LESSON 4

APPROACHES TO THE DRUG PROBLEM

TOPICS
Law Enforcement Approach
Educational Approach
Treatment and Rehabilitation Approach
International Cooperation

LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of the lesson the learner should be able to:

recognize the government efforts in the fighting of drug problem;

determine the treatment and rehabilitation systems;
TOPIC 1: THE LAW ENFORCEMENT APPROACH
discern the educational programs initiated by the government for drug

A. GOVERNMENT LAWS AND STRATEGIES

When RA 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 Lim Seng in 1972 dried up the supply of heroin in the
streets 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.

1981- Despite Drug Law Enforcement efforts and the passage of laws, the rise of
drug used continue.

Foreign drug syndicates use our shores as a transit point of heroin and cocaine
traffic
● Metro Manila still remained as the center of activity of drug activity
accounting 42% of the total arrest made in 1981.
● Foreign counter parts started to pour in aids to government agencies in
order to combat drugs
 ● The government implemented treatment and rehabilitation program by
putting out more dormitories
● Drug population increases by 10%

● There were 312 thousand drug users

1982
● Batasang Pambansa Bilang 179 effected another procedural amendment
to A 6425. The Law itemized prohibited drugs and its derivatives.
● Narcotic preparations such as opiates, opium poppy, straw, leaves or
wrappings, whether prepared for use or not were classified as dangerous
drugs.
1983
● There were already 347,750 drug users

● Non- government organizations started to assist the government’s

reduction programs
● The smuggling of drugs continued in varying frequencies (Pakistan,
Thailand and Hong Kong.
1986
● Drug users commonly practice poly- drug abuse, majority of them belong
to 14-24 age, group.
● For period of two years, the number of drug population increased to
450,000
● Arrest and seizure were double.

1987
● Emergence of Methamphetamine Hydrochloride

● Hong Kong base syndicates engage in trafficking of shabu and initially

established tie- ups with Filipino- Chinese drug syndicates. Abolished
● The Philippine Constitution of 1987 abolished death penalty under R.A
6425
● It causes the rise of Chinese syndicate using shabu as their main trade

● 2,700 fully grown coca plants were uprooted by the narcotics raiding
teams in Agoho Island, San Rafael Ilo- Ilo.
 ● Cocaine production was discovered where according to intelligence
report, the laboratory capably equipped to process 120 pounds of cocaine
per month
.
1988
● Statistics showed that there were 480,000 drug users in the Philippines, 70 %
of which were in Metro Manila
1989
● Shabu emerged as the second most popular drug abuse next to MJ.

● Cough syrup preparations continued to be drug of abuse

1990
• Shabu abuse continues to rise
• There were 500,000 drug users, recorded.
1992
● The government continued to pursue vigorous programs of action against
the drug problem
● Intensified law enforcement, preventive education campaign and
treatment programs were implemented
● SHABU emerge as the number one drug abuse among the users.

1993
● There were 800,000 drug users recorded

● RA 6425 was further amended certain activities under illicit drug

trafficking
● Death penalty was restored on December 13, 1993 but it made drug
enforcement law most difficult, because what is being punish now is the
quantity of drugs seized and no longer the act or intention of drug pushing.
1994
● Drug problem became more pressing despite sustained implementation of
the National Drug Control and Prevention Strategy of supply reduction and
demand reduction.
● Shabu became more prevalent

● The average of age of drug user became much wider for the female sex-
9:1
● Sudden increase of drug users to 2 million
 ● Abuse of shabu increase by 75.09%

1995
● Abuse of shabu increase by 75.09%

● More buy –bust operations were launched against merchants of death,

majority of whom were Chinese Triads members.
● The PNP narcotics group alone seized several billion pesos worth of illicit
drug.

1996-1997
● More high level of shabu interdictions were launched

● At the treatment and rehabilitation centers, the number of new and re-
admitted cases increased by 19-20% respectively.
● The drug population increased to 1.7 million in 1997

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9165: Important Features.

R.A. 9165- Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002 (Approved on
June 7, 2002- Effective July 4, 2002.

What is the Dangerous Drug under this law?

Include those listed in the schedules annexed to the 1961 Single
Convention on Narcotics Drugs, as amended by 1972 Protocol, and the schedule
annexed to the 1971 Single Convention on Psychotropic Substances (Art 1,
Sec.3
Example: MDMA known as Methylenedioxymethamphetamine commonly
called Ecstasy, Tetrahydrocannabinol (MJ) Mescaline (from the peyote
cactus)

What are the controlled Precursors and Essential Chemicals?

Include those listed in Tables I and II of the 1988 UN Convention against
Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance (Art 1, Sec. 3)

Examples:
Table 1- Acetic Anhydride, N- Acetyl Anthracitic Acid, Ergometrine, Lysergic Aci
Table 2- Acetone, Ethyl Ether, Hydrochloric Acid, Sulfuric Acid, etc.

