PREVENTION OF

SUBSTANCE USE
AND ABUSE
 The term “Gateway Drug” is used to describe any drug that a non-drug user might try out that can lead to the
consumption of a more dangerous drug. Cigarettes and alcohol are “gateway drugs”. Gateway drugs are legal drugs
that are readily accessible. People who abuse more dangerous drugs such as marijuana and shabu often start from
cigarette smoking and drinking alcohol. Since cigarettes and alcohol are readily available and generally accepted in
our society, many people use them for various purposes. Teenagers are especially vulnerable because they are
curious and risk-takers.
According to the study done by the National Youth Commission (NYC), 2 out of 5 Filipino teenagers aged 13
to 15 years old, smoke cigarettes (philstar.com, March 16, 2012). Furthermore, in a study conducted by an anti-
tobacco group in the year 2011, ten Filipinos die every year of tobacco-related diseases (Philippine Daily Inquirer,
Sept. 19, 2011). Health experts explained that the continuous increase in cigarette use and alcohol consumption by
Filipino teenagers is due to its very cheap price. Many pro-health groups asked the government to increase taxes
from cigarette and alcohol companies. In response, President Duterte signed Republic Act 11467 imposing
additional excise taxes on tobacco and alcohol products including e- 4 cigarettes (Inquirer.net, Jan. 23, 2020).
Prices on cigarettes increased up to 500% while alcohol increased approximately 50 php per liter. Banning of sale
of tobacco and alcohol products is enforced for minors.
 THE DANGER OF SMOKING CIGARETTES
Tobacco is a tall, leafy plant, originally grown in South and Central America, but now
cultivated throughout the world. There are many species of tobacco but “Nicotiana
tabacum” or sometimes called “common tobacco” is preferred for producing present day
cigarettes.
According to the World Health Organization, tobacco smoking and chewing is the second
leading cause of death around the world. It is responsible for the death of one in ten adults
worldwide, approximately reaching about 5 million deaths in a year. It is estimated that the
death toll will rise to 10 million each year, by the year 2020.
 Every time a cigarette is lit, smoke is emitted. There are
three type of smokes produced by cigarettes namely:
1. Mainstream Smoke - refers specifically to the smoke that a smoker directly inhales.
2. Second-hand Smoke – the smoke that comes out of the lighted end of a cigarette or pipe. It is also a
smoke that has been exhaled, or breathed out, by the person smoking This is also called sidestream smoke
or environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). This is more dangerous as it exposes and harms adults and children
that are non-smokers near the person smoking.
3. Third-hand Smoke – smoke that settles or left for a long time on clothes, sofa, beddings, pillow, carpet,
car seat and other objects. This smoke also called “residual tobacco smoke (RTS)” settles along with dust
and can last for months. This smoke still contains harmful chemicals and carcinogens. This is even more 5
dangerous as it exposes and harms everyone even if the smoking person is no longer around.
 HEALTH EFFECTS OF CIGARETTE
SMOKING
Smoking can cause diseases and harms nearly every organ of the body. The illustration above are pictures from cigarette
packaging. The Philippines government issued an Order on May 24, 2010, which required graphic health warnings on all tobacco
packages. This is to discourage smokers and would-be smokers to smoke. The major disease that is caused by smoking are classified as
follow:

1. Cancer – refers to diseases where abnormal

cells divide out of control and invade other
tissues or organs. Most cancers are named for
the organ or type of cell in which they start. For
example, lung cancer begins in the lung and
oral cancer begins in the mouth.
2. COPD – (Chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease) refers to a group of diseases that
cause airflow blockage and breathing-related
problems. COPD includes emphysema;
chronic bronchitis and asthma.
3. Heart Disease – this includes several types of
heart conditions and blood vessel disorders. The
most common type is coronary heart disease (also
known as coronary artery disease), which is the
narrowing of the blood vessels that carry blood to
the heart. Also includes atherosclerosis, the
hardening of the artery.
