Substance Abuse Prevention in the Philippines

Overview

• This quarter focuses on preventing substance use and abuse in the Philippines.
• It covers drug classifications, short- and long-term effects, and the impact on individuals, families, and the country.
• The guide provides knowledge of prevention, intervention, and healthy alternatives.

Key Questions

• What is the current drug scenario in the Philippines?
• What are the risk and protective factors related to drug use, misuse, and abuse?
• What are the short-term and long-term effects of substance use and abuse?
• What are healthy ways to address substance use and abuse?

Learning Objectives

• Describe the current drug scenario in the Philippines.
• Explain substance use, misuse, abuse, and drug dependence.
• Discuss risk and protective factors relating to substance use and abuse.
• Identify types of abused drugs/substances.
• Recognize warning signs of substance use and abuse.
• Discuss negative short-term and long-term effects of substance use and abuse on the body.
• Examine the health, sociocultural, psychological, legal, and economic dimensions of substance use and abuse.

Part 1: Fill-in-the-Blanks

• Common abused drugs include (1) shabu, (2) marijuana, and (3) inhalants.
• Filipino (4) teenagers are particularly vulnerable to experimenting with and abusing drugs.
• (5) Chemicals or substances that, when ingested, have psychological, emotional, and behavioral effects on a person count as drugs.
• (6) Cigarettes and alcohol are classified as gateway drugs (meaning that they can lead to risky or dangerous drug use due to their accessibility) due to the tendency of smokers and drinkers to later abuse drugs.

Part 2: True or False

• Answers to multiple-choice and true/false questions are provided in the text.

Lesson 1: Drug Scenario in the Philippines

• In 2004, an estimated 6.7 million drug users existed in the Philippines.
• A 2008 survey indicated a decline to 1.7 million users.
• This decline is attributed to the government's anti-drug campaigns.

Profile of Filipino Drug Users Profile

• Male to female user ratio is 10:1.
• Average age of drug users is 28 years old.
• Most drug users are single.
• The majority of drug users are unemployed.

Common Concepts in Drug Education

• Drugs are substances with psychological, emotional, and behavioral effects on the body.
• Drugs of abuse are commonly abused substances.
• Drug dependence is a complex condition involving physical, behavioral, and cognitive factors.
• Drug misuse is inconsistent use of a drug in terms of dosage or frequency.
• Drug abuse is using a substance for non-medical purposes.

Classification of Drugs

• Non-prescription drugs (OTC) do not require a doctor's prescription.
• Prescription drugs need a physician's prescription.
• Legal drugs are permitted by law.
• Illegal drugs are prohibited by law.

Lesson 2

• Risk factors increase the likelihood of drug use, misuse, and abuse.
• Protective factors decrease the chances of these issues occurring.
• Domains of life influencing drug use include personal life, family, peer relationships, school, and community.
• Risk factors are linked to aggressive behavior, weak parental guidance, substance abuse among peers, poor academic performance, and poverty.
• Protective factors include self-control, strong parental guidance, academic excellence, strong anti-drug policies, and strong community relationships.

Lesson 3

• Gateway drugs (like cigarettes and alcohol) can lead to use of more dangerous substances.
• Depressant drugs slow down the central nervous system, and can cause effects such as drowsiness and reduced coordination.
• Stimulant drugs speed up the central nervous system, and can increase heart rate and alertness.
• Narcotics cause pain relief and sleepiness; they can be habit-forming and have severe risks if misused.
• Hallucinogens distort reality.

Lesson 4: Misconceptions, Signs, and Symptoms of Drug Abuse

• Myths about drug use and its effects are discussed.
• Signs and symptoms of drug abuse are outlined to help identify potential problems.

Lesson 5: Short-Term and Long-Term Effects of Substance Use and Abuse

• Specific short-term and long-term effects of various classes of drugs are detailed, highlighting the impact on physical health, mental health, social life, and the economy of the person or family affected.

Lesson 6: Prevention and Control of Substance Use, and Abuse, Decision Making Skills

• Healthy ways to avoid and manage drug use and abuse are important to support a balanced lifestyle.
• Decision-making skills are crucial in responsible behavior.

Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation

• Procedures and steps toward rehabilitation and treatment for addiction and dependency are explained.
• Different modes of treatment cater to various needs.

Instructional Activities

• Instructions and steps for completing written activities are given.
• Questions regarding the importance of drug awareness are also provided.

Part Two: Performance Tasks

• Instructions for completing a flipchart on drug classification and effects are detailed.
• A rubric outlines criteria for evaluating the product's success.

This quiz covers the critical aspects of preventing substance use and abuse in the Philippines. Explore drug classifications, understand the effects on individuals and families, and learn about risk factors and healthy alternatives. Gain insights into intervention strategies and current scenarios related to substance use in the country.