contributes to the development of an environment that is non-threatening
and non- judgmental of student ideas, opinions and discussions; and
• is respectful of student’s gender, ethnicity/culture, language,
developmental level, ability level, religion and sexual orientation/ lifestyle.

THE TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION

APPROACH

Treatment – the medical service rendered to a client for the effective management
of physical and mental conditions related to drug abuse.

Detoxification- a medically supervise elimination of drugs from the system of any

addicted person.

Methods of detoxification include:

1. Cold turkey- self drug withdrawal
2. Substitution- the use of methodex,catapres.etc
3. Reduction method- using the same drug to which the patient is dependent. The
process could be gradual or rapid.

Rehabilitation - the dynamic process directed 1 towards the physical

emotional/psychological, vocational, social and spiritual change to prepare a
person for the fullest life compatible with his capabilities and potentialities, and
render him able to become a law abiding and productive member of the
community without abusing drugs.

Objective of Rehabilitation: To restore an individual to a state where he is

physically; psychologically and socially capable of coping with the same
problems as others of his age group and able to avail of the opportunity to live a
happy, useful and productive life without abusing drugs.

Methods of Rehabilitation
1. Psychotherapeutic Methods
a. individual Therapy- This involves a one to one relationship whose aim is to
help the patient reduce his drug abusing behavior and develop insight into his
condition.
b. Group Therapy- This is a form of therapy where the individual is helped
through group process. Each member of the group receives immediate feedback
from the other members regarding his verbal and other forms of behavior.
2. Spiritual and Relegious means- Development of moral and spiritual values of
drug dependent
3. Follow up and after care- follow up to a period of not more than 18 months
(DSWD or NBI are deputized) after discharge.

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GOVERNMENT LAWS AND STRATEGIES

When R.A 6425, also known as the Dangerous Drug Act of 1972 was
promulgated in March 30, 1972, estimated 20,000 Filipino drug users were
recorded. The execution of UM SENG in 1972 dried up the supply of heroin in
the streets and from then on, this drug never recovered its marketability. On
November 9, 1972, Presidential Decree No. 44 procedurally amended section 4 of
RA 6425. By the year 1980, the number of drug users increased to 250,000 in the
country.
Presidential Decree No. 1675 as supplemented by General Order No. 65;
Presidential decree No. 1683, and Presidential Decree No. 1708 which were all
procedural in nature were promulgated to supposedly give more teeth to out drug
laws.

In 1981, despite intensive Drug Law enforcement efforts and the passage of laws,
the rise of drug use continued. It was in this year, that foreign drug syndicates
used our shores as a transit point of heroin and cocaine traffic. Metro Manila still
remained as the center of drug activity accounting 42% of the total number of
arrests made in 1981. A host of government agencies stared seriously
implementing the demand reduction strategy in various schools and communities.
Foreign counterparts started to pour in aids to government agencies in order to
combat drugs. With the growing number of drug users, the government
implemented treatment and rehabilitation programs by putting-up more
dormitories. But despite all these efforts the drug population increases by 10%.
By this time there were 312,000 drug users.

In 1982, Batasang Pambansa Bilang 179 effected another procedural amendment

to RA 6425. The law itemized prohibited drugs and its derivatives. Narcotics
preparations such as opiates, opium poppy straw, leaves or wrapping, whether
prepared for use or not were classified as dangerous drugs. In 1983, there were
already 343,750 drug users and more non-government organizations started to
assist the government’s demand reduction programs. Similarly, law enforcement
capabilities were further strengthened. Strategies for program implementation
were made known to the public.

For the year 1995, abuse of shabu increased by 75.09%. More buy-bust operations
were launched against merchants of death majority of whom were Chinese triad
members. The PNP narcotics group alone seized several billion pesos worth of
illicit drug.

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9165: Important Features

R.A. 9165 - COMPREHENSIVE DANGEROUS DRUGS ACT OF 2002

(Approved on June 7, 2002 - Effective July 4, 2002)

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What is Dangerous Drug under this law?
Includes those listed in the schedules annexed to the 1961 Single Convention on
Narcotic Drugs, as amended by the 1972 Protocol, and the schedules annexed to
the 1971 Single Convention on Psychotropic Substances (Art 1, Sec. 3).
Example: MDMA known as Methylenedioxymethamphetamine commonly
called (Ecstacy), Tetrahydrocannabinol (MJ); Mescaline (from the peyote cactus)

NOTE: Under RA 6425 (Dangerous Drugs Act of 1972), Dangerous drugs refers
to the Prohibited drugs, Regulated drugs and Volatile substances.

