DRUG EDUCATION

Introduction

What is a Drug?

A drug is a chemical substance that brings about physical, emotional or behavioral change in a
person taking it.

When are drugs harmful?

Any drug may be harmful when taken in excess. Some drugs can also be harmful if taken in
dangerous combinations or by hypersensitive (allergic) persons in ordinary or even small amounts.

Are products other than Drugs ever abused?

Yes. Substances like glue, paint thinners, gasoline and other volatile (Breathable) solvents
contain a variety of dangerous chemicals. They should be sold and used with caution.

What is drug abuse?

Drug abuse is the use of any chemical substance, licit or illicit, which results in an individual’s
physical, mental or social impairment.

It may refer to any of the following practices:

1. Using, without benefit or prescription, use of drugs which have the capacity to alter the
mood or behavior.
2. Using drugs and substances for a purpose different from the one for which the drug has
been prescribed.
3. Using drugs and substances having no legitimate medical application for purposes other
than research.

Why do people turn to drugs?

There are reasons ranging from the following:

1. “Medicines” can solve problems
2. Widespread access to various drugs
3. “Peer pressure”
4. The notion that drugs give enjoyment to users and in the context that it is used as an alcohol
substitute

What Drugs are Commonly Used?

Drugs that are commonly abused depending on their pharmacological effects may be classified
into:

a. Stimulants – drugs which increase alertness and physical disposition.

Examples: Amphetamine, Cocaine, Caffeine, and Nicotine.
 b. Hallucinogen (also called psychedelics) – drugs which affects sensation, thinking, self-
awareness, and emotion. Changes in time and space perception, delusion (fake beliefs) and
hallucinations may be mild or overwhelming, depending on dose and quality of the drug.
Examples: LSD, Mescaline and Marijuana

c. Sedatives – drugs which may reduce anxiety and excitement.

Examples: Barbiturates, Non-barbiturates, Tranquilizers, and Alcohol.

d. Narcotics – drugs that relieve pain and often induce sleep.

Examples: Opium and its derivatives such as Morphine, Codeine and Heroin

How can you tell when one is Abusing Drugs?

A person who is abusing drugs has a lot of changes in behavior, appearance and mood. The
changes may be pleasant or unpleasant. Thus he -

1. Is irritable, discourteous, defiant and aggressive;

2. Is untrustworthy and lacks self-confidence;
3. Is unhealthy and unconcerned with good grooming;
4. Has a flow of frustration tolerance;
5. Lacks interest in his studies/work;
6. Blames everybody for his problems; and
7. Prefers his “barkada” where he feels accepted.

What are the ill-effects of Drug Abuse?

Drugs abuse leads to medical and health problems. The physical complications depend on the
extent of the specific drug, its source and the way it is used. Among the physical and mental complications
are:

1. Malnutrition. The lives of drug dependent resolve around drug abuse. They miss their regular
meals because they lose their appetite.
2. Panic Reaction. The loss of thought processes can cause of panic reactions or feelings of
invulnerability. Both of these states can lead to injury or death. The prolonged harmful
reactions include anxiety and depressive states, or breaks with reality, which may last from
few days to months.
3. Physical Damage. In addition to those diseases, which accompany the use of unsterile
syringes and contaminated drugs may cause certain medical problems. Liver and kidney
damage may result when large quantities are taken. Many who abuse drugs also neglects
personal hygiene, which can lead to multiple health problems. Kidney failure, hepatitis,
drastic weight loss, and vitamin deficiencies are some of the adverse physical complications.

The life of drug abusers dreadful one. To support the habit, they resort to committing crimes like
stealing, prostitution and gambling, wherein they hamper their emotional maturation.

What can a person do to prevent Drug Abuse?

1. Maintain good physical and mental health.

 2. Use drugs properly. Most drugs are beneficial when used under medical advice.
3. Understand your own self. Accept and respect yourself for what you are.
4. Develop you potentials. Engage in wholesome, productive and fulfilling activities.
5. Learn to relate effectively to whom you can communicate your problems freely.
6. Learn to cope with your problems and other stresses without the use of drugs.
7. Seek professional help if you feel you cannot cope with your problems.
8. Develop strong moral and spiritual foundations.

