Vice and Drug Education and Control

VICE Definition

A vice is a moral failing or a bad habit. Traditional examples of vice include

drinking alcohol, smoking tobacco, and gambling in card games.

The word "vice" is derived from the Latin word vitium, which means "failure"
or "defect." A vice is a habitual practice that is considered sinful or degrading within
a society. It can also refer to a negative character trait or an unhealthy habit like
excessive smoking, drinking of alcohol, and gambling.

Law enforcement, it refers to criminal activities related to gambling, alcohol,

illegal drugs, prostitution, pornography, and the like, and crimes related to.

In the United States, municipal police departments often have a bureau

dedicated to vice, manned by vice cops, whose job it is to fight crime related to
alcohol, drugs, and gambling. But anything can be a vice, as long as there’s someone
out there who views it as bad behavior or a moral weakness. You might say,
casually, “I don’t drink, smoke, or gamble. Chocolate ice cream is my vice.” Or
driving over the speed limit. Or intentionally failing to sort your recycling.

Behaviors that have long been considered Vices include:

1. excessive or habitual indulgence in gambling.

2. certain sexual activities, and

3. the use of psychoactive drugs such as nicotine, alcohol or opium.

Even in a world without vice specific public policies, vice would still be
subject to informal social controls. Most vices, including forms of gambling,
prostitution, pornography, alcohol, tobacco, and other psychoactive drugs, have met
prohibitions at certain times and places, including contemporary times and places.
What has become known as the “harm reduction” or “harm minimization” approach
to illicit drugs typically focuses on reducing the harms per incident, while being
rather unconcerned about overall prevalence or whether the harms are external or
suffered by the vice participants themselves. It is commonplace to note that the
Internet has changed everything, and this trope would apply to vice regulation, too.

The Most Common Vices

Apart from the classical definition of "vice," there are also some common vices
existing throughout the world.

Smoking
 The use of tobacco is one of the foremost public health problems in the world
today. Tobacco had for centuries been used all over the world as a way of
increasing the enjoyment of life or as an aid in coping with some of its problem.
The World Health Organization estimates that around the world one person dies
every 13 seconds from tobacco-related diseases. Doctors cite 50,000 scientific
studies from various independent bodies that have proved beyond doubt that
smoking is responsible for around 90% of all cases of lung cancer, 95% of all cases
of chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and 25% of heart conditions in men under
65 years of age.

The World Health Organization Advisory Panel on Smoking and health

estimates that at least two million of 30 million Filipinos under 20 years of age
today will eventually be killed by smoking, Smoking threatens not only the
adults, but also children – born and unborn. The Philippine Obstetrical and
Gynecological Society notes that premature in infants of mothers who smoke is
three times more common than in mothers. Spontaneous abortion is likewise
more common in smoking mothers.

Too often, the smoking habit begins in the early teens or even earlier.
Becoming a smoker may have the immediate value to some teenagers of being
accepted by their peers, feeling more mature because smoking is an adult
behavior to the child providing level of psychological stimulation and pleasure
and might even serve the function of an cat of defiance to authority figures.

Smoking comes in many forms as discussed below.

Tobacco Smoking

This refers to the act of burning the tobacco leaves and inhaling the smoke.
The Frenchman Jean Nicot, from whose name the word nicotine was based, first
introduced tobacco to France in 1560. It then spread to England and to other parts of
the world. Similar to other intoxicating substances like coffee, tea and even opium,
tobacco was initially used as a kind of medicine (Gately, 2004).

Methods of tobacco smoking

Cigarettes

The word "cigarette" means "small cigar in French. Perhaps these are the
most commonly used type of tobacco product because they are convenient
and relatively cheaper. These are manufactured from finely cut and cured
 tobacco leaves, sometimes combined with additives, which are rolled into
alim, cylinder-shaped paper tubes (Tobacco Smoking, n.d.).

Pipe smoking

In the old times, pipe smoking used to be more popular. Here, shredded
pieces of tobacco are placed into the pipe's chamber and then ignited. The
smoke is inhaled through a pipe that is connected to the chamber. Tobaccos
used for pipe smoking are carefully cured and blended to infuse flavor.

Cigars

Larger than cigarettes, cigars are tightly rolled bundles of fermented and
dried that are ignited in one tip so that the smoker can draw out the smoke
from the other tip using one's mouth. Smoke from cigars are typically not
inhaled because of the high alkalinity of the smoke, which can irritate the
trachea and the lungs.

Hookah

These are common in Mediterranean countries. A hookah is a single or

multi-stemmed glass water pipe used for smoking. Originally from India, the
hookah used to be a symbol of pride for wealthy and high-class people. A
hookah runs via water filtration and indirect heat and can be used for
smoking tobacco, herbal fruits, or even cannabis (Tobacco Smoking, n.d.).