Prohibited Drugs ex, Opium and its derivatives, Cocaine and Its derivatives,
Hallucinogen drugs like MJ, LSD, and Mescaline
Regulated drugs ex, barbiturates, Amphetamines, Tranquilizers
Volatile Substances - ex, rugby, paints, thinner, glue, gasoline.

What are the Unlawful Acts and Penalties?

Unlawful Acts Penalty

Importation of Dangerous drugs and/or Life Imprisonment to Death
Controlled Precursors and Essential and a fine ranging from P500,
Chemicals (sec. 4) 000 to PI 0 Million
Sale, Trading, Administration, Life Imprisonment to Death
Dispensation, Delivery, Distribution and and a fine ranging from P500,
transportation of Dangerous Drugs 000 to P10 Million
and/or Controlled Precursors and
Essential Chemicals (sec. 5)
Maintenance of a Den, Dive or Resort Life Imprisonment to Death
where dangerous drugs are used or sold and a fine ranging from P500,
in any form (sec. 6) 000 to P10 Million
Being an employee or of a den, dive or Imprisonment ranging from 12
resort (sec. 7) yrs and 1 day to 20 yrs and a
fine ranging from PI00,
000toP500, 000.
Manufacture of dangerous Drugs and/or Life Imprisonment to Death
Controlled Precursors and Essential and a fine ranging from P500,
Chemicals 8) 000 to PI 0 Million
Illegal Chemical Diversion of Controlled Imprisonment ranging from 12
Precursors and Essential Chemicals (sec. yrs and 1 day to 20 yrs and a
9) fine ranging from PI00, 000 to
P500,000.
Manufacture or Delivery of Equipment, Imprisonment ranging from 12
Instrument, Apparatus and other yrs and 1 day to 20 yrs and a
Paraphernalia for Dangerous Drugs fine ranging from PI 00, 000 to
and/or Controlled Precursors and P500, 000.
Essential Chemicals
Possession (sec. Drugs
of Dangerous 10) (sec. 11)
Life Imprisonment to Death
and a fine ranging from P500,
000 to PI 0 Million
Possession of Equipment, Instrument, Imprisonment ranging from 6
Apparatus and other Paraphernalia for mos and 1 day to 4 yrs and a
Dangerous Drugs (sec. 12) fine ranging from P10, 000 to
P50, 000

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Possession of dangerous Drugs during
Parties, Social Gatherings or Meetings
(sec. 13), and Possession of Equipment, The maximum penalties
Instrument, Apparatus and other provided for Sec. 11.
Paraphernalia
Use of Dangerousfor Dangerous
Drugs (sec. 15) Drugs Minimum 6 mos rehabilitation
(1st offense), Imprisonment
ranging from 6 yrs and 1 day
to 12 yrs and a fine ranging
from P50,000 to P200, 000
(2nd Offense)

Cultivation of Plants classified as Life Imprisonment to Death and

dangerous drugs or are sources thereof a fine ranging from P500, 000 to
(sec. 16) P10 Million
Imprisonment ranging from 1 yr
Failure to comply with the maintenance and 1 day to 6 yrs and a fine
and keeping of the original records of ranging from P10, 000 to P50,
transaction on any dangerous drugs 000 Plus revocation of license to
and/or controlled precursors and practice profession.
Essential Chemicals on the part of
practioners, manufacturers, wholesalers,
importers, distributors, dealers, or
retailers (sec. 17)
Unnecessary Prescription of Dangerous
Drugs (sec. 18) Imprisonment ranging from 12
yrs and 1 day to 20 yrs and a fine
ranging from PI 00, 000 to P500,
000. Plus revocation of license to
practice profession
Unlawful Prescription of Dangerous
Drugs (sec. 19) Life imprisonment to Death and a
fine ranging from P500, 000 to
10 Million pesos

NOTE: The Possession of Dangerous drugs in the following quantities, regardless

of degree of purity: 10 grams or more of opium; morphine; heroin; cocaine; MJ
resin; 10 grams or more of MMDA, LSD and similar dangerous drugs; 50 grams
or more of “shabu"/ Methamphetamine Hydrochloride; 500 grams or more of
Marijuana.

If the quantity involved is less than the foregoing, the penalties shall be graduated
as follows:
1. Life imprisonment and a fine ranging from P400,000 to 500,000 if “shabu” is
10 grams or more but less than 50 grams;
2, Imprisonment of 20 yrs and 1 day to Life imprisonment and a fine ranging from
P400, 000 to 500, 000 if the quantities of dangerous drugs are 5 grams or more
but less than 10 grams of opium, morphine, heroin, cocaine, mj resin, shabu,
MMDA, and 300 grams or more but less than 500 grams of marijuana
3. Imprisonment of 12 yrs and 1 day to 20 yrs and a fine ranging from P300,
000 to P400, 000 if the quantities of dangerous drugs are less than 5 grams of
opium, morphine, heroin, cocaine, mj resin, shabu, MMDA, and less than 300
grams of marijuana.

