DRUG EDUCATION

What are drugs?

Drug
is any substance that causes a change in an organism's physiology or psychology when
consumed. Drugs are typically distinguished from food and substances that provide nutritional
support. Consumption of drugs can be via inhalation, injection, smoking, ingestion, absorption
via a patch on the skin, or dissolution under the tongue.

Legal drugs
Some drugs, such as alcohol, caffeine, nicotine and various prescribed and over-the-counter
medications, are legal but may be subject to restrictions based on age, location of use, driving
and point of sale regulations.
The active ingredients in legal drugs can be regulated and controlled; the alcohol content of
drinks or the milligrams of nicotine in cigarettes.

Illegal Drugs
A drug is a substance that affects the way the body functions. If a drug is classified as ‘illegal’,
this means that it is forbidden by law. Different illegal drugs have different effects on people
and these effects are influenced by many factors. This makes them unpredictable and
dangerous, especially for young people.

What are the kinds of drugs?

Alcohol
is the most widely abused substance across most of the world, including in the United States.
Legal to some extent in all 50 states, alcohol impacts numerous body systems, which in turn
causes numerous effects in users. Alcohol creates feelings of euphoria and lowers inhibitions,
but it also severely impairs judgment, perception, and reaction times. Alcohol is a central
nervous system depressant, but it causes the most severe long-term damage to the liver. There
are many forms of alcohol, including:
Beer, Wine ,Liquor.

Opioids
Also called opiates, opioids are either derived from the drug opium or chemicals designed to
mimic it. Opioids work by interacting with neurotransmitters in the brain and blocking the
signals that they are sending. This enables opioids to serve as powerful pain killers, but it also
can cause feelings of intense pleasure, leading to addiction. Opioid addiction is one of the most
serious problems faced by America today. Opioids are some of the most addictive of all known
substances, and they are also some of the deadliest. Some of the most well-known opioids
include:
Heroin, Fentanyl, Oxycodone.

Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines, or Benzos, are a class of drugs that function by interacting with the
neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid-A (GABA-A). Each Benzo interacts with GABA-A
differently, which is why each Benzo impacts the body and mind differently. Benzos are
prescribed to treat a wide variety of psychiatric and sleep conditions, but they are very
commonly abused. Benzos are highly addictive, and can cause numerous medical and
psychiatric problems when not used as intended. Examples of Benzos include:Ativan, Valium,
Xanax
Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are a class of drugs that are chemically similar to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the
active agent in marijuana. Cannabinoids create feelings of elation, known as a high, but they
also negatively impact mental and physical functioning. Cannabinoids are the most widely
abused drugs after alcohol, and they are increasingly gaining legal acceptance. Although
considered less addictive than other drug classifications, cannabinoids can seriously damage a
person’s mental and physical health. Examples of cannabinoids include:
Marijuana, Hashish, Cocaine, Heroin.

Barbiturates
Barbiturates act on the central nervous system by slowing down its functioning. Barbiturates
are derivatives of the chemical barbituric acid. Barbiturates were historically popular for the
treatment of psychiatric and sleep disorders, and they are still used for anesthesia and
treatment of a number of conditions such as epilepsy and headaches. Barbiturates are highly
addictive, and they also present a very high overdose risk as they cause many body systems to
shut down. Examples of barbiturates include:
Amytal, Luminal, Pentobarbita.

What are the types of drugs?

Depressants
More commonly referred to as “downers,” depressants create feelings of relaxation and
tiredness. While many serve legitimate purposes in the fight against mental illness and sleep
deprivation, they are very commonly abused because they may also create feelings of euphoria.
Depressants are not only some of the most highly addictive drugs, but they are also some of the
most highly dangerous and likely to cause overdose. Examples of depressants include:
Alcohol, Opiates, Barbiturates
Stimulants
Also known as “uppers,” the primary use of stimulants is to increase energy, concentration, and
wakefulness. Stimulants are said to provide a “rush.” In the short term, stimulants are believed
to increase productivity and performance, while producing an excited high of pleasure. In the
long term, stimulants are incredibly addictive and have a very high potential for abuse.
Examples of stimulants include:
Adderall, Cocaine, Meth

Hallucinogens
Hallucinogens, sometimes referred to as dissociatives, alter the user’s perception of reality,
often resulting in auditory and visual hallucinations, a process known as “tripping.” Although
hallucinogens are generally less addictive than other drug classifications, their immediate
impacts are generally more severe and dangerous. Examples of hallucinogens include:
LSD,Psilocybin Mushrooms, PCP

Inhalants
Inhalants are a vast range of chemicals that are ingested primarily by breathing them in, or
huffing. Most inhalants are commonly used materials that are in no way designed to be
ingested by humans. While there is incredibly variety between inhalants, most produce feelings
of a high. Inhalants are less studied than most other drugs. While they tend to be less addictive
than many other substances, the use of inhalants is incredibly dangerous and causes many
serious health effects. Examples of commonly abused inhalants include:
Paint thinner, Nail polish remover, Gasoline

Prohibited and Non-Prohibited Drugs

What is the difference between Legal and Illegal Drugs?

