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DRUG EDUCATION

TERMS TO REMEMBER:

• DRUG - a substance that affects the function of living cells, used in


medicine to diagnose, cure, prevent the occurrence of diseases and
disorders and prolong the life of patients with incurable conditions.

• DRUG ABUSE - the overuse of a drug without due regard to accepted


medical practice resulting in the individual’s physical, mental, emotional
or behavioral impairment
TERMS TO REMEMBER:

• DRUG DEPENDENCE - a compulsive behavior brought about by drug abuse;


development of a high tolerance for the substance as your body adapts to the drug,
leading to a desire for larger or more frequent doses

• DRUG USER - another term for “drug addict” which refers to an individual who is
dependent on a certain drug or drugs. Smith et al. (1986) define addiction as a
pathological process involving a compulsion to use a psychoactive drug, loss of control
over use of the drug and continued use of the drug despite adverse consequences.
COMMON SIGNS OF DRUG ABUSE

• Change in attendance at work or school


• Change from normal capabilities (work habits, efficiency, etc.)
• Poor physical appearance, including in attention to dress and personal hygiene
• Constant wearing of sunglasses at inappropriate times (for instance, indoors or at night
not only to hide dilute or constricted pupils but also to compensate the eyes’ inability to
adjust to sunlight). Marijuana causes bloodshot eyes
• Unusual effort made to cover arms in order to hide needle marks
COMMON SIGNS OF DRUG ABUSE

