hydrochloride, locally known as shabu, is the

most abused drug in the country, followed by

cannabis or marijuana, and

LESSON 2: methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) or

DRUG EDUCATION
ecstasy. During the first semester of the year,
cocaine was recovered along the Philippine
shores by law enforcers and locals. However,
there is no conclusive indication that the
Time Allotment: 5 hours cocaine was intended for local consumption.
The archipelagic set-up and strategic location of
the country was advantageous to drug
syndicates who use the area as transshipment
Learning Objectives: point to smuggle drugs to consuming countries.
1.Familiarize oneself with the drug situation in
the Philippines and the legal bases concerning Illegal Drug Trafficking
the drug use. Illegal drug trafficking is a lucrative
2.Define drug and drug abuse. business and continues to thrive in the
3.Identify the common illegal substances and Philippines. Drug groups and syndicates use
the ill effects of drug or substance abuse on innovative methods to evade apprehension and
the user. expand their illegal drug activities despite
4.Identify ways to convey commitment to the aggressive enforcement efforts. Despite
prevention and fight against drug addiction. heightened law enforcement efforts, they
continue with their illegal drug activities. Thus,
supply of illegal drugs in the country is ensured
by international drug syndicates.
In 2018, three international drug
syndicates have been monitored to be operating
in the Philippines. The annual data on foreign
nationals arrested in the country from 2002 to
2018 consistently showed that Chinese
nationals dominate the roll of arrested
non-Filipino drug personalities. Out of 906
foreign nationals arrested in the country, 548 or
60% are Chinese.
The African Drug Syndicates (ADS) also
smuggle drugs into the country through airports
using human drug couriers whom they recruited
in exchange for huge amount of money. From
2009 to 2018, 101 ADS members have been
arrested in the Philippines.
On the other hand, the Mexican-Sinaloa
drug cartel partners with the Chinese drug
syndicate to facilitate entry of illegal drugs into
the country. There have been reports that this
South American/Latino drug trafficking
organization is trying to break into the
Philippine market due to the demand for
methamphetamine, a comparatively low cost
production, high-yielding, and high profit drug
as compared to the neighboring Southeast
Asian countries who prefer heroin and cocaine.
Latest monitored activity of the syndicate was in
2017 when 2.2 kilograms of shabu, sent from
DHL Mexico, were recovered at DHL Warehouse
at NAIA.
In April 2018, the fourth drug syndicate
that is monitored to be operating in the country
is the Golden Triangle drug syndicate, which was
connected with the dismantled three
LESSON PROPER: clandestine laboratories owned by the syndicate
in Batangas and Malabon City. The syndicate is
The Philippines Drug Situation involved in large-scale production of
The Philippines is obviously not methamphetamine in Myanmar for distribution
exempted from the global illegal drug in the Asia Pacific region. Five Chinese nationals
phenomena. Based on PDEA’s intelligence and (2 from Mainland China and 3 from Hong Kong)
drug related arrests, methamphetamine were arrested during a series of operations
conducted by PDEA on September 25, 2018 in
Pasay City.

Barangay Drug Affectation

Barangay drug affectation depicts the
level or extent of the drug problem in a certain
barangay, the smallest political unit. As of
December 2018, out of the total 42,045
barangays in the country, 22,041 or 52.42% are
considered drug-affected.
Source:
https://pdea.gov.ph/our-accomplishments/annual-reports
Treatment and Rehabilitation Admission
In 2017, a total of four thousand forty-five (4,045) admissions were registered. Out of this, three
thousand two hundred fifty-six (3,256) are new case, six hundred thirty three (633) are relapsed or
readmitted cases and one hundred fifty-six (156) have sought treatment in an out-patient facility. Below
is a table showing the Filipino drug user’s profile based on the 2017 admission from the different
Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers (TRCs) in the Philippines:

Table 1. Filipino Drug User Profile

Data revealed that the mean age is 31 years old, the male to female ratio is 10:1, 53.52% are
single, 45.96% are unemployed, 27.32% are in high school level, 43.31% are from the National Capital
Region. On the other hand, the average duration of use is six years and the top three drugs of choice are
methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu), cannabis (marijuana), and contact cement (rugby).
Source: https://www.ddb.gov.ph/images/downloads/Revised_PADS_as_of_Nov_9_2018.pdf

