CHAPTER 32: DRUG DEPENDENCE

DEFINE

      1. DRUGS- a drug is any substance, other than food, that is taken to change the way the body or
the mind functions. In other words, a drug is any chemical that, when it enters the body, affects the way
the body works. Alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, and medications are all drugs. A drug must be able to pass
from the body into the brain. Drugs change the messages that brain cells send to each other and to the
rest of the body. They do this by interfering with the brain’s own chemical signals: neurotransmitters

      2. ILLICIT DRUGS- Illegal drugs are regulated or unlawful substances (e.g., cocaine, crystal
methamphetamine [meth], anabolic steroids, heroin, cannabis), which are usually obtained by dishonest
or prohibited means (e.g., through drug dealers).

      3. PRESCRIPTION DRUGS- Drugs duly prescribed/issued by physicians,

dentists, veterinarians or other qualified practitioners on forms exclusively issued by and obtained from
the Dangerous Drug Board.

      4. DRUG ADDICT- a person in a state of periodic or chronic intoxication produced by the repeated
consumption of a drug, whether synthetic or natural, and found to be detrimental to the individual and to
the society.

      5. DANGEROUS DRUGS- drug whose use is attended by risk and therefore unsafe, perilous and
hazardous to people and/or to a society.

      6. HYPNOTIC DRUGS-a class of psychoactive drugs whose primary function is to induce sleep and
to treat insomnia. This group of drugs is related to sedatives.

KNOW

1. DANGEROUSE DRUG ACT OF 1972 v DANGEROUS DRUG ACT OF 2002

DANGEROUSE DRUG ACT OF 1972

DANGEROUS DRUG ACT OF 2002

RA 6425: DANGEROUSE DRUG ACT OF 1972
RA 9165: An Act instituting the Comprehensive
Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, Repealing Republic
Act No. 6425, otherwise known as the Dangerous
Drugs Act of 1972, as Amended, providing Funds
therefor, and for other purposes.

It repealed the provisions of the Revised Penal It establishes offences and penalty according to the
Code on crimes relative to opium and other different dangerous drug, regardless of the quantity
prohibited drugs (Art. 190 — 194). and purity involved.

It classified drugs which are subject to control into Every pharmacist dealing in dangerous drugs and/or
prohibited drugs and regulated drugs. It did not controlled precursors and essential chemicals shall
define maintain and keep an original record of sales,
purchases, acquisitions and deliveries of dangerous
 what is a prohibited or what is a regulated drug. It drugs, indicating specific information.
merely enumerates the drugs which are included in
the category of prohibited and those considered
regulated drugs for the purpose of graduating
penalties. Violation of different acts relative to
prohibited drugs has higher penalties as compared
with the same acts committed in violation of the
regulated drugs. The classification is not based on
their pharmacologic effects but on societal reaction
in the control on specific acts of specific drugs. If
society has a strong adverse attitude against any
drug, then it will be included in the enumeration of
prohibited drugs.

A veterinarian or practitioner authorized to prescribe

any dangerous drug shall submit Records
Transactions on Dangerous Drugs and Precursors
and Essential Chemicals. A veterinarian or
practitioner authorized to prescribe any dangerous
drug shall issue the prescription therefor in one
original and two duplicate copies. The original, after
the prescription has been filled, shall be retained by
the pharmacist for a period of one year from the
date of sale or delivery of such drug.

