Module 3

SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND DRUG PREVENTION

Preliminaries

Introduction
The vulnerability of young people towards drug addiction and abuse remain to be a challenger
for our society. Numerous young people, due to ignorance and curiosity, have succumbed to
drug addiction which affected their personal and social well-being. In order to further equip to
students against addiction, this module presents foundational and scientific information on drugs
and drug addiction. Through information and education, it helps them to better negotiate against
the influence of friends/ peers, thus reducing propensity towards addiction.

Objectives:
At the end of the module, it is expected that the students shall:
1. Know basic concepts and definitions on drugs and drug abuse.
2. Understand the effects and sign of drug abuse.
3. Classify different kinds of drug users.
4. Equip themselves to say no and refuse drugs.

Motivation:
Collage making. Prior the end of the module 2, group the students into ten groups (at least 5
members in each group). In a one whole white cartollina, ask each group to make a collage of
their perceptions on drugs, drug abuse and drug addiction. In the collage, there are no rules or
restrictions. Each group is free to decide on how they put together their collage. What is
important is that they will express their thoughts on drugs, drug abuse and drug addiction.

Process:
Select two to three best collage and proceed immediately with the lecture as outlined in the
module. As you discuss, you can use the poster as an example or illustration (visual supplement
to your lecture).

Evaluation:
After the lecture, group again the students (using the same grouping mechanism during the
collage-making), give the students 10-20 minutes to come up with a jingle on drugs, drug abuse,
and drug addiction. They can use the melody of popular song, just replacing the lyrics of the
song depicting drugs, drug abuse, and drug addiction.
DEFINITION AND CONCEPT

WHAT IS A DRUG?

A drug is any substance that brings physical, psychological, emotional and behavioral changes
when used.

WHAT IS DRUG ABUSE?

Drug abuse is the continuous misuse of any substance, licit, illicit which results to changes in an
individual’s physical, mental or behavioral condition.

WHY DO PEOPLE TURN TO DRUGS?

 Peer pressure
 Curiosity
 Adventure
 Feel good
 Escape from reality
 Easy access to drugs

HISTORY AND COMMONLY ABUSED DRUGS IN THE PHILIPPINES

A. PRE-MARTIAL LAW ERA
a. Hallucinations- drugs which affects sensation, thinking and emotion.
Example: Marijuana, hashish, LSD
b. Sedatives- drugs which reduces anxiety and excitement.
Example: Barbiturates, Tranquilizers, Alcohol
c. Narcotics- drugs that relieve pain and induce sleep.
Example: Opium and derivatives like Heroin, Morphine, and Codeine

B. MARTIAL LAW ERA

a. Cough Syrup- with narcotic and non-narcotic cough suppressants.
Example: Corex, Endotussin, Robitusin AC, etc.
b. Inhalants- chemicals used by manufacturing industries.
Example: Rugby, Glue, Thinner

C. AFTER EDSA REVOLUTION

a. Stimulants- drugs which increases alertness.
Example: Amphetamine, Derivatives, Cocaine

HOW CAN YOU TELL IF A PERSON IS ON DRUGS? CHANGES IN...

1. Appearance
2. Mood
3. Behavior
4. Interest
EFFECTS OF DRUGS
These are several effects of drugs:
A. MENTAL HEALTH/PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS
a. Disturbance in Perception- auditory/ and visual hallucination
b. Disturbance in Orientation- paranoia, psychosis
c. Disturbance in Memory
d. Disturbance in Judgement- depression that may lead to suicide
B. PHYSICAL HEALTH/PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
a. Systemic
1. CARDIAC (HEART) Pathology- irregularity of heart beat, elevated or lowered
blood pressure, chest pain, convulsions or death from cardiac arrest.
2. Pulmonary (LUNG) Illness
3. Hepatic (LIVER) Problems
4. Renal (KIDNEY) Diseases
b. General Health
1. Malnutrition/weight loss
2. Infections
3. Accidents
4. Blood Transmitted Diseases
C. BEHAVIORAL EFFECTS
Substance seeking behavior can lead to various criminal and anti-social acts.