Electronic Cigarette (E-Cigarette)

This is a battery-powered vaporizer that has recently gained popularity

among smokers. This gadget simulates tobacco smoking by generating an
aerosol that resembles smoke via a heating element (atomizer). The atomizer
vaporizes a liquid solution known as e-liquid, thun producing tobacco-free
smoke. E-liquids usually contain propylene glycol, trace amounts of nicotine,
flavorings and vegetable glycerin.
Passive Smoking

It may be surprising for some, but passive smoking is also a form of

tobacco smoking. This refers to the involuntary consumption of smoked
tobacco generated by those around the passive smoker. Owing to its
perceived negative implications, especially for the children, this kind of
consumption has led to the regulation of tobacco products (Vainio, 1987).

Properties of Tobacco

Tobacco smoke is both toxic and addictive. Find out more about the lethal
chemical cocktail inside cigarettes.

Tobacco smoke contains around 7,000 chemicals. Many of these are

poisonous and over 60 are known to be cancer causing (carcinogenic). No wonder
so many smokers would like help quitting.

The chemical constituents of cigarettes include:

Nicotine - Nicotine is a colorless, poisonous alkaloid derived from the tobacco

plant. It is a powerful drug, which affects the brain and quickly becomes
addictive.

It is the most important active ingredient in controlled doses. It is an

extremely toxic substance. A typical cigarette contains 1-2 mg than mg
from each cigarette is filtered not depending on the characteristics the
depth and frequency of inhalation and the length of the butt.

Tar - ‘Tar’ is the term used to describe the toxic chemicals found in cigarettes.
It’s a sticky brown substance that forms when tobacco cools and
condenses. It collects in the lungs and can cause cancer.

Carbon monoxide - An odourless, colourless gas that is released from burning

tobacco. When it is inhaled it enters the blood stream and interferes with
the working of the heart and the blood vessels. Up to 15% of a smoker’s
blood can be carrying carbon monoxide instead of oxygen.

Arsenic - Arsenic-containing pesticides used in tobacco farming occur in small

quantities in cigarette smoke. Arsenic is commonly found in rat poison.

Ammonia - Ammonia is a toxic, colourless gas with a sharp odour. Ammonia

compounds are commonly used in cleaning products and fertilisers.
Also used to boost the impact of nicotine in manufactured cigarettes.

Acetone - Fragrant volatile liquid ketone, used as a solvent. Nail polish

remover is a solvent, for example.
 Toluene - Toluene is a highly toxic chemical. Industrial uses include rubbers,
oils, resins, adhesives, inks, detergents, dyes and explosives.

Methylamine - Chemical found in tanning lotion.

Pesticides - A number of pesticides (toxic chemicals used to kill pests, usually

insects) are present in cigarette smoke. These pesticides find their way
into cigarettes because they’re used on tobacco plants as they are
growing.

Polonium – 210 - Radioactive element – used in nuclear weapons as well as an

atomic heat source.

Methanol - Fuel used in the aviation industry.

Effects of Tobacco Smoking

Certainly, tobacco smoking has been proven to generate various negative effects on
the body. Let us take a look at some of them.

Cancer

One of the most damaging effects of tobacco smoking has to do with

many forms of cancer in major body organs, such as the kidneys, lungs,
bladder, pancreas and stomach, as well as cancer in other parts of the
body like the larynx, neck, head breast, and so on. Recent studies have
established a stronger relationship between tobacco smoke, including
second-hand smoke (SHS), and cervical cancer in women.

Oral Cancer and Diseases

Apart from oral cancer, other serious oral conditions produced by

tobacco smoking include a wide range of oral diseases. In 1998, the
National Institutes of Health, through the National Cancer Institute in
the US, found that cigar smoking leads to various cancers, including
cancers of the oral cavity (e.g., tongue, lip, mouth, throat), larynx,
esophagus, and the lungs. In addition, pipe smoking also leads to
significant health risks; in fact, almost half of reported cases of
periodontitis or inflammation around the teeth can be attributed to
current or former smoking. Meanwhile, smokeless tobacco can actually
cause white mucosal lesions and gingival recession (Health Effects of
Tobacco, n.d.).

Cardiovascular Diseases

Long-term smoking can increase the likelihood of a wide range of

poor cardiovascular conditions, such as heart disease, and peripheral
vascular disease, and atherosclerosis. Some tobacco ingredients can
constrict the blood vessels and can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
 According to a recent study, people under 40 years are five times more
likely to have a heart attack if they smoke. Moreover, the usage of
tobacco has been linked to Buerger's disease, which is the acute
inflammation and clotting of arteries and veins of the hands and feet
(Health Effects of Tobacco, n.d.)

