HANDOUT # 4

DRUG ABUSE PREVENTION

Drug Abuse, or chemical dependency, is one of the major problems faced

by every society in the world

What is drug abuse?

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.

What is drug dependence?

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

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

What is drug user?

Drug user is another term for “drug addict,” which refers to an individual
who is dependent on a certain drug or drugs. Drug addiction refers to being
dependent on a certain drug or drugs. It is 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.

The 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 inattention to dress and personal
hygiene.
4. Constant wearing of sunglasses at inappropriate times. Marijuana
causes bloodshot eyes.
5. Unusual effort made to cover arms in order to hide needle marks.
6. Association with unknown drug abusers.
7. Stealing items that can be readily sold for cash.
8. Change in mood, depending on the drug taken.

CLASSIFICATION 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:

a. gives a feeling of relaxation and loss of inhibitions
b. a sense of excitement due to the release of inhibitions
c. disrupted motor activity, motor skills and coordination
d. deep intoxication that causes disturbance in bodily processes
e. expanded superficial blood vessels causing warm feeling
f. deep intoxication that can lead to “coma” and “death”
g. waning or fading consciousness, causing mental dullness
h. loss of self-control resulting to violent behavior

2. MARIJUANA, CANNABIS SATIVA, is an annual plant that grows wild in

many temperate parts of the world.

Effects of Marijuana

a. throat intoxication and coughing

b. increased heart beat and pulse rate
c. reddening of the eyes, dizziness, bodily incoordination
d. sleepiness and decreased physical activity
e. possible chronic bronchitis and asthma
f. feeling of excitement and friendliness

3. STIMULANTS are drugs used to increase mental activity, relieve fatigue,

increase alertness and offset drowsiness.
 Kinds of Stimulants
 Amphetamines
 Cocaine
 Shabu (methamphetamine HCL)

Effects of Stimulants

a. feeling of being stronger, more decisive and self-possessed

b. extended wakefulness and increased mental alertness
c. may include irritability, anxiety and fear
d. loss of appetite resulting in decreased body weight
e. pregnant women who abused “shabu” can cause mental retardation
f. loss of sexual desire and interest towards work
g. split personality leading to violent behavior
h. loss of memory by chronic users
i. chronic snorters from irritation of the nose leading to frequent nose
bleeding
j. 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, pseudo-ephedrine, phenylephrine, and phenyl-

proppanolamine for nasal decongestion
b. Chlorphenamine maleate for allergic asthma, nocturnal cough
c. Dextromethrophan is cough suppressant; codeine has an antitussive
effect

5. DEPPRESSANT (DOWNERS), usually known as “downers,” are drugs that

act on the nervous system, promoting relaxation and sleep.

a. barbiturates
b. methaqualone

Effects of Depressant:

A usual dose of barbiturate causes a calming, relaxing effect that promotes

sleep. Other notable reactions are given.
  Relief of anxiety and excitement
 Reduce mental and physical activity
 A marked decrease in breathing

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

overdose of barbiturate produces the following reactions:

a. unconsciousness and decrease in breathing

b. deepening unconsciousness leading to “coma”

6. 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” and “sounds.”

a. mescaline
b. LSD
c. Psilocybin
d. Phencyclidine

Effects of Hallucinogens

a. increased heart beat and pulse rate

b. elevated or increased blood pressure
c. increased activity of the body due to the effect to the brain
d. enlarged or dilated pupils of the eyes
e. increased body temperature
f. paleness of the face and skin of the body

7. TRANQUILIZERS are drugs 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 lading to death. While the margin of safety associated with
these drugs is considerable, overdose can occur, and continuous use can lead
to dependence.

a. meprobamate
b. diazepam

Effects of Tranquilizer
 a. physical weakness and sleepiness
b. induced mental and psychological dullness
c. calms the nerves and relieves tension and anxiety
d. overdose can lead to “coma,” respiratory failure, and death

8. NARCOTICS, in medicine, refer to opium, codeine, heroin, hydromophone.

Effects of Narcotics:

a. reduced size of the pupils of the eyes and reduced vision

b. drowsiness and decreased physical activity
c. nauseas, vomiting, and finally leads to “drug dependence”
d. induced “coma” with slow, shallow respiration
e. 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 inhaled through the nose to experience intoxication. Recently,
inhalation of different substances known as “glue sniffing” has become
popular among the young people in their early teens. These substances
include the following:

1. quick drying glue or plastic cement like rugby

2. paint remover and lacquer such as “thinner” and “solvent”
3. gasoline and other gasoline-based products
4. kerosene or commonly known as “gaas”
5. nail polish and cuticle remover
6. lighter fluid and dry-cleaning fluid

Effects of Inhalants

a. unsteadiness and restlessness

b. drunkenness with depression leading to unconsciousness
c. irritability and highly agitated or troubled condition
d. initial excitement thereby losing emotional control
e. 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.

REASONS BEHIND DRUG ABUSE

 1. relief from problems- personal, family, school, or work
2. experience its effects on the mind and body
3. ease depression, boredom, pain, or misery
4. giving in to pressures from “peers” or other drug users
5. misinformation from acquaintances
6. for security feelings, with drugs they have self-confidence

PREVENTIVE MEASURES FOR DRUG ABUSE

1. improvement in family relations

2. direct and sincere action on the part of the government to address drug
abuse
3. clear and noticeable reforms in the environment and economy
4. strict enforcement of drug laws
5. establishment of dedicated judiciary
6. complete “crackdown” against drug pusher and syndicates
7. instituting heavy penalties for drug related crime and serious drug
violators

ROLES OF SCHOOLS, THE COMMUNITY AND PARENTS IN DRUG ABUSE

PREVENTION

SCHOOL

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

COMMUNITY

1. Conducting an anti-drug campaign, cooperating with authorities in the

arrest of drug pushers.
2. Helping drug users get treatment from drug rehabilitation centers.
3. Planning a community action program involving young people, civic
welfare, and religious organizations in tackling drug problem.
4. Organizing worthwhile and constructive activities such as recreational,
social, and economic projects that will serve as a positive alternative to
drug abuse.

PARENTS
1. If parents use medicines improperly and large dosages, children will
imitate this bad example. This should be avoided.
2. Parents must teach their children not to use drugs indiscriminately so as
to develop in their children the correct drug attitude.
3. Parents should advice their children on the choice of friends and
inculcate the basic knowledge about drug abuse.
4. If parents discover their son or daughter is into drugs, they must face the
problem and seek professional help at once.
5. Learn to relate effectively with other. Have somebody to whom you can
communicate your problems and other stresses without the use of drugs.
6. Seek professional help if you feel you cannot cope with your problems
anymore.
7. Develops strong moral and spiritual foundation in life.