"Drug Education" PDF

RA 9165 Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 also serves as guide in the implementation of dangerous drug prevention and control in the country. It guides everyone in the right approach towards issues geared against drug activities. TOPIC: DRUG EDUCATION OVERVIEW Drug education for the y...

RA 9165 Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 also serves as guide in the implementation of dangerous drug prevention and control in the country. It guides everyone in the right approach towards issues geared against drug activities. TOPIC: DRUG EDUCATION OVERVIEW Drug education for the youth is a significant undertaking in order to free them from danger and keep them away from drugs. The youth of today comprise the most vulnerable group that can be affected by prohibited drugs that are commonly abused. According to General Edgar C. Galvante, Former Executive Director, Dangerous Drugs Board, most drug users start their habit early, usually during their teenage years. They are particularly susceptible to the drug experience because adolescence is the period of experimentation, exploration, curiosity, and search for identity. LEARNING OUTCOMES At the end of the lesson, students should be able to: 1. understand the nature and effects of drug abuse and substances such as alcohol, tobacco, and other personal health and social relationships; 2. describe the health, legal, and social consequences of drug and substance abuse and appraise how this negatively impacts the person who uses the drug, and his or her family and community; and 3. construct a personal commitment to remain drug free and develop a plan to address drug and substance use. THE NATURE OF DRUG AND DRUG ABUSE (FAQs) What is a drug? A drug is a chemical substance that brings about physical, emotional or behavioral change in a person taking it. How are drugs taken? 1. Ingestion 2. Inhalation 3. Injection 4. Used as suppository 5. Applied topically When are drugs harmful? Any drugs may be harmful when taken in excess. Some drugs can also be harmful if taken in dangerous combinations or by hypersensitive (allergic) person in ordinary or even small amounts. Why do people turn to drugs? In an article from Recovery Connection (2019), it listed ten (10) reasons why people use drugs. It explains that there are circumstances that put a person to choose between properly using drugs and abusing it. Here are the reasons: 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 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. 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: “Men and 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” after a long 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’t Enough - 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 a 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. What is drug abuse? Drug abuse is the continuous misuse of any substance, licit, illicit which results to changes in an individual’s physical, mental or behavioral condition. It may refer to any of the following practices: 1. Using without benefit or prescription, useful drugs which has the capacity to alter mood or behavior; 2. Using drugs and substances for a purpose different from the one for which the drug has been prescribed; and 3. Using drugs and substances having no legitimate medical application for purposes other than research. Are there products other than drugs ever abused? Substances like glue, paint thinners, gasoline and other volatile (breathable) solvents contain a variety of dangerous chemicals. They should be sold and used with caution. What is a drug abuser? Drugs are commonly abused, depending on pharmacological effects, may be classified into: 1. Stimulants. Drugs which increase alertness and physical disposition. Examples: amphetamine, cocaine, caffeine, nicotine 2. Hallucinogens (Psychedelics). Drugs which affect sensation, thinking, self-awareness and emotion. Changes in time and space perception, delusions (false beliefs) and hallucinations may be mild or overwhelming, depending on dose and quantity of the drug. Examples: LSD, Mescaline, and Marijuana 3. Sedatives. Drugs which may reduce anxiety and excitement. Examples: Barbiturates, Non-barbiturates, Tranquilizers, Alcohol 4. Narcotics. Drugs that relieve the pain and often induce sleep Examples: Opium and its derivatives such as Morphine, Heroin, Codeine How can you tell when one is abusing drugs? A lot of changes – in behavior, in appearance and in mood – occur in a person who is abusing drugs. Sudden changes occur in the person’s disposition from pleasant to unpleasant. 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 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 What are the effects of drug abuse? In several sources, it has been indicated that there are many effects of drug abuse. The effects can be classified as follows: 1. Physiological/Physical Effects A. Systemic a. Cardiac (Heart) Pathology – irregularity of heart beat, elevated or lowered blood pressure, chest pain, convulsions or death from cardiac arrest. b. Pulmonary (Lung) Illnesses c. Hepatic (Liver) Problems d. Renal (Kidney) Diseases B.General Health a.Malnutrition or weight loss b.Infections c.Accidents d.Blood Transmitted Disease C.Usage a.Tolerance – the individual needs more drugs to achieve the same effects they did previously with a smaller amount b.Dependence – the substance becomes the central point to the individual’s life and they can’t function properly without it c.Withdrawal – this happens when the individual reduced or stopped the substance use. d.