Content – based Module for Facilitating Learning

MODULE 2

Title: Understanding the Drug Problem

Name of Student:

Course/ Year:

Class Schedule:

Module Overview:

This module is focused on the Drug Problem in society. The student will know the common
reasons why individual take drugs; determine the three approaches towards drug problems; and you will
understand the four major causation factors attendant to addiction, and the six variables of drug
addiction.

Learning Outcomes

After completing this module, you can:

• Know the common reasons why individual take drugs;

• Determine the three approaches towards drug problems; and
• Understand the four major causation factors attendant to addiction, and the six variables of
drug addiction.

Lecture Notes

Read this…

In the face of this mounting social problem, the Philippine government has initiated measures to
eradicate the supply of and demand for illegal drugs. Unfortunately, drug lords, drug pushers, and
international syndicates often avoid prosecution as they use their “dirty money” and invest them into
legitimate businesses.

Despite their efforts, the law enforcers cannot do it alone; they need the help of prosecutors,
judges, local government officials, and even ordinary citizens. The successful eradication of the
prevalent drug problem must involve non-government organizations, schools, churches, and all possible
stakeholders who must do their share and contribute to the battle against the drug problem in the
country. By all means, the country cannot afford to waste its future generation to drug addiction. If the

war on illegal drugs is lost, then the future of this country shall be break one.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF DRUG ABUSE

For thousands of years, humans have used various types of drugs and other intoxicating
substances. For example, the consumption of wine was tracked from the early Egyptians; narcotic was
used by as early as 4000 B.C. However, it was not until 19th century A.D. when the active substances in
drug were extracted for human consumption. This period was follow by newly found substances,
including laudanum morphine, cocaine, all of which were completely unregulated and freely prescribed
by physicians for various ailments. They were available as patent medicines and sold by traveling
salesmen, in drug store, or by mail. During the American Civil War, morphine was freely used, such that
wounded veterans returned home with their morphine kits and hypodermic needles. With the influx of
their soldiers coming home, opium dens flourished around the same time, and by early 1900’s, there
were an estimated 250,000 drug addicts in the United States alone (Drug Addiction and Drug Abuse,
2012)

Several years afterwards, problems related to addiction were eventually recognized. Legal
protection measures against drug abuse in the US were first established in 1875, the year when opium
dens were finally outlawed in San Francisco California. The Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 required
that patent medicines containing opium and certain other drugs be labeled accurately. Later heroin was
also completely banned. As a result, the use of narcotics and cocaine became less popular in the 1920s.

By the 1930s, most US states mandated the inclusions of anti-drug education programs in all
public schools. However, due to lingering fears that knowledge would lead to experimentation, this
initiative was discontinued in most places. After the repeal of Prohibition, the US Drug Enforcement
Administration (Federal Bureau of Narcotics) began a campaign to present marijuana to the public as a
highly addictive substance. In the 1950s, marijuana use saw a surge, along with the increased use of the
other drugs like tranquilizers and amphetamines.

A decade later, the social upheaval of the 1960s in the US saw an dramatic increase in drug use
and some degree of increased social acceptance. In fact, by the early 1970s many states and localities
had lowered drinking ages and even decriminalized marijuana in some places. When the 1980s came,
there was a decline in the use of these drugs, but only to be replaced by other more powerful drugs,
such as cocaine, and cracks, became popular. For the first time, the military became involved in border
patrols, and US troops invaded Panama and brought Manuel Noriega, its de facto leader, to trial for drug
trafficking.

In accordance with the public perception, drug laws have also kept pace with the changing
perceptions and dangers of substance abuse. More than 55 federal drug laws and many other state
laws, which were implemented during the 1970s, already specified various punitive measures, including
death penalty and life imprisonment.

Although possession was considered illegal, the most severe penalties were reserved for illegal
distribution and production of drugs. The act handled the prevention and treatment of drug abuse and
aimed to control and manage drug traffic. In relation to this, the Anti-Drug Abuse Acts of 1988 increased
funding allocations for drug treatment and rehabilitation. Specifically, the 1988 Act created task the
Office of National Drug Control Policy, and its director is given the task of coordinating national drug
control policies.

Motivations for Drug Use

1. For relaxation
2. Stress relief
3. Increased energy levels
4. Peer pressure
5. Pain relief
6. Escapism
7. Increased self-esteem
8. For recreation purposes

Worldwide Trends in Illegal Drug Production and Trafficking

Drug use rates throughout Asia remain at low levels, with the annual prevalence rates of
amphetamine-type stimulant ATS ranging between 0.2% and 1.2% of the total adult population.
Prevalence rates for other types of drugs: Opioids; between 0.3% and 0.5%, Cannabis: between 0.1% to
3.1%, Ecstasy: between 0.1% to 0.7% and Cocaine: 0.05% of the total adult population.

