DRUG ABUSE

EDUCATION AND
PREVENTION
DRUG ABUSE EDUCATION AND PREVENTION
• Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 or Republic
Act 9165 is an act that supersedes R.A. 6425 or the
Dangerous Drugs Act of 1972. This amended law
practices a more intensive approach against drug abuse,
trafficking and enforcement. It also gives emphasis on the
role of the educational system in information
dissemination and prevention campaign. It re-evaluates
the procedures, policies and programs concerning drug
abuse. It highlights the importance of rehabilitation and
reintegration of rehabilitated individuals to society. These
are some of the important provisions in the law:
UNLAWFUL ACTS
AND PENALTIES
• If the sale, trading, administration, dispensation, delivery,
distribution or transportation of any dangerous drug
and/or controlled precursor and essential chemical
transpires within one hundred (100) meters from the
school, the maximum penalty shall be imposed in every
case.
• The penalty of imprisonment ranging from twelve years
and one day to twenty years and a fine ranging twelve
thousand to twenty thousand pesos shall be imposed
upon any person or group of persons who shall maintain a
den, dive, or resort where any prohibited drug is used in
any form
• Any person found possessing any dangerous drug during
a party, or at a social gathering or meeting, or in the
proximate company of at least two (2) persons, shall
suffer the maximum penalties provided for in Section 11 of
this Act, regardless of the quantity and purity of such
dangerous drugs.
SEC. 15 Use of Dangerous Drugs

• A person apprehended or arrested, who is found to be

positive for use of any dangerous drug, after a
confirmatory test, shall be imposed a penalty of a
minimum of six (6) months rehabilitation in a government
center for the first offense, subject to the provisions of
Article VIII of this Act.
• The penalty of life imprisonment to death and a fine
ranging from Five hundred thousand pesos (P500,000.00)
to Ten million pesos (P10,000,000.00) shall be imposed
upon any person, who, unless authorized by law, shall
make or issue a prescription or any other writing
purporting to be a prescription for any dangerous drug.
• Authorized drug testing shall be done by any government
forensic laboratories or by any of the drug testing laboratories
accredited and monitored by the DOH to safeguard the quality
of test results. The DOH shall take steps in setting the price of
the drug test with DOH accredited drug testing centers to
further reduce the cost of such drug test. The drug testing shall
employ, among others, two (2) testing methods, the screening
test which will determine the positive result as well as the type
of the drug used and the confirmatory test which will confirm a
positive screening test
• provides that “With the assistance of the Board, the
Department of the Interior and Local Government
(DILG), the National Youth Commission (NYC), and
the Department of Social Welfare and Development
(DSWD) shall establish in each of its provincial
offices a Special Drug Education Center (SDEC) for
Out-of-School Youth (OSY) and street children.
 SEC. 54 Voluntary Submission of a Drug Dependent to
Confinement, Treatment and Rehabilitation
• A drug dependent or any person who violates Section 15 of this Act may, by
himself/herself or through his/her parent, spouse, guardian or relative within the fourth
degree of consanguinity or affinity, apply to the Board or its duly recognized
representative, for treatment and rehabilitation of the drug dependency. Upon such
application, the Board shall bring forth the matter to the Court which shall order that
the applicant be examined for drug dependency. If the examination by a DOH-
accredited physician results in the issuance of a certification that the applicant is a
drug dependent, he/she shall be ordered by the Court to undergo treatment and
rehabilitation in a Center designated by the Board for a period of not less than six (6)
months: Provided, That a drug dependent may be placed under the care of a DOH-
accredited physician where there is no Center near or accessible to the residence of
the drug dependent or where said drug dependent is below eighteen (18) years of
age and is a first-time offender and non-confinement in a Center will not pose a
serious danger to his/her family or the community.
• Judicial and medical records of drug dependents under the
voluntary submission program shall be confidential and shall
not be used against him for any purpose, except to determine
how many times, by himself/herself or through his/her parent,
spouse, guardian or relative within the fourth degree of
consanguinity or affinity, he/she voluntarily submitted
himself/herself for confinement, treatment and rehabilitation or
has been committed to a Center under this program.
• Notwithstanding any law, rule and regulation to the
contrary, any person determined and found to be
dependent on dangerous drugs shall, upon petition
by the Board or any of its authorized
representative, be confined for treatment and
rehabilitation in any Center duly designated or
accredited for the purpose.
Definition of Terms
about Drug Abuse
• Drug - is any chemical substance that brings
about physiological, emotional, or behavioral
changes in a person.
• Drug abuse - is the use of a chemical substance,
licit or illicit which results in an individual's
physical, mental, emotional, and social
impairment.
• Drug addiction - a person's dependence on a
drug, associated with narcotics, Drug addiction is
now termed "drug dependence."
•The popular
definition of Drug
• ​Drug refers mainly to chemical or plant-
derived substances that affect the body's
psychological, behavioral, or physical
functions and leads to varying degrees of
dependence or addiction.
• Drug addiction pertains to dependency on the drug. Unpleasant withdrawal symptoms appear
unless the person is taking the substance. Addictive drugs make a person crave for or make
him/her feel an overwhelming urge to continue taking the drug, even after withdrawal symptoms
have disappeared.
• Drugs change the way the body and the brain function. Sometimes, the results are pleasant as in
the case of prescription medications that are used to treat various conditions and diseases.
However, there are also times when the results are terrible and cause great harm to one's body
and well-being.