NOTE: Under RA 6425(Dangerous Drug Act of 1972) Dangerous drugs refers to

the Prohibited drugs, regulated drugs and volatile substances.
Prohibited Drugs: -ex. Opium and derivatives opium 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 Act Penalty

Importation of Dangerous drugs and/ or Life imprisonment to Death and fine
Controlled precursor and essential ranging from P500,000 to 10 million
chemicals (se 4)
Sale, Trading, Administration, Life imprisonment to Death and fine
Dispensation, Delivery, Distribution and ranging from P500,000 to 10 million
Transportation of Dangerous Drug under
and/ or Controlled Precursor and
Essential Chemicals (Sec. 5)
Maintenance of Den, Dive or Resort Life imprisonment to Death and fine
when Dangerous drug are used or sold ranging from P500,000 to 10 million
in any form (Sec. 6)
Being an employee or visitor of a den, Imprisonment ranging from 12
dive or resort (sec. 7) years and 1 day to 20 years and
fine ranging from P100,000 to
500,000
Manufacture of dangerous Drugs and/ Life imprisonment to Death and fine
or Controlled Precursor and Essential ranging from P500,000 to 10 million
Chemicals (sec.8)
Illegal Chemical Diversion of Controlled Imprisonment ranging from 12 years
Precursors and Essential Chemicals and 1 day to 20 years and fine
(sec. 9) ranging from P100,000 to 500,000
Manufacture or Delivery of Equipment, Imprisonment ranging from 12
Instrument, Apparatus and other years and 1 day to 20 years and
Paraphernalia for Dangerous Drugs and/ fine ranging from P100,000 to
or Controlled Precursor and Essential 500,000
Chemicals (sec.10)
Possession of Dangerous Drugs Life imprisonment to Death and fine
(sec.11) ranging from P500,000 to 10 million
Possession of equipment, Instrument, Imprisonment ranging from 6
Apparatus and other Paraphernalia for months and 1 day to 4 years and
Dangerous Drugs. (sec.12) fine ranging from P10,000 to
P50,000
Being an employee or visitor of a den, Imprisonment ranging from 12
dive or resort (sec. 7) years and 1 day to 20 years and
fine ranging from P100,000 to
500,000
Manufacture of dangerous Drugs and/ Life imprisonment to Death and fine
or Controlled Precursor and Essential ranging from P500,000 to 10 million
Chemicals (sec.8)
Illegal Chemical Diversion of Controlled Imprisonment ranging from 12 years
Precursors and Essential Chemicals and 1 day to 20 years and fine
(sec. 9) ranging from P100,000 to 500,000
Being an employee or visitor of a den, Imprisonment ranging from 12
dive or resort (sec. 7) years and 1 day to 20 years and
fine ranging from P100,000 to
500,000
Manufacture of dangerous Drugs and/ Life imprisonment to Death and fine
or Controlled Precursor and Essential ranging from P500,000 to 10 million
Chemicals (sec.8)
Illegal Chemical Diversion of Controlled Imprisonment ranging from 12 years
Precursors and Essential Chemicals and 1 day to 20 years and fine
(sec. 9) ranging from P100,000 to 500,000
Manufacture or Delivery of Equipment, Imprisonment ranging from 12
Instrument, Apparatus and other years and 1 day to 20 years and
Paraphernalia for Dangerous Drugs and/ fine ranging from P100,000 to
or Controlled Precursor and Essential 500,000
Chemicals (sec.10)
Possession of Dangerous Drugs Life imprisonment to Death and fine
(sec.11) ranging from P500,000 to 10 million
Possession of equipment, Instrument, Imprisonment ranging from 6
Apparatus and other Paraphernalia for months and 1 day to 4 years and
Dangerous Drugs. (sec.12) fine ranging from P10,000 to
P50,000
Possession of Dangerous Drug Act
during parties, social gathering or
Imprisonment ranging from 1 year
meetings (sec.13), and possession of
and 1 day to 6 years and fine
Equipment, Instrument, apparatus and
ranging from P10,000 to 50,000
other paraphernalia for Dangerous
Drugs during parties, Social Gathering Plus, revocation of license to
or Meetings (sec. 14) practice profession
 Use of Dangerous Drug (sec.15) Maximum of 6 months rehabilitation
(1st offense). Imprisonment ranging
from 6 years and 1 day t0 12 years
and 1 day to 12 years and a fine
ranging from P50,000 to 20,000 (2nd
offense)

NOTE: Section 15 shall not be applicable where the person tested is also found
to have in his/ her possession such quantity of any dangerous drug provided in
sec 11, in which the case the penalty provided in sec .11 shall apply