Renal Failure

Smoking can contribute to renal damage. Smokers are at significant

risk for chronic kidney diseases than non-smokers. In fact, a history of
smoking encourages the development of diabetic nephropathy.

Infection

Tobacco has been linked to increased susceptibility to infectious

diseases, particularly in the lungs. Smoking over 20 cigarettes a day
can increase one's risk of tuberculosis up to four times, while being a
current smoker can lead to a four-fold increase in one's risk of
pneumococcal disease. Smoking also increases the risk of other
pulmonary and respiratory tract infections through damages on the
immune system and structural damage. The usage of tobacco can also
increase rates of infection in the lungs, which can lead to a wide range
of afflictions ranging from common cold and bronchitis to COPD to
emphysema.

Impotence

Male smokers are 85% more likely to experience impotence

compared with male non-smokers; smoking can also lead to erectile
dysfunction. Smoking causes impotence as it promotes constrictions in
the arteries. For women, smoking in harmful to the ovaries and can
potentially cause female infertility. Nicotine and many other
dangerous chemicals in cigarettes reduce the body's ability to create
estrogen, a hormone regulating folliculogenesis and ovulation. For
both males and females, the degree of damage is dependent upon the
amount and length of time they have been smoking (Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, 2001).

Psychological Effects

Smokers often report that they use cigarettes to relieve stress.

However, the stress levels of adult smokers are actually higher than
those of nonsmokers. Far from being a stress reliever, nicotine
dependency may actually exacerbate stress, especially for adolescent
users. This has been confirmed in the daily mood patterns described by
 smokers, such that they report normal moods while smoking and
worsening moods in-between cigarettes. In other words, dependent
smokers actually need nicotine to feel normal, thus setting the stage for
addiction (World Health Organization Regional Office for the Western
Pacific, 2002).

Cardiovascular System

• Increases in heart attack risk with amount smoke

• Increases heart rates 15-25 beats with one to two cigarettes.
• Constricts small arteries causing higher blood pleasure
• Increases chance of developing peripheral vascular diseases.
• Causes carbon monoxide from smoke to rob oxygen carrying potential
of blood.
• Causes increase of free fatty acids in blood which may be related to
heart attack.

Respiratory system

• Increases risk of developing Lung cancer ten-fold for the average of

one pack a day smoker.
• Increases lung cancer risk with amount, with length of time smoked
and early age starting.
• Major factor identified in the development of lung cancer.
• Only one in twenty lung cancer victim is saved from death per year.
• A major cause of chronic bronchitis
• Increases risk of dying of chronic bronchitis and Emphysema about six-
fold.
• Tend to paralyze bronchial cilia and stimulate production of mucus.
Eventually destroys ciliary structure cleansing system predisposing to
respiratory infections.
• Increases in abnormal cell growth in bronchial tube walls with increase
in basal cell layers and thickening
• Causes closing of the bronchi, reducing effective breathing space.

Increased Morality from other Causes

• Increase cancer of the larynx, the mouth, bladder, and the esophagus.
• Increase in ulcer deaths, death from cirrhosis
• Increase in kidney problems.

Overall Morbidity and Mortality

 • Greater incident of infant pre-maturity and mortality.
• Life expectancy is expected to reduce by about 14 minutes per cigarette
smoked

Reproductive System

• Women who smoke during pregnancy Increase The risk of still birth
and prenatal mortality and the child physical and intellectual is
delayed
• Women who smoke causes menopause in age than in normal.
• Male smokers, penile arteries become Constricted bringing about
slower erection Time, impotence in 1 in 4 heavy smokers 1 in 12 non-
smokers. Smoking fathers beget children who may suffer from brain
Tumor leukemia and other abnormalities due decreased number of
spermatozoa.

Measures to Reduce Smoking

Government support of anti-smoking campaign demonstrates commitment to

the eradication of health problems related to smoking and public influences and
attitudes to smoking. Successful programs to reduce the prevalence of tobacco use
by young people need a combination of legislative measures and health education
including:

• Prohibition of sales in minor

• Prohibition of smoking in schools and other places frequented by the young
• Restriction on advertising and promotion of tobacco products especially those
aimed at young people
• Health education at both primary and secondary levels of schools
• Use of fiscal policies to increase the price of tobacco products
• Health warnings on cigarette packets.
• Collaboration with the media to deglamorize the image of the smoker.

Alcohol

The second type of vice to be discussed in this book has to do with alcohol.
An alcoholic drink often contains anywhere from 3% to 40% alcohol. Such drinks are
legally sold and consumed in many countries around the world.

Alcohol is colorless, tasteless clear liquid, which gives a burning sensation

to the mouth, esophagus and stomach. Like many drugs, alcohol is toxic. It can
poison the human body if taken in large amounts or in combination with other
drugs. Alcohol is a depressant not stimulant.

