LECTURE 4: DRUG EDUCATION

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
LO 1: To distinguish the effects of illegal drugs.
LO 2: Discuss strategies to prevent drug abuse.

LESSON PRESENTATION/DISCUSSION:

I. DEFINITION AND RELATED TERMS

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

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 DEPENDENCY
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
“coldturkey” symptoms that occur after long-term use of a drug is reduced or stopped abruptly)
after abstaining from drugs.

ADDICTION
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.

II. REASONS FOR ABUSING DRUGS

Ten (10) reasons why people use drugs, based in an article form Recovery Connection,
2019. It explains that there are circumstances that put a person to choose between properly
using drugs and abusing it.

1. Experimenting – It is not uncommon for addiction to stem from a person being curious
and experimenting with drugs or alcohol. It is a scenario that often starts with a young
person using alcohol or marijuana out of curiosity. While it seems harmless, adolescents
that experiment with drugs and alcohol are more likely to develop substance use
disorder according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

2. Family History / Genetics - If you have a family history of drug addiction, you may
have a genetic predisposition to develop an addiction to drugs or alcohol. It is stated
that about 30% –70% of a person’s risk for addiction is linked to the genes they are born
with along with other social factors.

3. Prescription Drugs - There is a popular misconception that any medication prescribed

by a doctor is safe. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Doctors prescribe
medications to alleviate symptoms of physical or mental health issues. However, many

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 individuals are not properly educated on the risks that the medications may carry.
Chronic pain is often managed through opioid medications, which are highly addictive.
Dependent upon the amount used and other factors, someone may require a medical
detox just to stop using opioids. Likewise, those suffering from anxiety and depression
may be prescribed addictive medications to ease symptoms. Non-addictive medication
and/or pain recovery services are often available.

4. Loneliness - Addiction can start when an individual feels lonely or is isolated from the
friends and family. They turn to drugs and alcohol thinking that it will fill a void that
they have been living with. People lacking positive daily interaction may choose to use
substances to feel happy or content. Additionally, users begin to alienate themselves
further if they fear being judged or that help is not available to them.

5. Peer Pressure - Peer pressure usually applies to adolescents or young adults. The need
to fit in, on some level, is built into each and every one of us. Some people may feel the
need to participate in potentially harmful activities to do so. The pressure of being
around others who are abusing drugs or alcohol can push someone to follow suit.

6. Drugs and Alcohol Can Make You Feel Good - There is a popular quote in the Big
Book of Alcoholics Anonymous that states: “Menand women drink essentially because
they like the effect produced by alcohol.” While this seems obvious, some people like the
effect so much that they are unable to stop. It may be difficult to see the harm in
something that makes you feel good.

7. Mental Health Disorder - Depression, anxiety, and PTSD can put individuals at higher
risk of developing an addiction. Using substances to cope with difficult feelings may
seem like an easier path for some. Though they may seem crippling at times, there is
help available to anyone struggling with a mental health disorder. Non-narcotic
medications are often available for most mental health disorders. It’s worth researching
with a doctor to see if there is an alternative to addictive medications.

8. Recreation - Many people use drugs or alcohol socially with friends or to

“unwind”afteralong day. They often see substances as a way to relax or clear their
minds. Recreational drug users are still at risk to become addicted if their use becomes
more frequent or they use highly addictive substances.

9. Alcohol Isn’tEnough - For some, alcohol stops doing the trick. A few beers after work
or having drinks with friends at a local bar just doesn’t have the same effect that it used
to. Some individuals end up “chasing buzz” that they were once able to attain with a few
drinks. This can leave someone powerless over alcohol and unable to quit drinking.

10.Self-Medicating - People struggling with any of a multitude of ailments may turn to

drugs or alcohol to ease their pain. Mental health disorders and chronic pain leave some
seeking solutions on their own. Alcohol or other substances can alleviate symptoms and
seem like a short-term solution. However, people should look for manageable, long-term
solutions under medical supervision to combat these issues.

III. COMMONLY 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

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 • Low frustration tolerance
• Con-game player
• Lacks interest in his studies/work (withdrawal from responsibilities)
• Blames everybody but himself (blame tosser)
• No respect for 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
• Association with known drug abusers
IV. COMMONLY USE DRUGS AND THEIR EFFECTS
(Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse)

1. ALCOHOL
A. The Substance and Methods of Use
Alcohol abuse is a pattern of problem drinking that results in health
consequences, social, problems, or both. However, alcohol dependence, or alcoholism,
refers to a disease that is characterized by abnormal alcohol-seeking behavior that
leads to impaired control over drinking.