Unlawful Act Penalty

Cultivation of plants classified as Cultivation of plants classified as
dangerous drugs or are sources dangerous drugs or are sources
thereof(sec.16) thereof(sec.16)
Failure to comply with the maintenance Failure to comply with the
and keeping of the original records of maintenance and keeping of the
transaction of any dangerous drugs and/ original records of transaction of any
or controlled precursor and Essential dangerous drugs and/ or controlled
chemicals on the part of the precursor and Essential chemicals
practitioners, manufacturers, on the part of the practitioners,
wholesalers, distributors, dealers or manufacturers, wholesalers,
retailers (sec. 17) distributors, dealers or retailers
(sec. 17)
Unnecessary prescription of dangerous Imprisonment ranging from 12 year
Drug (sec. 18) and 1 day to 20 years and fine
ranging from P10,000 to 50,000
Plus, revocation of license to
practice profession
Unlawful Prescription of dangerous Life imprisonment to Death and fine
Drugs (sec.19) ranging from P500,000 to 10 million

Note: The possession of dangerous drug in 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”; 500 0r 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, 00 to 500,000 if”, shabu”
is 10 grams or more but less than 50 grams.
 2. Imprisonment of 20 years and 1 day to Life Imprisonment and a fine
ranging from P400,000 to P500,000 If the quantities of Dangerous Drug
are 5 gms 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 years and 1 day to 20 years and a fine ranging from P
300, 000 to 400,000 if the quantities of the dangerous drugs are less than
5 grams of morphine, heroin, cocaine, MJ resin, shabu, MMDA and less
than 300 grams of marijuana

DANGEROUS DRUG BOARD

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 of Drug Dangerous Drug Board

o 17 members (3 as permanent), 12 are ex- officio, 2 regular members (Sec.
78) Art IX)
o 3 permanent members to be appointed by the President, one to be the
chairman
o 12 ex officio members
▪ Secretary of DOJ, DOH, DND, DOF, DOLE, DILG, DSWD, DFA, and
DepEd, Chairman of CHED, NYC, and the Dir. Gen. of PDEA
o 2 regulars are members: President of the IBP, and the Pres. / Chairman of an
NGO involved in a dangerous drug campaign to be appointed by the
President.
The NBI Director of the Chief of the PNP- permanent consultant of the Board.

What are the Powers and Duties of the DDB? (sec.81, Art IX)
1. Formulation of Drug Prevention and Control,
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 consultation,
6. Design special training,
7. Coordination with agencies for community service programs,
8. 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 the 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 and dangerous drugs,
4. Establish forensic laboratories,
5. Filing of appropriate drug cases,
6. Conduct eradication programs,
7. Maintain a national drug intelligence system,
8. Close coordination with local and international drug agencies.

What are the other features of RA 9165?

1. In the revised law; importation of any illegal drug; regardless of quantity and
purity or any part there from even for floral, decorative and culinary purposes
is punishes able with life imprisonment to death and a fine ranging from P500,
000 to 10 million.

2. The trading, administration dispensation, delivery distribution and

transportation of dangerous drugs is also punishable by life imprisonment to
death and a fine ranging from 5,000 to 10 million.
3. Any person who shall sell, trade, administer, dispense, deliver, give away to
another or distribute, dispatch in transit or transport any dangerous drugs
regardless of quantity and purity shall be punished with life imprisonment to
death and a fine ranging from 500,000 to P 10 Million
● But if the sale, administration, delivery, distribution or transportation of
any of these illegal drugs transpires within 100 meters from any school,
the maximum penalty shall be imposed.
● Pushers who use minors or mentally incapacitated individuals as
runners, couriers, and messengers or in dangerous drug transaction
shall also be meted with maximum penalty.
● A penalty of 12 years to 20 years imprisonment shall be imposed on
financier’s coddlers, and managers of the illegal activity.
4. The law also penalizes anybody found in possession of any item or
paraphernalia use to administer, produce, cultivate, propagate, harvest,
 compound, convert, process, pack, store, contain or conceal illegal drugs with
an imprisonment of 12 years to 20 years and a fine of P100, 000 to P500,
000.
5. Owners of resorts, drives, establishments, and other places, where illegal
drugs are administered is deemed liable under this new law and shall be
confiscated and escheated as favor of the government.
6. Any person who shall be convicted of violation of this new law, regardless of
the quantity of the drugs and the penalty imposed by the court shall not be
allowed to avail the privilege provisions of the Probation Law (P.D. 968)

(sec. 58 Art VIII) Filling of the charges against a drug dependent for
confinement and rehabilitation under voluntary submission program can be
made:
1. second commitment to the center
2. upon recommendation of the DDB
3. maybe charged for violation of sec. 15
4. if convicted- confinement and rehabilitation

Parents, spouse or guardians who refuses to cooperate with the Board or

any concerned agency in the treatment and rehabilitation of a drug dependent
may be cited for Contempt OF Court (sec. 73, Art VIII)

Anti -Drug Drives and Operational Concepts

The following are samples of Operational Plans (OPLANS) against the
drug problem:

1. Plan thunderbolt I- operations to create an impact to the underworld

2. OPLAN Thunderbolt II- operations used to neutralize suspected illegal
drug laboratories
3. OPLAN Thunderbolt III- Operations for the neutralization of big-time drug
pushers’ drug dealers and drug lords.
4. OPLAN Iceberg- special operation team in selected prone areas in order
to get rid of illegal 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 Green gold- nationwide MJ eradication operations with the local
government and NGO’s.
9. OPLAN Sagip-Yagit- A civic program initiated by NGO’S and local
government offices to help eradicate drug syndicates involving street
children as drug conduit.
10. OPLAN Banat- an operational plan against drug abuse focused in the
barangay level in cooperation with barangay officials.
 11. OPLAN Athena- operation conducted to neutralize the 14k, Bamboo gang
and other local organized crime groups involved in illegal drug trafficking.
12. OPLAN Cyclops- operation against Chinese triad members involved in the
illegal drug operations particularly Methamphetamine Hydrochloride.