The term "alcoholism" refers to problems related to alcohol consumption.

Generally, it is used to refer to the uncontrolled and compulsive consumption of
alcoholic drinks in a way that is detrimental to the well-being of the drinker as it
affects one's health, social standing, work, and personal relationships.

Medically speaking, alcoholism is considered a disease and an addictive

illness. The misuse of alcohol can potentially damage major organs in the body,
including the brain. Moreover, the cumulative toxic effects of chronic alcohol abuse
can cause medical and psychiatric problems, and in most cases, can lead to various
criminal activities. Thus, the production and selling of alcohol is a widely regulated
industry (Alcoholism, n.d.).

There are two kinds of alcohol – methyl and ethyl alcohol. Methyl alcohol is
very poisonous and is not put in drinks but is use in some industries. Ethyl alcohol is
used in alcoholic drinks, which are made by breweries. This occurs when germs
called yeast act on sugars in food to produce alcohol and carbon dioxide. Fermented
brews and spirits contain different amounts of alcohol. The amount in beer is less
than in other drinks. It varies from 2.5% to 8% in different countries.

Types of Drinkers

1. Occasional Drinker drinks on special occasions or uses alcohol as a home

remedy, takes only a few drinks per year.
2. Frequent Drinker-drinks at parties and social affairs Intake of alcohol may be
once a week or occasionally reaches three or four times per week, uses
beverages to release inhibitions and tensions.
3. Regular Drinker – may drink daily or consistently on weekends, usually
comes from cultural background where wine or beer is used with meals to
enhance the flavor of the food.
4. Alcohol Dependent drinks to have good time, excessive drinking occurs
occasionally but drinker may not become alcoholic.
5. Alcoholic has lost control of his use of alcohol. Alcohol assumes primary goal
in his life, even to the exclusion of physical health and interests of family and
society in general.

Motives for Drinking

1. Traditional – social and religious functions.

2. Status – symbol of success and prestige.
3. Dietary dining incomplete without wine, integral part of today’s way of
“gracious living”.
4. Social release tensions and inhibitions so user can tolerate and enjoy
another’s company.
5. Shortcut to Adulthood – user unsure of maturity, drinks to prove himself.
 6. Ritual – fosters group feeling, cocktail parties, toasts made to brides, wishes
for good health.
7. Path of least Resistance – doesn’t want to drink but doesn’t want to abstain
so goes along with everyone else.

Types of Alcoholic Drinks

Wine

Wine is a kind of ferments beverage commonly produced from grapes.

The process of making wine involves longer fermentation and aging
process compared with beer, as it can take months and years. Thus, the
alcohol content of wine is usually 9% to 16% ABV. Its less intoxicating form,
sparkling wine, is produced via secondary fermentation. Thus, its alcohol
content is even lower.

Beer

This is a kind of fermented beverage made from mashed barley or a

combination of several types of grains. Beer is the most consumed alcoholic
beverage in the world because it is relatively cheaper compared with its
other counterparts.

Distilled Spirits

A distilled spirit or liquor is another kind of alcoholic beverage produced

by extracting or distilling ethanol, which is produced by fermenting fruit,
grain, or vegetables. Distilled, alcoholic beverages that are unsweetened
and have an alcohol content of 20% ABV are called spirits. For its stronger
forms, such as whiskey and vodka, the alcohol content is around 40%.

In North America, the term "hard liquor is used to distinguish distilled

beverages (vodka, tequila, gin, whiskey, soju, brandy) from undistilled
beverages (implicitly weaker).

Alcohol Abuse

As partially discussed in the beginning of this chapter, anything that is done

in excess can lead to many problems. In the case of alcohol abuse, such problems
may arise at work, at home and at school. Apart from damaging your health and
personal relationships, the excessive use of alcohol can lead to many forms of
criminal activities. According to experts, the tendency to abuse alcohol may stem
from a combination of one's genes, environment, and psychological traits. Let us
take a look at the common predictors and profiles of alcoholism (Alcoholism, n.d.).
Predictors of alcohol abuse

One is likely to abuse alcohol or become dependent on it if he or she meets

any or all of these predictors:

 Feelings of low self-esteem .

 Being an adult/young adult under pressure

 Experiencing symptoms of depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and

anxiety disorders

 Easy and unregulated access to alcohol

 Relationship, life, financial problems

 A stressful lifestyle

Who has a drinking problem?

First of all, the symptoms of alcohol dependence include the following:

 Experiencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms when one hasn't had a drink

for some time;

 Development of various illnesses from alcohol use; and

 Requiring an increasing amount of alcohol to maintain the feeling of

being drunk

Additionally one may have a drinking problem if he/she .