Prohibited Drugs

 Illegal drugs are drugs that are outlawed and that carry penalties upon possession and
dealing.
 Cannabis, cocaine, heroin, LSD, etc. are some of the illegal drugs.

Non-Prohibited Drugs

 Legal drugs are those drugs called medicines and easily available in the market.

 Coffee, tobacco, and alcohol are legal drugs.

What is Drug Education?

  Drug education is the planned provision of information, resources, and skills relevant to
living in a world where psychoactive substances are widely available and commonly
used for a variety of both medical and non-medical purposes, some of which may lead
to harms such as overdose, injury, infectious disease, or addiction.
 Drug education is used to teach people about the effects of drugs on the mind and
body.

What are the effects of taking drugs?

 Each drug causes different physical reactions, depending on the type of drug. Some will
make you feel more awake, alert and energetic. Others will give you a calm, relaxed
feeling. Some alter your perceptions and can cause hallucinations. Others may make you
feel numb.
 Long-term use and larger doses have negative effects that can seriously harm your
health, even cause death, including disease risks from sharing needles, and permanent
damage to the brain and other organs.
 Drug use can have a wide range of short- and long-term, direct and indirect effects.
These effects often depend on the specific drug or drugs used, how they are taken, how
much is taken, the person's health, and other factors. Short-term effects can range from
changes in appetite, wakefulness, heart rate, blood pressure, and/or mood to heart
attack, stroke, psychosis, overdose, and even death. These health effects may occur
after just one use.
 Long-term effects can include heart or lung disease, cancer, mental illness, HIV/AIDS,
hepatitis, and others. Long-term drug use can also lead to addiction. Drug addiction is a
brain disorder. Not everyone who uses drugs will become addicted, but for some, drug
use can change how certain brain circuits work. These brain changes interfere with how
people experience normal pleasures in life such as food and sex, their ability to control
their stress level, their decision-making, their ability to learn and remember, etc. These
changes make it much more difficult for someone to stop taking the drug
 Drug use can also have indirect effects on both the people who are taking drugs and on
those around them. This can include affecting a person’s nutrition; sleep; decision-
making and impulsivity; and risk for trauma, violence, injury, and communicable
diseases. Drug use can also affect babies born to women who use drugs while pregnant.
Broader negative outcomes can be seen in education level, employment, housing,
relationships, and criminal justice involvement.

Other effects
Mental health - Studies show that drug use increases your risk of mental health issues such as
anxiety, depression and psychosis. People with mental health issues also have a higher rate of
drug use problems.

Financial issues - Some drugs can be very expensive — the street price of illicit drugs depends
on availability and demand. If you have become dependent on a drug, you could end up in
financial trouble.

Relationships - Because drugs can change your behaviour, they can affect your relationships
with family and friends. There is an increased risk of injury and/or assault to both yourself and
other people.

Legal issues - Many drugs are illegal and you can be fined, or sent to prison, for having them. If
convicted of a drug offence, you could end up with a criminal record — this can make it harder
to get a job, apply for a loan, or travel overseas.

HOW TO PREVENT AND AVOID DRUGS

Steps to Prevent Drug Addiction

The best tool against developing an addiction is avoiding drug or alcohol use in the first place.
But that’s easier said than done. Many people begin using as young as age 13 and are too
young to realize the damaging impact addiction will have on their lives. If you are lucky to have
recognized the addiction pattern early, then follow these steps to prevent drug addiction.

1. Understand Why People Use Drugs and Alcohol

 Using addictive drugs (illicit or prescribed) for recreational purposes.

