Chapter 9
DRUG EDUCATION What Drugs are Commonly Used?
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 accounts.
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, useful 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
Drugs that are commonly abused depending on
their pharmacological effects may be classified into:
1. Stimulants – drugs which increase alertness and
physical disposition.
Examples: Amphetamine, Cocaine, Caffeine, and
Nicotine
2. Hallucinogens (also called psychedelics) – drugs
which affect sensation, thinking, self-awareness, and
emotion. Changes in time and space perception,
delusions (false beliefs) and hallucinations may be
mild or overwhelming, depending on dose and
quality of the drug.
Example: LSD, Mescaline and Marijuana.
3. Sedatives – drugs which may be reduce anxiety and
excitement.
Examples: Barbiturates, Non-barbiturates,
Tranquilizers, and Alcohol
4. 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 low 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 III-effects of Abuse?
Drug abuse leads to medical and health problems.
The physical complications depend to an extent on the
specific drug, its source and the way it is used. Among the
physical and mental complications are:
 1. Malnutrition. The lives of drug dependents Its scientific name is 3,4
revolve around drug abuse. They miss their methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)
regular meals because they lose their appetite.
2. Panic Reaction. The loss of thought processes can What are the Methods of Administration?
cause panic reactions or feelings of
invulnerability. Both of these states can lead to A user generally takes the drug through oral
injury and death. The prolonged harmful ingestion, but some resort to snorting for its faster
reactions include anxiety and depressive states, or effect, but this is usually painful and irritating to the
breaks with reality, which may last from a few nostrils.
days to months.
3. Physical Damage. In addition to those diseases, Its dosage varies, whole tablet – 1 “hit” lasts for
which accompany the use of unsterile syringes about 3 to 5 hours. A typical dose is between 75 mg. and
and contaminated drugs these may cause certain 150 mg; one half tablet – half a hit.
medical problems. Liver and kidney damage may
result when large quantities are taken. Many who
abuse drugs also neglect personal hygiene, which
can lead to multiple health problems. Kidney
failure, hepatitis, drastic weight loss, and vitamin What are the Physiological Effects?
deficiencies are some of the adverse physical
complications. 1. Muscle tension
2. Involuntary teeth clenching
The life of drug abusers is a dreadful one. To support 3. Nausea
the habit, they resort to committing crimes like stealing, 4. Appetite loss
prostitution and gambling, wherein the hamper their 5. Blurred vision
emotional maturation. 6. Rapid eye movement
7. Hallucinations
What can a Person do to Prevent Drug Abuse? 8. Irritability
9. Faintness
1. Maintain good physical and mental health. 10. chills
2. Use drugs properly. Most drugs are beneficial when 11. sweating
used under medical advice. 12. Sleeping problems
3. Understand your own self. Accept and respect 13. Increase in heart rate, body temperature and blood
yourself for what you are, pressure
4. Develop your potentials. Engage in Wholesome, 14. Liver and heart damage and
productive and fulfilling activities. 15. Brain hemorrhage
5. Learn to relate effectively to whom you can
communicate your problems freely. MDMA is particularly dangerous when taken with
6. Learn to cope with your problems and other stresses alcohol, or by those suffering from heart ailments,
without the use of drugs. diabetes, asthma and psychosis.
7. Seek professional help if you feel you cannot cope
with your problems.
8. Develop strong moral and spiritual foundations. Psychological Effects