World Drug Report 2017

The drug issue continues to threaten the security of the global community. The World Drug
Report 2017 estimated that almost a quarter of billion people, or around 5 per cent of the global adult
population, used drugs at least once in 2015. Even more worrisome is the fact that about 29.5 million of
those drug users, or 0.6 per cent of the global adult population, suffer from drug use disorders. This
means that their drug use is harmful to the point that they may experience drug dependence and
require treatment (UNODC, 2017). The magnitude of the world drug problem becomes more apparent
when considering that out of the 12 million people who inject drugs worldwide, 1.6 million are living
with HIV/AIDS, 6.1 million are living with Hepatitis C and 1.3 million are living with both HIV and Hepatitis
C. The Report also noted that in 2015, drug use was primarily dominated by cannabis with 183 million
users, followed by amphetamines and prescription stimulants (37 million), opioids (35 million), ecstasy
(22 million), opiates (18 million), and cocaine (17 million). Drug use by women, men who have sex with
men and those who belong to certain marginalized groups such as sex workers, often leads to them
suffering a double stigmatization. This issue is often compounded among people who use drugs in
prisons. Thus, there is a growing need for selective and indicated interventions for key populations
across these settings. In terms of drug supply, the global market for methamphetamine continues to
expand. In addition to its established and still expanding market in East and South-East Asia and Oceania,
there are growing concerns about its use in North America, South-West Asia and parts of Europe.
Moreover, the market for new psychoactive substances (NPS) continues to be characterized by the large
number of new substances being reported. In fact, between 2009 and 2016, 106 countries and
territories reported the emergence of 739 different NPS to the United Nations Office on Drugs and
Crime. On the treatment side, lack of access to services remains a global issue, especially among
vulnerable groups such as women and children.
Source: https://www.ddb.gov.ph/images/downloads/Revised_PADS_as_of_Nov_9_2018.pdf

Legal Bases: PD 1619 “Volatile Solvents”

Penalizing the use or possession or the unauthorized sale to minors of volatile substances for the
purpose of inducing intoxification or in any manner changing, distorting or disturbing the auditory, visual
or mental process.
RA 9165 "Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002".
Section 2. Declaration of Policy. – It is the policy of the State to safeguard the integrity of its territory and
the well-being of its citizenry particularly the youth, from the harmful effects of dangerous drugs on their
physical and mental well-being, and to defend the same against acts or omissions detrimental to their
development and preservation. In view of the foregoing, the State needs to enhance further the efficacy
of the law against dangerous drugs, it being one of today's more serious social ills.
Toward this end, the government shall pursue an intensive and unrelenting campaign against the
trafficking and use of dangerous drugs and other similar substances through an integrated system of
planning, implementation and enforcement of anti-drug abuse policies, programs, and projects. The
government shall however aim to achieve a balance in the national drug control program so that people
with legitimate medical needs are not prevented from being treated with adequate amounts of
appropriate medications, which include the use of dangerous drugs.
It is further declared the policy of the State to provide effective mechanisms or measures to
re-integrate into society individuals who have fallen victims to drug abuse or dangerous drug
dependence through sustainable programs of treatment and rehabilitation.

RA 9344 Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006

An Act establishing a comprehensive juvenile justice and welfare system, creating the juvenile
justice and welfare council under the Department of Justice, appropriating funds therefor and for other
purposes
It shall cover the different stages involving children at risk and children in conflict with the law
from prevention to rehabilitation and reintegration.

SEC. 2. Declaration of State Policy. - The following State policies shall be observed at all times:
(a) The State recognizes the vital role of children and youth in nation building and shall promote and
protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual and social well-being. It shall inculcate in the youth
patriotism and nationalism, and encourage their involvement in public and civic affairs.

(b) The State shall protect the best interests of the child through measures that will ensure the
observance of international standards of child protection, especially those to which the Philippines is a
party. Proceedings before any authority shall be conducted in the best interest of the child and in a
manner which allows the child to participate and to express himself/herself freely. The participation of
children in the program and policy formulation and implementation related to juvenile justice and
welfare shall be ensured by the concerned government agency.

(c) The State likewise recognizes the right of children to assistance, including proper care and nutrition,
and special protection from all forms of neglect, abuse, cruelty and exploitation, and other conditions
prejudicial to their development.

