Lesson 2 Prevention of Substance Use and Abuse

Introduction

Drug addiction is one of the most increasing and alarming problems that our society is facing. There are
many negative implications of becoming involved and addicted to illegal drugs. Teenagers get hooked on drugs
because of several reasons, and one of them is peer pressure, if the use and abuse of these illegal substances are
not solved, many lives and families will be shattered. (Abanto, 2018)

Questions to ponder:
1. Are all drugs illegal and harmful?
2. Why should teenagers like you be aware of the dangers of the use and abuse of illegal substances?

Instruction
These are important details which require you to read well to understand better the ideas pointed out.

Important terms: (Sumera, 2017)

A. Drug
 A drug is any chemical substance that affects bodily functions.
 There are different types of drugs. Some are used to treat specific health conditions. While others
may pose harm to one’s health.
B. Prescription drugs
 Prescription drugs may only be bought when a prescription is presented. A prescription is a
written order from a doctor that states the patient’s name, age, the name of the drug, the
number, the amount or dosage to be taken, and for how long. It also states the doctor’s name,
signature, and professional license number.
C. Over-the-counter drugs
 Over-the-counter drugs are substances that may be easily accessed in various commercial
centers such as pharmacies, groceries, and sari-sari stores.
 They may be purchased without a prescription.
 These drugs are used to relieve symptoms of common illnesses like headaches, and colds.
D. Controlled drugs
 Controlled drugs are substances strictly regulated by law because of their behavior-altering and
addictive effects, which may therefore be harmful or detrimental to a person’s health and well-
being.
 Controlled drugs are substances that are often abused. It is illegal to use these drugs without a
prescription. Hence, they are called illegal drugs.
E. Drug Abuse
 Drug abuse refers to the continual use of a drug not for its intended medical purpose but for
pleasure or euphoric feeling one gets from taking the drugs.
 Drug abuse is when a person takes a drug to “get high”.
F. Drug dependence
 Drug dependence refers to a condition wherein a person cannot function normally
without using drugs.
Drug Scenario in the Philippines (Abanto, 2018)

In the Philippines, illegal drugs have become one of our most rampant and perennial problems.
The young generation plays a big part in this problem. Based on facts gathered from the Dangerous
Drug Board (DDB), there are 1.3 million drug users in the Philippines. Most of these users are male and
are between the ages of 20 and 29. Based on the DDB record, the youngest in the bracket of drug
dependents is 9 years old and the oldest is 78 years old. Most of these users are also unemployed, have
low incomes, and reside in urban areas. Substances that are most commonly abused are (1)
methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu), (2) cannabis (marijuana), and (3) inhalants (contact cement or
rugby).

Note that most drug takers are poly-users or those who are using different kinds of illegal drugs.
Because illegal drugs are easily available, they attract drug users to be involved also in illegal activities.
Illegal drug trafficking is still a problem that is yet to be solved in our country. Drug traffickers become
more resourceful as they find creative and new ways to hide their illegal activities and transactions.

Factors that influence Substance Use and Abuse: (Muyot, 2017)

A. Environmental Risk Factors

 Availability of drugs
 Poverty
 Social changes
 Peer influences
 Employment status
 Type of occupation
 Cultural attitudes

B. Individual Risk Factors

 Being a victim of child abuse
 Personality disorders
 Extreme changes in a family situation
 Poor academic performance
 Academic stress
 Social deprivation
 Depression
 Suicidal behavior
 Peer pressure
 Separation from family or friends

Types of Commonly Abused Drugs:

Drug abuse may lead to drug dependence and even drug overdose. Drugs that are commonly
abused are classified according to their pharmacological effects. These are stimulants, depressants,
narcotics, hallucinogens, and inhalants. (Concha, 2017)

A. Stimulants are a group of drugs that speed up the processes in the central nervous system. These
substances are called uppers because they make a person feel alert, awake, and very active. A person
who takes stimulants experiences an increase in blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing rate. People
abuse the drug to experience a “high” feeling. However, when the effects of the stimulants wear off,
a person experiences a sudden drop of energy that causes person to feel weak, tired, sad, and sleepy.
(Sumera, 2017)
 Different types of stimulants:
1. Cocaine is a substance made from coca leaves. It is a highly addictive stimulant that may be
inhaled, injected, or smoked. Because it stimulates the nervous system, cocaine may cause
immediate death from heart attack, stroke, or seizure. (Sumera, 2017)

2. Amphetamines are drugs that are chemically produced. It is used for weight reduction in obese
people. It relieves mild depression and treatment of narcolepsy (excessive desire to sleep). It is
also used by people who need sustained mental and physical alertness. (Concha, 2017)

3. Methamphetamine is a highly addictive variant of amphetamine. It is often inhaled, smoked,

injected, or taken orally. The illegal drug “shabu” is a variant of this substance. It provides an
intense rush to perform activities. It also suppresses the appetite of a person. (Sumera, 2017)

4. MDMA (3-4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is commonly known as ecstasy. This drug

produces a feeling of relaxation and highness. It is known as a “party drug” and is illegal.
MDMA damages the brain and may cause the body to experience extreme internal heat. Users
suffer from depression, paranoia, psychotic behavior and other psychological problems. Other
side effects include hallucinations, chills, tremors, nausea, and increased blood pressure.
(Sumera, 2017)

B. Depressants are also known as sedatives or downers. They act to depress the central nervous
system, thereby promoting relaxation and sleep. Depressants suppress vital functions of the body,
particularly the brain or the central nervous system, resulting in impairment of judgement, hearing
speech, and muscular coordination. ( Concha, 2017)

