Substance Abuse and Drug Dependence

Drug Definitions

• Drugs are substances or chemicals that affect a person's psychology, emotions, and behavior when taken into the body through various methods.
• Drugs of abuse are substances commonly misused by users.

Commonly Abused Drugs in the Philippines

• The three most commonly abused drugs in the Philippines are:
  • Shabu
  • Marijuana
  • Inhalants

Drug Dependence

• Drug dependence is a cluster of physical, behavioral, and cognitive phenomena that prioritize drug use, leading to a strong desire for the substance.

Drug Misuse and Abuse

• Drug misuse is the use of a substance in a way that is inconsistent with its prescribed dosage or frequency.
• Drug abuse is the use of a substance for non-medical purposes.
• Consequences of drug abuse include:
  • Organ damage (e.g. brain damage, liver damage)
  • Addiction
  • Troubled behavioral patterns

Drug Concepts

• Drugs are substances or chemicals that affect a person psychologically, emotionally, and behaviorally when taken into the body.
• Drugs of abuse are commonly misused substances, including shabu, marijuana, and inhalants in the Philippines.

Drug Dependence and Misuse

• Drug dependence is a cluster of physiological, behavioral, and cognitive phenomena where the use of a drug becomes a high priority.
• Drug misuse is the use of a substance inconsistent with prescribed dosage or frequency of use.
• Drug abuse is the use of a substance for non-medical purposes, leading to organ damage, addiction, and troubled behavioral patterns.

Gateway Drugs and Teenagers

• Gateway drugs are legal drugs that can lead to more dangerous drugs, such as marijuana and shabu.
• Teenagers who engage in early smoking and drinking have a higher chance of using and experimenting with dangerous drugs of abuse.

Types of Drugs

Depressant Drugs

• Depressant drugs slow down a person's central nervous system (brain, spinal cord, nerves).
• Examples include alcohol, barbiturates, and tranquilizers, which relax muscles and nerves, making patients feel sleepy and lightheaded.

Stimulant Drugs

• Stimulant drugs speed up a person's central nervous system, having the opposite effect of depressants.
• Examples include amphetamines (shabu, caffeine, nicotine, cocaine), which increase energy and can lead to depression and tiredness.

Narcotics

• Narcotics are drugs that relieve pain and induce sleepiness, often prescribed for patients with mental disorders or severe pain.
• Examples include cocaine, heroin, and marijuana, which are illicit and dangerous if taken.

Hallucinogens

• Hallucinogens are drugs that distort reality and facts, affecting all senses.
• Examples include Lysergic Acid diethylamide, psilocybin (obtained from mushrooms and mescaline).

Inhalants

• Inhalants are found in ordinary household chemical products and anesthetics, readily available to young children.
• Abuse can lead to delusions, brain damage, liver damage, coma, and death.
• Examples include acetone, rugby (solvent), spray paints, cleaning fluids, and air conditioner fluids (Freon).

Commonly Abused Drugs in the Philippines

• Shabu, marijuana, and inhalants are commonly abused drugs in the Philippines.
• Filipino males are most vulnerable to experimenting and abusing drugs.

Treating Substance Abuse

• Most people treated for substance-use disorder need to stay in treatment for at least 3 months.