• Thus, it is wise to know that not all drugs are harmful or are always safe. It is more important,
however, to recognize if you are addicted to drugs. Serious consequences can result from the use
of both illegal drugs and prescription medications.
• Drug abuse is a problem that adversely affects our most precious resource the Filipino youth.
Hence, the Philippine government through the Dangerous Drugs Board has taken the initiative to
prevent this persistent social epidemic that destroys the lives and aspirations of many young
people.

• Drug overdose is a serious matter. Unfortunately, many adults and teens suffer from its siblings.
Usually, drug overdose is a mask, hiding other problems such as insecurity, self-loathing, sense of
failure, or deep un-abiding depression. These problems must also be addressed to prevent the
"self-medication which How many drug addicts do, this developing into a dangerous overdose.
• Common Drug Types

There are different types of

drugs. Some prescribed. Others
are known as club drugs, illicit or
illegal substances, and designer
drugs.
Marijuana

is the term used to describe all that

comes from the cannabis plant
(Cannabis sativa) like leaves, tops,
stems, flowers, and roots. These
are dried and prepared for smoking
or taken orally as "brownies."
• Adverse Effects

• 1.Impairment of memory and short-term cognitive functioning, particularly

mathematical, reading, and verbal comprehension skills.
• 2.Impairment of motor skills may lead to accidents and respiratory problems such as
bronchitis or lung cancer.
• 3.Premature babies, low birth weight, abortion, or stillbirth (neonatal death)
• 4.Panic or state of anxiety, sometimes accompanied by paranoia
• 5.Motivational syndrome as the regular use of marijuana dulls the mind of the smoker,
blunts enthusiasm, and takes away drive or urge
• 6.Burnout as the user can become dull, slow-moving, inattentive, and unaware of
his/her surroundings
• 7.Susceptibility to infections
• 8.Decreased sperm production and altered sperm shape and mobility
• 9.Decreased testosterone level, so that pre-teenagers are at an increased risk of
temporary loss of fertility
• 10.Symptoms of mental illness
• Methamphetamine Hydrochloride (Shabu)

• Methamphetamine HCL is a type of

amphetamine also known as "poor man's
cocaine." Its other names are shabu, ubas,
siopao, sha, and ice. Shabu is a white, odorless
crystal or crystalline powder with a bitter,
numbing taste.