In the conduct of anti- drug operations, the following must be strictly considered:

1. Respect for human Rights (Sec.11, Art.2, Phil Constitutional)

2. Respect for right of the people to due process and equal protection (Sec. 1,
Art 3, Phil Constitutional)
3. Respect of Right of People against unreasonable search and seizure (Sec 2,
Art. 3, Phil Constitution)
4. Respect for right of the people to privacy of communication (Sec. 3 Art 3, Phil
Constitution).
5. Respect for constitutional rights of the accused undergoing custodial
investigation (RA 7438), (Sec.12, Art.3, Phil Constitution)
6. Respect for the statutory rights of the accused undergoing custodial
investigation under RA 7438

The Principle of Drug Operations are:

1. Knowledge on circumstances on when to use necessary force (Art 11,

Chapter 3, RPC)
2. Knowledge on the statutory provisions on arrest (Rule 113, Rules on Criminal
Procedures).
3. Knowledge on the administrative guidelines on arrest, search and seizure.
4. The Miranda Doctrine (384 U.S. 346)
5. Warrantless Search and Search incidental to lawful arrest (Rule 126, Rules
on Criminal Procedure).

A. GENERAL RULES ON NARCOTICS OPERATION

General Rules and Procedures:

1. Only specially trained and completed drug enforcement personnel shall

conduct enforcement and prevention operations.
2. All drug enforcement and prevention operations shall be covered by a Pre-
operations report.
3. All steps taken before, during and after the conduct of operation must be
documented and properly authenticated.
4. Operating units shall promptly submit written report after the operation
5. No apprehender or seized item shall be released without authorization
from the duly designated authority.
6. All pieces of evidence confiscated will be deposited with proper Evidence
Custodian for safekeeping and proper handling.
7. Each participating element must be given clear and do-able task.
Coverage of the Rules
The rules governing narcotic operations cover the following anti- narcotics
operations.
a. Buy- bust operations
b. Search with warrant
c. MJ eradication
d. Mobile Check point Operations
e. Airport/ Seaport Interdiction
f. Controlled Delivery
g. Undercover operations
h. Narcotics Investigation

Stages of Operations

Phase I- Initial stage

● Planning and preparations which include surveillance, casing and
reconnaissance and other preliminary activities
● Conduct the operation

Phase II- Action and post action stage

● Tactical Interrogations (follow- up operation)

● Post operation

● Custodial Investigation

● Prosecution

● Trial

● Resolution

Buy- Bust Operations

Concept: is a form of entrapment employed by peace officers as an
effective way of apprehending criminal in the act of commission of the offense.
Entrapment has received judicial sanction as long as it is carried with due regard
to constitutional and legal safeguards.
Planning and Preparation: the operation must be preceded by an
intense surveillance, casing or other intelligence operations and gathering,
evaluation and timely dissemination. Intelligence must be evidence- based and
shall be supported by documents such as summaries of info, maps sketches,
affidavits and sworn statements.

Search for Drug Evidence with Warrant

 Concept: A search warrant is an order in writing issued in the name of
the people of the Philippines, signed by a judge and directed to a peace officer,
commanding him to search for a personal property describe therein and bring it
before the court. 9Sec. 1, Rule 126, Revised Rules of Court).
Planning Preparation: Prior to the procurement of search warrant,
intensive intelligence data gathering must be undertaken, evidence- based and
supported by credible documents; Conduct of surveillance, casing, and other
intelligence operations; identification, movement activities and locations of
suspect should establish; Search warrant shall be applied with competent court;
conduct of operation; Submission of reports.

Marijuana Eradication
Concept: Marijuana eradication involves the location destruction of
marijuana plantations, including the identification, arrest and prosecution of the
planter, owner or cultivator, and escheating of the land where the plantation is
located.
Planning and Preparation: the planning operations shall be preceded
by intelligence gathering to verify the existence of marijuana plantation and the
existence to support by documentary evidence such as summary of information,
maps, sketches, photographs and others. A pre- operation order and after casing
report must be appropriately documented – the intelligence gathering.
Conduct of Operation: Briefing rehearsals and proper formation: Exact
location of the plantation must be established: Identify owner of the Land or the
cultivators; coordination with the other operating units in the area; Barangay
SOPs under rules of operations.

Planning and Operations: Intensive intelligence gathering supported by

credible documents, with proper pre- operations orders and after surveillance or
after- casing report.

