Despite the seemingly tamed and glamorized idea of

drug use, it must be remembered that it can still lead

to ABUSE, ADDICTION, LEGAL OFFENSES,
SERIOUS HEALTH PROBLEMS, and
even DEATH.

We must understand that there is no way to predict

the effect that a drug can have on a person,
especially if it is the first time they try it, and even
regardless of dose and amount.
Given that each person’s brain and body
chemistry are different, each person would also
have a different tolerance for drugs.
Drug s
Drugs are chemicals that affect a person in
such a way as to bring about physiological,
emotional, or behavioral change.
‘Dangerous drugs’ are those that have high
tendency for abuse and dependency, these
substances may be organic or synthetic, and
pose harm to those who use them.
Drug Abuse
Drug abuse exists when a person
continually uses a drug other than
its intended purpose. This continued
use can lead to drug dependence, a
state of physical and psychological
dependence or both on a dangerous
drug.
Drug Add ic tio n

Drug addiction is a complex, and

often chronic, brain disease. It is
characterized by excessive drug
craving, seeking, and use.
Addiction is caused by brain changes
caused by constant drug
use.
De pe nde ncy

This is the state of physical and psychological

dependence, or both, on a dangerous drug, or
drugs, experienced by a person following the
use of that substance on a periodic or
continuous basis. A person dependent on drugs
will experience withdrawal reactions (also
known as “cold turkey”, symptoms that occur
after long-term use of a drug is reduced or
stopped abruptly) after abstaining from drugs.
Drug Abuse: By the
Numbers
Estimated Drug Users
in the Philippines:

1.7 Million
 Profile of Drug Users
Mean Age: 28 years old
Ratio of Male is to Female Users: 10:1
Civil Status: Single (58.21%)
Employment Status: Unemployed
Educational Attainment: High School Level
Average Monthly Household Income: Php
16,290.80
Residence: Urban Areas
Duration of Drug
Use:

More than 6 years

Nature of Drug
Use:

Polydrug-use
 Commonly Abused
Substances:
(1) Methamphetamine Hydrochloride

(Shabu)

(2) Cannabis (Marijuana)

(3) Inhalants (Contact Cement)

MOST COMMONLY
ABUSED DRUGS
AND THEIR ILL
EFFECTS
Methamphetamine
Hydrochloride(Shabu)
Methamphetamine hydrochloride is found to
have harmful effects to the brain. It changes
how the brain functions. Studies have shown
that methamphetamine abusers have reduced
motor skills and impaired verbal learning as a
result of alterations in the activity of the
dopamine, a neurotransmitter involved in
reward, motivation, experience of pleasure and
motor function.
Street names:
shabs, ice, meth, crystal, kristal, basura,
tawas, bato
Other adverse effects of
methamphetamine:
Severe dental problems (“meth
mouth”)
Anxiety

Confusion

Insomnia
Mood Disturbances
Violent behavior
Cannabis Sativa
(Marijuana)
Marijuana use impairs a person's ability to form new
memories and to shift focus. Its active component,
tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) also disrupts coordination
and balance, posture, and reaction time (experience
commonly referred to as “spacing out”). Thus, chronic
marijuana use significantly reduces a person’s capacity
to learn, carry-out complicated tasks, participate in
sports, driving and operating other machineries. Studies
also show that marijuana use can lead to lung cancer
and other problems in the respiratory and immune
systems.

Street names: weed, jutes, pot, grass, damo,

chongke
Health problems that come with the use
of marijuana include:

 Problems with memory and

learning

 Distorted perception(sights, sounds,

time, touch)

 Trouble with thinking and problem

solving

 Loss of motor coordination

INHALANT
S
The effects of inhalants are similar
to that of alcohol, including slurred
speech, lack of coordination,
euphoria and dizziness. Inhalant
abusers may also experience
lightheadedness, hallucinations, and
delusions.
Harmful irreversible effects of
inhalants include:

 Hearing loss

 Limb spasms

 Central nervous
system or brain damage
SIGNS OF DRUG ABUSE
The following are common signs of
drug revealed by individual using drugs.
While not all of these signs mean that
one person is involved in drugs and
there could be some other physical or
emotional problem that is causing
these behaviors, there is high chance
that drug use may be a possibility:
declining interest in school or work

suddenly changes friends (hangs out with

individuals known for their drug use)

becomes pessimistic, irritable and anxious all

the time

asks to be left alone a lot

 is always tired (or makes it as an excuse to

be left alone)

becomes careless and often becomes

involved in accidents
frequent mood swings

sudden change in appearance and

conduct (red or puffy eyes, weight
changes, constant complaints of
headaches or stomachaches, shaking,
incessant cough, brown stains on
fingertips, stumbling, or a constant
runny nose)

loss of interest in hobbies or sports

exhibits poor judgment