1. Barbiturates is a substance that is prescribed to patients who find it difficult to sleep. This drug
relieves tension and stress and enables a person to relax. They are rarely prescribed by doctors
because they are highly addictive and may pose dangers to a person’s health and well-being.
(Sumera, 2017)

2. Benzodiazepine is a substance that is prescribed to patients who are experiencing anxiety

problems. It is also more commonly known as a tranquilizer. This drug is also used to relax the
muscles and relieves seizures. A person who takes this drug must be closely supervised by a
doctor because it may have adverse effects. (Sumera, 2017)

C. Narcotics are drugs that relieve pain, often induce sleep, and are highly addictive. Narcotics are
usually made from two substances: Opium and morphine. (Sumera, 2017)

1. Opium comes from a poppy plant’s seedpod. It is milky and white in color.
2. Morphine is naturally found in opium. It is considered the drug with the strongest pain-relieving
ability.
3. Codeine and heroin are other substances derived from morphine. Codeine is used as a cough
suppressant and to treat diarrhea. Heroin was used as a cure for opium and morphine addiction.
(Concha, 2017)

D. Hallucinogens are diverse group of drugs that alter perception, thoughts, and feelings. They cause
auditory and visual hallucinations where they see and hear something that seem more real though
they are not. Hallucinogens are also called psychedelic drugs. (Muyot, 2017)
 1. LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide) may come in tablet, capsule, powder, or liquid form. Taking
LSD may cause increased heart rate and body temperature, dilation of pupils and flushing of the
skin. LSD causes hallucinations that make a person feel invincible and overconfident. (Sumera,
2017)
2. PCP (Phencyclidine) or angel dust act as a stimulant, depressant, or narcotic. People who take
PCP may experience a wide range of emotions such as anxiety, anger, aggression, restlessness,
disorientation and isolation. (Sumera, 2017)

E. Inhalants are substances often abused to alter the mood and behavior of a person. These drugs
produce immediate effects on the body. Inhalants produce a feeling of being “high”. However, the
effects of these substances only last for a short period of time. Inhalants enter the body through
sniffing or bagging. The following are examples of inhalants: (Sumera, 2017)
 Gasoline
 Fingernail polish remover
 Wood glue
 Hairspray
 Rugby
 Paint thinner
 Marker pen fluid
 Liquid wax
 Wood varnish
 Shoe polish
Inhalants can cause serious side effects on the person using them.
a. It can interfere with breathing and cause suffocation. It can cause seizures and loss of
consciousness.
b. It can affect vision and muscle coordination. This may often lead to accidents.

Strategies in the prevention and control of Substance use and abuse (Muyot, 2017)

Teenagers like you, face many challenges. However, very few of these challenges have the
potential to affect your life in a more significant way than the decisions you make about alcohol and
drugs. The decisions you make about using such substances will influence your health, your grades, your
relationships, your job or career, or maybe even your freedom. Here are some tips that can help you to
avoid trying alcohol and drugs in the first place.
 Learn to say, “No.”
Sometimes, the fear of getting negative reaction from friends or others keeps one from doing
what is right. It may seem like “everyone is doing it”, but the truth is, they are not. Do not let
someone else make decisions for you. If someone is putting pressure on you to do something that
is not right for you, you have the right to say, “No”, the right to give the reason why you refuse
to do it, and the right to just walk away.
 Choose your friends and avoid negative peer pressure.
Choose the people you are hanging out with. If you are hanging out with a group in which the
majority are drinking alcohol or using drugs to get high, you may want to think about making
new friends. You may be headed toward an alcohol and drug problem if you continue to hang
around others who routinely drink alcohol, smoke marijuana, abuse prescription drugs, or use
illegal drugs. Be careful and choose friends who bring out the best in you.
  Communicate with your parents or other adults.
Find people you can rely on – those with whom you can talk about life’s challenges and
problems. The opportunity to benefit from someone else’s life experience can help put things in
perspective. Your parents and other trusted adults can help you out.

 Enjoy life and do what you love.

Learn to enjoy life with the people around you without having to use prohibited drugs. These
drugs limit your potential and complicate your life. Get involved and be active in school and
community activities such as music, sports, and arts, or try having a part-time job. Volunteer for
worthwhile projects or activities to gain perspective in life.

 Always remember the rules about alcohol and drug.

Talking to your parents about alcohol and drugs benefit not only you, but your family as well.
Having the trust and respect of your parents helps a lot in building your relationship with them.

 Get educated about alcohol and drugs.

Do not rely on myths and misconceptions about drugs. Stand firm on your decision to avoid it
and be educated by learning more about the effects of alcohol and drugs. Do this with your
friends and family.

 Be a role model and set a good example.

Set the right direction for your life. Remember that what you do is more important than what you
say.

 Plan ahead.
If you are going to a party or if you are going out with your friends, plan in advance. Know how
to protect yourself and be smart.

 Talk about it and take control.

Be responsible for your own life, health, and safety. Talk about the ill effects of alcohol and
drugs.

 Seek help.
If you or someone you know is in trouble with alcohol or drugs, get some help from others. You
do not need to be alone in trying to solve the problem

Integration

Emphasize these thoughts:

1. Drugs generally serve a specific purpose such as addressing a medical condition. It becomes illegal
when its use is recreational in nature and does harm than good to the body.
2. Practicing more protective factors and being with a supportive and loving family will increase the
chance of preventing drug abuse.
3. Make a slogan which will be helpful in the community in promoting a life which is free from abused
drugs. This will be shared in the class.