What are the general facts about Ecstasy (MDMA)?

Ecstasy is a synthetic amphetamine – related substance. It gained popularity as a recreational

drugs, first in the United States and then later in Europe and now is increasingly known in other parts of
the world. It has the following street names: X, Rave, Love Drug, Flying Saucer, LBD “Libido”, Jagged Little
Pill, Artist Drug, Hug Drug, MDA, MDEA, XTC, E, Eckie, and Love Doves. Its scientific name is 3,4
methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA).

What are the methods of administration?

A user generally takes the drug through oral ingestion, but some resort to snorting for its faster
effects, but this is usually painful and irritating to the nostrils.

Its dosage varies, whole tablet – 1 “hit” lasts for about 3 to 5 hours. A typical dose is between 75
mg. and 150 mg.; one half tablet – half a hit.

What are the Physiological Effects of MDMA?

1. Muscle tension 10. Chills

2. Involuntary teeth clenching 11. Sweating
3. Nausea 12. Sleeping Problems
4. Appetite loss 13. Increase in heart rate, body temperature and
5. Blurred vision blood pressure
6. Rapid eye movement 14. Liver and heart damage and
7. Hallucinations 15. Brain hemorrhage
8. Irritability
9. Faintness

MDMA is particularly dangerous when taken with alcohol, or by those suffering from heart
ailments, diabetes, asthma and psychosis.

Psychological Effects

The MDMA psychological effects are classified into two categories. The first of which are positive
psychological effects which include:

1. Extreme mood lifts

2. Increase in energy (stimulation)
3. Increase in willingness to communicate
4. Ego softening
 5. Feeling of comfort, belonging and closeness to others
6. Feeling of love and empathy
7. Forgiveness
8. Increase awareness and appreciation of music
9. Increase awareness of senses
10. Profound life-changing spiritual experiences
11. Neurotically based fear dissolution
12. Experience bright and intense sensations and
13. Urge to hug and kiss people.

Second category has negative effects which include:

1. Inappropriate and unintended emotional bonding,

2. Tendency to say things the user might feel uncomfortable about later,
3. Depression and fatigue up to about 7 days,
4. Confusion
5. Drug craving, and
6. Severe anxiety and paranoia.

What are the long-term effects of MDMA?

1. Psychosis
2. Arrhythmia
3. Same effects as with amphetamines
4. Psychological dependence
5. Depression

What are the short-term effects of MDMA?

1. Restlessness
2. Anxiety
3. Pronounced visual and auditory hallucinations at large doses
4. Increase blood pressure and heart rate which may lead to cardiac arrest
5. Nausea
6. Vomiting

A user experiences grogginess, talkativeness, increased heart rate and palpitation, reverberating
feeling, glassy eyes, hypertension.

After-effect of Ecstasy leads to sudden drop of euphoria and depression.

After taking the drug, users usually indulge in sex (with single or multiple partners) and some
resort to mental intercourse (jamming) or sex talks.

What are the signs and symptoms of an MDMA user?

1. Poor appetite
2. Disturbed sleeping pattern
3. Erratic behavior
 4. Paranoia and
5. Suspicious of people

What is the profile of the MDMA users?

1. “Class A” people
2. “Yuppies” (Young urban professionals)
3. Spoiled Brats
4. Recreational drug users (party goers, night owls)
5. Age ranges: 20’s – 40’s

Penalty

The penalty of life imprisonment to death and a fine ranging from five hundred thousand pesos
(Php 500,000.00) to ten million pesos (Php 10,000,000.00) shall be imposed upon any person, who unless
authorized by law shall poses 10grams of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) regardless of purity
to include illegal manufacture, sale, administration, dispensing, distribution, delivery and transportation.

What you should know about Marijuana

Marijuana, often called grass, pot, or weed, is a crude drug made from Cannabis sativa, a plant
that contains a mind-altering (psychoactive) ingredient called tetrahydrocannabinol THC.

In what form is Marijuana available?

A marijuana “joint” or cigarette is made from the dried leaves, tops and flowers of the plant. Its
strength depends on the type of plant, the weather, the soil and the time of harvest of the plant.