2. BIOSOCIAL FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE EMERGENCE OF DRUG PROBLEMS

a. The Philippines is merely hours away from the primary source of opium, the Golden Triangle. From
this source, narcotic have been transported all over the world and in some instances the Philippine
ports are used for transshipment.
b. The Philippines is endowed by nature with a humid, warm tropical weather most conducive to
luxuriant propagation and growth of marijuana plant.  
c. A demographic study of our population revealed that a greater part of our population is getting
younger and younger who are most susceptible to marijuana.
d. Men are by nature pleasure loving or hedonistic. The feeling of euphoria, well-being, day-dreaming,
hallucination, vigor, illusion, develops whenever a person is under the influence of drug. Whenever
a man intends to do something, he always measures the amount of pleasure and pain that
accompanies it.
e. The profit motive of the pushers, planters, and retailers is another factor. In any human activity,
profit and risk go hand in hand. More risk — more profit principles dominate human action in
periods of economic difficulties.
f. The gradual disappearance of the olden nuclear nature of the Philippine family and the emergence
of a permissive society have contributed to the rise in drug problems.
g. The impact of the discoveries, explorations, and researches done by scientist for new drugs for the
purpose of alleviating human diseases or symptoms of diseases are more evident.

3. THE PROHIBITED ACTS AND REPECTIVE PENALTIES UNDER DDA

              A. PROHIBITED DRUGS

PROVISION ACT PENALTY

(SECTION)
Section 3. Importation of Prohibited Drugs. IMPRISONMENT: 14 yrs and 1 day to life
imprisonment

FINE: P14,000 to P30,000 pesos

Section 4. Sale, Administration, Delivery, Distribution and IMPRISONMENT: 12 yrs. &1 days to 20
Transportation of Prohibited Drugs years

FINE: 12,000 to 20,000 pesos.

If the victim died:

IMPRISONMENT: life
imprisonment to death
FINE: 20,000 to 30,000 pesos.

Section 5. Maintenance of a Den, Dive or Resort for IMPRISONMENT: 12 yrs. & 1 day to 20
Prohibited Drug Users yrs.

FINE: 12,000 to 20,000 pesos.

Section 6. . Employees and Visitors of Prohibited Drug Den IMPRISONMENT: 2 yrs. & 1 day to 6 yrs.

FINE: 2,000 to 6,000 pesos.

Section 7. Manufacture of Prohibited Drugs. IMPRISONMENT: Life imprisonment to

death

FINE: 20,000 to 30,000 pesos.

Section 8. Possession or Use of Prohibited Drugs IMPRISONMENT: 6 yrs. & 1 day to 12

yrs.

FINE: 6,000 to 12,000 pesos.

Section 9. Cultivation of Plants Which are Sources of IMPRISONMENT: 14 yrs. & 1 day to life
Prohibited Drugs. imprisonment, revocation of license

FINE: 14,000 to 30,000 pesos.

Section 10. Records of Prescriptions, Sales, Purchases, IMPRISONMENT: 1 yr. & 1 day to 6 yrs.
Acquisitions and/or Deliveries of Prohibited imprisonment, revocation of license
Drugs
FINE: 1,000 to 6,000 pesos.

Section 11. Unlawful Prescription of Prohibited Drugs. IMPRISONMENT: 8 yrs. & 1 day to 12
yrs. imprisonment, revocation of license

FINE: 8,000 to 12,000 pesos.

Section 12. Unnecessary Prescription of Prohibited Drugs. IMPRISONMENT: yrs. & 1 day to 12 yrs.
imprisonment, revocation of license

FINE: 4,000 to 12,000 pesos.

Section 13. Possession of Opium Pipe and Other IMPRISONMENT: 6 mos. & 1 day to 4
Paraphernalia for Prohibited Drugs
yrs.

FINE: 600 to 4,000 pesos

B. REGULATED DRUGS

Section 14. Importation of Regulated Drugs. IMPRISONMENT: 6 yrs. & 1 day to 12 YRS

imprisonment

FINE: 6,000 to 12,000 pesos.

Section 15. Sale, Administration, Dispension, Delivery, IMPRISONMENT: 6 yrs. & 1 day to 12 yrs.
Transportation and Distribution of Regulated imprisonment, revocation of iicense,
Drugs
FINE: 6,000 to 12,000 pesos

Section 16. Possession or Use of Regulated Drugs. IMPRISONMENT: 6 mos. & 1 day to 4 yrs.

FINE: 600 to 4,000 pesos.