4. Pregnancy complications – smoking during
pregnancy increases the risk for pregnancy
complications including miscarriages and birth
defects.
There are major components of cigarette smoke - tar, nicotine, and carbon
monoxide. Tar contains most of the cancer-causing and other harmful chemicals
found in tobacco smoke. When tobacco smoke is inhaled, the tar can form a
sticky layer on the inside of the lungs. This damages the lungs and leads to lung
cancer and COPD. Nicotine is the addicting component of cigarette smoke. This
is the reason why most cigarette smokers can’t quit smoking. Carbon monoxide
is a poisonous, 6 colorless, and odorless gas. Lack of oxygen in cells forces the
heart to work harder to distribute oxygen around the body. Carbon monoxide is
a major contributor to heart disease, including heart attacks and atherosclerosis.
 THE DANGER OF ALCOHOL
Alcohol is a colorless, bitter-tasting substance that humans have been consuming since the
ancient times. It comes from plants that underwent fermentation. Fermentation is the
process of extracting alcohol from a plant or fruit. An example of fermented alcohol is a
beer. A beer is extracted from grains. On the other hand, wines are from grapes and other
fruits. There are three types of alcohol: isopropyl, methanol and ethanol. Isopropyl and
methanol are used in laboratories and are poisonous and fatal if taken. On the other hand,
ethanol is also called the beverage alcohol. This is what humans consume that intoxicates
and alters the nervous system.
 EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL DRINKING

When alcohol enters the bloodstream, it goes in all the parts of the body. The
main effect of alcohol drinking reflects on a person’s central nervous system
(CNS). The CNS control’s one’s mental processes, memory, speech, learning, and
decision making. It also affects a person’s senses, feelings, movement and
breathing. The amount of alcohol that entered in the bloodstream at a certain
period can be measured in percentages through blood alcohol concentration
(BAC) or most often called blood alcohol level (BAL). A BAC of 0.05 percent
means there is 5 parts of alcohol per 10,000 7 parts of blood in the body. A 0.3-0.5
percent BAC could lead to coma, brain damages and even death
 PREVENTION AND
CONTROL OF CIGARETTE
SMOKING AND DRINKING
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
 CONTROL OF CIGARETTE SMOKING
Do not let your parents or other adults send you to buy cigarettes. Tell them politely that you are not of legal age
to buy cigarettes from your neighbor’s sari-sari store. The law does not allow the sale of cigarettes to a minor. Minors
who smoke cigarettes often started it as an errand.
Ask your parents or other adults at home not to smoke in front of you. Ask them politely to smoke away from
you. Explain to them the danger of second hand and third hand smoke.
Learn to say NO. Learn to say no and mean it. Now that you learned the bad effects of cigarette smoking, don’t start.
This demands a lot of self-discipline.
Smoking is not cool. Smoking is NEVER cool. Aside from the disease you may get from smoking in the long run,
early effects of smoking include stained teeth, stained hands, bad breath, and bad odor.
Be productive. Learn a hobby or two or sports, or read a book. Engaging in hobbies and sports are productive ways as
a pastime rather than puffing a smoke.
Be Empowered. Read more about smoking. There are a lot of resources available online. Knowing the bad effects of smoking allows
you to reject or quit smoking more.
Think positive. You might have tried to quit smoking before and failed, don't let that stop you. Look back at the things your
experience has taught you and think about how you're going to do it successfully this time.
Plan to quit smoking. Make a promise, set a date and stick to it. Sticking to the "not a drag" rule can help. Whenever you find
yourself in difficulty, say to yourself, "I won't even have a single drag", and stick with this until the cravings pass.
Consider your diet. Some foods, like meat, make cigarettes more satisfying. Others, like cheese, fruits, and vegetables, make
cigarettes taste terrible. So, swap your usual humba, adobo or burger for a law-oy, pinakbet or chop suey instead.
Know when you crave cigarettes. A craving can last 5 minutes and this is due to nicotine, the addictive part of cigarette smoke.