 Abusing an addictive prescription medication.
 Seeking out intoxication every time you use.
 Self-medication
 Genetics & Family History

2. Understand the Difference Between Drug Abuse and Drug Addiction

Alcohol and drug abuse and alcohol and drug addiction are defined differently. A person who
uses heavily and then can abruptly stop is considered to be abusing alcohol or drugs. But
addiction occurs when the body requires the alcohol or drugs to stop withdrawal symptoms.
The line between abuse and addiction is not solidly defined because a person may be abusing
alcohol and drugs and experiencing the negative consequences of addiction.
3. Avoid Temptations and Peer Pressure

 You may have heard the expression, “You’re only as good as the company you keep,”
and in reality, that statement is true. If you have friends or family members who
pressure you to use alcohol or drugs, avoid them. Make new friends who practice
healthier habits, who do well in school, who are motivated at work and who have goals.
 Develop goals and dreams for yourself. Remember, alcohol or drug use can turn to
addiction rapidly; no one plans on becoming a drug addict or alcoholic. While in active
addiction, the only goal possible is to get drugs or alcohol to feed the addiction.
Regardless of whether it is abuse or addiction with drugs or alcohol, both require
professional addiction treatment.

4. Find the Support You Need

 People struggling with emotional distress are at greater risk for developing an addiction
to drugs or alcohol. Work on developing coping skills. If you have events or experiences
in your past that affect your feelings, find a reliable and healthy source of support. If you
have depression, anxiety, paranoia or other mental health problems, counseling or
therapy and social communities such as religious or spiritual organizations can help you
work through negative emotions and behaviors in a healthy, life-affirming manner.
Remember that alcohol and drugs in combination with mental health disorders only
make the mental health problem worse. Don’t try to self-medicate your feelings or
physical discomfort.

5. Practice Healthier Living Habits

 Exercise, eating well and meditation are excellent ways to avoid using drugs or alcohol.
Quite often, the results you feel from living a healthier lifestyle can help you resist the
temptation to use drugs or alcohol to escape. A healthy body helps you cope with daily
stress. If you have practiced living healthy and managing stress, a trauma can more
easily be managed.

HOW TO REDUCE AND QUIT DRUGS

Why quit drugs?

It’s never too late to quit using drugs.

Reducing or quitting drugs can improve your life in many ways. It can:

 Improve your physical and mental wellbeing

 reduce your risk of permanent damage to vital organs and death
 improve your relationships with friends and family
 help you reconnect with your emotions
 increase your energy
 help you sleep better
 Improve your appearance
 save you money

What quitting drugs feels like?

When you reduce or quit using drugs your body goes through a detoxification process
(detox) or withdrawal.

Symptoms vary between people, and between drugs, and range from mild to serious.
They can last from a few days to a few weeks — it's different for every person — but they are
temporary. Cravings for the drug will sometimes be weak and at other times very strong.
Learning how to manage them is important for staying drug-free.

Preparing to quit drugs

Reducing or quitting drugs can be hard. You may have become dependent or addicted. It’s a
good idea to be prepared for what’s involved.

1. Admit you have a problem

The first step in quitting drugs is to admit that you have a problem. If you’re not sure,
ask yourself the following questions:

 Are you taking drugs first thing in the morning or to get through the day?
 Do friends or family worry or complain about your drug use?
 Do you lie about how much you’re using?
 Have you sold possessions or stolen to pay for your drug habit?
 Have you participated in dangerous or risky activities, such as driving under the
influence, having unprotected sex, or using dirty needles?
 Do you feel that you’ve lost control of your drug taking?
 Are you having problems with relationships?

If you answered yes to any of these questions it might be time to accept that you have a
problem and ask for help.
2. See your specialist alcohol and other drugs service or local doctor.

 It’s important to talk to your specialist alcohol and other drugs (AOD) service or doctor
about reducing or quitting drugs. They can help you get appropriate help and support.
 It takes courage for someone to admit they may have a problem with drugs or alcohol.
Recognizing you might have an issue and asking for help is an important first step to
making a change.

3. Know your triggers

Keeping track of your drug use can help you identify habits, emotions, and social situations that
trigger the desire to take drugs.

It can be hard to completely avoid all those situations, but steps you can take include:

 Avoiding places where you know drugs and alcohol will be available
 Surrounding yourself with friends who don’t use drugs
 Knowing how to resist temptation
 Learning how to cope with stress and relax without drugs
 Distracting yourself with activities like exercise or listening to music

4. Make a plan

Making a plan and writing it down can help you commit to quitting.

Setting goals for your recovery helps you stay motivated and can make the process less
stressful. It’s important to set realistic goals — both short and long-term. Be specific and make
them measurable.