What are the General Facts about Ecstasy (MDMA)? The MDMA psychological effects are classified into
two categories. The first of which are positive
Ecstasy is a synthetic amphetamine – related psychological effects which include:
substance. It gained popularity as a recreational drug,
first in the United States and then later in Europe and 1. Extreme mood lifts
now is increasingly known in other parts of the world. It 2. Increase in willingness to communicate
has the following street names: X, Rave, Love Drug, 3. Increase in energy (stimulation)
Flying Saucer, LBD“Libido”, Jagged Little Pill, Artist Drug, 4. Ego softening
Hug Drug, MDA, MDEA, XTC, E , Eckie, and Love Doves, 5. Feeling of comfort, belonging and closeness to
others
 6. Feeling of love and empathy
7. Forgiveness
8. Increased awareness and appreciation of music
9. Increased awareness of senses What are the Signs and Symptoms?
10. Profound life-changing spiritual
11. Neurotically based fear dissolution 1. Poor appetite
12. Experience bright and intense sensations and 2. Disturbed sleeping pattern
13. Urge to hug and kiss people 3. Erratic behavior
4. Paranoia and
The second category has negative effects which 5. Suspicious of people
include:
What is the Profile of Users?
1. Inappropriate and unintended emotional
bonding,  “Class A” People
2. Tendency to say things the user might feel  “Yuppies” (young urban professionals)
uncomfortable about later,  Spoiled brats
3. Depression and fatigue up to about 7 days,  Recreational drug users (party goers, night owls)
4. Confusion,  Age range: 20’s-40’s
5. Drug craving, and
6. Severe anxiety and paranoia. Penalty

What are the Long-Term Effects of MDMA? The penalty of life imprisonment to death and a fine
ranging from Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (PhP
1. Psychosis 500,000.00) to Ten Million Pesos (Php 10,000,000.00)
2. Arrhythmia shall be imposed upon any person, who unless authorized
3. Same effect as with Amphetamines by law, shall possess 10 grams of
4. Psychological dependence methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) regardless of
5. Depression purity to include illegal manufacture, sale, administration,
dispensing, distribution, delivery and transportation.
What are the Short-Term Effects of MDMA?
What you should know about Marijuana
1. Restlessness
2. Anxiety Marijuana, often called grass, pot, or weed, is a
3. Pronounced visual and auditory hallucination at crude drug made from Cannabis sativa a plant that
larger doses contains a mind-altering (psychoactive) ingredient called
4. Increased blood pressure and heart rate which tetrahydrocannabinol THC).
may lead to cardiac arrest
5. Nausea and In what form is Marijuana available?
6. Vomiting
A marijuana “joint” or cigarette is made from the
A user experiences grogginess, talkativeness, dried leaves, tops and flowers of the plant. Its strength
increased heart rate and palpitation, reverberating depends on the type of plant, the weather, the soil and
feeling, glassy eyes, hypertension. the time of harvest of the plant.

After-effect of Ecstasy leads to sudden drop of
euphoria and depression.
After taking the drug, user usually indulge in sex
(with single or multiple partners) and some resort to
mental intercourse (jamming) sex talks.
Hashish or hash – is made from the extracted resin of
the plant. it is usually stronger than crude marijuana and
can 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
learned when they are high.
 The effects of Marijuana can also impair thinking,
reading comprehension and verbal and mathematical How can I say “NO” to Marijuana?
skills.
Keep your reasons simple and honest. You don’t
Marijuana creates other health problems related to have to explain why you don’t want to use drugs.
the reproductive system, the heart, and the lungs. It has
been found that Marijuana use may lead to cancer. Be polite but firm.

Long-term regular use of marijuana may lead to Avoid drug users. Choose your friends wisely. If your
psychological dependence. Once started, it may take peers are real friends, they will accept you whether you
more of the drug for the user to get the same effect. take drugs or not.

Young Marijuana users are more likely to go on Remember that it is your right to say “NO” to drugs.
experimenting with drugs.
Why should I say “NO” to Marijuana?
Immediate Effects
Drugs can’t solve your problems. Only you and a little
1. Faster heartbeat and pulse rate help from friends, and people who care about you, can
2. Bloodshot eyes solve them.
3. Dry mouth and throat
4. Altered sense of time/disorientation Give yourself the chance to be all you can be.
5. Forgetfulness/inability to think Discover your special talents, get involved with other
6. Impaired reflexes, coordination and people, learn many skills and develop your own
concentration personality.
7. “Acute panic anxiety reaction” – extreme fear of
losing control Anything you can get out of using, you can get out of
other activities. The trick is finding out which things are
Long-Term Effects right for you.

