Drug Scenario in the Philippines

What is drug?
drugs are substances that change a person’s mental or physical stateare any substances or
chemicals which when taken into the body either through nasal, oral, transdermal or intravenous
ways have psychological, emotional and behavioral effects of a person.

Classification of drugs how and why drugs are used and abuse?
What are classification?
Classifying drugs by chemical similarities is useful because drugs that are chemically similar
have similar impacts and risks. An individual who is addicted to a given drug is more likely to
abuse chemically similar drugs. Also, the same treatment is often effective for chemically similar
drugs.
Drug classification based on chemical makeup
Alcohol
*Most widely abused substance across most of the world
*Alcohol creates a feeling of euphoria and lowers inhibitions, but it also severly impairs
judgement, perception, and reaction times
*alcohol is a central nervous system depressants, but it causes the most sever long term damage
to liver.
*beer, wine, liquor

Examples of alcohol:
 Beer
 Liquor
 Wine
Opioids
also called opiates
*opioids works in the brain to produce a variety of effects, including pain relief
* opioids are some of the most addictive of all known substances and they are also some of the
deadliest
Benzodiazephine
*are depressants that produced sedation and hypnosis, relieve anxiety and muscles spasms and
reduced seizures
*benzos are prescribed to treat a wide variety of psychiatric and sleep conditions but they are
commonly abused
*ativan and valium ( treat anxiety and trouble sleeping)
*xanax ( commonly used in management of anxiety disorders and panic disorders)

Cannabinoids
*Cannabinoids creates a feeling of elation, known as a high, but also negatively impact mental
and physical functioning
*most widely abused drugs after alcohol, and they are increasingly gaining legal acceptance
*marijuana “mary jane”
*haslish “hash”

Barbiturates
*were historically popular for the treatment of psychiatric and sleep disorders.
*they are still used for anesthesia and treatment of epilepsy or headaches
*barbiturates are medications that cause you to relax or feel downsy
*amytal ( anti anxiety medication) luminal and phenobarbital ( helps to control certain kinds of
seizures )
Amytal. luminal phenobarbital

Drug classifications based on effect

Depressants -*
*Commonly referred to as “downers”
*depressants are not only some of the most highly addictive drugs, but they are also some of the
most highly dangerous and likely to cause overdose
*alchol, opiates, barbiturates
Stimulants
*Also known as “uppers”
*Primary use to increase energy, concentratation, and wakefulness
*Stimulants in short term
*Stimulants in long term
*Adderall (use to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder- ADHD)
*Cocaine (mainly used as a recreational drug)
*Meth (used as a recreational drug)
Adderall cocaine meth
Hallucinogens
alters the Users perception of reality
*Although hallucinogens are generally less addictive than other drug classifications, their
immediate impacts are generally more severe and dangerous
*lsd (manifest primarily mental, visual, and auditory hallucinations)
*Psilocybin mushrooms (can cause hallucinations)
*pcp (mainly used reacreationally for mind altering substances)
Lsd psilocybin mushrooms Pcp

Inhalants
*Vast range of chemicals that are ingested primarily by breathing them in or huffing
*Most inhalants are commonly used materials that are in no way designed to be ingested by
humans
*The use of inhalants is incredibly dangerous and causes many serious health effects
*Paint tinner
*Nail polish remover
*Gasoline
paint thinner nail polish remover gasoline
Concepts of drug education
Drugs Are any substances or chemicals which when taken into the body either though nasal,
oral, transdermal or intravenous way have psychological, emotional and behavioral effects on a
person.
Drugs of abuse
 Are drugs commonly abused by user
Drug dependence
 A cluster of physiological, behavioral and cognitive phenomena of variable intensity in
which the use of a drug takes on a high priority thereby creating a strong desire to take
the substance.
Drug misuse
 The use of a substance incoherent or inconsistent with the prescribed dosage or frequency
of use.
Drug abuse
 The use of a substance for non-medical purposes. Abuse leads to organ damage like brain
damage and liver damage, addiction and troubled behavioral patterns.
Drug tolerance
 Is the condition of the body to adapt to the effects of substances to the body thus
requiring an even larger amount of the substance to the body thus requiring an even
larger amount of the substance to experience the same physiological and mental effect
experienced when taking the smaller dosage.