B. Effects of Alcohol

Short-term effects of alcohol use include:

• Distorted vision, hearing and coordination
• Impaired judgement
• Altered perceptions and emotions
• Bad breath; hangover

Long-term effects of heavy alcohol use include:

• Loss of appetite, vitamin deficiencies, stomach ailments
• Skin problems
• Sexual impotence
• Liver damage
• Heart and central nervous system damage; memory loss

2. METHAMPHETAMINE
A. The Substance and Methods of Use
Methamphetamine is a stimulant drug chemically related to amphetamine
but with stronger effects on the central nervous system. Street names for the drug
include "speed," "meth," and "crank."

Methamphetamine is used in pill form, or in powdered form by snorting or

injecting. Crystallized methamphetamine known as "ice," "crystal," or "glass," is a
smokable and more powerful form of the drug.

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 B. Effects of Methamphetamine use
include:
• Euphoria
• Increased heart rate and blood
pressure
• Increased wakefulness; insomnia
• Increased physical activity
• Decreased appetite; extreme
anorexia
• Respiratory problems
• Hypothermia, convulsions, and
cardiovascular problems which can lean to
death
• Irritability, confusion, tremors
• Anxiety, paranoia, or violent behavior
• Can cause irreversible damage to blood vessels in the brain, producing strokes

Note: Methamphetamine users who inject the drug and share needles are at risk
for acquiring HIV/AIDS.

3. COCAINE
A. The Substance and Methods of Use
Cocaine is a white powder that comes from the leaves of the South American
coca plant. Cocaine is either "snorted" through the nasal passages or injected
intravenously. Cocaine belongs to a class of drugs known as stimulants, which tend
to give a temporary illusion of limitless power and energy that leave the user feeling
depressed, edgy, and craving more. Crack is a smokable form of cocaine that has
been chemically altered. Cocaine and crack are highly addictive. This addiction can
erode physical and mental health and can become so strong that these drugs dominate
all aspects of an addict's life.

B. Risks using Cocaine and crack

B.1 Physical risks associated with using any amount of cocaine:

• Increase in blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate and body temperature
• Heart attacks, strokes and respiratory failure
• Hepatitis or AIDS through shared needles
• Brain seizures

B.2 Psychological Risks

• Violent, erratic or paranoid behavior
• Hallucinations–aandsensation“cokeof imaginary insects crawling over the skin
• Confusion, anxiety and depression, loss of interest in food or sex

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 • “cocaine –psychosis”losingtouchwithreality, loss of interest in friends, family,
sports, hobbies and other activities

4. HALLUCINOGENS
A. The Substance and Methods of Use
Hallucinogenic drugs are substances that distort the perception of objective
reality. The most well-known hallucinogens include phencyclidine, otherwise known
as PCP, angel dust, or loveboat; lysergic acid diethylamide, commonly known as LSD
or acid; mescaline and peyote; and psilocybin, or "magic" mushrooms. Under the
influence of hallucinogens, the senses of direction, distance, and time become
disoriented. These drugs can produce unpredictable, erratic, and violent behavior in
users that sometimes leads to serious injuries and death. The effect of hallucinogens
can last for 12 hours.

LSD produces tolerance, so that users who take the drug repeatedly must take
higher and higher doses in order to achieve the same state of intoxication. This is
extremely dangerous, given the unpredictability of the drug, and can result in
increased risk of convulsions, coma, heart and lung failure, and even death.

B. Risks of using Hallucinogens

B.1 Physical risks associated with using hallucinogens:

• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Sleeplessness and tremors
• Lack of muscular coordination
• Sparse, mangled and incoherent speech
• Decreased awareness of touch and pain that can result in self-inflicted
injuries
• Convulsions
• Coma; heart and lung failure

B.2 Psychological risks associated with using hallucinogens:

• A sense of distance and estrangement
• Depression, anxiety and paranoia
• Violent behavior
• Confusion, suspicion and loss of control
• Flashbacks
• Behavior similar to schizophrenic psychosis
• Catatonic syndrome whereby the user becomes mute, lethargic, disoriented,
and makes meaningless repetitive movements

5. CANNABIS SATIVA (MARIJUANA) A. The

substance and Methods of Use
Marijuana is the most widely used illicit drug in the United States and tends
to be the first illegal drug teens use. It can be either smoked or swallowed.