1. Chest pain Where can I get help?

2. Irregular menstrual cycle
3. Temporary loss of fertility for both sexes Help save your child, your brother, your student,
4. Premature babies/low birth weights your friend, or anybody who uses this dangerous drug –
5. Cancer marijuana. Call the Dangerous Drugs Board, Champ
6. Marijuana ”burn-out” (dull, slow moving, Building, Anda Circle Drive, Port Area, Manila, if you
inattentive, and unaware of surroundings) need advice/information, or if you want to help someone
who you suspect has acquired this habit call Telephone
numbers: 527-30-49/ 527-15-43/ 527-30-58, etc.

What you should know about Inhalant Abuse

Why do young people use Marijuana? What is inhalant abuse?

1. Peer pressure Inhalant abuse is the deliberate inhalation of volatile

2. Curiosity chemical substances that contain psychoactive
3. Boredom (mind/mood-altering) vapors to produce a state of
4. Frustration(due to personal/family/school and intoxication.
work problems)
5. Poor self-image Why is inhalant abuse dangerous?
6. Weak personality (unable to cope with stress,
conflict, etc.) 1. It will cause permanent damage to the brain or
7. Desire to escape from reality may result in “sudden Sniffing Death”.
8. Lack of parental guidance
 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 is formed, the dose
has to be increased gradually to produce the
same effect.
The influence of people on one another can help
them do useful and healthy things.
However, the same pressures can influence people
to do other things, like using drugs.
If your friends or someone you know pressures you
to use drugs, saying “NO” can be hard because you want
them to like you and accept you as part of the group.

Immediate effects But peer pressure can also be a positive thing

because they can be a powerful influence in preventing
1. Confusion/Disorientation drug abuse by helping one another to say “NO” to drugs.
2. Distorted perception of time and distance
3. Aggressive behavior/violence Close friends are important, but you don’t have to do
4. Hallucination everything your friends do in order to remain friends.
5. Illusions
6. Nausea and vomiting Your real friends are the ones who will accept your
right to say “NO” to drugs and want you to be yourself.
Delayed Effects
How can I avoid inhalants?
1. Loss of memory
2. Inability to think 1. Learn to say “No” and to ask help. Close friends
3. Muscle cramps and weakness are important but you don’t have to do
4. Numbness in limbs everything your friends do to remain friends. Real
5. Abdominal pains friends will accept you whether you take drugs or
6. Damage to the central nervous system, kidneys not.
and liver
2. Learn to talk to people about your problems.
Why do young people abuse Inhalants? Don’t bottle things up inside-cry, shout, laugh,
feel sad about your problems.
1. Curiosity (to experiment/experience)
2. Boredom 3. Learn to relax. Give yourself time for:
3. Frustration (due to personal/ family/ school
problems)
4. Poor self-image - Physical exercise and sports for relaxation
5. Weak personality (unable to cope with stress, - Meditation
conflict, etc.) - Using music to relax
Escapism - Bodily relaxation techniques like yoga
Lack of parental guidance
4. Learn to fine new interest. Find out what you like
How to deal with “Peer Pressure” doing, what other people like doing. Meet new
people, go to new places, put yourself in new
We all care what other people think about us. We situations.
want to be accepted and feel part of the crowd.
What you should know about Opiates
When you are young, the influence of people of your
own age is especially powerful and affects the way you What are Opiates?
feel, dress and behave.
Opiates, sometimes called narcotics, are a group of
Peer pressure is one reason people are able to live in drugs that are used medically to relive pain, but have a
groups.
high potential for abuse. Some opiates come from a resin 4. For very large doses: person cannot be awakened
taken from the seedpod of the Asian poppy. anymore
5. Smaller pupils
6. Cold, moist and bluish skin
7. Slowed down breathing
8. Death

Delayed Effects

Which Opiates are abused? 1. Uneasiness

2. Diarrhea
1. Opium – dark brown chunks or powder that are 3. Abdominal cramps
usually smoked or eaten. 4. Chills
2. Morphine – white or brownish powder that is 5. Sweating
usually dissolved in water and then injected 6. Nausea
3. Heroin – diluted or “cut” with other substances 7. Runny nose and eyes
such as sugar or quinine,
4. Codeine The symptoms begin 4-6 hours after last dose of
5. Synthesized or manufactured opiates – come in the drug, are stronger 24-27 hours after and subside with
capsules, tablets, syrups, solutions and 7-10 days. Sometimes symptoms such as sleeplessness
suppositories. and drug craving can last for months.