Section 17. Records of Prescriptions, Sales, Purchases, IMPRISONMENT: 6 mos& 1 day to 4 YRS
Acquisitions and/or Deliveries of Regulated
Drugs FINE:P600-P4,000

Section 18. Unlawful Prescription of Regulated Drugs IMPRISONMENT: 4 yrs. & 1 day to 8 YRS,
revocation of license

FINE:P4000-P8000

Section 19. Unnecessary Prescription of Regulated Drugs IMPRISONMENT: 6 mos. & 1 day to 4yrs,
revocation of license

FINE: 600 to 4,000

4. OPIATES AND THEIR DERIVATIVES

Opium is obtained from the milky exudate of the incised unripe seed capsules of the poppy plant, Papaver
Somaiferum. The milky juice is dried in the air and forms a brownish gummy mass which contains 25%
opium by weight.
 A. Classification of Opium Alkaloids:

 Those naturally existing in the poppy plant:Morphine, Codeine, Thebaine, Papaverine,

Nescapine.
 Those derived by chemical manipulation of the naturally occurring alkaloid : Heroin,
Dihydromorphinone, Methyl dihydromorphinone, Apomorphine
 Synthetic:MethadoneDolophine, Pethidine

B. Derivatives of Opium Commonly Used:

- Morphine:Average dose 1/6 to 1/4 gr. 
- Heroin — Therapeutic dose is 1/2 to 1/6 gr. 
-Dionine — Therapeutic dose 1/10 to 1/2 gr
-Dihydromorphinone (Dilaudid) — Therapeutic dose 1/20 gr
- Metaphon — Effective dose is by mouth 1/20 gr
- Codeine — Therapeutic dose is 1/2 gr. 
- Demerol — Therapeutic dose is 50 — 100 mg. (2)
- Methadone — Therapeutic dose is 5 mg.

C. Signs and Symptoms of Opium Administration:

Stage of Excitement: There is increased mental activity, restlessness or even hallucination with flushing
of the face and increased action of the heart.

Stage of Stupor: The person suddenly becomes quiet which may be due to headache, giddiness,
lethargic condition and uncontrollable desire to sleep. When asleep, he can be aroused by external stimuli.
There is itching sensation all over the skin although pulse and respiration are still normal.

Stage of Narcosis: The patient is in a deep coma and cannot be aroused by external stimuli. All muscles
are relaxed and reflexes are lost with suspension of skin secretion. The face is pale, the lips are livid and
there may be a drop of the lower jaw, while pupils are contracted to almost a pinpoint and insensible to
light. The pulse is slow, small and compressible as respiration is slow, laboured and stertorous. The heart
may beat for a while but later stop. 

D. CONSEQUENCES OF CONTINUED USE:

Drug intolerance is developed and subsequent physical and moral deterioration may be observed. When
under the influence of the drug, he is calm and composed, but becomes restless and irritable when
deprived of the drug. The person may develop constipation and intercurrent infection (eg. tuberculosis.);
whereas, some manifest suicidal tendencies or maniacal symptoms.

E. Early Presumptive Signs that a Person is Taking any Addictive or Habit Forming Drugs:

At Home: Unaccountable change in habit and mode is evident in addition to loss of appetite and weight,
and neglect of appearance and hygiene. An unexpected discovery of the tablet, capsule or peculiar
smelling cigarette in the home may happen. 

At School: Sudden loss of interest and performance in studies and sports; general evasiveness, truancy
and problems over discipline; and unconscious depression and cheerfulness at work or play.

At Work: Tardiness; Frequent change of occupation; Problem with employer; and Failure to settle down.

F. Evidences of Opium Addiction :

a. Presence of symptoms as mentioned.
b. History of partaking of drugs.
c. Addict is skinny or asthenic — He prefers to buy drug than food.
d. "Main liner" — Multiple pigmented punctured marks along the course of the superficial
veins.
e. "Skin popper" — Scars of previous subcutaneous abscesses also along the course of the
superficial veins.
 f. Fresh needle puncture marks with underlying hemorrhage 
g. Constriction of the pupil of the eyes.
h. Weakness and paleness due to malnutrition.
i. Blood examination reveals presence of the drug,
j. Presence of the drug in the urine.
k. Presence of paraphernalia for the administration of the drug.
l. Withdrawal syndrome develops when deprived of the drug.