Hashish or hash – is made from the extracted resin of the plant. It is usually stronger than crude
marijuana and can be both be smoked and eaten.

Why is Marijuana dangerous?

Marijuana slows down the user’s mental and psychomotor activities. Users don’t remember what
they have learned when they are high.

The effects of Marijuana can also impair thinking, reading comprehension and verbal and
mathematical skills.

Marijuana creates other health problems related to the reproductive system, the heart, and the
lungs. It has been found that Marijuana use may lead to cancer.

Long-term regular use of marijuana may lead to psychological dependence. Once started, it may
take more of the drug for the user to get the same effect.

Young marijuana users are more likely to go on experimenting with drugs.

Immediate effects

1. Faster heartbeat and pulse rate

2. Bloodshot eyes
3. Dry mouth and throat
 4. Altered sense of time/disorientation
5. Forgetfulness/inability to think
6. Impaired reflexes, coordination and concentration
7. “Acute panic anxiety reaction”- extreme fear of losing control

Long-term effects

1. Chest pain
2. Irregular menstrual cycle
3. Temporary loss of fertility for both sexes
4. Premature babies/low birth weights
5. Cancer
6. Marijuana “burn-out”(dull, slow moving, inattentive and unaware of surroundings)

What you should know about inhalant abuse

What is Inhalant abuse?

Inhalant abuse is the deliberate inhalation of volatile chemical substance that contain
psychoactive (mind/mood-altering) vapors to produce a state of intoxication.

Why is Inhalant abuse dangerous?

1. It will cause permanent damage to the brain or may result in “Sudden Sniffing Death”.
2. Abusers under the influence of inhalants are prone to accident. Several inhalant abusers have
died from road accidents, drowning, falling from tall building etc. after sniffing glue. Abusers
can also become violent.
3. Inhalant abuse produces psychological dependence. Once the habit formed, the dose has to
be increased gradually to produce the effect.

Immediate Effects

1. Confusion/Disorientation
2. Distorted perception of time and distance
3. Aggressive behavior/violence
4. Hallucination
5. Illusions
6. Nausea and vomiting

Delayed Effects

1. Loss of memory
2. Inability to think
3. Muscle cramps and weakness
4. Numbness in limbs
5. Abdominal pains
6. Damage to the central nervous system, kidneys and liver

What you should know about Opiates?

What are Opiates?

Opiates, sometimes called narcotics, are 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 seedpod of the Asian
poppy.

Which Opiates are abused?

1. Opium – dark brown chunks or powder that are usually smoked or eaten.
2. Morphine – white or brownish powder that is usually dissolved in water and then injected.
3. Heroin – diluted or “cut” with other substances such as sugar or quinine.
4. Codeine – is found in cough syrups.
5. Synthesized or manufactured opiates – come in capsules, tablets, syrups, solutions and
suppositories.

Morphine, meperidine, paregoric (which contains opium) and cough syrups (that contain codeine)
are the most common opiates with legal medical uses that are abused.

What are the dangers of Opiates Abuse?

1. Opiates may cause dependence and tolerance. An opiates dependent person makes finding
and using the drug his main focus in life. An opiate-tolerant person needs more and more of
the drug to get the same effects.
2. Over time, opiate users my develop infections of the heart lining and valves, skin abscesses,
and congested lungs.
3. Infections from unsterile solution, syringes and needles can cause illnesses such as liver
disease, tetanus and serum hepatitis and AIDS.
4. The opiate-dependent women suffer from health problems like anemia and may give birth to
babies with defects or who are dead.

The symptoms begin 4-6 hours after last dose of the drug, are stronger 24-27 hours after and
subside with 7-10 days. Sometimes symptoms such as sleeplessness and drug craving can last for months.

What Treatment is Available for Opiate Addicts?

1. Detoxification (supervised withdrawal from drugs, either with or without medication) in

hospital or as outpatient.
2. Rehabilitation in therapeutic communities – patients live in highly structured drug-free
environment and are encourage to help themselves
3. Outpatient drug-free programs – emphasize various forms of counseling as main treatment.
4. Methadone maintenance – using methadone, a substitute for heroin, on a daily basis to help
people lead productive lives while in treatment.