(d) Pursuant to Article 40 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the State
recognizes the right of every child alleged as, accused of, adjudged, or recognized as having infringed the
penal law to be treated in a manner consistent with the promotion of the child's sense of dignity and
worth, taking into account the child's age and desirability of promoting his/her reintegration. Whenever
appropriate and desirable, the State shall adopt measures for dealing with such children without
resorting to judicial proceedings, providing that human rights and legal safeguards are fully respected. It
shall ensure that children are dealt with in a manner appropriate to their well-being by providing for,
among others, a variety of disposition measures such as care, guidance and supervision orders,
counseling, probation, foster care, education and vocational training programs and other alternatives to
institutional care.

(e) The administration of the juvenile justice and welfare system shall take into consideration the cultural
and religious perspectives of the Filipino people, particularly the indigenous peoples and the Muslims,
consistent with the protection of the rights of children belonging to these communities.

(f) The State shall apply the principles of restorative justice in all its laws, policies and programs
applicable to children in conflict with the law.

WHAT IS A DRUG?
A drug is a chemical substance that brings about physical, emotional, or behavioral change in a person
taking it.

WHEN ARE DRUGS HARMFUL?

Any drug 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.

ARE PRODUCTS OTHER THAN DRUGS EVER ABUSED?

Yes, 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 DRUG ABUSE? Drug abuse is the use of any chemical substance, licit or illicit, which results in
the individual’s physical, mental, or social impairment. It may refer to any of the following practices:
♣ Using without benefit or prescription useful drugs which have the capacity to alter the mood or
behavior.
♣ Using drugs and substances for a purpose different from the one from which the drug has been
prescribed.
♣Using drugs and substances having no legitimate medical application for purposes other than research

WHY DO PEOPLE TURN TO DRUGS?

There are various reasons – ranging from the reason that “medicines” can solve problems, to
widespread access to various drugs, to “peer pressure” to the notion that drugs give enjoyment to users
and in the context that is used as a substitute to alcohol.

WHY DO SOME PEOPLE BECOME ADDICTED TO DRUGS, WHILE OTHERS DO NOT?

No single factor determines whether a person will become addicted to drugs.
As with other diseases and disorders, the likelihood of developing an addiction differs from person to
person, and no single factor determines whether a person will become addicted to drugs. In general, the
more risk factors a person has, the greater the chance that taking drugs will lead to drug use and
addiction. Protective factors, on the other hand, reduce a person's risk. Risk and protective factors may
be either environmental or biological.

Risk Factors Protective Factors

Aggressive behavior in childhood Good self control
Lack of parental supervision Parental monitoring and support
Poor social skills Positive relationships
Drug experimentation Good grades
Availability of drugs at school School anti-drug policies
Community poverty Neighborhood resources

Source: https://www.drugabuse.gov/sites/default/files/soa.pdf

WHAT DRUGS ARE COMMONLY ABUSED?

Drugs that are commonly abused depending on their pharmacological effects may be classified into:
a) Stimulants - drugs which increase alertness and physical disposition.
Examples: amphetamine, cocaine, caffeine and nicotine.
b) Hallucinogens (also called psychedelics) - drugs which affect sensation, thinking, self-awareness, and
emotion. Changes in time and space perception, delusions and hallucinations that may be mild or
overwhelming, depeding on dose and quality of the drug. Examples: LSD, mescaline and marijuana.
c) Sedatives - drugs which may reduce anxiety and excitement. Examples: barbiturates, nonbarbiturates,
tranquilizers and alcohol.
d) Narcotics - drugs that relieve pain and often induce sleep. Examples: opium and its derivatives such as
morphine, codeine and heroin.

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. Thus he or she:
♣ is often associated with known drug abusers
♣ is irritable, discourteous, defiant and aggressive
♣ is untrustworthy and lacks self-confidence
♣ is unhealthy and unconcerned with good grooming has a low frustration tolerance
♣ lacks interest in his studies or work
♣ blames everybody but not himself for his problems
♣ prefers his peers where he feels accepted
♣ frequently peers to odd places to take drugs
♣ unusually wears sunglasses during inappropiate times
♣ unusual borrowing of money and at times stealing various items
♣ has abrupt changes in attendance in school or at work
♣ develop changes in normal capabilities in school or work

Malnutrition. The lives of drug dependents revolve around drug abuse. They miss their regular meals
because they lose their appetite.
Panic Reaction. The loss of thought processes can cause panic reactions or feelings of invulnerability.
Both of these states can lead to injury and death. The prolonged harmful reactions include anxiety and
depressive states, or breaks with reality which may last from a few days to months.