G. Withdrawal Syndrome:
OBJECTIVE SIGNS: 
a. 8 to 16 hrsafter withdrawal — nervousness, restlessness and anxiety.
b. 14 hrs — frequent yawning, sweating, running of nose and lacrimination.
c. 24 hours — pupils are dilated, gooseflesh develops and a shivering attack.
d. 36 hours — severe muscles twisting, cramps of legs and abdomen, vomiting and
diarrhea.
e. 3 — 4 days — blood sugar rises; patient becomes sleepy on the 3rd day.

Subjective SIGNS: Pain, Hallucination, General body weakness, Suicidal impulse,

Depression, Criminal propensities, and Colic.

H. Elimination of Opium: Through the stomach and intestine; Oxidation of the drug in the liver;
and Eliminated through the urine.

I. Post-mortem Findings in Opium Poisoning:

a. Livid face and fingernails.

b. Froth from the nostrils and mouth.
c. Dark blood in the heart and big blood vessels.
d. Congested  trachea with froth.
e. Lungs are engorged, edematous and exudes frothy fluid.
f. Stomach may contain brownish lump of opium mixed with brownish viscid fluid, if opium
was ingested.
g. Odor of opium may be present in the stomach content.
h. There is brain congestion.
i. Pupils are pinpoint-size.
j. Multiple scars and abscesses along the course of the superficial veins in the arms and
forearms are observed, 
k. Chemical examination of the blood shows the presence of the drug.

5. SEDATIVES

A. BARBITURATES: Barbituric acid or malonylcarbamide was the product of the synthesis of

malonic acid and urea allegedly on St. Barbara day. Small dose has sedative effects while a bigger
dose may induce sound sleep.

Common Preparations and their Slang Equivalents:

1. Short-acting preparation:Secobarbital (Seconal) —"red devil"; and Pentobarbital
(Nembutal) — "yellow jackets", "nemmies"; 
2. Intermediate acting preparation: Amobarbital(Amytal) — "blue heavens", "blue
dragon".
3. Long-acting preparations: Phenobarbital (Luminal) — "purple heart", "barbs".
4. Combination: Secobarbital — amobarbital (Tuinal) — "tooies", "christmas trees",
"rainbow".

Use of Barbiturates:
Medicinal:For treatment of high blood pressure, insomnia and epilepsy, and mental
illness. It is given to relax patients before and during surgery.
 Non-medicinal: Used to escape personal problems (eg. insecurity, failure or
frustration. A substitute for heroin when the supply of the latter runs short and to
quiet oneself down (Amphetamine abusers).

Signs and Symptoms: 

Ordinary dose: Toxic dose:

a. Sedation without analgesia. a. Ataxia and diplopia.

b. Decrease in mental acuity. b. Positive Romberg sign.
c. General sluggishness and slowed speech and c. Respiratory depression.
comprehension. d. Perceptual time
d. Emotional liability. distortion.
e. Poor memory and faulty judgment. e. Suicidal tendencies.
f. Exaggeration of basic personal traits. f. Dysarthria (slurred
speech).
g. Toxic psychosis.
h. Coma or death.

B. METHAQUALONE: Methaqualone is a sedative drug in a smaller dose and a hypnotic in a bigger

dose. The effect is similar to barbiturates and action is within 30 minutes after administration
lasting for 6 to 10 hours. It has no analgesic effect but can potentiate the analgesic effect of other
drugs like codeine. 

DOSES: Hypnotic dose= 150 to 500 mg; Fatal dose=5 grams.

Symptoms of poisoning: Nausea, gastric irritation, vomiting, muscle twitching, hypertonia, cardiac
arrhythmia, tachycardia and respiratory depression.