 Continues to drink, even when one's health, work, or family are being
harmed

 Easily becomes excited or tense when drinking

 Tries to hide his alcohol use

 Drinks alone

 Becomes hostile when asked about one's drinking habits

 Misses work or school, or doesn't perform well because of drinking

 Makes excuses to drink

 Stops joining activities because of alcohol

  Doesn't eat a lot or eats poorly

 Doesn't care about hygiene and how he/she dresses

 Needs to consume alcohol on most days to get through the day

 Experiences chills and shakes in the morning or after periods when one
has not had anything to drink.

Who are at risk for alcohol problems?

Drinking a lot of alcohol can put one at risk for so many alcohol related
problems. According to experts, those who are at significant risk are the
following:

 Male drinkers who consume 15 or more drinks a week (wherein one drink
is equal to a 5 oz glass of wine, a 1.5 oz. shot of liquor, or 12 oz. bottle of
beer):

 Female drinkers who consume 12 or more drinks a week:

 Male and female drinkers who consume alcoholic drinks . at a time at

least once a week; and

 Non-drinkers who have a parent/s suffering from alcoholism. (Alcohol

Use Disorder, n.d.)

EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL ON THE BODY

When a person drinks alcohol, it passes down to the stomach. Here, unlike
foods we eat, it does not need to be digested or broken down by juices in the
stomach. It is absorbed easily into the blood stream and most of it stays in the blood.
While in the blood stream, the alcohol is carried around the body many times as the
heart pumps blood through the vessels. The alcohol stays in the blood and can only
be passed out of the body when the liver changes it. A healthy liver takes
approximately one hour to change the alcohol in one bottle of beer. While the liver is
trying to remove the alcohol, the alcohol having effects on body functions.

The Brain and the Nervous System – The nerves are like telephone wires coming
out of the control system in the brain and spinal cord. They send and receive
messages from all parts of the body. Alcohol slows down the work of the
brain cells and stops proper messages being sent to the rest of the body.
Alcohol stops people behaving correctly to other people. They may do
whatever comes first into their minds. They may say things that do not make
sense or behave rudely to others. They may also have feelings of increased
personal or social power. This is because their thinking is slowed down and
 not because it has sparked up. They are less able to cope with situations
where drinking is needed.

As the level of alcohol becomes higher in the blood, brain and nerve
cells die from the poisonous or toxic effects of the alcohol. Unlike other body
cells, once a brain cell is destroyed it is never replaced. As more and more of
these brain cells are destroyed from repeated drinking over a period of years,
the person’s thinking becomes cloudy. His feelings about things also change.
He also will get a burning feeling and pain or numbness in his hands and feet
from the death of nerve cells. After heavy drinking, and when the pain killing
effects of the alcohol are removed, the person may suffer from a hangover. A
hangover is the word used to describe the terrible pain and horrible effects,
which follow a period of heavy drinking.

Stomach and Intestines Alcohol damages the stomach and intestines and makes
them sore. This can cause a burning sensation, nausea and vomiting.
Sometimes there is bleeding.

Liver

a. The first thing the liver does is to turn part of the alcohol into fat. Some of
this goes into the blood. But a lot builds up in the liver cells. After
drinking six (6) medium-sized glasses of beer everyday for a few days, fat
is formed in the liver.
b. To cope with the extra work of getting rid of the alcohol, the liver becomes
larger.
c. As the liver enlarges, the person gets more used to the effects of alcohol in
the body. A person can drink larger amounts of alcohol without getting
drunk. This effect is called tolerance to alcohol. However, the alcohol is
still doing its damage.
d. As the liver enlarges, it changes they way other drugs and medicines work
in the body. So it can be dangerous to take medicines with alcohol.
e. While the liver enlarges, some of the liver cells are damaged. The liver can
become permanently damaged. As the alcohol poisons the cells of the
liver, they die. If many of these cells die, the person may get what is called
“ALCOHOLIC HEPATITIS”.
f. Scar tissue is formed where the liver cells die. This means the liver doesn’t
work so well. This is called “CIRRHOSIS”.
g. People with scarred livers can get a swollen abdomen, swollen feet and
hands and may bleeding from inside the body.
h. Waste products build up in the body and give a yellow color to the skin
and eyes (jaundice). This also affects the brain so that a person may
become unconscious and die.
Heart and Muscles – Alcohol affects the heart and other muscles so that they
become weaker and less effective. This makes people tired and breathless.

Blood – The activity of the liver in trying to get rid of the alcohol results in many
changes to the blood – for example – blood sugar is lowered and blood fats
are increased.

Kidneys Alcohol decreased the ability of the kidneys. To get rid of some waste
products.

Sexual Activities – After the excessive use of alcohol, the ability to have satisfactory
sexual activity is decreased.