Legal drugs
approved by the government for medical or recreational use, are crucial for informed health
decisions, responsible use, risk reduction, healthcare guidance, and addressing addiction, misuse,
and public health issues.

offer pain relief, illness treatment, and social benefits, but misuse can lead to addiction, health
issues, and social problems, making a balance between access and safety crucial for society.

Commonly abuse drugs

Refer to substances that are frequently misused or used in ways other than prescribed or
intended, leading to negative consequences for the individual’s health, well-being, and/or social
functioning.

Alcohol: Alcohol is a depressant that affects coordination, judgment, and can lead to addiction
Cocaine- typically comes in the form of a white powder, which can be snorted, smoked, or
dissolved and injected.
Narcotics refer to a class of drugs that act on the central nervous system to produce pain relief
and induce drowsiness or euphoria. They include both legal medications, such as prescription
opioids used for pain management, and illegal substances like heroin. Alcohol: Alcohol is a
depressant that affects coordination, judgment, and can lead to addiction
Cocaine- typically comes in the form of a white powder, which can be snorted, smoked, or
dissolved and injected.
Narcotics- refer to a class of drugs that act on the central nervous system to produce pain relief
and induce drowsiness or euphoria. They include both legal medications, such as prescription
opioids used for pain management, and illegal substances like heroin.
Tobacco- refers to plants in the genus Nicotiana, specifically Nicotiana tabacum and Nicotiana
rustica, which are cultivated for their leaves. These leaves contain nicotine, an addictive
stimulant, and are typically dried and processed for use in various tobacco products, including
cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco, and snuff.
Inhalants- are substances that produce chemical vapors when they are inhaled.
Prescription drugs – are medications that can only be obtained with a prescription from a
licensed healthcare provider, such as a doctor or nurse practitioner
Ecstasy- typically comes in tablet or capsule form and is commonly associated with its use in
social settings like parties and clubs.
Marijuana-Marijuana is a psychoactive drug that can alter perception, mood, and cognition.

Risk factor and protective factors of using drugs

The use, misuse, and abuse of drugs are the result of various factors surrounding a person
- These factors either increase or decrease the possibility of a person to use drugs.
 Risk Factors are those influences which increase the chances of using, misusing, and
abusing drugs.
 Protective factors are those influences which decrease the chances of using, misusing,
and abusing drugs.

These factors are composed of influences in different domains of life

- Personal
- Family
- Peer and friends
- School
- Community
personal
(Early Aggressive Behavior vs. Self-Control)
-Risk Factors
-Use of drugs at an early age
-Feeling of Isolation
Poor social skills and interaction
Protective Factors
- Self-control behavior
- Sense of belongingness
- Positive interaction with people

Family
(Weak parental guidance vs. Strong parental guidance)
Risk Factors
- Poor family ties
- Poor parenting
Protective Factors
- Positive family relationship
- Good communication with people

Peers and Friends

(Substance abuse vs. Academic Excellence)
Risk Factors
- Association with peers and friends known to gateway drugs (cigarettes and alcohols)
- Preference to stay with friends that their families
Protective Factors
- Association of friends that doesn’t use gateway drugs
- Inviting friends at home
School
(Availability of drugs vs. Strong anti-drug policies)
Risk Factors
- Poor academic performance
- Lack of commitment to studies
- Involvement in fights and conflicts
Protective Factors
- Shows interests in attending classes
- Joining extracurricular activities

Short- and long-term effects of substance use and abuse

Short term- Short-term effects of drug abuse include getting hangovers, withdrawals, feeling a
crash, anxiety, panic attacks, being paranoid, hallucinating, being paranoid, getting very irritable,
becoming very sad or depressed and many other short-term effects as well.
Long term-Long-term effects of drug abuse that you should be aware of include major
depression, early-onset Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia, hallucinating, being paranoid, having
stomach issues, and much more. These long-term effects of drug abuse are dangerous to the body
and the mind.

Medical use of narcotics

Codeine-is an opioid reliever used to treat mild to moderately severe.
Fentanyl –is a synthetic opioid, approved for treating severe pain, typically advanced cancer
pain.
Hydromorphone- is used for the short-term relief of severe pain, where other pain medicines
have been ineffective or cannot be used.
Oxycodone- is used to relieve pain severe enough to require opioid treatment and when other
pain medicine did not work well enough or cannot be tolerated.
Meperidine- Injection is used to relieve moderate to severe pain. It may use before or during
surgery, or to relieve pain during labor or delivery.
Morphine- is used to relieve severe pain, such as pain caused by a major trauma or surgery,
labour pain in childbirth or cancer pain.
Tramadol- Is a strong pain medication used to treat moderate to serve pain that is not being
relieved by others types of pain medicines
Common side effect of narcotics
Narcotics can make you sleepy and confused.
When you are taking narcotics, do not drink alcohol, use street drugs, or drive or operate heavy
machinery. These medicines can make your skin feel itchy.