Conduct of Operations: It shall be in consonance with the existing SOPs on

the checkpoint operation.

Airport and Seaport Interdiction

Concept: airport and seaport interdiction involve in the conduct of
surveillance, interception and interdiction of persons and evidence during travel
by air or sea vessels.
Planning and Operation: intensive intelligence gathering supported by
credible documents, with proper pre- operations orders and after surveillance or
after casing reports.
Conduct of Operations: Coordination with airport and seaport
authorities shall be made. Operations shall be in consonance with the existing
SOP’s on airport and seaport check/ operations.

Controlled Delivery
 Concept: this is the technique of allowing illicit or suspect consignment of
narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances or substances substituted for them to
pass out of, TOPIC
through2:orTHE EDUCATION
into the territory of oneAPPROACH
or more countries, with the
knowledge and under the supervision of their competent authorities with the view
of identifying persons involved in the commission of drug related offenses.
Planning and Operation: Intensive intelligence gathering and
evaluation to determine the applicability of controlled delivery operations. It must
be supported by credible documents, with proper pre- operations orders and after
surveillance or after casing reports. A committee on board shall be constituted to
study the project proposals for suitable employment of controlled delivery
operation.
Conduct of Operations: proper formation for accounting of personnel,
coordination with airport, seaport and other travelling agency authorities, and
operations shall be in consonant with the existing SOPs on controlled delivery
operations.

Undercover Operations:
Concept: Undercover operation is an investigative technique in which the
personnel involves assumes different identities in order to obtain necessary
information. This technique may also be considered as method of surveillance.
Planning and Operation: Proper operations shall be reported to only
under circumstance where evidence can be hardly obtained in an open
investigation or when an open investigation is successful.
Conduct of Operations: Proper briefing and rehearsal, identification of
effective cover and undercover; buy bust or search with warrant operations shall
be in consonance with the existing SOPs on the undercover operations.

PRELIMINARY
Drug Education in schools may be defined as the educational programs,
policies, procedures and other experiences that contribute to the achievement of
broader health goals of preventing drug use and the adverse consequences of
drug use to individuals and society.

Drug Education should be related to both the formal and informal

curricula in health, the criterion of a safe and healthy school environment, the
provision of appropriate health services and the involvement of the family and the
wider community in the planning and delivery of programs.

Drug Education Guidelines for all Ages

This part discusses the role that school- based drug education programs
may play in preventing or reducing drug use and the adverse consequences of
drug use to individuals and society. It provides guidelines for selecting content
and teaching methods for school drug education programs, and suggests
knowledge, attitude and skill objectives for drug education at the lower, middle-
and upper-class levels.
The information in this tool was adapted by UNESCO from the following
publication: United Nations Office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention
(UNODC),

Drug prevention efforts are commonly considered under three main

headings:

1. Demand Reduction Strategies aim to reduce the desire and

preparedness to obtain use of drugs. These strategies, aimed at
preventing, reducing, and/ or delaying the uptake of harmful drug use,
may include abstinence- oriented strategies
2. Supply Reduction Strategies aim to disrupt the production and supply
of illicit drug as well as limit the access and availability of licit drugs in
certain contexts. In the school setting, this include measures taken to limit
the use, possession and sale of illicit drugs on school premises, and may
also include measures taken to discourage tobacco use.
3. Strategies for the reduction of the adverse consequences of drug
use aim to reduce the impact of drug use and drug- related activities on
individuals and communities

The primary role of the school is to impart knowledge, skills and sound
values base on 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 societies.

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

The guidelines below are offered to help curriculum planners and

teachers select appropriate content and, perhaps more importantly, recognize
that some information may be useless, and some counterproductive.
Appropriateness of content should be determined with due consideration of the
needs of the students, the agreed drug- related learning outcomes.

Guidelines for selecting content

1. Information about drug 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
 user. In relation to achieving learning outcomes, selection and presentation of
information should be considered in terms of:
● what student already know and what they need to know about drugs;

● 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. Decision 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:
o surveys at local and broader levels
o information from police, drug counsellors and/ or health workers
o community consultation
o student input
● the personal and social context of the use of particular drugs;

● the age when student 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 present 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.
In relation to social contexts (the way the drug is used), information
should be presented that:
● encourages students to reflect on what they have learned and how it
can be applied to their social situation and their lives generally;
● does not increase either use of harm caused by the drugs being
addressed;
 ● 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

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 drug substances. Example of
approaches that may be counterproductive include:
● glamorizing- presenting drug use/ users as sophisticated (cool)

