The document provides information about drugs and drug addiction. It defines key terms like drug dependence and addiction. It describes various types of commonly abused drugs like marijuana, crystal methamphetamine, ecstasy, opiates, cocaine, sedatives, steroids, tobacco and nicotine. Reasons for drug abuse are discussed like curiosity, social influences, and escapism. Signs of drug dependency are outlined. The roles of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in enforcing drug laws are summarized.

1. LEARNING OUTCOMES/OBJECTIVES
At the end of the chapter, the learners are expected to be able to:
1. Determine the concepts of drugs and drug addiction;
2. Evaluate some common illegal substances and their adverse effects on the users; and
3. Derive commitment to the prevention and fight against drug addiction
INTRODUCTION
This chapter focuses on the social problem of drug addiction. People have always been curious about
the world, and some have the tendency to experiment with anything and everything to make life better
and more comfortable. Scientists have discovered remedies that can treat pain and illness, and promote
good health and longer life. In ancient Egypt, physicians prescribed berries, such as figs and dates, mixed
with castor oil as laxatives, whereas the Chinese and Greeks used opium for its pain-relieving properties.
The Hindus resorted to cannabis and henbane leaves ad an anesthetic. In modern society, drugs treat
medical and psychological disorders. To determine whether as substance is a drug, one must know its
uses. For example, alcohol is a beverage, nit it is also considered a rug used for relaxation, removing
inhibitions, or stimulating appetite.
START OF TOPIC
Drug Dependence- refers to the overuse of a drug without due regard to accepted medical practice;
thus, resulting in individual’s physical, mental, emotional, or behavioral impairment. (Coloma & Herra,
2004)
The following information on drugs is lifted directly from the Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)
Clinical Definition- a therapeutic substance other than food used in prevention, diagnoses, alleviation,
treatment, or cure of disease in humans or animals.
General Definition- a substance aside from food intended to affect the structure or function of a
psychological system, such as the human body
Popular Definition- a chemical or plant-derived substances that affect the body’s psychological,
behavioral, or physical functions, which lead to varying degrees of dependence or addiction
Drug Addiction- is dependence on drugs
Addiction- means not having control over doing, taking, or using something, until it becomes harmful.
Classifications of Dangerous Drugs
The Dangerous Drugs Act of 1972 states that there are two classifications of dangerous drugs:
Prohibited Drugs- all drugs that produce psychological effects of narcotics or those that relieve pain and
induce sleep
Examples: Cocaie. LSD, Marijuana, and Opium
Regulated Drugs- include self-inducing sedatives, such as barbiturates, amphetamines, or other hypnotic
drugs or compounds that produce the same psychological effects.

2. According to Republic Act No. 9165, drug abuse involves the use of illegal substances. However, any
drug can be abused, regardless if it is bought from a pharmacy or someone who is not a medical
professional. To sum it all up, there are occasion where prescription drugs have almost to similar
ingredients, but vary in dosages; thus, both drugs can be detrimental to the body and brain.
Common Drug Types
- Some drugs are prescribed and some are known as club drugs, illicit or illegal substances, and
designer drugs.
Marijuana- refers to the greenish-gray mixture of dried flowers of the cannabis plant (cannabis sativa)
from the article “what is marijuana?” released by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Slang terms of Marijuana are- weed, herb, pot, and grass
This can be smoked using joints or hand-rolled cigarettes, using pipes, also called bongs, and through
blunts, a cigar wrap filled with marijuana
EFFECTS:
1. Impairment of memory and short-term cognitive functioning, particularly mathematical,
reading, and verbal comprehension skill
2. Damage to motor skills that can cause accidents and respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis and
lung cancer
3. Neonatal or newborn death, early childbirth, low birth weight
4. Anxiety or panic attacks, together with paranoia in some instances
5. Amotivational syndrome
6. Feeling fatigued, apathetic toward the surroundings
7. Prone to different types of infections due to weakening immune system
8. Decreased sperm production and altered sperm shape and mobility
9. Decreased testosterone levels, particularly in pre-teenagers who are at an increased risk of
temporary loss of fertility
10. Symptoms of mental illness
Crystal Methamphetamine (Shabu)
- This drug contains methamphetamine which according to the article “what is
methamphetamine?” released by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) is an extremely
addictive stimulant that affects and damages the central nervous system when taken
excessively. It is a white, odorless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder that easily dissolves in water
or alcohol
- Very popular in the Philippines and is often called “ice”. It is usually insufflated, ingested, or
injected.
- Shabu is typically packed din a small plastic bag and id commonly administered by placing the
substance in a glass pipe, heating it, and inhaling the vapors. Another popular method is using
foil instead of glass (Guevara, 2013).