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 A.Perception – auditory and visual hallucinations B.Orientation – paranoia, psychosis C.Memory D.Judgement – depression that lead to suicide E.Stress – either heightening or weakening of emotions 3. Economic Effects A. Employment loss – individuals lose their effectivity and efficiency in the work place B. Academic difficulties – for the youth, being unable to accomplish their course work can affect their performance at school and their grades C. 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 A.Conflictual / Dysfunctional Relationships – an individual under the influence of drugs creates tension and conflict with their family members and among their peers that can result in broken relationships and abandonment. B.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. C.Safety – an individual under the influence of drugs can put someone in dangerous circumstances and can be prone to accidents.  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 everyday) 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.) What is drug 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. What is 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 “cold turkey”, symptoms that occur after long-term use of a drug is reduced or stopped abruptly) after abstaining from drugs. The following are the criteria for drug dependency: Withdrawal symptoms Need to take drugs to overcome withdrawal symptoms Compulsion Tolerance Relapse Reduced social/occupational act 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 What are the counter-measures for substance abuse? Commonly Used Substance & Method of Use 1. ALCOHOL 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. Effects 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. SHABU (METHAMPHETAMINE HYDROCLORIDE) Methamphetamine is ais the most popular abused drug in the country today. It 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 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 Methamphetamine users who inject the drug and share needles are at risk for acquiring HIV/AIDS 3. COCAINE Cocaine is a white powder that comes from theleaves 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. Physical risks associated with using any amount of cocaine and crack: 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 Reduction of the body’s ability to resist and combat infection Psychological risks: Violent, erratic or paranoid behavior Hallucinations and “coke bugs” – a sensation of imaginary insects crawling over the skin Confusion, anxiety and depression, loss of interest in food or sex “cocaine psychosis” – losing touch with reality, loss of interest in friends, family, sports, hobbies and other activities 4. HALLUCINOGENS 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. 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 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) 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. The Cordillera Autonomous Region is the biggest producer of marijuana in the country as evidenced by the number of plants and seeds confiscated within a ten-year period from 1992 – 2001, with a total of 112,467,372 plants and seeds seized. 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 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 Drug Trafficking Drug trafficking is a global illicit trade involving the cultivation, manufacture, distribution and sale of substances which are subject to drug prohibition laws. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is continuously monitoring and researching global illicit drug markets in order to gain a more comprehensive understanding of their dynamics. The modes of drug transfer is through four major avenues: the seaports and special economic zones, the international airport, the mail and parcel services, and the vast expanse of Philippine coastline. Involvement of Foreign Nationals in Drug Trafficking “Involvement of foreign nationals greatly contributes to the spread of illegal drug trade in the country. Majority of the foreigners arrested for drug-related offenses were Chinese nationals with 18 or 32.37 percent,” Aquino said in a statement. A person is considered a high- value targeted drug personality if he/she is involved in illegal drug activities and falls under the following list and classification: priority targets; priority drug groups; government officials, either elected, government employee or law enforcers; foreign nationals; members of African Drug Syndicates (ADS); target-listed personalities; wanted listed personalities; celebrities and other well-known personalities; and members of armed groups.  “Public servants and government workers are expected to lead the country in upholding the law. However, it is alarming to note that a handful of them are involved in the illegal drug trade,” Aquino noted. As a result of law enforcement efforts against HVTs, a total of 115 government workers were arrested in violation of the anti-drug law. The highest elected official arrested for the period is a Board Member, while the highest law enforcer is a member of the Philippine National Police (PNP) with the rank of Senior Police Officer 2 (SPO2), and a legal officer (lawyer) of the Department of Agrarian Reform for government employees. Transit Points of Drugs A huge portion of Shabu that enters the Philippines comes directly from Southern China where most of the shabu laboratories are located. Identified landing points are mainly through the shorelines of Northern and Central Luzon regions, Southern Tagalog, specially