● strategies that exaggerate and misrepresent the dangers of drug use

reduce the achievement of drug- related outcomes – especially for
students who know, or believe based on their experience, that the
message may not reflect the whole truth;
● sensationalizing- using graphic images can portray drug use as
dangerous and exciting;
● frightening case studies that are too far removed from reality of young
people;
● emotionally loaded videos and personal anecdotes; romanticizing- using
slang or “street names (instead of pharmacological name) which highlight
a drug’s supposed positive effects, while concealing the potential harms
associated with its use;
● informing students how to obtain, make or use potentially harmful
substances, including detailing the chemical composition of substances;
● using pictures and images of drug use or the drug user that are appealing
or attractive; and using “one- off or ‘stand-alone activities rather than
those that contribute to an ongoing, comprehensive, developmentally
appropriate program

MATCHING CONTENTS TO LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Content for the Upper Level Schools

Students will know…. (KNOWLEDGE)

● the importance of self- esteem, positive self- concept and identity,

● rights and responsibilities in relationships,

 ● the concepts of abstinence and alternatives to drug use,

● the definitions of drug, drug misuse and abuse, drug dependence,

● how different contexts and situations influence personal values, attitudes,

beliefs and behavior in relation to drug use,
● consequences of unlawful and unsanctioned drug use, how drug can
affect a person’s ability to perform tasks,
● the impact of media message on the health behavior of individuals and
society

Students will articulate …. (ATTITUDES AND VALUES)

● a values stance on drugs and confidence to act on those values, the
significance of social and cultural influences on beliefs about drugs
● empathy and acceptance of a diverse range of people individual
responsibility for health and universal health protection,
● personal beliefs about drugs and their effects on decision to use.

Student will be able to …. (SKILLS)

● Communicate constructively with parents, teachers and peers

● give and get care in a variety of health- related situations, set short- and
long-term health goals
● demonstrate conflict, aggression, stress and time management skills

● identify and assess personal risks and practice universal protection

● assert themselves and deal with the influences from others, work
effectively with others and cope with change, loss and grief.

DRUG ABUSE PREVENTION EDUCATION

Drug abuse prevention education is concern with bringing about changes
in the people’s knowledge, attitudes and practices towards drug abuse.
There are several known strategies in abuse prevention, which are the
following:

1. Drug Education- Learning situations during seminars workshops,

symposium and lecture forums, which takes up the value clarification,
leadership training, coping skills and decision making. It is a movement,
which utilizes humanistic techniques in both school- based and
community-oriented drug abuse prevention programs.
 2. Drug Information- It is an activity, which focused on the dissemination of
basic facts of the cause and effects of drug abuse with the objective of
creating awareness and vigilance of the people in the community.

Drug information includes the following activities”

a. Youth- Adult communication as in parent youth dialogues and Family
encounters
b. Info- oriented Classroom/ community activities such as contest in the
school/ community- essays, slogans, posters, cartoons, play writing
c. Broadcast media: TV /Radio or Printed, plugs, films, slides spot
announcement, music programming newsletter, comics
leaflets/brochures, magazines other publications

3. Alternatives- this includes a number of ideas for stimulating meaningful

involvement for the youth that can complete successfully with the
demands of drugs and alcohol. Primarily the emphasis should be on
service or constructive and productive pursuits and recreational activities
that are usually community based such as:
a. voluntary service work
b. income producing activities Sports, Arts development- theatre –
choral/dance groups
c. Community fair/ contest
d. Other recreational activities; development of physical, emotional
activities; development of physical, emotional interpersonal, mental
intellectual, social, spiritual and all aspects of behavioral
development.

4. Intervention- this strategy is applied to experimenters and potential drug

abusers, Activities like peer or group counselling should be encouraged in
every community. The techniques or activities recommended intervention
are:
● Peer counselling

● Hot lines

● Cross- age tutoring

● New peer group creation

THE PEER CROSS- AGE TUTORINGAND COUNSELLING

Peer and cross –age tutoring and counselling enable the student to
assume adult and mature roles, to become actively involved in their own learning
and in other’s learning and to take on a “real world” responsibility.

The program is focused on:

 Life Career Planning- the preparation towards a comprehensive career
education helps young people to make the right choices.
Parenting and Family Communication –these are activities that can foster
better understanding and wholesome family relationships

Effective Techniques and Learning Activities

1. Values Formation or Development- the articulation of personal values. Its

process includes choosing from alternatives and repeatedly and consistently
acted upon

2. Role Playing- a technique used to help students identify more closely with
historical figures or characters in literature, which will help them at sensing
problem and testing solutions without taking any great risk.
3. Decision Making and Problem Solving- techniques using conflict resolution
focused on group problems which help the students in identifying possible
alternatives to solve the problem.
4. Individual Contact- the basic principles in working with an individual with
emphasis of making him feel at ease, involving him by asking questions,
supplying with the necessary information and arriving at a decision that will
end to action. It is carried out by:
a. person to- person relationship or individual counselling
b. House/ office visits
c. Telephone calls or by letters
d. Information conversation or dialogue.
5. Small Group Approach-involves contact with a number of people assemble
in isolated group or in one of a series of related groups. This technique can
be carried out by:
a. Lecture- one-way discussions
b. Small group discussion- mutual interchange of ideas or opinion
between the small group
c. Symposium- group of talk, speeches or lectures presented by several
individuals on various phases of a single subject
d. Panel Discussion- discussion before an audience by a selected group
of persons expressing a variety of viewpoint under a moderator
e. The Buzz Session- the count off procedure
f. Seminars, simulations, games, debate, field trips.
6. Community Approach – this involves working together about their common
problems, identify these and implement the kind of actions patterns for the
solution of the problem. These techniques can be carried out by;

a. Community assemble and barangay fairs

b. Sports festivals or on test in the community
c. Church related activities.
TOPIC 3: THE TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION
APPROACH
ASSISTING THE DRUG ABUSER

