DRUG ABUSE PREVENTION

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 behavioural impairment.

What is drug dependence?

Drug dependence is a compulsive behaviour 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 us 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.

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
5. bloodshot eyes.
6. Unusual effort made to cover arms to hide needle marks.
7. Association with unknown drug abusers.
8. Stealing items that can be readily sold for cash.
9. Change in mood, depending on the drug taken.

Classification of drugs and their effects:

1. ALCOHOL LIQUOR: 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

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 behaviour

2 MARIJUANA, CANNABIS SATIVA: an annual plant that grows wild in many temperate parts of the world.
EFFECTS

a. throat intoxication and coughing

b. increased heartbeat 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: Drugs used to increase mental activity, relieve fatigue, increase alertness and offset
drowsiness

Kinds of stimulants: Amphetamines, Cocaine, and Shabu (methamphetamine HCL)

 EFFECTS

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: also called over-the-counter colds/cough preparations.

Kinds of cough syrups:

1) Ephedrine, pseudo-ephedrine, phenylephrine, and phenyl-propanolamine for nasal decongestion.

2) Chlorphenamine maleate for allergic asthma, nocturnal cough.
3) Dextromethrophan is cough suppressant; codeine has an antitussive effect.

5 DEPPRESSANT (DOWNERS) : Drugs that act on the nervous system, promoting relaxations and sleep.
There are two types; Barbiturates, and Methaqualone.

A usual dose of barbiturate causes a calming, relaxing effect that promotes sleep. Other notable reactions
are given

a. Relief of anxiety and excitement

b. Reduce mental and physical activity
c. 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): 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.”

Kinds of hallucinogens: Mescaline, LSD, Psilocybin, and Phencyclidine

EFFECTS

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: 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.
 Kinds of tranquilizers: Meprobamate, and Diazepam

EFFECTS

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 NAROTICS: in medicine, refer to opium, codeine, heroin, hydromorphone.

EFFECTS

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
f. death if overdosed

9 INHALANTS: 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

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. All 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 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.