Batanes, Cagayan, Ilocos Sur, Pangasinan, Zambales, Aurora, Quezon, and Mindoro provinces. Reports also indicate Palawan and Masbate as probable landing sites for shabu smuggling. The five countries that are largely involved in the trafficking of drugs in the Philippines are China, Hong Kong, South Korea, India, and Thailand. Myth Versus Fact: Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 1.Why the Big Outcry? Drugs aren't Really a Big Problem. The Fact is... They are a tremendous problem, the seriousness of which is becoming more apparent every day. There are millions of drug users throughout the world abusing all sorts of illegal substances. These people are damaging their health and well- being, and jeopardizing their chances for a healthy and productive life. 2."Recreational" Use of Drugs is not Harmful. The Fact is... All illegal drugs are dangerous and cause physical and psychological change in the user. Prolonged drug use exacerbates these harmful effects that can lead to addiction. The health hazards of these drugs are very real and, for much the same reason, prescription drugs should always be properly administered and used only at the discretion of a physician. 3.Marijuana is no Worse than Using Alcohol or Tobacco. The Fact is... Marijuana is very dangerous. Unlike alcohol, which usually leaves the body within 24 hours because it is water-soluble, marijuana is fat-soluble, which means that the psycho-active chemicals attach themselves to the fatty parts of the body (usually the brain and reproductive organs) and be detected up to 30 days after initial use. 4.Everybody is Taking Drugs. The Fact is... This common argument is used by drug users in an effort to gain acceptability for their deviant behavior. No matter how alarming drug use statistics may be, majority of the people of the world do not use illegal drugs. Peer pressure is always difficult to cope with and it takes more courage and strength to stand up for what you know is right, and to resist drugs, when friends try to convince you that "everybody is doing it". In fact, everybody is not using drugs; those who use them are far less likely to have happy and productive lives than those who remain drug- free. 5. Only Weak Individuals Become Addicts. The Fact is... The reverse is true: addicts become weak individuals. No one begins taking drugs with the aim of becoming addicted. People take drugs for a variety of reasons, including to escape from reality, to cope with daily life, or to be accepted by others. Drugs are very seductive because, in most cases, they initially provide what the user is seeking. Their seductive quality is one of the strongest factors contributing to addiction. 6.Drug Abuse is a "Victimless" Crime - It Only Hurts the User. The Fact is... While the health and social changes for a productive life are jeopardized for the individual drug user, he or she is not only one to suffer. The family suffers disharmony and pain in witnessing the self-destruction of a loved one. The consumer ultimately pays for the cost of drugs in the workplace by buying inferior goods at higher prices. 7.If A Person Wants to Take Drugs, Governments should Interfere. The Fact is... The legitimate rights of the individual must be consistent with the safety and welfare of the general population. No individual has an inalienable right to behave in a manner destructive to others. For this reason, laws are established. Governments and societies do not tolerate murder, robbery, arson or even drunk-driving. 8. All Drug Addicts Should Be Imprisoned. The Fact is... Imprisonment of a drug addict as such does not solve the problem. Drug users have mitted a crime, but detoxification, treatment and rehabilitation of the individual are essential if the addict is to learn to live without drugs. 9.The Cultivation of Drug Crops Gives a Poor Farmer Chance to Make Money. The Fact is... The farmer is breaking the law and usually knows it. The income received by the farmer for illicit narcotics production unfortunately, is higher than that received for traditional food crops, often leading to increased illicit production to the exclusion of food crops. 10.Peddling Drugs is One Way the Poor can Earn Money. The Fact is... Most drug peddlers are addicts or become addicts. The money they earn does not help them or their families; they are merely supporting a drug habit. As their addiction deepens, new "clients" must be found to bring in more money to buy more drugs. They thus, seek new users for their products. Each street drug peddler is the last link in the corruptive chain of criminal activity, not only destroying neighborhoods and terrorizing citizens as well. 11.Drug Use is a Way of Life in Some Countries. Why Change It? The Fact is... It is not a way of life in any country. Statistics show that in areas where drug use is common, economic development can be seriously retarded. This is true in both developing and industrialized countries. THE 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 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. These are some of the important provisions in the law: SEC. 5 Sale, Trading, Administration, Dispensation, Delivery, Distribution and Transportation of Dangerous Drugs 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 SEC. 36 Authorized Drug Testing SEC. 46 Special Drug Education Center 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 Role of the youth on drug detection and prevention 1. What are the common responsibilities of CHED and TESDA? RA 9165, Article IV mandates the following functions: a. Provide continuing in-service training of teachers