• Association with known drug abusers


• Stealing items that can be readily sold for cash (to support a drug habit)
• Change in mood, depending on the drug taken
CLASSIFICATIONS OF DRUGS AND THEIR
EFFECTS
1. ALCOHOL LIQUOR - extracted from chemical compound as ethyl and hydrocarbon,
is a dangerous chemical substance that triggers the central nervous system and may damage
vital human organs
• Effects of Alcohol Use
• • Give a feeling of relaxation and loss of inhibition
• • A sense of excitement due to the release of inhibitions
• • Disrupted motor activity, motor skills and coordination
CLASSIFICATIONS OF DRUGS AND THEIR
EFFECTS
1. ALCOHOL LIQUOR
• Effects of Alcohol Use
• • Deep intoxication that causes disturbance in bodily processes
• • Dilated superficial blood vessels causing warm feeling
• • Deep intoxication that can lead to “coma” and “death”
• • Warning consciousness, causing mental dullness
• • Loss of self-control resulting in violent behavior
CLASSIFICATIONS OF DRUGS AND THEIR
EFFECTS
• 2. MARIJUANA -  refers to the dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds from the Cannabis
sativa plant. The plant contains the mind-altering chemical THC
(Tetrahydrocannabinol ) and other similar compounds.
• Effects of Marijuana
• • Throat intoxication and coughing
• • Increased heartbeat and pulse rate
• • Reddening of the eyes, dizziness, bodily incoordination
• • Sleepiness and decreased physical activity
CLASSIFICATIONS OF DRUGS AND THEIR
EFFECTS
• 2. MARIJUANA (CANNABIS SATIVA)
• Effects of Marijuana
• • Possible chronic bronchitis and asthma
• • Feeling of excitement and friendliness
• • Distortion of time and space perception
• • Disturbance of brainwave activity, causing of impairment of skills leading to
abnormal behavior
CLASSIFICATIONS OF DRUGS AND THEIR
EFFECTS
• 3. STIMULANTS - drugs used to increase mental activity, relieve fatigue, increase
alertness and offset drowsiness.
• a) Amphetamines b) Cocaine c) Shabu (methamphetamine, HCL)
• Effects of Stimulants
• • Feeling of being stronger, more decisive and self-possessed
• • Extended wakefulness and increased mental alertness
• • May include irritability, anxiety and fear
• • Loss of appetite resulting in decreased body weight
CLASSIFICATIONS OF DRUGS AND THEIR
EFFECTS
• 3. STIMULANTS
• Effects of Stimulants
• • Pregnant women who abused “shabu” can cause mental retardation to their unborn
babies
• • Loss of sexual desire and interest towards work
• • “Schizophrenia” or split personality, leading to violent behavior
• • Loss of memory by chronic users
• • Chronic snorters from irritation of the nose leading to frequent nose bleeding
• • Injecting “shabu” using dirty needles can lead to various infections such as Hepatitis
B, blood poisoning and AIDS
CLASSIFICATIONS OF DRUGS AND THEIR
EFFECTS
• 4. COUGH SYRUPS are also called over the counter colds/cough preparations.
• a) Ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine and phenylpropanolamine for nasal
decongestion
• b) Clorphenamine maleate for allergic asthma, nocturnal cough
• c) Dextromethorphan is cough suppressant; codeine has an anti-tussive effect
CLASSIFICATIONS OF DRUGS AND THEIR
EFFECTS
• 4. COUGH SYRUPS
• Effects of Cough syrups
• distort awareness and alter time perception
• Hallucinations, Anxiety
• drowsiness or sleepiness
• nervousness and irritability
• combining large amount of Dextromethorphan with alcohol may cause death
CLASSIFICATIONS OF DRUGS AND THEIR
EFFECTS
• 5. DEPRESSANTS - usually known as “downers”; drugs act on the nervous system,
promoting relaxation and sleep.
• a) Barbiturates b) Mathaqualone
• Effects of Depressants
• A usual dose of barbiturates causing a calming, relaxing effect that promotes sleep.
• Relief of anxiety and excitement
• Reduce mental and physical activity
• A marked decreased in breathing
• Deepening unconsciousness leading to “coma”
CLASSIFICATIONS OF DRUGS AND THEIR
EFFECTS
• 6. HALLUCINOGENS (PSYCHEDELICS) - drugs that can produce changes in mood and
behavior; alter a person's awareness of their surroundings as well as their own thoughts and
feelings
• produce delusions and hallucinations
• induce a state of excitation of the central nervous system, shown by changes in mood
Hallucinogens disorient the sense of direction, distance and time of a person.
• A user may speak of “hearing” colors, “seeing” sounds.
• a) Mescaline b) D-lysergic acid diethylamide(LSD) c) Psilocybin d) Phencyclidine
CLASSIFICATIONS OF DRUGS AND THEIR
EFFECTS
• 6. HALLUCINOGENS (PSYCHEDELICS)
• Effects of Hallucinogens
• • Increased heartbeat and pulse rate
• • Elevated or increased blood pressure
• • Increase activity of the body due to the effect of the brain
• • Enlarged or dilated pupils of the eyes
• • Increased body temperature
• • Paleness of the face and skin of the body
CLASSIFICATIONS OF DRUGS AND THEIR
EFFECTS
• 7. TRANQUILIZER - drug used to treat nervous disorders, and calm psychotic patients.
• They are not habit-forming but when taken in large numbers will produce deep
unconsciousness, a drop in blood pressure and finally respiration stops leading to death
While the margin of safety associated with these drugs is considerable, overdose can
occur and continuous use can lead to dependence.
• a) Meprobamate b) Diazepam
CLASSIFICATIONS OF DRUGS AND THEIR
EFFECTS
• 7. TRANQUILIZER
• Effects of Tranquilizer
• • Physical weakness and sleepiness
• • Induced mental and psychological dullness
• • It calms the nerves and relieves tension and anxiety
• • Overdose can lead to “coma”, respiratory failure and death
CLASSIFICATIONS OF DRUGS AND THEIR
EFFECTS
• 8. NARCOTICS, in medicine, refer to opium, morphine, codeine, heroin and
hydromorphone; opioid pain relievers
• Effects of Narcotics
• • Reduced size of the pupils of the eyes and reduced vision
• • Drowsiness and decreased physical activity
• • Nausea, vomiting and difficulty in breathing if taken in larger dosage
• • “Tolerance”, which finally leads to “drug dependence”
• • Induced “coma” with slow, shallow respiration
• • Convulsions, followed by the stopping of breathing that can lead to death if overdosed
CLASSIFICATIONS OF DRUGS AND THEIR
EFFECTS
• 9. INHALANTS - volatile substances derived from ether or chloroform. It is an inhalator
through the nose to experience intoxication
• a) Quick-drying glue or plastic cement, like rugby
• b) Paint remover and lacquer, such as thinner and solvent
• c) Gasoline and other gasoline-based products
• d) Kerosene or commonly known as gaas
• e) Nail polish and cuticle remover
• f) Lighter-fluid and dry-cleaning fluid
CLASSIFICATIONS OF DRUGS AND THEIR
EFFECTS
• 9. INHALANTS
• Effects of Inhalants
• • Unsteadiness and restlessness
• • Drunkenness with depression leading to unconsciousness
• • Irritability and highly agitated condition
• • Initial excitement thereby losing emotional control
• • Irritation of the throat and nasal passages
• Sometimes inhalants contain toxic elements that are harmful to the heart and can
cause sudden death when inhaled
WHAT ARE THE REASONS BEHIND THESE
DRUGS?
• ▪ For relief from problems – personal, family, school or work
• ▪ To experience its effect on the mind and body
• ▪ To ease depression, boredom, pain or misery
• ▪ Giving in to pressures from “peers” or other drug users
• ▪ For curiosity, due to misinformation from acquaintances
• ▪ For security feelings – with drugs, they have self-confidence
PREVENTIVE MEASURES FOR DRUG ABUSE