3. Adverse psychological effects
1. Increased attention span
2. Increased wakefulness
3. Decrease of appetite
4. Euphoria and rush
5. Abnormal or rapid heartbeat
6. Hyperthermia
7. Convulsion
Long term effects (According to NIDA’s article “What are the long-term effects of methamphetamine
misuse?”)
1. Psychosis, including paranoia, hallucinations, repetitive motor activity
2. Changes in brain structure and function
3. Deficits in thinking and motor skills
4. Increased distractibility
5. Memory loss
6. Aggressive or violent behavior
7. Mood disturbances
8. Severe dental problems
9. Weight loss
10. Acquiring od different illnesses
Inhalants- the deliberate inhalation of volatile chemical substances that contain psychoactive
(mind/mood-altering) vapors that cause a state of intoxication (Philippine drug Enforcement Agency,
2021).
- Most inhalants are common househould products such as acetone, glue, gasoline, ad household
cleaners.
- Inhalants also include fluorinated hydrocarbons found in aerosols, such as hairspray, spray
paint, and household cleaners. Inhalants are a group of drugs that are taken through inhalation
of addictive, drug in the form of gas or solvent
Dangers of Inhalant Abuse- may cause permanent to the brain and result in sudden sniffing death
syndrome. Abusers under the influence of inhalants are prone to be accidents, drowning, and falling.
Immediate Effects
1. Confusion and disorientation
2. Distorted perception of time and distance
3. Aggressive behavior/violence
4. Hallucinations
5. Illusions
6. Nausea and Vomiting
7. Drowsiness and weight loss

4. Ecstasy- Methylenedioxymethamphetamine is known as ecstasy, X-TC, and ADAM or Eden tablet. It
refers to the drug, as well as any of its isomers or derivatives in any form. Estasty if the term used for a
group of designer drugs closely related, in terms of chemical composition, to the amphetamine family of
illicit drugs.
- Ecstasy is the purest form of a crystalline white powder with a musty odor.
- It is traded illegally in the form of tablets, capsules, or powder, which are ingested orally. It is
popular because of its simulant properties and hallucinogenic qualities (Guevara, 2013).
Adverse Effects
1. Fatique and, perhaps, depression after the drug is stopped
2. Restlessness, anxiety, and pronounced visual and auditory hallucinations at large doses
3. Nausea and vomiting
4. Rise in blood pressure and heart rate, or death from heart failure or stroke
5. Neurotoxicity and brain and liver damage when used regularly
Opiates/Narcotics- sometimes called narcotics are a group of drugs that are used medically to relieve
pain but have a high potential for abuse. Some opiates come from a resin taken from the seed pod of
the Asian poppy. Opiates that are commonly abused are opium, morphine, codeine, and synthesized or
manufactures opiates.
“Opium is a depressant drug, which means it slows down the messages traveling between your brain
and body. The opium poppy (Papaver Somniferm L.) from which opium is derived is one of the earliest
plants of which there is recorded medicinal use” Presly and Lindsley (2018)
Cocaine- is a drug from the leaves of the Erythrozylum coca plant, which is a shrub originating from
South America. This drug affects the central nervous system as a stimulant. It is an eppetite suppressant,
and gives rise to a euphoric sense of happiness that increases energy (Guevara, 2013).
- It’s a quick acting drug
- It’s legally used in medicine as a topical anesthetic, specifically in eye, nose, and throat surgeries
- It’s a crystalline tropane alkaloid that is extracted from the leaves of the coca plant.
- Affects two brain chemical namely, noradrenaline, and dopamine, and increases alertness; thus,
causing euphoria (Guevara, 2013).
- The Incas of Peru were the first known users of the coca leaf. In 1860, pure cocaine was being
produce because it is believed to be cure-all.
Sedatives- sedative-hypnotics drugs, tranquilizers, and sleeping pills are drugs that depress or slow
down human body functions.
- These drugs are dangerous when taken without medical doctor’s prescription or supervising
physician
Steroids- anabolic steroids commonly contain male sex hormones are the substances being orally taken
or injected, usually by people who want to be buffed and to be strong especially in physical aspect

5. Tobacco and Nicotine
Tobacco- often smoked in the form of cigarettes or cigars, or chewed. It contains nicotine, which is a
stimulant and highly addictive substance that has been known to cause cancer and other diseases.
- A kind of plant grown for its leaves, these leaves are then being cultivated before putting it in
tobacco products such as cigarettes or cigars.
Nicotine- an extremely addictive substance, causing people to develop dependence and having a
difficult time to quit. Too much of nicotine could lead to fatal diseases such as cancer and illnesses that
damage the heart and lungs.
Reasons behind Drug Abuse
1. Curiosity
2. Social Influences or peer pressure
3. New sensations, for example, the effects of ecstasy, which include increased energy and
confidence
4. Rebellion and willingness to take risks, especially when teenagers take illegal substances that
their parents strongly disapprove
5. Escapism
These problems should be addressed as early as possible to prevent any related drug use from
escalating
Signs of Drug Dependency
There are no specific physical signs or personality changes that indicate when a person is using drugs.
Although a deviant behavior may indicate drug use, some behavior changes may also not be a drug
related.
1. Mood swings or explosive outbursts
2. Staying out late or not coming home at night
3. Frequent absences from work or school, or declining work or school performance
4. Unexplained need for money, or sudden loss of money and valuables
5. Less extracurricular activities, social withdrawal, and minimal interaction with the family
6. Sudden or noticeable change in friends
7. Tiredness or changes in sleeping patterns
8. Changes in eating patterns
9. Impaired memory and poor concentration
10. Bloodshot or glassy eyes
11. Lethargy and loss of motivation
12. Deterioration of physical appearance and grooming
Local Authorities
What is PDEA and what does it do?
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) is in charge of effectively enforcing all laws regarding
any harmful narcotics, precursors, and/or necessary chemicals.

6. The agency's responsibility is to carry out the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, also known
as Republic Act No. 9165 (R.A. 9165), and its regulatory and criminal provisions.
The PDEA is the Dangerous Drugs Board's (DDB) implementation branch. The DDB is the organization
responsible for planning and developing strategies for drug prevention and control policies and
activities. The Office of the President of the Philippines is in charge of PDEA and DDB.