Prevention and Control of Substance Use and Abuse

What is prevention?
-It is the best way for people like you to avoid the use and abuse of drugs.
-People should understand the different protective factors and risk factor.

Factors you need to fight drug use and abuse:

 Loving and caring family
 Involvement in sports
 Positive outlook in life
 Positive self-image
 Caring and supportive friend
 Always having the right attitude
 Ability to cope with stress and depression

Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation

The Dangerous Drugs Board in cooperation with the department of Health offers treatment and
rehabilitation programs to Filipinos who become ill because of drug abuse.
Drug dependents undergo effective modes of treatment.

Steps on Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation

Drug abuse treatment and rehabilitation follows certain steps and procedures.
• “Voluntary” means the drug dependent decides on his/her
own to be examined and admitted in rehabilitation centers.
• “Voluntary thru representations” means the drug
dependent is willing but wants to be represented by animmediate family member or legal
guardian
• “Compulsory confinement” means the drug dependent
needs to be confined as the condition is life-threatening or threatens the life of the family.
Mode of treatments
 Eclectic Approach
 This approach uses a holistic approach in the treatment process
 Spiritual Approach
 This approach uses Bible teaching as a source of inspiration to change drug dependent.
 Therapeutic Community Approach
 This approach views drug addiction as manifestation of a more complex psychological
problem.
 Hazelden-Minnesotta Model
 This model views any form of addiction as a disease that it is an involuntary condition
caused by various factors outside an individual’s control.

Myth, misconception about drugs

Myth: You can stop using drugs anytime.
Myth: If you only buy drugs from friends, you’ll get the pure stuff.
Myth: Teenagers are too young to get addicted.
Myth: If you’re pregnant and use drugs, your body protects the baby.
Myth: As soon as a person feels normal, all the drug is out of the body.
Myth: If you get drunk, coffee will sober you up.
Myth: Cocaine is only addictive if you inject it.
Myth: Snuff and chewing tobacco are safe because there’s no smoke.

Profile of drug abuse

The profile of drug abuse can vary widely depending on factors such as geographical location,
socioeconomic status, age, and cultural influences. However, there are some common patterns
and characteristics often associated with drug abuse:

Demographics: Drug abuse can affect individuals of any age, gender, race, or socioeconomic
background. However, certain demographic groups may be more vulnerable due to factors such
as poverty, lack of education, unemployment, or exposure to trauma.
Motivations: People may abuse drugs for various reasons, including to experience pleasure or
euphoria, alleviate stress or emotional pain, enhance performance or concentration, cope with
trauma or mental health issues, fit in socially, or simply out of curiosity.
Behavioral Signs: Common behavioral signs of drug abuse may include changes in mood or
personality, withdrawal from social activities, neglect of responsibilities, secrecy or lying about
drug use, sudden financial problems, engaging in risky behaviors, and legal issues.
Physical Signs: Physical signs of drug abuse can vary depending on the substance but may
include changes in appetite or weight, bloodshot eyes, dilated or constricted pupils, frequent
illness, unexplained injuries or bruises, poor hygiene, tremors or shaking, and unusual body
odors.
Psychological Signs: Drug abuse can also lead to various psychological symptoms such as mood
swings, irritability, anxiety, depression, paranoia, hallucinations, confusion, memory problems,
and impaired judgment.
Social Impacts: Drug abuse can have significant social consequences, including strained
relationships with family and friends, isolation or social withdrawal, difficulties at work or
school, financial problems, legal issues, and involvement in criminal activity.

Health Risks: Drug abuse is associated with numerous health risks, including addiction,
overdose, organ damage, infectious diseases (such as HIV/AIDS or hepatitis), respiratory
problems, cardiovascular complications, neurological disorders, mental health disorders, and
increased risk of accidents or injuries.
Treatment Options: Effective treatment for drug abuse often involves a combination of
interventions, including detoxification, counseling (individual and group therapy), behavioral
therapies, medication-assisted treatment (for certain substances), support groups (such as
Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous), and holistic approaches addressing physical,
psychological, and social aspects of addiction.