• a) Improvement in family relations.


• b) Direct and sincere action on the part of the government to address the growing
problems of drug abuse;
• c) Clear and noticeable reforms in the environment and economy to provide everyone
with a bright future and good life;
• d) Strict enforcement of drug laws against violators and traffickers;
PREVENTIVE MEASURES FOR DRUG ABUSE

• e) Establishment of a dedicated judiciary so as to facilitate the delivery of aid of victims


of drug abuse;
• f) Complete “crackdown” against drug pusher and syndicates;
• g) Instituting heavy penalties, specifically the “death penalty’ for drug-related crime and
serious drug violators
ROLES OF SCHOOL, THE COMMUNITY, YOUTH
AND PARENTS
1. SCHOOL
• formulate a “drug policy “designed to help students and all school personnel fight drug
abuse
• initiate “drug awareness” program and realistic prevention efforts that will benefit the
entire community
• must take an active part in making this program a success.
ROLES OF SCHOOL, THE COMMUNITY, YOUTH
AND PARENTS
2. COMMUNITY
• conducting an anti-drug campaign, cooperating with authorities in the arrest of the drug
pushers;
• helping drug users get treatment from drug rehabilitation centers, dismantling the drug-based
network existing in the community through police action;
• planning a community action program involving young people, civic welfare, and religious
organizations in tackling the drug problem;
• organizing worthwhile and constructive activities such as recreational, social, and economic
projects that will serve as a positive alternative to drug abuse
ROLES OF SCHOOL, THE COMMUNITY, YOUTH
AND PARENTS
3. YOUTH
• They are problem solvers, positive influencer in other young people and the nation, and are extremely ambitious,
ability to create and identify themselves and move the nation forward positively.
• S - steadfast personality
• T – trustworthy in words and actions
• R – respectable in relating with others
• O – open-minded in facing situation
• N – noble character
• G – gutsy actions and ideals
SAY NO TO DRUGS

• 1. be vocal, just say NO to drugs and mean it.


• 2. Project an image of a clean living for yourself.
• 3. Get into sports.
• 4. Choose your friend and influence them positively.
• 5. Get involved into community-based activities.
SAY NO TO DRUGS

• 6. Join organizations or youth club or form your interest group (church, school or social)
• 7. Learn how to manage stress.
• 8. Join seminars on anti-drug abuse prevention.
• 9. Talk to your family, listen to the problems of your siblings.
• 10. Enhance your talents and skills by taking part on workshops, trainings or seminars.
ROLES OF SCHOOL, THE COMMUNITY, YOUTH
AND PARENTS
4. PARENTS
• serve as a model to their children
• must teach their children not to use drugs indiscriminately so as to develop in their
children the correct drug attitude.
• should advice their children on their choice of friends and inculcate the basic knowledge
about drug abuse.
ROLES OF SCHOOL, THE COMMUNITY, YOUTH
AND PARENTS
4. PARENTS
• If parents discover their son or daughter is into drugs, they must face the problem and
seek professional help at once.
• Parents must create a happy family life and maintain an open communication between
them and their children.
ADVICE TO SOLVE DRUG RELATED PROBLEMS

• Maintain good physical and mental health.


• Use drugs properly. Most drugs are beneficial when used under medical advice.
• Understand your own self.
• Accept and respect yourself for what you are.
• Develop your potentials. Engage in wholesome, productive and fulfilling activities.
ADVICE TO SOLVE DRUG RELATED PROBLEMS

• Learn to relate effectively with others. Have somebody to whom you can communicate
your problems and other stresses without the use of drugs.
• Seek professional help if you cannot cope with your problems anymore.
• Develop strong moral and spiritual foundation in life.

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