6. HALLUCINOGENS OR PSYCHOMIMETIC DRUGS

CLASSIFICATION:

Natural Synthetic

 Amanita muscaria  LSD (D-lysergic acid diethylamide)

 Banisteriacaapi  Psilocybin (4-phosphoryloxy-N,N-
 Cannabis sativa dimethyltryptamine)
 Catnip  DMT (N,N-dimethyltryptamine)
 Datura  251-NBOMe
 Epena
 Peyote (mescaline)
 Salvia (Salvia divinorum)
A. MARIJUANA:

Description: Marijuana, meaning "pleasurable feeling", is a mixed preparation of the

flowering tops, leaves, seeds and stem of the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa. Cannabis is a natural
product, the main psychoactive constituent of which is tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC). The
potency of the mixture depends on the resin content and this is determined mainly by the plant
strain and also by the factors involved in cultivation, harvesting and preparation of the crop.

There are many species of cannabis and other plants reported to contain THC. In a study,
it's been reported that 117 of 350 plants of cannabis contain 0% of THC. Another study showed
that the THC content ranges from 0.04% to 6.1%.
Classification: 

1. "Vietnam Green" — Coming from southeast Asia and found to be twice as potent as those
varieties grown in the United States.
2. "Acapulco Gold" — Grown in southern Mexico and q may contain as much as 2 to 4% THC.
3. "Panama Red" — Grown in the canal zone and is reputedly the strongest of all.

Special Preparations of Marijuana:

1. Hashish or Charas — The pure resin is separated from the tops, leaves and stem of the plant. It
is dark green or brown and is smoked with tobacco in a pipe. It is the most potent of all cannabis
preparations.
2. Bhang — The dried leaves and fruit shoots are used as an infusion in the form of beverage. It is
the least potent of all preparations.
3. Ganja — This consists of dried flowering tops of female plant with rusty green color and
characteristic odor. It is mixed with tobacco and smoked in pipe.
4. Majun— Infusion of dried leaves and tops mixed with flour, milk, butter and sugar. Sometimes
dhatura seeds are added to increase potency.
5. Reefers — Dried leaves and stem are sliced and made into cigarettes and smoked.

Effects of Marijuana:
1. Subjective Effects (after a number of inhalation):
a. lightness of the extremities, warmth and eventually a relaxation and mild euphoria.
b. A distortion of sense of time, distance, vision and hearing.
c. Whetted appetite
d. A tendency to be confused about the past, present and future; and impaired short-term
memory.
e. Increased sense of sociability and hilarity.

Objective Effects:
a. Moderate increase in resting pulse rate.
b. Reddening of the eyes due to dilatation of the conjunctival blood vessels.
c. Difficulty of speech and logical trend of what was being said.
d. Slight increase in cortical functions.
e. Tremor and muscular incoordination

Other Undesirable Effects

a. Bronchitis and asthma may occur

b. Nausea and vomiting occasionally develop when a novice smokes too much but disappear as
the effect of the drug wears off.
c. Panic reaction occurs when the individual becomes frightened about the effects of the drug
and starts to doubt that the changes are irreversible.
d. Amotivational Syndrome — This is characterized by a progressive change from conforming,
achievement-oriented behavio to a state of relaxed drifting.
e. Acute toxic psychosis — A temporary malfunction or less in reality, this is self-limited and
usually no drug is necessary.

Metabolism: Marijuana has three major components: THC, cannabidiol and cannabinol. All of them have
pharmacologic activity. Variance in the amount of the active constituents has some bearing in the
difference in pharmacologic activities.

The metabolism of cannabinoid takes place in the liver and possibly on other site, like the lung. The
cannabinoids are rapidly hydrolyzed into some form of 11-hydroxy compounds. A small amount is found in
the blood and there is a major metabolitesin the feces.

There is a rapid elimination of THC from the blood during the first 40 minutes, then a much slower
elimination in the next 24 hours.
B. LSD LYSERGIC ACID DIETHYLAMIDE: 

Description: Lysergic acid diethylamide, colorless, tasteless, odorless, usually in liquid form, is a long-
lasting psychoactive drug that distorts and alters perceptions and sensations.  In uncontrolled situations,
LSD is one of the most potent mood-altering drugs available. It causes profound distortions in the
person's perception of reality that can last up to 12 hours.