Some examples of realistic, short-term goals are:

 I will see my doctor this week

 I’m going to walk for half an hour 3 times this week
 I want to be drug free for 2 weeks straight

Long-term goals might include:

 Being drug-free for a year

 Having friends that are healthy and sober and provide support
 Rebuilding family relationships by having regular get-togethers

Reward yourself for success — with an enjoyable, drug-free activity such as going to a movie, or
planning a holiday — and take it easy on yourself if you mess up.
Ways to reduce or quit drugs

There is no treatment that works for everyone. Just as drugs affect each person
differently, treatment needs to be individual. It’s important to find a program that works for
you.

Treatment options range from counselling through to hospital care — it depends on

which drugs are involved and how serious your dependence or addiction is. They include:

 going cold turkey — you stop taking drugs suddenly, with no outside help or support
 counselling and lifestyle changes — individual or group therapy can help you learn to
cope without drugs. This can be successful if your drug use has been mild. Peer support
groups are often run by recovered addicts — their personal experience can be helpful to
others
 detoxification (detox) — you stop taking drugs and have medical treatment (known as
pharmacotherapy) while your body clears the drug from your system
 rehabilitation (rehab) — this is a longer term treatment where you stay in a hospital or
clinic, or at home. It also involves psychological treatment to help you deal with issues
that may have contributed to your drug use.

Drugs Treatments

There are many options that have been successful in treating drug addiction, including:

 behavioral counseling
 medication
 medical devices and applications used to treat withdrawal symptoms or deliver skills
training

How are medications and devices used in drug addiction treatment?

Medications and devices can be used to manage withdrawal symptoms and prevent relapse.

Withdrawal. Medications and devices can help suppress withdrawal symptoms during
detoxification. Detoxification is not in itself "treatment," but only the first step in the process.
Patients who do not receive any further treatment after detoxification usually resume their
drug use.

Relapse prevention. Patients can use medications to help re-establish normal brain function
and decrease cravings. Medications are available for treatment of opioid (heroin, prescription
pain relievers), tobacco (nicotine), and alcohol addiction. Scientists are developing other
medications to treat stimulant (cocaine, methamphetamine) and cannabis (marijuana)
addiction.

How are behavioral therapies used to treat drug addiction?

Behavioral therapies help patients:

 modify their attitudes and behaviors related to drug use

 increase healthy life skills
 persist with other forms of treatment, such as medication

Patients can receive treatment in many different settings with various approaches.

Outpatient behavioral treatment includes a wide variety of programs for patients who visit a
behavioral health counselor on a regular schedule. Most of the programs involve individual or
group drug counseling, or both. These programs typically offer forms of behavioral therapy such
as:

 cognitive-behavioral therapy, which helps patients recognize, avoid, and cope with the
situations in which they are most likely to use drugs.
 multidimensional family therapy—developed for adolescents with drug abuse
problems as well as their families—which addresses a range of influences on their drug
abuse patterns and is designed to improve overall family functioning.
 motivational interviewing, which makes the most of people's readiness to change their
behavior and enter treatment.
 motivational incentives (contingency management), which uses positive reinforcement
to encourage abstinence from drugs.

Inpatient or residential treatment can also be very effective, especially for those with more
severe problems (including co-occurring disorders). Licensed residential treatment facilities
offer 24-hour structured and intensive care, including safe housing and medical attention.
Residential treatment facilities may use a variety of therapeutic approaches, and they are
generally aimed at helping the patient live a drug-free, crime-free lifestyle after treatment.
Examples of residential treatment settings include:

 Therapeutic communities, which are highly structured programs in which patients

remain at a residence, typically for 6 to 12 months. The entire community, including
treatment staff and those in recovery, act as key agents of change, influencing the
patient’s attitudes, understanding, and behaviors associated with drug use.
 Shorter-term residential treatment, which typically focuses on detoxification as well as
providing initial intensive counseling and preparation for treatment in a community-
based setting.
 Recovery housing, which provides supervised, short-term housing for patients, often
following other types of inpatient or residential treatment. Recovery housing can help
people make the transition to an independent life—for example, helping them learn
how to manage finances or seek employment, as well as connecting them to support
services in the community.
Dance Terms

Philippine Folk Dance

Dance Terms Used in performing Folk Dance, Philippines.

The Following are the common Dance Terms in Philippine Folk Dance:

• Abracete – Girl at the right side, holds Right arm of partner with her Left hand, free hands
down at the sides. This terms is of Spanish and is used in Rigodon and in other dances.

• Arms in Lateral Position – both arms are at one side, either sideward right or left. This may be
done at shoulder chest or waist level.