Categories of Psychoactive Substances (NPS) sold on the global market (UNODC 2013)

1. KETAMINE- This is a type of anesthetic used for humans and animals. One of the most
widespread in Asia.
2. PIPERAZINES- Commonly sold as “ecstasy,” these have gained popularity because of their
properties that stimulate the central nervous system.
3. PHENETHYLAMINES- This group has substances related to methamphetamine and
amphetamine. These generally produce stimulants effects. Recently, modified versions of these
compounds have been reported to yield such powerful hallucinogens as Bromo-Dragonfly.
4. PLANT-BASED SUBSTANCES- Plants with psychoactive properties are commonly included in this
group. Khat (Catha edulis), which is a plant that is native to the African and Arabian Peninsula.
As the users chew the leaves of this plant, this action releases stimulants such as cathinone and
cathin, which are absorbed in the users bloodstream. Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa), which is a
plant indigenous to Southeast Asia. It contains mitragynine, which is an alkaloid that acts as a
stimulant and as a sedative at low and high doses, respectively.
5. SYNTHETIC CANNABINOIDS- These receptors agonists generate effects that are similar to
thoseof delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol which is the main psychoactive component of cannabis.
6. SYNTHETIC CATHINONES- These are derivatives and analogues of the internationally controlled
substance known as cathinone, which in turn, is one of the chemically active components of the
khat plant.
7. OTHER SUBSTANCES- Those classified as other substances includes aminoindanes, which act as
stimulants, and tryptamines and phencyclidine-type substances, which act as hallucinogens.
Nine Most Commonly Used Illegal Drugs Worldwide

1. Heroin
2. Crack cocaine
3. Methamphetamine
4. Cocaine
5. Marijuana
6. Ecstasy
7. LSD
8. PCP
9. Psilocybin mushrooms

Illicit Drugs Routes

Investigators have uncovered common routes taken by manufactures to transport illicit drugs.

THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE

Known as one two main opium-producing areas in Asia, the Golden Triangle has a size of

approximately 950,00 km, which overlaps the mountain ranges of three Southeast Asia countries,
namely Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar.

Heroin produced in Southeast Asia is brought to the US by courier who prefer to travel via commercial
airlines.

THE GOLDEN CRESCENT

The Golden Crescent is another area in Asia where illicit opium production takes place. This area
is primarily located at the crossroads of Western, South, AND Central Asia and overlaps countries,
namely Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Afghanistan are opium producers, while Iran serves as a trans-
shipment route for these smuggled opiates, aside from being a consumer of such illegal drugs.

ILLEGAL DRUG TRADE IN THE PHILIPPINES

At present, the illegal drug trade in the Philippines is considered a critical national issue, with
methamphetamine hydrochloride also known as SHABU and marijuana as two of the most used and
valued methylenedioxy methamphetamine also known as ECSTASY are also among the list of illegal
drugs that are of great concern to the authorities .

Marijuana Production

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) reported that the mountains parts of Luzon,
Visayas, and Mindanao are very viable marijuana cultivation zones. Marijuana created within the
country is distributed regionally and is additional exported to different countries. The local distribution
of marijuana has increased since 2012 despite the destruction of illegal marijuana plantations
throughout the country.

Shabu Production

Since 2010, drug syndicates are manufacturing meth in small-scale and kitchen-type laboratories
to prevent detection by Philippine authorities. Normally, drug syndicates rent warehouse to be used as
their drug laboratories. These syndicates prefer renting houses in private subdivision, condominiums,
and residentials areas where they can establish bases for their illegal drug production. Private properties
have become favorable to drug syndicates as sites of illegal drug production. Shabu continues to enjoy
high demand in ths country than cocaine, which is a more expensive illegal drug.

Factors that contribute to the rampant drug courier problem in the Philippines

Many Filipinos have fallen victim to syndicates’ promise of love/marriage, as recorded in many
arrests involving Filipina drug couriers. Others were lured by the chance to travel, the promise of a
comfortable life, and/or having a high-paying job easy cash. In other words, the drug courier problem
may also be attributed to these factors:

• Poor educational background

• Rampant poverty
• Unemployment
• Easy money
• Opportunity to travel

Commonly Abused Drugs in the Philippines

The commonly abused drugs in the Philippines include shabu, methylene

dioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) or ecstasy, marijuana, cocaine, and ephedrine. These are but some of
the ordinarily abused drugs within the Philippines. Recently, the drug problem has reached alarming
proportions. The increasing number of arrested drug traffickers; seizures of huge volumes of dangerous
drug, controlled precursors and essential chemicals; and the dismantlement of clandestine laboratories
since the conceptions of the powerful PDEA show the extent and impact of the drug trade and drug
abuse problem within the Philippines (PCTC, n.d.).