SYMPTOMS: 

a. Physiological — Dilatation of the pupils, over-activity of reflexes, increase of muscle tension, lack
of coordination, visual disturbance, laughter.
b. Somatic — Dizziness, weakness, tremor, nausea, drowsiness, parasthesia (sensation of pricking,
tingling or creeping of the skin) and blurred vision.
c. Perceptual — Alteration of shapes and color; music appreciation with abnormal intensity; focusing
difficulty; sharpening of the hearing sense, recurrent voice accompanied by brilliant hallucinatory
color sensation (synesthesia or seeing sound, hearing color, etc.).
d. Psychic — Mood alteration, tension, distortion of time sense, difficulty in thought expression,
depersonalization, dreamlike feeling and visual hallucination. Delusion of omnipotence is common
such that a user thinks he can fly from a high building.

Untoward Effects: 

a. Acute panic reaction ("Bad trip", "freak-out")

b. Removal of the usual intrinsic restraints causing uncontrollable violence or aggression.
c. It causes chromosomal breaks and/or chromosomal rearrangements which may persist as long as
15 months. This may cause malformation of the children to be born.
C. DMT, DET and DPT: tryptamine derivatives which produce a syndrome similar to that of LSD
but differ in the following ways:

1. The onset is more rapid, increasing the likelihood of a panic reaction;

2. The duration of action is only 1 to 2 hours; and

3. The autonomic effects consisting of pupil dilatation and elevation of blood pressure are
more marked than in LSD.

6. STIMULANTS
A. AMPHETAMINE: A powerful stimulator of the central nervous system. It is used to treat some
medical conditions, but it is also highly addictive, with a history of abuse.

B. Amphetamine was first synthesized in 1927 as a substitute for epinephrine which was isolated from
the adrenal gland and from ephedrine obtained from the Chinese herb ephedra vulgaris.

REASON OF ABUSE:

a. For thrill.
b. As a substitute when other narcotic supplies are temporarily cut off.
c. To give a feeling of increased strength and endurance.
d. To reduce fatigue during athletic performance.
e. To ward asleep among students cramming for the examination.
f. To effect a prolonged high when used in combination with other drugs, like alcohol, heroin
or barbiturates.
g. As a body reducer by reducing appetite.

TYPES of Amphetamine Abusers:

1. Adaptive abusers —Those who take amphetamine to bolster their functioning within conventional,
interpersonal and social activities.
2. Excapist abuser — Those who abuse amphetamine to avoid such interpersonal and social activities.
This type of abuser has a cycle having two phases of approximately equal duration.
3. "Up" or active phase — The subject is given the drug, usually methamphetamine, at two to four
hours interval for four to five days. During the time he remains awake.
4. "Down" or reactive phase — After being awake and continuously active four or five days, the
abuser then collapses from exhaustion, remaining in a semi-comatose state and sleeping
intermittently for the next four or five days.
Danger of Amphetamine Misuse:

1. Overactivity leading to social consequence (car accident) or aggressive behavior; stealing and
murder may have been associated with excessive amphetamine taking.
2. Production of a psychotic illness of the schizophrenic type.
3. Shock and collapse following amphetamine usage and excessive physical exertion.
4. May lead to habituation.
5. Risk of suicide during the withdrawal phase.

Symptoms: Some of the common amphetamine withdrawal side effects and symptoms include: Fatigue and increased
need for sleep; Increased appetite; Bodily movements and twitches; Slowed reaction and movement; Aches and pains;
Irritability and/or agitation; Dreams that are often vivid and sometimes unpleasant; and Depression.

Excretion: 50% of amphetamine is destroyed in the liver by dissemination and the rest in the kidneys at a slower rate.
The drug use to appear in the urine 3 hours after administration

B. COCAINE: Cocaine is a powerfully addictive stimulant drug. For thousands of years, people in
South America have chewed and ingested coca leaves (Erythroxylon coca), the source of cocaine,
for their stimulant effects. 