• Arms in Reverse “T” position – Arms are side horizontal, elbows bent at right angles,
forearms parallel to head, palms forward or facing inward, fists loosely closed.

• Bilao – To turn hands up and sown alternately, hands at waist level in front, elbows close to
waist.

• Brush – Weight on one foot, hit the floor with the ball or heel of the other foot (the free foot)
after which that foot is lifted from the floor to any direction.

• Cabeceras – When dancers are in square formation, the couples occupying the width of the
hall are called “cabeceras” or head couples. This is of Spanish origin.

• Clockwise – Like the motion of the hands of the clock. Right shoulder is toward the center of
an imaginary circle. When facing center, the movement is toward the left.

• Counterclockwise – The reverse direction of clockwise. Left shoulder is toward the center of
an imaginary circle. When facing center, the movement is toward the right.

• Costados – When Dancers are in square formation, the couples occupying the length of the
hall are called “costados” or side pairs. This is of Spanish origin.

• Crossed arms – Partners are facing each other or standing side by side, girl at the right of boy.
They join their Left hands together and their Right hands together either Right over Left or Left
over Right hands.

• Cross- Over – Two couples (the vis-à-vis) are opposite each other. Each couple proceeds in a
straight line to the opposite place. The girl pass by their Left shoulders between the boy. Boys
bow to each other when they meet at the middle or at about one-third of the way, then
proceed to the opposite place. Upon reaching the opposite place, partners turn about, girls
stand at partners’ right side.

• Cut – To displace quickly one foot with the other, thus completely taking off the weight of the
body from the displaced foot.

• Do-Si-Do(“Dos-a-Dos”) – The vis-à-vis (opposite) both advance forward, pass each other’s
right (or left) side, step across to the right (or left), move backward without turning around pass
each other’s left (or right) side to proper places. This is of foreign origin and is used in many
Philippine dances.

• Draw – To pull one foot along the floor close to the other which has the weight of the body
The weight may or may not be transferred.

• Free Foot – The foot no bearing the weight of the body.

• Free Hand – The hand not place anywhere or not doing anything.

• Hand on Waist – Place hands at the waist line (at the smallest part of the trunk), knuckles in,
fingers pointing in rear.

• Hapay – To flourish or offer a handkerchief, hat or glass of wine to somebody as a sign of

invitation.

• Hayon –Hayon – To place one forearm in front and the other at the back of the waist. This is a
Visayan term.

• Hop – A spring from one foot landing on the same foot in place or any direction (in front, in
rear, sideward or across).

• Inside Foot - The foot nearest one’s partner, when partners stand side by side.

• Inside Hand – The hand nearest one’s partner, when partners stand side by side.

• Jaleo – Partners turn once around clockwise (with right elbows almost touching) or counter
clockwise with left elbows almost touching) using walking or any kind of dance step. The hands
near each other are on waists. This is a tagalong term but is of Spanish origin.

• Jump – Spring on one foot or both feet, landing on both in any direction.

• Kumintang – Moving the hand from the wrist either in a clockwise or counterclockwise
direction. This is an Ilocano term.
• Leap – A spring from one foot landing on the other foot in any direction(forward, sideward,
backward or oblique)

• Masiwak – To turn the hand from the wrist half-way clockwise then raise and lower wrist
once or twice. This is an Ibanag term.

• Outside Foot – The foot away one’s partner, when partners stand side by side.

• Outside Hand – The hand away from one’s partner, when partners stand side by side.

• Place – To put the foot in a certain or desired position without putting weight on it. The sole
of the foot rests flat on the floor.

• Point – Touch lightly with the toes of one foot, weight of the body on the other.

• Saludo –partner bow to each other, to the audience, opposite dancers, or to the neighbor.

• Sarok – Cross the Right (or left) foot in front of the Left (or right), bend the body slightly
forward and cross the hands down in front with the Right (Left) hand over the Left(Right).

• Set – A dance formation like a quadrille or a unit composed of two or more pairs.

• Stamp – To bring down the foot forcibly and noisily on the floor (like doing heavy steps).

• Star with the Right Hand – Four or more people advance to the center and join Right hands
and circle around clockwise using walking or change or any other step.

• Star with the left hand – same as “Star with the Right hand” only join Left hands and
counterclockwise.

• Step – To advance or recede by raising and moving one foot to another resting place. There is
a complete transfer of weight from one foot to the other.

• Tap – To tap lightly with the ball or tip of the toe, placing weight of the body on the foot.
There is no change or transfer of weight here.