Morphine, meperidine, paregoric (which contains What treatment is available for Opiates addicts?
opium), and cough syrups (that contain codeine) are the
most common opiates with legal medicine uses that are 1. Detoxification (supervised withdrawal from drugs,
abused. either with or without medication) in a hospital or
as outpatient.
What are the dangers of Opiates abuse?
2. Rehabilitation in therapeutic communities –
1. Opiates may cause dependence and tolerance. An patients live in highly structured drug-free
opiate-dependent person makes finding and using environment and are encouraged to help
the drug his main focus in life. An opiate-tolerant themselves.
person needs more and more of the drug to get
the same effects. 3. Outpatient drug-free programs- emphasize
various forms of counseling as main treatment.
2. Overtime, opiate users may develop injections of
the heart lining and valves, skin abscesses, and 4. Methadone maintenance – using methadone, a
congested lungs substitute for heroin, on a daily basis to help
people lead productive lives while in treatment.
3. Infection from unsterile solutions, syringes and
needles can cause illnesses such as liver disease, Why do people use opiates?
tetanus and serum hepatitis, and AIDS.
1. Peer Pressure
4. The opiate-dependent women suffer from health 2. Curiosity
problems like anemia and may give birth to babies 3. Boredom
with defects or who are dead. 4. Frustrations (caused by personal / family / school
problems)
Immediate effects 5. Stress
6. Escapism
1. Restlessness 7. Lack of parental guidance
2. Nausea and vomiting 8. Lack of focus in life
3. “on the nod” effect (going back and forth from
feeling alert to drowsy) How do I 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 do 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?
3. Freebase – 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 doses of cocaine may
cause paranoia or may lead to “cocaine
psychosis” (hallucinations of touch, sight, taste or
smell).

Where can I get help?

Help save your child, your brother, your student,

your friend, or anybody who uses this dangerous drug –
marijuana. Call the Dangerous Drugs Board, Champ
Building, Anda Circle Drive, Port Area, Manila, if you
need advice/information, or if you want to help someone
who you suspect has acquired this habit call Telephone
numbers: 527-30-49/ 527-15-43/ 527-30-58/ 527-30-51,
etc.

What you should know about Cocaine

What is Cocaine?

Cocaine is a drug extracted from the leaves of coca, a

South American shrub, which has the same effect as
amphetamines – a central nervous system stimulant.

In what forms 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 larger pieces of cocaine hydrochloride.
What are the risks of cocaine use? 6. Escapism
7. Lack of parental guidance
1. Injecting cocaine with unsterile equipment can
cause hepatitis or infections. How can I avoid cocaine?

2. Preparation of freebase exposes the user to death 1. Learn to say “NO” and to ask for help. Close
and serious injuries from fire or explosion that can friends are important, but you don’t have to do
occur. everything your friends do to remain friends.

Why is cocaine addicting? 2. Learn to talk to people about your problems.

Don’t bottle things up inside – cry, shout, laugh,
Repeated use of cocaine leads to addiction. Users feel sad about your problems.
can get to the point of centering their lives on seeking and
using the drug. Sometimes, they may continue to use it to 3. Learn to relax. Give yourself time for:
avoid the depression and fatigue they would feel if they
stopped using the drug. - Physical exercise and sports relaxation
- Meditation
Immediate Effects - Using music to relax
- Bodily relaxation techniques like yoga
1. Dilated pupils - Reading to expand your world view
2. Increase in blood pressure /heart rate / breathing - Taking nature trips like walking through a
rate / body temperature. wooded park
3. A sense of well-being - Engaging in a hobby like collecting stamps
4. Feels energetic/alert - Playing a musical instrument like a guitar
5. Less hungry - Learning a new craft like paper mache
6. Slurred speech - Gardening

Effects begin within a few minutes, peak within 15- 4. Learn to fine new interests, find out what you like
20 minutes and disappear within an hour. doing, what other people like doing. Meet new
people, go to new places, and put yourself in new
Delayed Effects situations.