Treatment-the medical service rendered to a client for the effective

management of physical and mental conditions related to drug abuse:

The aims of treatment are:

a. To prevent death from overdose.
b. To treat complication following drug dependent
c. To make them comfortable during the withdrawal period.
d. To encourage confirmed drug dependents clients to undergo
rehabilitation and other specialized services.

Detoxification- it is a medically supervise elimination of drugs from the

system of addicted person

Method of detoxification include:

1. Cold turkey- self drug withdrawal
2. Substitution – the use of methodex, catapres, haemesin,
dextropropoxyphene, tranquilizers 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 towards the physical,

emotional, psychological, social and spiritual change to prepare a person to the
fullest life compatible with 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 the opportunity to live a
happy, useful and productive life without abusing drugs.

Modalities: It includes Multi- Disciplinary Team Approach: Therapeutic

Community Approach; Primal Scream Therapy; Spiritual Approach; Eclectic
Approach; and the 12 Steps of Alcoholic Anonymous /Addicts Anonymous (AA)

Methods of Rehabilitation

1. Psychotherapeutic Methods
a. Individual Therapy – This involves 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.
c. Unstructured Group Therapy- the role of therapist can be assumed by
the entire group or group members. In the therapeutic community used,
among others through (a) group encounter, (b) verbal haircut (tongue
lashing reprimand), (c) group games, and (d) family encounters
d. Family Therapy- this form of intervention is based on recognition that
while the family as a primary social unit, can be a source of problem
leading to drug abuse, can also be a powerful factor in improving the
behavior of the drug dependent.

2. The Spiritual and Religious Means- This is the development of moral and
spiritual values of drug dependent

3. The Follow –up and after- care-The process of rehabilitation does end upon
the release or discharge of client from the center. After his discharge, he has
to undergo follow- up and after- care services to a period of not more than 18
months by the appropriate center personnel. The offices of the DSWD and
the NBI are deputized agents of the board to handle this.

THE TRANSFER SUMMARY

A transfer summary of the case from the rehabilitation facility is necessary
and should be forwarded for the entity of undertaking the follow- up and the after-
care services. The Social Worker of the receiving entity assign to then case shall
maintain a close contact with the client, family and the accredited physician
attending to the case, and the police, for the purpose of assisting the client
maintain his progress towards adjusting to his new environment. He shall also
see to it that a regular laboratory examination of the client’s body fluids is made
to ensure that the client remain drug free.

Duration of the Rehabilitation

If the patient is found to be an opiate abuser, the treatment prescribed
shall be for a period of not less than six (6) months

Criteria of Rehabilitation
1. The patient achieves a drug free existence
2. He becomes adjusted to his family and peers
3. Socially integrated to the community
4. The client is not involved in socially deviant behaviors

DIAGNOSTIC GUIDELINES
A define diagnosis of the dependence should only be made if three or
more of the following have been experience or exhibited at some time during
previous year
 1. A strong or sense of compulsion to take the substance
2. An impaired capacity to control substance- taking behavior in terms of its
onset, termination, or level of use
3. Substance use with the intention of relieving withdrawal symptoms and
with awareness that strategy is effective
4. A psychological withdrawal states
5. Evidence of tolerance such that increased doses of the substance are
required in order to achieve effects originally produced by lower doses.
6. A narrowing of the personal repertoire of patterns of substance use.
7. Progressive neglect of alternative pressures or interests in favor of
substance abuse.
8. Persisting with substance use despite clear evidence of poverty harmful
consequences (Adverse consequences may be medical as a with harm to
the liver through excessive drinking, social as in the case of loss of a job
through drug related impairment of the performance, or psychological as
in the case of depressive mood states consequent to periods of heavy
substance use).

THE UNODC
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is a United
Nations Agency which was founded in 1997 as the Office for Drug Control and
Crime Prevention with the intent to fight drugs and crime on an International
level. This intent is fulfilled through three primary functions: research, lobbying
state government to adopt various crime and drug-based laws and treaties and
assistance of said government on the ground level

The United Nations Internal Drug Control Program (UNDCP) and the
United Center for International Crime Prevention (CICP) are part of the United
Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

It is mandated by UN General Assembly with the executive responsibility

leadership for all the United Nation Drug Control Activities in order to ensure
coherence of action, coordination, and non – duplication of such activities in the
United Nation System.

The UNDCP assist government in fulfilling their obligation under the

existing regulatory structures so that they can become parties to these
conventions.