The illegal trade of shabu has grown into a P1 billion-a-day business. However, the drug has
currently become more expensive; thus, it is no longer “the poor man’s cocaine” according to
antinarcotics agents and international drug reports. The current street value of shabu in the country
ranges from P15, 000 to P17, 000 depending on the demographic locations. Such price increase may be
attributed, in part, to the government’s success in dismantling many clandestine laboratories
throughout the country.

The worsening phenomenon of drug addiction in the country is demonstrated by relevant data.
In 1972, there were 20, 000 drug users within the Philippines. In 2004, this figure climbed to an
astounding 6.7 million drug addicts throughout the country. Of all the available illegal substances, shabu
and marijuana are preferred by one in 29 Filipinos aged 10 to 44 years old (PCTC, n.d.).

CLASSIFICATION OF DRUGS

Classification of Drugs according to their Pharmacological effects

➢ Hallucinogens- these are drugs that affects one’s senses, self- awareness, emotions, and one’s
ability to thinks properly. Hallucinogens cause delusions and hallucinogenic episodes ranging
from mild to overwhelming.
• Ecstasy-its street name includes “ADAM,” “XTC”, Essence
• Lysergic diethylamide (LSD) – LSD is a partially synthetic alkaloid substance that is extracted
from fungus growing on wheat and rye, among other types of grains.
• Mescaline – this is a chemical extracted from the peyote cactus. Peyote buttons have a very
bitter taste, and on average, they have a diameter of 1-2 inches. These brown in color and look
a- like the underside of a mushroom.
• Hashish- (concentrated cannabis) this refers to the concentrated resin that has been extracted
from marijuana using various methods. Hashish is said to be eight to ten times stronger than
commercial grade marijuana.
• Marijuana- commonly called Indian hem, this refers to the dried flowering or fruiting top of the
plant Cannabis Sativa L.
➢ Narcotics- this group of drugs are substances that dull the senses and are thus often used to
induce sleep and/ or relieve pain. The term narcotic is derived from the Greek word “stupor”.
• Opium- this the coagulated juice of the opium poppy (Papaver Somniferum L.) and includes
crude preparations that contain morphine or any alkaloid of opium as an ingredients.
• Heroin- technically known diacetylmorphine (INN), heroin is a semi-synthetic opioid and it is
derived from morphine.
• Speedball- this is a mixture of cocaine and either morphine or heroin.
• Morphine- this is the main active component of the opium plant, Papaver Somniferum. The
term morphine is derived from the name of the Greek god of dreams, “Morpheus”. It comes
with crystalline powder form or sometimes in small white tablets or cubes.
➢ Sedatives- these drugs that can be used to reduced anxiety and excitement.
• Alcohol- it comes in many forms, such as whisky, beer, gin, wine, and brandy.
• Barbiturates- these are made from a kind of barbituric acid commonly known as “barbs”.
➢ Stimulants- these are drugs that enhance the users’ mental and physical condition by improving
alertness and stamina, respectively.
• Amphetamine- this is the stimulant prescribed to relieve minor cases of mental depression, to
minimize ones’ appetite, and to relieve fatigue and sleepiness. (eye opener, pep pills, uppers)
• Caffeine- this is bitter methylxanthine or alkaloid commonly found in reular beverages, such as
cola, coffee, tea, carbonated drinks, cocoa, and some over-the-counter drug.
• Cocaine- this is extracted coca bush leaves. Natives of Andes Mountain chew its leaves to relieve
fatigue when working at high altitudes. Cocaine is white in its pure form and consists of bright,
 colorless crystals that look like snow. Cocaine is bitter and odorless, its street name include
“crack,” “coke” “heavens dust” “gold dust”.
• Methamphetamine hydrochloride (locally known as shabu)- shabu is odorless, has a white,
crystalline powder appearance, and has a bitter taste. Also known as poor man’s cocaine, and
has street name “bato”.
➢ Prescription Drugs
• Sedatives- these are used to calm the nerves, reduce tension, and induce sleep.
• Tranquilizers- classified into major and minor tranquilizer.
➢ Street Drugs- Shabu this was originally synthesized from ephedrine extracted from the ephedra
plant by Japanese scientist Dr. Nagayoshi Nagai in 1888. The term “shabu” is a Japanese word
that means “when you use it you will become thin as bone”.