Malnutrition The illness that occurs when a person doesn’t have enough food to eat
or eats the wrong kind of food. The person who drinks alcohol may suffer
from malnutrition because:

a. He spends his time, money and energy in drinking. He may not eat the
proper foods.
b. Drinking alcohol decreases a person’s desire to eat.
c. Alcohol burns the stomach and bowel so that food eaten is not used
well by the body.
d. If the liver is damaged, some important vitamins are not produced.

Malnutrition in itself causes further liver damage, which makes the

condition even worse. The result of all these are that the heavy drinker gets
weak because of lack of energy and body building food. His body defenses
are weakened against infections such as pneumonia, tropical ulcers and
tuberculosis. The person may get severely emotional disturbed. The nerves in
his arms or legs may be damaged so that he may not feel what he is touching.
He may not walk properly and may keep falling over.

Effects of Excessive Alcohol Intake

Brain Damage and Dementia

Alcohol-related brain damage has been attributed to the direct and toxic
effects of alcohol. Moreover, nutritional deficiency, liver damage, alcohol
withdrawal, and electrolyte disturbances contribute to brain damage related
to the excessive consumption of alcohol.

Meanwhile, chronic and excessive alcohol intake has also been linked to
severe cognitive decline along with a range of complications to the body's
neuropsychiatric system. Elderly drinkers are known to be the most sensitive
population group as regards the toxic effects on the brain of alcohol
consumption (Long-term Effects of Alcohol Consumption, n.d.).

Mental Health Effects

 Heavy drinkers and abusers of alcohol suffer from high rates of major
depressive disorders. Drinking may lead to a major depressive disorder that,
in turn, paves the way for self-medicating alcohol abuse, thus trapping the
drinker in a vicious cycle.

As for the general alcoholic population, the increased risk for suicide is up
to 20 times greater compared with the general public. In fact, about 15% of
alcoholics commit suicide. In addition, those who abuse alcohol combined
with drugs are at a greater risk for suicide: approximately 33% percent of
suicide cases for those under 35 years are directly linked to alcohol and/or
other substance abuse.

Liver Disease

Alcoholic liver disease is another mounting public health problem. The

chronic abuse of alcohol can lead to cirrhosis. alcoholic hepatitis, and a fatty
liver. In fact, in the Western world, alcohol is a leading cause of liver cancer,
accounting for as much as 45% of all hepatic cancers reported. Today,
treatment options for liver diseases are limited, and the most recommended
treatment is to discontinue alcohol consumption. In other severe cases, the
only treatment option available is via a liver transplant from donors classified
as alcohol abstinent (Long-term Effects of Alcohol Consumption, nd).

Pancreatitis

The majority of reported cases of chronic and acute pancreatitis have been
attributed to alcohol abuse. Chronic pancreatitis can lead to intestinal
malabsorption, that can result in diabetes. Meanwhile, alcoholic pancreatitis
results in severe abdominal pain and can even lead to pancreatic cancer

Hormonal Imbalance

Excessive alcohol intake can lead to hyperestrogeniam. Scientists believe

that alcohol beverages contain estrogen like compounds. In males, high
estrogen levels can lead to the development of gynecomastia for the
development of male breasts), along with testicular failure. Meanwhile, in
women, increased estrogen levels due to excessive alcohol intake has been
linked to breast cancer.

Sexual Dysfunction

Excessive and long-term intake of alcohol can damage the central nervous
system and the peripheral nervous system, thus resulting in the loss of sexual
desire and even impotence in men. This can be attributed to the reduced
amount of testosterone from ethanol-induced testicular atrophy, which in
turn, results in an increased feminization among males. This is a clinical
feature of alcohol-abusing males diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver.
Rheumatoid Arthritis

Compared with others wherein mostly negative effects are reported, the
frequent and regular consumption of alcohol has been linked to a decreased
risk of rheumatoid arthritis. Two recent studies have reported that the
reduced risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis can be linked to increasing
alcohol consumption. In fact, among those who consumed alcohol regularly,
the one-quarter who drank the most 50% less likely to develop rheumatoid
arthritis compared with the other half who consumed alcohol regularly, the
one-quarter who drank the most 50% less likely to develop rheumatoid
arthritis compared with the other half who consumed the least amount
(Long-term Effects of Alcohol Consumption, n.d.).

Alcohol effect on General Behavior

Drinking affects a person’s behavior. Most of the changes are due to the effect
of alcohol on the brain and nerves. The effects of alcohol depend on how much there
is in the blood. A large person has to drink more than small person to produce the
same level of alcohol in the blood.