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 B. Effects of Using Marijuana

B.1 Short term effects of using marijuana:

• Sleepiness
• Difficulty keeping track of time, impaired or reduced short term memory
• Reduced ability to perform tasks requiring concentration and coordination
• Increased heart rate
• Potential cardiac dangers for those with pre-existing heart disease
• Bloodshot eyes
• Dry mouth and throat
• Decreased social inhibitions
• Paranoia, hallucinations

B.2 Long term effects of using marijuana:

• Enhanced cancer risk
• Decrease in testosterone levels for men; also, lower sperm counts and
difficulty having children
• Increase in testosterone levels for women; also increased risk of infertility
• Diminished or extinguished sexual pleasure
• Psychological dependence requiring more of the drug to get the same effect

V. EFFECTS OF DRUG ABUSE

The effects of drug abuse can be classified as follows:

1. Physiological/Physical Effects
A. Systemic
• Cardiac (Heart) Pathology –irregularity of heart beat, elevated or
lowered blood pressure, chest pain, convulsions or death from
cardiac arrest.
• Pulmonary (Lung) Illnesses
• Hepatic (Liver) Problems
• Renal (Kidney) Diseases
B. General Health
• Malnutrition or weight loss
• Infections
• Accidents
• Blood Transmitted Disease
C. Usage
• Tolerance –the individual needs more drugs to achieve the same
effects they did previously with a smaller amount

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 • Dependence –the substance becomes the central point to the
individual’s life and they can’t function properly without it

• Withdrawal –this happens when the individual reduced or stopped

the substance use.

• Overdose –the level of intoxication reaches a point where it begins to

produce physical and/or psychological harm. This can lead to death.

2. Psychological/Mental Health Effects

• Perception –auditory and visual hallucinations
• Orientation –paranoia, psychosis
• Memory- effects in memory
• Judgement –depression that lead to suicide
• Stress –either heightening or weakening of emotions

3. Economic Effects
• Employment loss –individuals lose their effectivity and efficiency in the
work place
• Academic difficulties –for the youth, being unable to accomplish their
course work can affect their performance at school and their grades
• Financial problems –addiction to substance requires more monetary
resources since the individual is forced to consume more of the
substance to get their fix

4. Social Effects
• Conflictual/Dysfunctional Relationships- an individual under the
influence of drugs creates tension and conflict with family members and
among their peers that can result in broken relationships and
abandonment.
• Violence- some of the chemicals in the abused substance can impaired
the mind to think illogically and to act aggressively that can have the
individual act violently in social settings.
• Safety- an individual under the influence of drugs can put someone in
dangerous circumstances and can be prone to accidents.

VI. CLASSIFICATION OF DRUG ABUSERS

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 drug occasionally/whenever there are special occasions.
They abuse the drug 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 Ill Chemical Abuser/Substance Induced Psychosis –drug abusers who manifest
signs and symptom of psychotic disorders caused by the effects of drugs (hallucinations,
disorientation, delusions, etc.)

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 VII. SUBSTANCE DEPENDENCY AND KEEPING DRUG-FREE

A. THE CRITERIA FOR DRUG DEPENDENCY

• Withdrawal symptoms
• Need to take drugs to overcome withdrawal symptoms
• Compulsion
• Tolerance Relapse
• Reduced social/occupational act

B. HOW CAN YOU STAY AWAY FROM DRUGS?

• Devote 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 effects of drug abuse
• Always say NO

C. COUNTER-MEASURES FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE?

• Understand how substance abuse develops. Substance abuse starts by:
 Using addictive drugs (illicit or prescribed) for recreational purposes
 Seeking out intoxication every time you use
 Abusing prescription medication

• Avoid Temptation and Peer Pressure. Develop healthy friendships and

relationships by avoiding friends or family members who pressure you to use
substances. It’s often said “we become most like those we surround ourselves by,”
meaning if you surround yourself with people who abuse drugs and alcohol you
are more likely to as well. Peer pressure is a major part of life for teens and adults.
If you are looking to stay drug free develop a good way to just say no, prepare a
good excuse or plan ahead of time to keep from giving into peer pressure.