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The Unlawful Acts Punishable by Death Penalty (Prior to the abolition of Death
Penalty)
1. Importation or bringing into the Philippines of dangerous drugs using
diplomatic passport or facilities or any means involving his/her official status to
facilitate unlawful entry of the same (sec 4, Art II).
2. upon any person who organizes, manages or acts as financiers of any of
the activities involving dangerous drugs (sec 4, 5, 6, 8 Art II).
3. Sale, Trading, Administration, Dispensation, Delivery, Distribution and
transportation of Dangerous Drugs* and/or Controlled Precursors and Essential
Chemicals within 100 meters from the school (sec 5, Art II).
4. Drugs pushers who use minors or mentally incapacitated individuals as
runners, couriers and messengers or in any other capacity directly connected to
the dangerous drug trade (sec 5, Art II)
5. If the victim of the offense is a minor or mentally incapacitated individual,
or should a dangerous drug and/or controlled precursors and essential chemical
involved in the offense be the proximate cause of death of the victim (sec 5, Art
II).
6. When dangerous drug is administered, delivered or sold to a minor who is
allowed to use the same in such a place (sec 6, Art II).
7. upon any person who uses a minor or mentally incapacitated individual to
deliver equipment, instrument, apparatus and other paraphernalia for dangerous
drugs (sec. 10, Art II).
8. Possession of dangerous Drugs during Parties,
Social Gatherings or Meetings (sec. 13), and Possession of Equipment,
Instrument, Apparatusand other Paraphernalia for Dangerous Drugs during
Parties, Social Gatherings or Meetings (sec. 14)

What is the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB)?

The DDB is the policy-making body and strategy making body in the
planning and formulation of policies and programs on drug prevention and
control. (Under the Office of the President) (sec. 77, Art IX)
Composition: 17 members (3 as permanent, 12 as ex-officio, 2 regular member)
(Sec. 78, Art IX)
3 permanent members: to be appointed by the President, one to be the Chairman.
12 ex officio members

What are the Powers and Duties of the DDB ?

(Sec. 81, Art IX)
1. Formulation of Drug Prevention and Control Strategy,
2. Promulgation of Rules and Regulation to carry out the purposes of this
Act,
3. Conduct policy studies and researches,
4. Develop educational programs and info drive,
5. Conduct continuing seminars and consultations
6. Coordination with agencies for community service programs,

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7. Maintain international networking.

What is the PDEA?

PDEA means Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency. It is the implementing arm

of the DDB and responsible for the efficient and effective law enforcement of all
the provisions on any dangerous drugs and/ or precursors and essential chemicals.

The head is a Director General appointed by the President, assisted by two

Deputies - one for Administration, another for Operations, also appointed by the
President (sec. 82, Art IX).
PDEA Operating Units - It absorbed the NDLE- PCC (created under E.O. 61),
NARCOM of the PNP, Narcotics Division of the NBI, and the Customs Narcotics
Interdiction Unit (sec. 86, Art IX).

What are the Powers and Functions of the PDEA?

(sec. 84, Art IX)
1. Cause the effective and efficient implementation of the national drug
control strategy,
2. Enforcement of the provisions of Art II of this Act,
3. Undertake investigation, make arrest and apprehension of violators and
seizure and confiscation of dangerous drugs,
4. Establish forensic laboratories,
5. Piling of appropriate drug cases,
6. Conduct eradication programs,
7. Maintain a national drug intelligence system,
8. Close coordination with local and international drug agencies
Anti-Drug Drives and Operational Concepts
1-3. Oplan Thunderbolt I-III - Operations for the neutralization of big time
ding pushers’ drug dealers and drug lords.
4. Oplan Iceberg - Special operations team in selected drug prone areas in
order to get rid of illegal drug activities in the area.
5. Oplan Hunter - operations against suspected military and police personnel
who are engaged in illegal drug activities.
6. Oplan Mercurion - Operations against drug stores, which are violating
existing regulations on the scale of regulated drugs in coordination with the DDB,
DOH and BFAD.
7. Oplan Tornado - Operations in drug notorious and high profile places.
8. Oplan Greengold - nationwide MJ eradication operations in coordination
with the local governments and NOO’s.
9. Oplan Sagip-Yagit - A civic program initiated by and local
government offices to help
10. Oplan Tokhang- The new controversial strategy of the current administration
on war on drugs.

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