• Abusers are known to take this drug by

ingestion: inhalation (chasing the dragon),
miffing (snorting), or injection. Amphetamines
are regularly absorbed orally and are
associated with a rapid onset of action, usually
within one hour. If taken intravenously or
through injection, they have an almost
immediate effect.
• Adverse Effects

• 1.Anxiety, tension, irritability, irrational behavior, talkativeness, and loss of

self-control
• 2.Loss of appetite and inability to sleep
• 3.Euphoria, elation
• 4.Acute psychotic reactions, violent and destructive behavior, and
recklessness may result in accidents

• Physiological Effects

• These include chest pains; irregularity of heartbeat; elevated or lowered blood

pressure, evidence of weight loss, convulsion, and death from cardiac arr
• Long-term Effects

• Psychiatric consequences are the major feature of chronic "shabu” abuse dependency.
Prolonged use and even a single exposure, especially if administered intravenously, can
lead to the manifestation of a full-blown psychosis which is similar to schizophrenia
characterized by the presence of paranoid delusions and auditory and visual
hallucinations. The paranoia may lead to violent and aggressive behavior.

• Some chronic users have difficulty concentrating and remembering things. Diminished
ability to cope with problems and difficulties in facing reality is common. Loss of interest
in sex, ambition, or motivation may also result from using shabu.

• Chronic shabu snorters may suffer from severe irritation of the nasal passages and at
times, may even develop tissue perforation of the nasal septum, so that they become
prone to frequent nosebleeds. Renal damage, heart disease, and stroke have likewise
been documented among chronic abusers.
• Inhalants

• Inhalant abuse is the deliberate inhalation of

volatile chemical substance that contains
psychoactive (mind/mood-altering) vapors
causing a state of intoxication. Most
inhalants are common household products
such as nail polish remover, glue, gasoline,
household cleaners, and nitrous oxide.
Inhalants also include fluorinated
hydrocarbons found in aerosols such as
hairspray, spray paint, and household
cleaners.

• As the name suggests, Inhalants refer to a

group of drugs that are inhaled in the form of
or solvent.
• Immediate Effects
• 1.Confusion
• 2.Distorted perception of time and distance
• 3.Aggressive behavior/violence
• 4.Hallucinations
• 5.Illusions
• 6.Nausea and vomiting
• 7.Drowsiness

• Delayed Effects
• 1.Loss of memory
• 2.Inability to think
• 3.Muscle cramps and weakness
• 4.Numbness of limbs
• 5.Abdominal pains
• Damage to the central nervous system, kidney, liver, and possibly, the bone marrow
• Ecstasy

• Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)
commonly known as "Ecstasy." "X-TC," "Adam,"
and Eden Tablet, refers to the drug having such
chemical composition, including any of its isomers
or derivatives in any form.

• Ecstasy is the term used for a group of designer

drugs closely related in chemical form to the
amphetamine family of illicit drugs.

• MDMA was first developed as an appetite

suppressant in 1914 by the German company
Merck. In the 1970s, U.S. therapists, led by
biochemist Alexander Shulgin, used the drug to
help patients explore their feelings.
• Adverse Effects
• 1.Fatigue and, perhaps, depression after the drug is
stopped
• 2.Restlessness, anxiety, and pronounced visual and
auditory hallucinations at large doses
• 3.Nausea and vomiting
• 4.The rise in blood pressure and heart rate, or death
from heart failure or stroke
• 5.Prolonged regular use can lead to the same long-
term effects as those of synthetic stimulants, including
potential for neurotoxicity and brain and liver damage
• Opiates/Narcotics

• Opiates, sometimes called

narcotics, are a group of drugs
that are used medically to
relieve pain but have a high
potential for abuse. Some
opiates come from a resin
taken from the seed pod of the
Asian poppy. Opiates that are
commonly abused are opium,
morphine, codeine, and
synthesized or manufactured
opiates.
• Cocaine

• Cocaine is a drug from the leaves of the

Erythroxylon coca plant, a shrub that
originated from South America. This drug
affects the central nervous system as a
stimulant.

