Gateway drugs are substances like alcohol and tobacco that often lead to the abuse of illegal drugs. When consumed, alcohol affects the nervous system and lowers inhibitions, making dangerous acts more likely. The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) aims to reduce tobacco use globally through pricing and non-pricing measures such as protecting from secondhand smoke, regulating product contents and packaging, and limiting advertising. Similarly, the global strategy on alcohol seeks to curb harmful use and ties it to socioeconomic development and non-communicable diseases. The Philippine Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 bans smoking in public, restricts youth access, requires health warnings on packs, and assists affected groups like tobacco farmers.

1. GATEWAY DRUGS
Mr. ALLEN P. SORONEL
Secondary School Teacher – III

2. Gateway Drugs
These are drugs that people use initially that may eventually lead to the abuse
of illegal drugs (Galvez Tan, et al., 2009).
ALCOHOL and TOBACCO are gateway drugs.
When alcohol is consumed, the control nervous system is affected. Thus, a person is
more vulnerable to doing dangerous acts because of depressed decision-making
skills.

3. KINDS OF ALCOHOL
KIND OF TOBACCO
GATEWAY OR GET-AWAY?

4. Global Prevention and Control of Tobacco and
Alcohol Use
The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control
(WHO FCTC) is the prime international treaty
negotiated under WHO. The WHO FCTC came into
existence in reaction to the global epidemic of tobacco
use and abuse. It reaffirms the right of every individual
across the world to the highest standard of health
promoting public health and providing new legal
means for global health cooperation.

5. The following summarizes the WHO FCTC provisions:
1. Price and tax measures to reduce the demand for tobacco, and
2. Non-price measures to reduce the demand for tobacco, namely:
a. Protection from exposure to tobacco smoke;
b. Regulation of the contents of tobacco products;
c. Regulation of tobacco product disclosures;
d. New packaging and labeling of tobacco products;
e. Education, communication, training and public awareness;
f. Demand reduction measures concerning tobacco
dependence and cessation; and
g. Tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship.

6. Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol
The global strategy to reduce the harmful use of alcohol recognizes the close ties
between the harmful use of alcohol and the socio0economic development of a nation.
Likewise, this strategy for the prevention and control on non-communicable diseases.

7. Republic Act No. 9211 (Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003)
Protects people from the sale, use, and advertisements of hazardous tobacco
products.
Absolutely bans smoking in public places. In this light, a designated smoking and
non-smoking area should be utilized.
Restricts access to sale of tobacco products to minors. Tobacco may not be put in
vending machine, unless it verifies age, and may not be sold within 100 meters of a
school.
There should be proper signage that indicates target consumers.

8. Provisions the printing of warnings on cigarette packs on either Filipino or English.
In addition, health warnings should also be included.
The goverment should provide programs and projects for those who shall be
affected like tobacco growers. The Act provisions the establishment of a cooperative
and assistance program for the said people.