Cocaine may be taken by injection, by chewing or bY sniffing of crystals through the

nostrils.Cocaine stimulates the sympathetic system causing increased pulse rate, dilatation of the
pupils and perspiration. It is euphoriant and speedily relieves fatigue. Cocaine is said to cause
sexual excitement and the drug therefore is popular among the undersexed or sexual perverts.
Tolerance to the drug is slow and dependence tends to be psychological rather than physical.

 7. DELIRIANTS: Drugs which cause delirium, intoxication and other mental and psychic disturbances
when the toxic vapors and fumes are inhaled are not covered by the Dangerous Drug Act of 1972

Classification
Methanol Ethyl acetate
Stryene N-propyl acetate
Ethanol N-butyl acetate
Napthalone Acetone
Isopropanol Methyl ethyl ketone
N-pentane Methyl butyl ketone
N-hexane Benzene
N-heptane Tolouene
Methylene Chloride Xylene
Trichloroethylene Isoamyl nitrate
Tetrachloroethylene Chloroform
Nitrous oxide Dichlorodiflouremethane

 8. PRESCRIPTION OF DANGEROUS DRUGS: All prescriptions issued by physicians, dentists,

veterinarians or practitioners shall be made out on forms exclusively issued by and obtained from the
Board. It shall be made of a special kind of paper and shall be distributed in such quantities and contain
such information and other data as the Board may, by rules and regulations, require. A physician, dentist,
veterinarian or practitioner authorized to prescribed any dangerous drug shall issue the prescription
therefor in one original and two duplicate copies.

In such emergency cases, however, as the Board may specify in the

public interests, prescriptions need not be accomplished on such forms (Sec. 25 (b), 2nd par., Dangerous
Drug Act of 1972 as amended).

 9. LAWS INVOLVED:

RA 6425- “DANGEROUSE DRUG ACT OF 1972” . It repealed the provisions of the Revised Penal
Code on crimes relative to opium and other prohibited drugs (Art. 190 — 194).
 It classified drugs which are subject to control into prohibited drugs and regulated drugs. It
did not define what is a prohibited or what is a regulated drug. It merely enumerates the drugs
which are included in the category of prohibited and those considered regulated drugs for the
purpose of graduating penalties. 
Violation of different acts relative to prohibited drugs has higher penalties as compared with
the same acts committed in violation of the regulated drugs. 
The classification is not based on their pharmacologic effects but on societal reaction in the
control on specific acts of specific drugs. If society has a strong adverse attitude against any drug,
then it will be included in the enumeration of prohibited drugs.

RA 9165- DANGEROUS DRUG ACT OF 2002 or “An Act instituting the Comprehensive Dangerous
Drugs Act of 2002, Repealing Republic Act No. 6425, otherwise known as the Dangerous Drugs Act
of 1972, as Amended, providing Funds therefor, and for other purposes.”
It establishes offences and penalty according to the different dangerous drug, regardless of
the quantity and purity involved. It provides that every pharmacist dealing in dangerous drugs
and/or controlled precursors and essential chemicals shall maintain and keep an original record of
sales, purchases, acquisitions and deliveries of dangerous drugs, indicating specific information.
A veterinarian or practitioner authorized to prescribe any dangerous drug shall submit
Records Transactions on Dangerous Drugs and Precursors and Essential Chemicals. A veterinarian
or practitioner authorized to prescribe any dangerous drug shall issue the prescription therefor in
one original and two duplicate copies. The original, after the prescription has been filled, shall be
retained by the pharmacist for a period of one year from the date of sale or delivery of such drug.

DIFFERENTIATE

1. PROHIBITED DRUG VS REGULATED DRUG

PROHIBITED DRUG- These can’t be legally bought or sold. Prohibited drugs can be extremely
dangerous and are not medically monitored.

REGULATED DRUG- Regulated substances may have potential for dependence. These kinds of
drugs can be obtained either over-the-counter, by prescription, or illegally.