• Cocaine exaggerates changes caused

by at least two brain chemicals-
noradrenaline and dopamine-increasing
alertness and causing euphoria. Pure
cocaine was produced in 1860 and was
hailed as a cure-all. Doctors used it to
treat anxiety and depression until they
realized it was addictive. Dentists also
used cocaine to numb their patients
gums, but because it damaged living
tissues, it was replaced by drugs like
lignocaine.
• Sedatives

• Sedative-hypnotics such
as tranquilizers, sleeping
pills, and sedatives are
drugs that depress or slow
down body functions.
These drugs can be
dangerous when taken
without a physician's
prescription or instructions.
• Tobacco

• Tobacco is often smoked

in the form of cigarettes
cigars or chewed. It
contains nicotine which is
a stimulant and a highly
addictive substance that
has been known to cause
cancer and other
diseases.
• Nicotine

• Tobacco was introduced in America

in the late 5th century. When
tobacco smoke is inhaled, nicotine
is absorbed through the lungs and
reaches the brain in about seven
seconds. Nicotine works by
mimicking the actions of a naturally
occurring brain chemical-
acetylcholine-by docking with its
special receptor molecules. Some
of these nicotine receptors in the
brain activate the part of the
"pleasure center," which could be
responsible for nicotine's euphoric
effects.
• General Symptoms of Drug Abuse

• 1.Abrupt changes in school or work attendance, work output

• 2. Mood swings or unusual flare-ups or outbreaks of temper
• 3.Withdrawal from responsibility
• 4.Change in overall attitude
• 5.Deterioration of physical appearance and grooming
• 6.Furtive behavior regarding actions
• 7.Wearing sunglasses to hide dilated or constricted pupils
• 8.Association with drug abusers
• 9.Unusual borrowing of money from parents or friends
• 10.Stealing small items
• Why do people turn to drugs?

• Teenagers resort to drugs for a variety of reasons:

• 1.for curiosity, due to misinformation and for the sake of
"experience":
• 2."pakikisama" to be accepted by the "barkada" or social
influences (peer pressure);
• 3.to have a feeling of security;
• 4.Escapism or for relief from problems-personal, family,
school, work, friendship, relationship difficulties, low self-
esteem, depression, and others, and
• 5. to escape boredom and other problems.
 Community Leaders'
Advocacy to Prevent Drug
Abuse
Plan and implement social action programs
involving young people, civic groups,
professionals, and religious organizations
to improve life in the community. The
following activities must be implemented in
the community:
Parent Education Programs

• Parents can help to organize events such as alcohol- and

drug-free graduations, serve as chaperones, or help the
event by soliciting for funds. Parents can work with others
in their community to increase awareness about the local
drug abuse problem and the need for research-based
prevention programmes.
Recreational, Social, and Sports Program

• Commonly abused agents in sports include anabolic–

androgenic steroids and its analogs, blood, erythropoietin,
growth hormone and its derivatives, nutritional
supplements, creatine, amphetamines, beta-hydroxy-
beta-methylbutyrate (HMB), stimulants, and analgesics
c.Vocational/Skills Development and Training
Programs
• According to research from the National Institutes of
Health, life-skills training benefits all students, but is most
effective among students at higher risk for substance
misuse—such as a young person living with a parent who
is addicted
Youth Development Programs
• Consider other strategies to prevent teen drug abuse:

• Know your teen's activities. Pay attention to your teen's whereabouts. Find out what adult-
supervised activities your teen is interested in and encourage him or her to get involved.
• Establish rules and consequences. Explain your family rules, such as leaving a party where
drug use occurs and not riding in a car with a driver who's been using drugs. If your teen
breaks the rules, consistently enforce consequences.
• Know your teen's friends. If your teen's friends use drugs, your teen might feel pressure to
experiment, too.
• Keep track of prescription drugs. Take an inventory of all prescription and over-the-counter
medications in your home.
• Provide support. Offer praise and encouragement when your teen succeeds. A strong bond
between you and your teen might help prevent your teen from using drugs.
• Set a good example. If you drink, do so in moderation. Use prescription drugs as directed.
Don't use illicit drugs.
Seminars on
Drug Education