How to avoid Opiate Addiction?

1. Talk to someone you trust – your parents, a favorite relative, a teacher, a family doctor, a
friend who doesn’t use drugs. They can help you understand and solve your problems.
 2. Learn how to deal with bad feelings. Remember, you are responsible for what you feel – no
one else. If you change the way you think about something, you also change the way you feel
about it.
3. Solve your problems the P.R.O.B.L.E.M. way
P – Problem, what is it?
R – Results, what do you intend to happen
O – Open a file, what info you need to collect?
B – Brainstorm, what options are there?
L – Look at the consequences: What would happen by following each of the options?
E – Evaluate and Execute, which is the best choice? Make it.
M – Make sure it works, have you got what you wanted?

What you should know about Cocaine?

What is Cocaine?

Cocaine is a drug extracted from the leaves of coca, a South America shrub, which has the same
effect as amphetamine – a central nervous system stimulant.

In what form is Cocaine Available?

1. Cocaine Hydrochloride – is the most available form. It is a fine white crystal –like powder that
is medically known as a local anesthetic. Users sniff or snort it into the nose.
2. “Street” Cocaine Hydrochloride or “Rocks” – These are the larger pieces of cocaine
hydrochloride.
3. Freebase – is the purified substance of “rocks”. It is usually injected or smoked.
4. Coca Paste – is the crude product smoked in South America. It is more dangerous because it
has contaminants such as kerosene.

Why is Cocaine Dangerous?

1. In some people, even low doses of cocaine may create psychological problems.
2. An overdose may cause delirium, convulsions, respiratory failure or death.
3. Regular intake of high dose of cocaine may cause paranoia or may lead to “cocaine
psychosis”(hallucinations of touch, sight, taste or smell)

What are the risks of Cocaine Use?

1. Injecting cocaine with unsterile equipment can cause hepatitis or other infections.
2. Preparations of freebase exposes the user to death and serious injuries from fire or explosion
that can occur.

Why is Cocaine Addicting?

Repeated use of cocaine leads to addiction. Users can get to the point of centering their lives on
seeking and using the drug. Sometimes, they may continue to use it to avoid the depression and fatigue
they would feel if they stopped using the drug.

Random Drug Testing for Secondary and Tertiary Students

 1. What is the legal basis for the conduct of the random drug testing for secondary and tertiary
students?
- Article III Section 36 (c) of Republic Act 9165, otherwise known as the “Comprehensive
Dangerous Drug Act of 2002.
2. What are the objectives of the random drug testing?
- The random testing will be conducted for the following purposes:
a. To determine the prevalence of drug users among the students,
b. To assess the effectiveness of school-based and community-based prevention
programs,
c. To deter the use of illegal drugs,
d. To facilitate the rehabilitation of drug users and dependence, and
e. To strengthen the collaboration efforts of identified agencies against the use of illegal
drugs and in the rehabilitation of drug users and dependents.

Who are going to be tested?

Based on the implementing guidelines, the random testing shall be applicable to students in public
and private secondary, tertiary/higher education institutions and post-secondary, technical and
vocational schools.

What agencies are participating in this endeavor?

There are three (3) major government agencies participating in the drug testing program and they
are called “supervising agencies” in the guidelines since they exercise supervision of the schools. These
agencies are the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Do these Agencies have the capability to conduct the drug testing?

The conduct of the drug testing is not the responsibility of the said three (3) agencies but they
have to coordinate closely with DOH-accredited Testing Centers/Laboratories that will do the testing in
the schools. The school, through its respective health personnel, shall assist the Drug Testing laboratory
in the conduct of the test.

What, therefore, are the responsibilities of DepEd, CHED, and TESDA with regard to the implementation
of the program?

The three (3) major participating agencies shall:

1. Issue an appropriate order informing all schools under their supervision about the
government’s actions against illegal drugs; inform randomly selected schools on their
inclusion in the random drug testing program; and
2. Formulate and conduct training programs on the drug counseling for guardian counselors for
the purpose of enhancing their skills in handling drug dependency cases.

Is there really a Need to Implement a Program of this kind?