TOPIC 4: INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION AGAINST

DRUG ABUSE
 The UNDCP Resources for Operations- The financial resources came
from a regular budget of the United Nation and voluntary contributions of the U.
n. Members.

In Asia, UNDCP is created in different field in and Laos Burma (Myanmar)

which handle national programs while Thailand handles Regional Programs.

MASTER PLAN APPROACH

This involves encouraging and assisting governments in undertaking a
thorough analysis of drug problems within a country or region, the identification
and assessment of all anti- narcotics intervention undertaken and planned. It also
involves the identification for needs for new projects and activities.

Measure Undertaken in SEA includes:

1. Enhancement of Capital Punishment
2. ASIAN Drug official group meetings/ Convention against Drug Abuse
3. Instant/Urine Test Machine
4. Denial of Passport of all drug offenders upon released from prison
5. Use of Narcotic Drug Detector
6. ASEAN Cooperation on Against Drug Trafficking

The Drug outlook in the ASEAN Countries shows that:

1. Thailand –as training center for:

● undercover operations

● investigations

● informant handling

● surveillance

● other enforcement techniques

2. Philippines- adapted the Drug Demand Reduction Strategy and Supply

Reduction Strategy. The Drug Supply Strategy is carried out by the conduct of
anti- narcotics operations (raids on plantations, laboratories, etc.); arrest
search and seizure; surveillance and other intelligence operations; legislative
and judicial measures. The conduct of information and additional drives and
the treatment or rehabilitation of drug addicts carries out the Demand
Reduction Strategy.

3. Malaysia- is the Asian treatment and rehabilitation training center is

sponsored by the international Labor Union located in Malaysia. Malaysia
then is considered as the training center for treatment and rehabilitation of
drug abusers in Asia.
4. Singapore- is responsible in the area of research as part of the Asian anti-
narcotic work. The urine test project was adapted with the aim to train chemist
ASEAN members in the technique of mass urine screening

SOCIETAL ROLE IN DRUG ABUSE PREVENTION

Different sectors of society play vital roles in preventing drug abuse. All
should exert concerted efforts to fight the spreading tentacles of this menace.

What a person can do to prevent drug abuse?

1. Maintain physical and mental health.
2. Use drug properly. Most drug are beneficial when use under medical
advice
3. Self-understanding, acceptance and respect.
4. Develop potentials. Engage in wholesome, productive and satisfying
activities.
5. Learn to cope with problem s and other stresses without the use of drugs.
Seek professional help regarding problems that are hard to cope with.
6. Develop strong moral and spiritual values.

The family and the Role of Parents

Parents are looked upon by their children as models. The parents should:
1. Create a warm and friendly atmosphere in the home
2. Develop effective means of communication with their children.
3. Understand and accept the children for what they are and what they want
to be
4. Take time to be with their children no matter how busy they are.
5. Strengthen moral values and Spiritual values.

The Role of the School

Next to the home, the school is the child’s next impressive world. Here
the child moves about in a bigger social environment predominantly made up of
his peers and teachers.
The school has also the role of working closely with the parents and
neighborhood, and other community agencies and organization to direct the child
in the most effective constructive ways.

What the Teacher can do to Prevent Drug Abuse?

1. Know their students and be sensitive to their needs and problems
2. Establish rapport with their students for better communication.
3. Accept their students for what they are help them develop their potentials
4. Academic achievement and personality development should be given
equal importance
5. Encourage student’s participation in co- curricular activities that would
further enhance health and strengthen moral and spiritual values.

What the School Administrators can do to Prevent Drug Abuse.

 1. Make available time to plan and initiate awareness session for the
students and families about drug problems related to them.
2. Facilitate a general assessment of the drug abuse and initiate educational
programs geared towards prevention of the drug problem.

The Role of the Church

The Church is also committed to fight against drug abuse. Religion is a
positive force for humanitarian task of moral guidance of the youth. It is social
institution with the primary role to strengthen faith and goodness in the
community, an influence against crime and delinquency.

The church influences people’s behavior with the emphasis on morals

and life’s highest spiritual values, persons, person’s lives and properties and
generate the full power to oppose crime and delinquency

The Role of the Police

The police are one of the most powerful occupation groups in the modern
society. The prime mover of the criminal justice system and the number one
institution in the community with the broad goals of maintaining peace and order,
the protection of life and property, and the enforcement of the laws. The police
are the authority having a better position to draw up special program against drug
abuse and crime in general because it is the reason why the police exist.

The Role of Non- Government Organizations

The Group of concerned individuals responsible for helping the
government in the pursuit of community development being partners in providing
the common good and welfare of the people through public service. When the
government is inefficient and unable to provide the necessary goods and
services to the people, these non- government organizations are good helpers in
providing the required services, thus preventing drug abuse.

The Role of Mass Media

Mass Media being the best institution for information dissemination
thereby giving the public the necessary need to know, and to do help shape
everyday views about drug abuse, its control and prevention.