COMMON SIGNS OF DRUG ABUSE

The profile of a drug dependent or a substance abuser is as follows:
 Changes in attendance in school or work
 Changes in the normal capabilities in school/work
 Abrupt changes in overall attitude
 Generally lazy, irritable, discourteous, aggressive
 Usually untrustworthy and lacks self-confidence
 Manipulative
 Have a distorted view of reality
 Low frustration tolerance
 Con-game player
 Lacks interest in his studies/work (withdrawal from responsibilities)
 Blames everybody but himself (blame tosser)
 No respect to the rights of others.
 Prefers to stay with peers (barkada)
 May frequently go to odd places (to take drugs)
 Poor physical appearance (unconcerned with grooming and hygiene)
 Wearing of sunglasses at inappropriate times
 Unusual effort to cover arms to hide needle marks (long-sleeved garments)
 Stealing items which can be readily sold
 Unusual borrowing of money from relatives and friends
 Associations with known drug abusers

CLASSIFICATION OF DRUG ABUSE

Substance abusers can be classified according to the frequency of their substance use.
1. Experimenters- people who abuse the drug(s) for experimental basis.
2. Occasional Users- abuse the occasionally/whenever there are special occasions. They
abuse the drugs once every two (2) weeks to two (2) times a week.
3. Regular Users- abuse the drug on a regular basis approximately three (3) to four (4) times
a week or every other day.
4. Drug Dependents- people who tend to abuse the drug(s) everyday (almost every day) or
about five (5) to seven (7) times a week.
5. Mentally III/ Chemical Abuser/ Substance Induced Psychosis- drug abusers who manifest
signs and symptoms of psychotic disorders caused by the effects of drugs (hallucinations,
disorientation, delusions, etc.)

SUBSTANCE DEPENDENCY AND KEEPING DRUG –FREE

WHAT ARE THE CRITERIA FOR DRUG DEPENDENCY?

 Withdrawal symptoms
 Need to take drugs to overcome withdraw symptoms
 Compulsion
 Tolerance
 Relapse
 Reduced social/occupational act

HOW CAN YOU STAY AWAY FROM DRUGS?

 Devoted yourself to your studies and other productive activities at home or in school
 Stay away from people, places and events that promote drug use
 Learn to manage feelings and cope with stress without using drugs
 Develop a strong moral and spiritual foundation
 Educate yourself about the effect of drug abuse
 Always say NO

WHAT ARE THE COUNTER-MEASURES FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE?

Classification Management
Abstainer Preventive Education
Experimenters Counselling
Occupational Users
Regular Users
Drug Dependent Drug Rehabilitation
Mentally III Chemical Abuser Psychiatric Treatment
(Substance Induced Psychosis)

THE COMPREHENSIVE DANGEROUS ACT OF 2002

These are some of the important provisions in the Republic act. 9165 also known as the
Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act. Of 2002.
 SEC 5- sale, administration, dispensation, delivery, distribution and transportation of dangerous
drugs
 SEC 6- maintenance of den, dive or resort
 SEC 11- possession of dangerous drugs
 SEC 15- use of dangerous drugs
 SEC 19- unlawful prescription of dangerous drugs
 SEC 36- authorized drug testing
 SEC 54- voluntary submission of a drug dependent to confinement, rehabilitation
 SEC 60- confidentiality of records under the voluntary submission
 SEC 61- compulsory confinement of a drug dependent who refuses to apply under the voluntary
submission

SUMMARY
There are several reasons why a person takes prohibited drugs. The probability of becoming too
much dependent on these illegal substances leads a person to manifest behavior, mental reasoning, and
habits that are negatively affecting the way he or she treats his or her family, other people around him or
her, the society where he or she live, and most especially himself or herself.
Drug dependency is extremely hazardous to a person’s health, the people who care for him or her
and to his or her future as well.
A drug dependent can still be saved from his or her present situation as long as there are people
who are willing to listen, understand and help him or her until full recovery is achieved.

Let’s Reflect.
1. Write a short essay on how your school and barangay can help in preventing drug
addiction?
2. Prepare a slogan about drug prevention. Present and explain it to the class.

RUBRICS
o Inadequate (5 points): Most facts are wrong.
o Needs improvement (10 points): Some facts are wrong.
o Adequate (15 points): Technical details are generally correct.
o Professional quality (20 points): All facts are correct, and the technical
explanation is both concise and complete.

Reference
RA 9165, RA 916, Suggested POI on Drugs Education, Dangerous Drug Board
Resolutions and Regulations
CHED NSTP TEACHER TRAINING WORKSHOP, May 30-June 01,2014