Alcohol Effects on the Community

Because drinking affects people’s behavior, it has effects on the community as

a whole.

a. Trouble in the Home – Heavy drinkers takes money needed for food, clothes
and furniture. This causes debts. Husbands and wife fight and accuse each
other of being unfaithful. There will be often sexual problems. Children are
badly treated and badly fed. And drinking makes people lazy, and they may
not go to work. Women may have to steal food to feed their families.
b. Trouble among Friends – The heavy drinker will often fight with his friend
and may even kill people.
c. C. Trouble at Work – The heavy drinker often does not go to work because he
feels sick. He sometimes works badly and hurts himself or others.
d. Trouble at Play Heavy drinkers has a bad effect on sportsmen. Because
alcohol affects the brain, the drinker cannot control his arms and legs well. A
sportsman who has been drinking cannot play well. As he should.
e. Trouble on Roads – The driver has lost his judgement; he is careless and
takes risks. Accidents result. A person who is drunk may walk onto the road
and be killed by a motor vehicle.
f. Trouble with Crime – excessive drinking is the biggest cause of crime. People
become aggressive, fight, break into houses and steal.
g. Trouble with the Economy and the Nation – The economy is badly affected
when people do not go to work and production falls. Heavy demands are
 made on health services, the police force and correctional institutions.
Alcoholism is burden to the government.

Alcohol Dependence

A person who drinks a lot can become a dependent on alcohol. This means he
cannot live without it. If he tries to stop drinking, he will have the shivers and
shakes and feels very bad. He may also experience acute anxiety or fear, delirium
and hallucinations.

Prevention of Alcohol Problem

Solely treating people with medications cannot control problem drinking and
alcoholism. Treatment should be coupled with proper education both in the schools
and in the adult community to develop the nation habits of moderation in the use of
alcoholic beverages. It requires investigation and testing of social policies on the
control of the distribution of alcohol as well as the effective implementation of these
prevention policies.

Gambling

The term "gambling" refers to the act of betting of money on an event with an
uncertain outcome, guided by the intent of winning additional money from what
has been initially staked. People take to gambling as a way to escape their stress,
problems, and loneliness. For others, gambling is a means of recreation. However, it
has been proven to be an addictive activity, leading gamblers to continue with
gambling activities regardless of whether or not they are still earning (Gambling,
n.d.).

Moreover, when gamblers engage in excessive gambling, they are likely to

spend money and time at the expense of their jobs, families. and friends. In the
family, gambling leads to distrust among loved ones, while in the workplace,
gambling can lead to a decline in the quality of one's professional output. Gamblers
exhibit mood swings and secretive behavior; they then start borrowing money and
taking loans spend more, ultimately leading to bankruptcy.

In the area of law and enforcement, it is widely acknowledged that gambling

can lead gamblers towards crime. The addiction can lead to such an extreme where
they have to resort to bad practices to recoup their initial investments." On the other
end of the spectrum, lenders exploit these gamblers by hooking them into a trap
where endless debt is sure to follow.

Forms of Gambling

Casino Games

In Western countries, the most popular form of gambling is the casino

 game. At the casino, any game can be played for money, and most casinos are
designed to entice gamblers to stay for long periods of time and spend money
on seemingly "harmless games (Gambling, n.d.).

The three types of games found in a casino include table games imahjong,
card games), electronic gaming (pachinko, video poker, slot machines), and
other games (bingo, lottery).

Sports Betting

Another popular form of betting is sports betting, or the act of betting on

team and even individual sports. In fact, it has become an important service
industry in most countries. There are millions of people who play the football
pools weekly in the UK alone. Aside from organized sports betting (legal and
illegal), many sides betting games, such as the Super Bowl Squares, the
Fantasy Sports Leagues with monetary entry fees and winnings, the NCAA
Basketball Tournament Bracket Pools, and other in-person spectator games
such as Moundball, are also played by casual spectators (Gambling, n.d.).

Fixed-odds Betting

Fixed-odds betting are done in many sporting events and even in political
elections. Here, bookies offer fixed odds on a number of non-sports related
outcomes leg, the winner of television competitions such as American Idol,
the direction of movement of financial indices, and election results Interactive
prediction markets likewise offer trading on such outcomes, in which
"shures" of results are traded as an open market (fiambling, n.d.).

Arbitrage Betting

Theoretically, arbitrage betting in a risk-free betting system wherein every

outcome of an event is bet upon so that a fixed profit can be made by the
bettor upon an event's completion, regardless of the final outcome. Arbitrage
betting combines gambling and the ancient art of arbitrage trading and has
been made possible by the increasing number of bookies in the marketplace
(Gambling, n.d.).