Before you give up, make a list of 5- minute strategies. For example, you could go outside and breathe fresh air or take a 5-minute
walk to enjoy a view.
Get some support. If friends or family members want to give up, too, suggest to them that you give up together. There's also support
available from your barangay health unit (BHU) or LGUs RHU on smoking-cessation-program by DOH. You are up to 4 times more
likely to quit successfully with their expert help and advice.
Get moving or engage in sports. A review of scientific studies has proved exercise, even a 5-minute walk or stretch, cuts cravings
and may help your brain produce anticraving chemicals.
Make non-smoking friends. When you're at a party or group, stick with the nonsmokers. You are less likely to lit
up a cigarette.
Keep your hands and mouth busy. When you're out, try putting your drink in the hand that usually holds a
cigarette, or drink from a straw, chew a piece of gum, or have a candy to keep your mouth busy.
Make a list of reasons to quit. Keep reminding yourself why you made the decision to give up smoking. Make a
list of the reasons and read it when you need support.
 CONTROL OF ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION
These are some measures you can put in place or do to help you avoid alcohol consumption and the risk of developing
alcohol addiction.
Don’t Keep Alcohol at Home. If you don’t have alcohol at home, you can’t drink it. Being unable to grab a drink from
home can keep you from developing a pattern of alcohol use that can easily develop into abuse or addiction.
Do not let your parents or other adults send you to buy Alcohol. Tell them politely that you are not of legal age to
buy alcohol from your neighbor’s sari-sari store. The law does not allow the sale of alcohol to a minor.
Surround Yourself with Non-Drinkers. There are people you can spend time with and places you can go where
alcohol is not the focal point. If you spend time with people who don’t drink, or don’t drink often, you will be less
likely to drink as well. Socializing does not always mean playing drinking games, doing shots, or partying. Making
friends who engage in a variety of activities without drinking can help you control or avoid drinking altogether.
Know the Consequences of Alcohol Abuse. Sometimes, knowing what excessive drinking can do to you or your body
can keep you from drinking to excess. Learn more and be empowered.
 Ways to Say No to Alcohol
“I’m Studying”. Make this is the ultimate excuse. You are in school to learn and not to be with a group for a drinking
session. Being drunk or under the influence of alcohol may get you in trouble with the school authorities and even
with your local authorities. Remember, alcohol consumption is prohibited to minors.
“I Don't Drink”. Is the best response for you, who has not tried drinking alcohol or for anyone who is serious about
recovery from alcoholism, or anyone who wants to put an end to the nonsense of peer pressure to drink alcohol. Let
them know you mean it.
“I’m a Minor / I’m Underage”. Remind the adults who invited you to drink that you are a minor or underage.
Alcohol consumption is prohibited to minors. Adults can face legal consequences when they allow minor to consume
alcohol. “No, Thank You”. A polite way to decline an offer to drink alcohol. Your response can be short, sweet, and
direct.
“I’d Rather Get a Soda, Thanks”. Knowing the consequences of alcohol consumption, don’t try it. You may not like
the consequences later.
“Sorry, I’m allergic to alcohol”. If you are allergic to alcohol, do not ever give in to peer pressure. An ambulance
ride to the hospital is never enjoyable. And besides, it may be potentially deadly.
 Refusing someone who offers you to drink and smoke is easy. Follow the steps
below to help you handle the situations. Your refusal may be similar to the
examples found in the boxes.
STEP 1: Just say “NO.” “Hey! There’s a new bar in town. Let’s drink!” “NO. I DON’T
WANT TO. BESIDES, WE ARE NOT EVEN ALLOWED
THERE.”
STEP 2: Say “NO” again and again. We’ll just drink and smoke a few, and then we will go home” “NO. I
REALLY DON’T WANT TO SMOKE AND DRINK.”

STEP 3: Suggest another activity.
STEP 4: Give a reason.
STEP 5: Walk away.