Major Causes of Addiction

1. GENETICS

The link between genetics and addiction remains a topic of strong debate. Reports have found that 40%
to 60% of predisposition to addiction is a result of genetics, and furthermore, that the children of
individuals who suffer from addiction have a 25% greater likelihood to also develop addiction compared
to children of non-addicted parents. Researchers are actively searching for an addiction gene, but it
seems more likely that familial trends towards addiction are the result of environmental factors like
exposure and normalisation of drug use.
Gender is also one of the potential causes of addiction or at least predisposition to addiction. While men
have generally been found to have higher rates of addiction than women, a recent study presented by
the American Psychological Association suggests that there are other key differences worth
investigating. This study found that although women begin using substances at much smaller dosages
than men, however, their drug use escalates into addiction much more rapidly than for men. Women
also face a higher rate of relapse than men and are more prone to mood and anxiety disorders, and
therefore, addiction.

2. ENVIRONMENT

The Nature v. Nurture argument is relevant to addiction as well. While genetic predisposition is possible
although has not been conclusively determined, the environment in which we were raised and continue
to thrive in has a huge impact on mental and physical well-being and therefore, is one of the major
causes of addiction.

If drug use is common in the home, an individual may become desensitised to it or normalise it. If
positive results of drug use are witnessed by children (euphoria, partying, having fun, etc.), they come to
understand that using drugs leads to happiness and will naturally want to repeat this behaviour. The
other side of the coin can be equally as problematic, however, in that if children experience negative
effects of drug use (abuse, unemployment, damaged relationships, etc.) they may become depressed or
anxious and turn to drugs as a coping mechanism due to their availability.
3. OUR BRAIN AND BODY

Thus far we have discussed various genetic, environmental, and social influences that may contribute to
the causes of addiction, but we cannot ignore the role the brain and body play in the disease of
addiction. Whenever you eat, have sex, or partake in any activity that contributes to survival, the brain is
flooded with dopamine.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter or chemical messenger that signals to the brain that what you are doing
is good and should be repeated. Drugs cause dopamine to be unnaturally released. When an individual
continues to take a drug, the brain will be overwhelmed by the surges of dopamine and subsequently
start producing less and less of it on its own. This is the start of physical dependency – a condition in
which the user has overridden his or her natural dopamine factory and now needs to continue taking
the drug in order to produce dopamine.

Withdrawal is also another bodily effect of drug use that may cause a person to get and remain hooked
on a substance. It is the body’s way of saying, Hey! You told me I needed this for survival (not true) and
now I’m going to do everything I can to make you keep using it The time it takes for the onset of
withdrawal is different for everybody. As a starting point, for most, heroin withdrawal begins within 12
hours of the last dose and can last a week to up to a few months, while alcohol withdrawal usually
begins between eight and thirty-six hours after drinking and usually lasts a few weeks.

4. OUR SUPPORT SYSTEMS AND TREATMENT EXPERIENCES

The final factor that may be named as one of the causes of addiction is our support systems and
personal experiences with addiction treatment. Our support systems and personal experiences relating
to drug treatment are less of a root cause of addiction and more of a propellant for addiction or relapse.

Many people who become addicted to drugs may have or develop strained relationships with friends
and family. This lack of a reliable support system may cause the person to launch into depression,
making drugs feel like the only true friend in their lives. Other individuals may have attempted recovery
before and had negative experiences such as uncomfortable withdrawals or a lack of proper treatment
regarding co-occurring disorders, therefore have relapsed and seen themselves as having failed at
recovery, and as a result, they fall right back into the cycle of addiction.

Focus Questions

Thinking to Learning Thoroughly

• Discuss your answer on the following question briefly:

• Enumerate the top ten (10) most commonly used illegal drugs worldwide.
• What are the major highlights of the history of dangerous drugs?
• What are the difference between Golden Triangle and the Golden Crescent?
• What are the factors that contribute to the rampant drug courier problem in the Philippines?

Learning Activities
Enriching what you have learn

• Explain your answer and write the effects of Dangerous Drugs on the following terms below;
1. Effects on Individual
2. Effects on the Family
3. Effects on Society
4. Effects on the Body
5. Effects on Inhalants

References:

Vice and Drug Education and Control. PLTCOL LOURDEZA GURAL CEJES, MBA, PMAJ MARGARITA LIBRES-
ETIS, MBA. Copyright2020.

Guevara et. Al. (2012). Drug Education and Vice Control. Wiseman’s Trading, Inc.

Revised PNP Manual on Anti-Illegal Drugs Operations and Investigation (September 2014)