Jueteng

This is the most controversial form of illegal gambling in the Philippines. It

is also known as "small town lottery where there are "kabo's who collect the
bets and numbers, and the numbers are drawn through draw slots. Several
government officials and local government units have been involved in this
kind of illegal gambling. the most famous of which is former President
Joseph "ERAP Ejercito Estrada. His involvement in the so-called "Jueteng
Payola" has resulted in political chaos and his subsequent impeachment.
VICE CONTROL LAWS 

As discussed in previous topics, excessive smoking and alcoholism can affect

our health. At the same time, illegal drug trade and use, alcoholism, and gambling
could lead to a wide array of criminal activities. Hence, there is a need to regulate
such activities. 

On the part of our government, many laws have been passed to regulate the
wide spectrum of activities pertaining to these. This chapter discusses the main
points of each of the major laws passed to curb crimes and regulate related activities.

  In the Philippines, various laws have been enacted for this purpose.

Republic Act No. 9211

Also known as the "Tobacco Law," Republic Act No. 9211 is an act that
regulates the packaging, use, sale, distribution and advertisements of tobacco
products. Especially, in the Philippines where cigarettes are ubiquitously sold,
this law is an important one as it curbs the illegal sale and use of cigarettes
among minors. (See Appendix A for details)

Republic Act No. 6956

Republic Act No. 6956 is an act modifying the excise taxes on distilled
spirits, wines, fermented liquor and cigarettes, amending for this purpose
Sections 138(a) and (b), 189, and 140 and 142(c) and (d) of the national Internal
Revenue Code. (See Appendix B for details)

Presidential Decree No. 1602

  Presidential Decree No. 1602, also known as the Philippine Gambling

Law, amends all the provisions about gambling found to be confusing,
inappropriate, and ineffective from the national to the municipal level.

  This particularly summarizes the contents of Articles 195-199 the

Revised Penal Code, Republic Act No. 3063 (Horse Racing Bookies),
Presidential Decree No. 499 (Cockfighting), Presidential Decree No. 483
(Game Fixing), Presidential Decree No. 519 (Slot Machines), and Presidential
Decree No. 1036 (Jai-alai Bookies). This law was signed in Manila on June 11,
1978. (See Appendix C for details)

Republic Act No. 3063

  This law authorizes licensed racetracks and racing clubs, along with
their authorized agents to offer, take, or arrange bets outside the place,
enclosure, or track where legal races are held, provided that such bets are
offered, taken, or arranged only in Rizal Province and chartered cities. This
law provides proper penalties for violations, thus amending for this purpose
 Sections 2 and 7 Republic Act No. 954. This law was signed on June 17, 1961.
(See Appendix D for details)

Presidential Decree No. 449

  Also known as the Cockfighting Law of 1974, Presidential Decree No.

449 collaborates the elements involved in the legalized betting related to
derby and cockfighting throughout the country. This law was approved and
signed in the City of Manila on May 9, 1974. (See Appendix E for details)

Presidential Decree No. 483

This law penalizes betting, game-fixing, or point-shaving and rigged

machinations in sports contests. This law was signed in City of Manila On
June 13, 1974. (See Appendix F for details)

Presidential Decree No. 1306

  This law, also known as the "Jai Alai" law, amends Section 2 of
Presidential Decree No. 810, and is an "act granting the Philippine Jai Alai and
Amusement Corporation a franchise to operate, construct, and maintain a
front on for basque pelota and similar games of skill in the greater manila
area." This law was signed in the City of Manila on March 1, 1978. (See
Appendix G for details).

Summary

  In this chapter different laws on tobacco control, selling of distilled spirits and
regulating the different forms of gambling have been explained concisely. We know
that the abuse of illegal drugs and excessive engagement in different forms of vices
can lead to criminal activities, thus necessitating laws to regulate such acts.

  As a democratic country, our government has continued to formulate laws

that are reasonable and just. This chapter highlights the different laws enacted
pertaining to different activities related to the three kinds of vices mentioned in
Chapter IV. These laws include Republic Act No. 9211 (the Tobacco Law), Republic
Act No. 6956, Presidential Decree No. 1602 (Philippine Gambling Laws), which
summarizes the contents of the following: Republic Act No. 3063 (Horse Racing
Bookies), Presidential Decree No. 499 (Cockfighting). Presidential Decree No. 483,
(Game Fixing), Presidential Decree No., 519 (Slot Machines), and Presidential Decree
No. 1036 (Jai-alai Bookies).

  This chapter also highlighted Republic Act No. 3063, Presidential Decree No.
449 ("Cockfighting Law Of 1974), Presidential Decree No. 483, and Presidential
Decree No. 1306 Jai-Alai Law").

*********************************************END*********************************************

References:
• Cejes, L (2020) Vice and Drug Education and Drug Education. Chapter House
Publishing. Quezon City.
• Apela, R. et.al. (2020) Vice and Drug Education and Drug Education. Wiseman’s
Book Trading. Quezon City.
• Dascil, A. (2020) Vice and Drug Education and Drug Education. Wiseman’s
Book Trading. Quezon City.