1. Psychosis
2. Restlessness
3. Irritability/anxiety
4. Sleeplessness
5. Stuffy or runny nose / ulcerated mucous
membrane of nose Why should I say “NO” to cocaine?
6. Confusion
7. Slurred speech 1. If you choose to use drugs, you may be choosing a
whole style of life. Drugs may lead to your losing
some friends and limiting your opportunities in
school work.

2. There are many alternatives to drug use that can

Why do people use cocaine? make life more interesting. The trick is finding out
which things are right for you.
1. Peer pressure
2. Curiosity Where can I get help?
3. Boredom
4. Frustration (due to personal/family /school If you know/ suspect anyone who uses this
problems) dangerous drug – cocaine – contact the Dangerous Drugs
5. Unable to cope with stress/conflicts Board in Champ Building, Anda Circle, Bonifacio Drive,
Port Area, Manila. If you need advice / information or if
you want to help someone who you suspect has acquired
this habit call Telephone numbers: 527-30-49/ 527-15-43/
527-30-58/ 527-30-51, etc. Save your child, your student,
your friend, your brother, yourself.
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 Drugs Act of 2002.
2. What are the objectives of the random drug
testing?
The random drug testing will be conducted for the
following purposes:
 To determine the prevalence of drug users among
the students,
 To assess the effectiveness of school-based and
community-based prevention programs,
 To deter the use of illegal drugs,
 To facilitate the rehabilitation of drug users and
dependents, and
 To strengthen the collaboration efforts of
identified agencies against the use of illegal drug
uses and dependents.
Who are going to be tested?
Based on the implementing guidelines, the random
drug 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
Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher
Education (CHED), and Technical Education and Skill
Development Authority (TESDA).
Do these agencies have the capability to conduct the
drug testing?
The conduct of 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:
 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
 Formulate and conduct training programs on
drug counseling for guardian counselors for the
purpose of enhancing their skills 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 a
parent’s association, the School Head may appoint any
parent who shall be a member of the Selection Board.
Who shall be the Drug Testing Coordinator?
The Drug Testing Coordinator shall be the principal
of a secondary school, the administrator of a technical
vocational education and training institution or the
administrator appointed by the president / chief
executive officer and in tertiary institutions.
What are the responsibilities of the Drug Testing
Coordinator?
The Drug Testing Coordinator shall:
 Convince the Selection Board within five days
from the receipt of notice from the Supervising
Agency stating that the school is included in the
program;
 Ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the
random drug testing for the students, teachers,
administrators and personnel of the school;
 Inform both the student and parent concerned
that a confirmatory test shall be conducted in
case the test result is positive;
 Relay to the parents full information on the
process that shall be undertaken for the
confirmatory test;
 Inform both the parents and the students of the
results of the test;
 Not delegate the task of informing the student
and parent to any other person nor reveal the
results of the test to any person other the student
and parent; and
 Refer the student and his/her parent to
government-owned DOD-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 a
subject of discrimination among his schoolmates. How
will this concern be prevented?
A positive confirmatory drug test result shall not be a
ground for expulsion or any disciplinary action against the
student. But in the event that it is determined that the
student is drug dependent, the school may impose the
appropriate sanctions against the student as provided for
in the school’s Student Handbook of Regulations land 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 law-abiding and productive member of the
community.
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 law-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 the 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) days. 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 a presumption of
drug use or dependency; provided further that the school
may impose sanctions on such refusal other than the
offense of the drug use or dependency.

Who pays for the drug tests?

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 Drugs
Board (DDB).