on the effective utilization of the support instructional materials and on teaching strategies on drug education b. Continuously monitor and evaluate the effectiveness and overall impact of drug education program c. Secure funds from local and foreign donors for the implementation of the drug education program 2. What are the other functions of CHED and TESDA regarding drug abuse prevention? The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is responsible for: Enriching and updating the integration of dangerous drug prevention concepts in the general education of all higher education course offerings and in the professional subjects, especially in health-related and science teacher education courses The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is responsible for: a. Integrating drug abuse prevention concepts in the technical, vocational and agro-industrial courses b. Integrating drug abuse prevention concepts in appropriate instructional materials for technical education and skills development 3. Should drug abuse prevention and control be part of the school curricula? Yes, Article IV, Sec. 43 of Republic Act 9164 stipulates that instruction on drug abuse prevention and control be integrated in the elementary, secondary and tertiary curricula of all public and private schools, whether general, technical, vocational or agro- industrial. 4. What are the topics on drug abuse prevention and control that should be integrated in the instruction? According to Article IV, Sec. 43, the following topics should be covered: a. Adverse effects of the abuse and misuse of dangerous drugs on the person, the family, the school, and the community; b. Preventive measures against drug abuse; c. Health, socio-cultural, psychological, legal and economic dimensions and implications of the drug problem; d. Steps to take when intervening on behalf of a drug dependent is needed; e. Services available for the treatment and rehabilitation of drug dependents; f. Misconceptions about the use of dangerous drugs but not limited to the importance and safety of dangerous drugs of medical and therapeutic use; and g. Differentiation between medical patients and drug dependents in order to avoid confusion and accidental stigmatization in the consciousness of the students. THE YOUTH AND GOVERNMENT'S RESPONSE TO THE DRUG PROBLEM By the turn of the 21st century, substance abuse has taken an alarming proportion in the country. "Shabu" (the local name for methamphetamine) has become the number one drug of abuse, followed by marijuana and inhalants. The abuse of legal substances like nicotine and alcohol continue to be worrisome. Various activities, to date, are initiated and are aimed to produce the following effects on young people: 1.lessen violent behavior; 2.increase pro-social behavior and decrease negative, self- destructive behavior; 3. increase the ability to plan ahead and choose effective solutions to problems; 4. improve self-image and self-awareness; 5. improve social and emotional adjustment; 6. improve handling of interpersonal problems and coping with anxiety; 7. improve constructive conflict resolution with peers; and 8. improve self-control. 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. 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 a like. 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. Legislation for Illicit Drugs Control 1. 1972. The Dangerous Drugs Act was established. 2. 2002. The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act was implemented. 3. 2002. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) was established. 4. 2002. An Integrated Drug Abuse Data Information Network (IDADIN) was created to monitor drug use/abuse. Government Response to the Problem 1.Preventive education programs to dissuade users or potential users from experimenting with illegal drugs and/or continuing to use them 2.Treatment and rehabilitation programs aimed at facilitating abstinence 3.Intensified campaigns against illegal drugs and trafficking 4.Judicial and legislative measures 5.National, regional and international cooperation to fight illegal drug trafficking and abuse of dangerous drugs 6.Some Philippine political figures are talking about drug testing employees of outsourced call center workers, others are calling for testing university students, and the government is currently considering drug testing all government employees. 7.Drug Information and Action Line (DIAL) was created to receive reports and complaints related to drug abuse and provide assistance to the public on drug- related cases. Ten (10) Ways to Say "No" to Drugs 1.Be vocal, just say "NO" and mean it! 2.Project an image of clean living for yourself. 3.Get into sports. 4.Choose your friends and influence them positively. 5.Get involved in community-based projects. 6.Join organizations (church, school, community or social) or youth clubs or form your own drama group. 7.Learn how to manage stress. 8.Join seminars on anti-drug abuse prevention. 9.Talk to your family, listen to the problems of your brothers and sisters. 10.Enhance your talents or skills by taking part in workshops, training or seminars. Our involvement To be involved in drug prevention and control requires a S.T.R.O.N.G. group: S - Steadfast personality T - Trustworthy in words and deeds R - Respectable in relating with others O - Open-minded in facing situations N - Noble character G - Gutsy action and ideas As good citizens... Let us be keepers of life and create a safe environment through our respective positions. Let us join hands in keeping our society a drug-free Philippines!