 The program shall be implemented primarily for prevention of drug dependency and
rehabilitation of drug users and dependents. The entire populace shall be made aware of the ill effects of
dangerous drugs.

Since the Selection is at random, how will the selection be done?

The selection shall be through lottery, which may be computerized, or in any manner the selection
board shall agree upon.

Who compose the selection board?

The selection board shall be the board constituted at the level of the school composed of the Drug
Testing Coordinator as chairperson, one representative each from the students, faculty and parents as
members. The authorized governing body duly recognized by their respective constituents shall choose
the representatives from these stakeholders based on a set of selection criteria formulated for this
purpose. In the absence of the parent’s association, the school head may appoint any parent who shall be
a member of the school board.

Who shall be the drug testing coordinator?

The Drug Testing coordinator shall be the principal of secondary school, the administrator of the
technical vocational education and training institution or the administrator appointed by the president
/chief executive officer in tertiary institutions.

What are the responsibilities of the Drug Testing Coordinator?

Drug Testing Coordinator shall:

1. Convene the selection board within five days from the receipt of notice from the supervising
agency stating that the school is included in the program;
2. Ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the random drug testing for the students, teachers,
administrators and personnel of the school;
3. Inform both the student and parent concerned that a confirmatory test shall be conducted in
case the test result is positive;
4. Relay to the parents full information on the process that shall be undertaken for the
confirmatory test;
5. Inform both the parents and the students of the result of the test;
6. Not delegate the task of informing the student and parent to any other person other than the
student and parent; and
7. Refer the student and his/her parent to the government-owned DOH accredited facility or
DOH-accredited government physician to determine the student’s level of dependency.

If found to be positive for Drugs, the Student may be subject of discrimination among his schoolmates.
How will this concern be prevented?

A positive confirmatory drug test result shall not be ground for expulsion or any disciplinary action
against the student. But in the event it is determined that the student is drug dependent the school may
impose the appropriate sanction against the student as provided for in the school’s Student Handbook of
Regulations and the Manual of Regulations for private schools; provided that in the case of public
secondary schools, if the student is later on found to have been rehabilitated, the student shall then be
allowed to re-enroll.

How is the process of rehabilitation done?

It includes after-care and follow up treatment, directed towards the physical,

emotional/psychological, vocational, social and spiritual change/enhancement of a drug dependent to
enable him/her to live without dangerous drugs, enjoy the fullest life compatible with his/her capabilities
and potential and render him/her to become a low-abiding and productive member of the community.

Who Selects the Drug Counselor of the School and what are his/her tasks?

The Drug Testing Coordinator shall designate a Drug Counselor, a person trained in the techniques
of guidance and counseling particularly dealing with cases of drug dependency.

If after the counseling period, the student shows no sign of improvement, what will be the next step?

If the student fails the drug test the second time, the DOH-accredited facility or physician may
make a recommendation to the student, parent, and Drug Testing Coordinator to have a student referred
to a DOH-accredited facility suited to the student’s level of dependency.

Can it be detected if the Student is Using Drugs for Medical Treatment Purposes and not for Illegal use
of the Drug?

Prior to testing, the selected students shall be asked to reveal the prescription medicines,
vitamins, food supplements that they had ingested within the past five (5) years. The Drug Testing
Coordinator shall keep the list and utilizes this in the evaluation of the confirmatory drug test.

What if a Student Selected for the Drug Testing refuses to undergo such test? Will he be penalized for
such an act?

Students who refuse to undergo random drug testing shall be dealt with in accordance with the
rules and regulations of the schools; provided that at no time shall refusal to undergo testing give rise to
the presumption of drug use or dependency; provided further that the school may impose sanctions on
such refusal other than the offence of drug use or dependency.

Who pays for the drug test?

The government shoulders the costs of random drug testing of students.

Is there a Penalty imposed on schools that refuse to implement the Drug-Testing Program?

Schools that refuse to implement the random drug-testing program shall be liable under Section 32 of RA
9165 without prejudice to other administrative sanctions imposed by the Supervising Agencies. The
Supervising Agency shall report the same to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the
Dangerous Drug Board (DDB).