2. DRUG ADDICTION VS DRUG HABITUATION

DRUG ADDICTION- A state of periodic or chronic intoxication produced by the repeated

consumption of a drug, whether synthetic or natural, and found to be detrimental to the individual
and to the society (WHO).

DRUG HABITUATION- is the desire to have continuous use of the drug but with the capacity to
refrain physically from using it.

EXPLAIN/ DISCUSS

CHARACTERISTICS OF DRUG ADDICTION:

a. An overpowering desire or need (compulsive) to continue taking the drug or to obtain it by

any means;
b. A tendency to increase the dose;
c. A psychological and physical dependence on the effects of the drug; and
d. A detrimental effect to the society and to the individual.

IDENTIFICATION OF DANGEROUS DRUGS

1. Gross and Microscopic: A complete leaf may be identified by the characteristic irregular
shape. Microscopically,identification depends largely on observation of short hair on the
upper side of the leaf known as cystolith and the presence of longer nonglandular hair on
the opposite side.
 2. Micro-crystalline Test: A drop of chemical reagent is added to a small quantity of the drug
on a microscopic slide. The is the size and shape of the crystal under the microscopic
examination that is characteristic of the drug.
3.
4. Color Test: Various color tests on different drugs may be employed to include:
a. Opium: Marquis test — (2% formaldehyde in sulfuric acid
b. Barbiturates: DillieKoppanyi test — (1% cobalt acetate in methanol followed by 5%
isoprophylamine in methanol); Zwikkers test — Use of approximately 0.5 ml. of
0.5% aqueous solution of copper sulphate
c. Marijuana: Duquenois-Levine test 
d. LSD: Van Urk test (1% p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde and 10% concentrated
hydrochloric acid)
e. Cocaine: Cobalt Thiocynate test — (2% cobalt thiocyanate in water).

Chromatography: Either a Thin layer chromatography or Gas chromatography may be employed.  In

both methods the drug is separated from the diluent while providing for its identification.

Spectrometry: Selective absorption of light by drugs in the UV (Ultra-violet) and IR (Infra-red) regions of
the electromagnetic spectrum.

UV spectrum is not conclusive for the positive identification of drug as other drugs may very well produce
an indistinguishable spectrum; whereas, can specifically identify substances, but the substance to be
identified must be in pure form.

STATE OF DRUG PROBLEM IN THE PHILIPPINES: 

1. Marijuana is now planted in almost every province of the country as the profit aspect is
comparatively great considering its local and foreign demand. 
2. There is an increasing number of our youth who are prospective users.
3. Property offense can be directly correlated with drug dependence.
4. Increased vehicular accidents with the driver under the influence of drug.
5. Suicide is more common among drug users. 

WAYS OF CONTROLLING OR COMBATTING THE DRUG PROBLEM:

1. By preventing users to further use the drug

2. By preventing non-users from starting a life of drug dependence.
3. In case of addition of a new drug to the list of dangerous drugs, no criminal liability involving
the same under this Act shall arise until the lapse of fifteen (15) days from the last
publication of such notice; and
4. In case of removal of a drug from the list of dangerous drugs, all pending criminal
prosecution involving such a drug under the Act shall forthwith be dismissed.

ENUMERATE

PHARMACOLOGIC CLASSIFICATION OF DANGEROUS DRUGS:

1. Hypnotics.
2. Sedatives and Tranquilizers.
3. Hallucinogens and Psychomimetics.
4. Stimulants.
5. Deliriants and Intoxicants.

CLASSIFICATION OF DRUG DEATH

1. Primary drug fatalities — those which death is due to the toxic or adverse effect of the chemical
agent, with or without the contributory influence of pre-existing, unrelated natural disease.
2. Secondary drug fatalities — those arising from medical complications of drug abuse, such as
viral hepatitis and bacterial endocarditis.

3. Drug-associated fatalities — those caused by homicidal, accidental and suicidal violence

stemming directly or indirectly from activities Related to the obtaining and use of illicit drugs.