“Come on! This is just one time!” “COME HOME WITH ME
INSTEAD AND LET US DO OUR SHOOL PROJECT
TOGETHER. SNACKS IS ON ME”
“We can do our school project anytime! But the bar is not
always open!” “I REALLY DON’T SMOKE AND DRINK
BECAUSE IT’S NOT HEALTHY FOR ME. BESIDES,
WE CAN BE IN TROUBLE WITH THE LAW.”
“One bottle and stick only?” “NO, THANK YOU. I
REALLY NEED TO GO HOME. MY PARENTS ARE
WAITING FOR ME.”
 Policies and Laws Regarding Cigarette
Smoking
Republic Act No. 9211, otherwise known as The Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 is the law governing
tobacco production, distribution, and use. Some of its important provisions are the following:
HEALTHFUL ENVIRONMENT
Section 5. Smoking Ban in Public Places. Smoking shall be absolutely prohibited in the public places:
a. Centers of youth activity such as playschools, preparatory schools, elementary schools, colleges and
universities, youth hostels, and recreational facilities for persons under eighteen (18) years old;
b. Elevators and stairways; c. Locations in which fire hazards are present, including gas stations and storage
areas for flammable liquids, gas, explosives or combustible materials;
Within the buildings and premises of public and private hospitals, medical, dental, and optical clinics,
health centers, nursing homes, laboratories;
Section 9. Minimum Age Sales. – Under this Act, it shall be unlawful
for any retailer of tobacco products to sell or distribute tobacco products to any minor (persons below 18
years of age);
 for any person to purchase cigarettes or tobacco products from a minor;
 for minor to sell or buy cigarettes or any tobacco products; and
 for minor to smoke cigarettes or any other tobacco products.
Section 10. Sale of Tobacco Products within School Perimeters.
– the sale or distribution of tobacco products is prohibited within one hundred (100) meters from
any point of the perimeter of a school, public playground, or other facility frequented particularly by
minors.
Chapter 2, Article 5, Section 24 of Republic Act No. 8749, also known as the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 states
that
Smoking inside a public building or an enclosed public place including public vehicles and other means of
transport or in any enclosed area outside of one’s private residence, private place of work, or any duly designated
smoking area is hereby prohibited under this Act.
Laws to prevent alcohol abuse and alcoholism
There are several laws governing alcohol and alcohol consumption. The Licensing and Catering Act sets
rules about where alcohol may be sold, and prohibits the sale of alcohol to anyone under the age of 18.
Local authorities check compliance with the Licensing and Catering Act.
Besides the Licensing and Catering Act, there are other rules and regulations on alcohol use too:
 The Criminal Code says that it is a criminal offence to be drunk in public and to disturb the public order while
intoxicated.
 The Criminal Code also says that it is a criminal offence to serve alcohol to someone who is obviously drunk.
 The Road Traffic Act sets limits for alcohol in the blood for drivers. The limit is 0.05% for drivers with a regular
driving license, and 0.02% for new drivers.
 The Media Act does not allow alcohol commercials to be broadcast on television and radio.
 Healthy Alternatives to cigarette and alcohol to
promote healthy lifestyle.
They don't take a lot of effort or time, but they're enough to replace the habit of grabbing for a cigarette
and drinking alcoholic beverages.
 Drink a glass of water. It's surprising how well this works.
 Suck on a piece of sambag, tart candy, or lollipop.
 Eat a popsicle or wash and freeze grapes or any fruit on a cookie sheet for a healthy frozen snack.
 Floss and brush your teeth.  Chew a piece of gum.
 Eat a hot fudge sundae.
 Whistle or hum for a while.
 Do three sets of ten jumping jacks.
 Run in place.
 Turn on the radio or play your favorite song from your smartphone and sing at the top of your lungs.
 If music is playing, dance like no one is watching.
 Spray cologne or your favorite perfume and remind yourself how nice it is that they don't smell like
tobacco.
 Alternative drinks like soda, powdered juice, powdered iced tea, etc.
Choosing to limit or cease your alcohol consumption can feel intimidating – especially if you’re concerned
about the effects on your social life. However, it’s very much possible to lead a full life without drinking
alcohol.