Topic: Drug Addiction

I. Introduction
“Drug abuse and addiction are major burdens to society; however, staggering as these
numbers are, they provide limited perspective of the devastating consequences of this disease”-
Zelfox

Numerous incidents have been reported in local and international television and social
media about drug users and dealers who are caught in the acts, especially in those squatters
area or what they call “drug dens”. Not only those people who live in this populated area are
being reported to the authorities but believe it or not powerful persons like government officials
also indulge their selves in using prohibited drugs.

III. Body of Report

I. What is Drug Addiction?
-Addiction is a chronic disease characterized by drug seeking and use that is compulsive,
or difficult to control, despite harmful consequences.

What happens to the brain when a person takes drugs?

-Most drugs affect the brain's "reward circuit," causing euphoria as well as flooding it with
the chemical messenger dopamine.
Long-term use also causes changes in other brain chemical systems and circuits as
well, affecting functions that include:
• learning
• judgment
• decision-making
• stress
• memory
• behavior
II. Philippines Drug War

Illegal drugs that are present include Methamphetamine or the local name is shabu,
marijuana, inhalants (rugby), solvent, cocaine, diazepam, ecstasy and nubain.

It is estimated by Dangerous Drugs Board as many as 3.7 millions in the Philippines

are dealing with drug addiction just a year 2016, 65 percent of it -is young people.

Why Majority of Drug Users In The Philippines Are Teenagers.

 1. Enjoyment
People who use drugs may like the feelings of excitement, confidence and connection
with others which some drugs can elicit. Drugs may also help relieve feelings of
boredom. So possibly the main reason why young people take drugs is that they enjoy
them.
2. Environment.
Use often thrive as an alternative economy often controlled by powerful criminal
groups. As well as use that might be associated with the stress and boredom of living
in such communities, young people with poor job prospects recognize the financial
advantages and the status achievable through the business of small scale supply of
drugs.
3. Curiosity.
Most young people are naturally curious and want to experiment with different
experiences. For some, drugs are a good conversation point, they are interesting to talk
about and fascinate everyone.
4. Personal problems.
Some young people will use drugs specifically to ease trauma and pain of bad
relationships and then physical and emotional abuse arising from unhappy home lives.
Such young people will often come to the attention of the school.

Preventing Drug Addiction

 Resist social pressures to engage in substance use

 Strenghten self-esteem
 Improve decision-making and communication skills
 Manage stress and anxiety

National and Local Programs/Campaign Preventing Drug Abuse

1. DepEd Order No. 40 in 2017

(Random Drug Testing in Private and Public Secondary)
 Over 14,000 public high school students will be chosen at random, or via computerized
selection, between now and December 2018 for the drug tests.
 More than six thousand random drug tests were conducted in secondary public schools last
year.
 the random drug tests are meant to determine the prevalence of drug use among students;
assess the effectivity of school prevention programs; deter the illegal use of drugs, and
facilitate the rehabilitation of drug users and dependents.

2. International Day Against Drug Addiction

and Illicit Trafficking
 By resolution 42/112 of 7 December 1987, the General Assembly decided to observe 26
June as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking as an expression
of its determination to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an
international society free of drug abuse.

Supported each year by individuals, communities and various organizations all over the
world, this global observance aims to raise awareness of the major problem that illicit
drugs represent to society.

3. Valenzuela Anti-Drug Abused Council

EXECUTIVE ORDER 2007-129 AND EXECUTIVE ORDER 2010-084

AN EXECUTIVE ORDER REORGANIZING THE ANTI-DRUG ABUSE COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF VALENZUELA, METRO MANILA

IV, Conclusion

Drug addiction is a compulsive disorder that leads an individual to use substance

habitually to achieve desired outcome. Millions of people in the world are suffering with drug
addiction and the number is expected to increase in the coming years. Sadly, our youth become
attracted to abuse illegal drugs in many reasons.
Our young ones are the future of our society. Watching them fall into this dark pit of drug
addiction is the last thing that we need. With the help of open communication, observation, and
positive mindset, we as adults can prevent such cases. Nonetheless, in case of drug abuse, there
should not be any need to feel ashamed and helpless. Delaying the treatment worsens the case.
That is why, once the drug abuse in the youth is confirmed, it is better to take prompt steps and
receive help from self-help groups and therapists.

IV.References
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/understanding-drug-use-addiction

https://blog.politicsmeanspolitics.com/why-majority-of-drug-users-in-philippines-is-youth-
57f323707e2d

https://www.centeronaddiction.org/addiction-prevention