• Seek help for mental illness. Mental illness and substance abuse often go hand in
hand. If you are dealing with a mental illness such as anxiety, depression or
posttraumatic stress disorder you should seek professional help from a licensed
therapist or counselor. A professional will provide you with healthy coping skills to
alleviate your symptoms without turning to drugs and alcohol.

• Examine the risk factors. Look at your family history of mental illness and
addiction, several studies have shown that this disease tends to run in the family,
but can be prevented. The more you are aware of your biological, environmental
and physical risk factors the more likely you are to overcome them.

• Keep a well-balanced life. People often turn to drugs and alcohol when something
in their life is missing or not working. Practicing stress management skills can help
you overcome these life stressors and will help you live a balanced and healthy life.

VIII. COMPREHENSIVE DANGEROUS DRUG ACT OF 2002

Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 or Republic Act 9165 is an act that
supersedes R.A. 6425 or the Dangerous Drugs Act of 1972. This amended law practices a

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 more intensive approach against drug abuse, trafficking and enforcement. It also gives
emphasis on the role of the educational system in information dissemination and prevention
campaign. It re-evaluates the procedures, policies and programs concerning drug abuse. It
highlights the importance of rehabilitation and reintegration of rehabilitated individuals to
society.

Important provisions in the law:

UNLAWFUL ACTS AND PENALTIES

SEC. 5 Sale, Trading, Administration, Dispensation, Delivery, Distribution and
Transportation of Dangerous Drugs and/or Controlled Precursors and Essential
Chemicals

SEC. 6 Maintenance of a Den, Dive or Resort

SEC. 11 Possession of Dangerous Drugs

SEC. 15 Use of Dangerous Drugs

SEC. 19 Unlawful Prescription of Dangerous Drugs

DANGEROUS DRUGS TEST AND RECORD REQUIREMENTS

SEC. 36 Authorized Drug Testing

PARTICIPATION OF THE FAMILY, STUDENTS, TEACHERS AND SCHOOL AUTHORITIES

IN THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE ACT SEC.
46 Special Drug Education Center

PROGRAM FOR TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION OF DRUG DEPENDENTS

SEC. 54 Voluntary Submission of a Drug Dependent to Confinement, Treatment and
Rehabilitation
SEC. 60 Confidentiality of Records under the Voluntary Submission Program
SEC. 61 Compulsory Confinement of a Drug Dependent who Refuses to apply under the
Voluntary Submission Program

IX. THE YOUTHS IN DRUG ABUSE PREVENTION

As drug abuse and addiction is prevalent in younger generation, it is imperative

that the youth take part in its prevention and rehabilitation efforts. Youth group or
organizations can be a vehicle in which their community can help alleviate or eradicate
the possibility of drug abuse. Whether individually or as a group, the youth is a good
driving force that could shape the drug abuse prevention initiative of the country. Here
are some ways the youth can step up in this endeavor:

1. UNDERSTAND. Know the concept and reality of drug abuse. Having a grasp of the
addiction can help in avoiding it and watching out for others.

2. LISTEN. Open yourself up in the knowledge of the experts and experiences of others that
have undergone the abuse. Hear the stories and get their lessons to heart.

3. SHARE. Share your knowledge and network in aiding others towards being informed and
recognizing their role in drug prevention.

4. ENCOURAGE. Give your peers and family members a good push in the right direction
whether its prevention or rehabilitation.

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 5. SUPPORT. Take part in activities beneficial in the drug abuse prevention initiative. Add
your presence to the growing force tackling this issue.

6. ORGANIZE. Great minds think alike. Having a mutual goal, it is more purposeful to
combine efforts and sources to create a bigger impact about the concern.

7. INFORM. Approached appropriate government agencies regarding incidents and cases of

drug abuse.

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TASK NO. 4: Poster-slogan Making and Essay Writing

1. Create a poster-slogan about the topic: “Effects of Drug Abuse”.

Follow the following instruction in making your poster-slogan: a.
Use 1/8 illustration board.
b. Choose one medium for the colors: oil pastels, water colors, crayons, or paints.
c. Pentelpens and highlighters are allowed.
d. Uploading your output in the different media outlet is allowed.

2. Make an essay about the topic: “The current situation of drug abuse in the Philippines”.
Follow the following guidelines: a.
Use 300-500 words only.
b. You can write your essay in English or Filipino medium.
c. Utilize short bond paper. (Use format)

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