Physical Damages. In addition to those diseases which accompany the use of unsterile syringes and
contaminated drugs may cause certain medical problems. Liver and kidney damage may result when
large quantities are taken. Many who abuse drugs also neglect personal hygiene, which can lead to
multiple health problems. Kidney failure, hepatitis, drastic weight loss, and vitamin deficiencies are some
of the adverse physical complications.
The life of drug abusers is a dreadful one. To support the habit they resort to committing crimes
like stealing, prostitution and gambling, which hamper their emotional maturation.

WHAT CAN A PERSON DO TO PREVENT DRUG ABUSE?

♣ Maintain physical wellness and mental health
♣ Use drugs properly. Most drugs are beneficial when used per medical advice.
♣ Understand yourself. Accept and respect yourself for what you are.
♣ Develop your potentials. Engage in wholesome, productive and fulfilling activities.
♣ Learn to relate effectively to whom you can communicate your problems freely.
♣ Learn to cope with your problems and other stresses without the use of drugs.
♣ Seek professional help if you feel you cannot cope with your problems.
♣ Develop strong moral and spiritual foundations
(https://www.ddb.gov.ph/images/IAC_materials/Brochure_DRUGS%20preview.pdf)

SELF DIRECTED LEARNING: Watch: I-WITNESS: “Sa Mata ni Ekang”, a documentary by Kara David
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxP7P_QDWlQ
Write your reflections and insights after watching the documentary.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SHABU

GENERAL FACTS:
Methamphetamine hydrochloride, a type of amphetamine is also known as “poor man’s cocaine.” Other
names are “shabu,” “ubas,” “siopao,” “sha,” and “ice.” source This chemical substance is being smuggled
into the country by drug traffickers, and syndicates. It has been reported that there are clandestine
laboratories in the Philippines suspected of manufacturing this substance.

USUAL FORM OF THE PRODUCT:

“Shabu” is a white, odorless crystal or crystalline powder with a bitter numbing taste

METHOD OF USE
Abusers are known to take this drug through ingestion inhalation (chasing the dragon), sniffing (snorting)
or by injection. Amphetamines are taken orally and are associated with a rapid onset of action, within
one hour. If taken intravenously or through injection, they have an almost immediate effect.

ADVERSE EFFECTS
• Produces anxiety, tension, irritability, irrational behavior, talkativeness, and loss of self control.
• Results in loss of appetite and inability to sleep.
• Euphoria, elation.
• Can lead to acute psychotic reactions, violent and destructive behavior and recklessness that may
result in accidents

PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
Includes chest pain, irregularity of heart beat, elevated or lowered blood pressure, evidence of weight
loss, convulsion and death from cardiac arrest.

LONG TERM EFFECTS

Psychiatric consequence are the major feature of chronic “Shabu” abuse and dependency.
Prolonged use and even a single exposure especially if administered intravenously can lead to psychosis,
result to schizophrenia, characterized by the presence of paranoid, auditory and visual hallucinations.
Some chronic users have difficulty concentrating and remembering things. Diminished ability to
cope with problems and difficulties in facing reality are common. Lack of interest, ambition and
motivation may also result from long term use.
Chronic snorters may suffer from severe irritation of the nasal passages and at times may
develop tissue perforation of the nasal septum so that they become prone to frequent nose bleed. Renal
damage, heart disease and stroke have been documented among chronic abusers.
 Injecting “shabu” from contaminated needles may lead to risk of infections resulting in
inflammation of blood vessels (phlebitis), infections of the heart valves (endocarditis), blood posioning
(septicemia), and HIV/ AIDS, all of which can lead to death.

TOLERANCE
Abusers who frequently take the substance require higher doses to achieve the desired effects.
Tolerance sets in after a few weeks of regular use.

PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PHYSICAL DEPENDENCY

The chemical substance is known to produce psychological and physical dependency. These are
characterized by anxiety, tension and craving for the substance. This substance-seeking behavior can lead
to various crimes and other anti-social acts. These are feeling of apathy, hypersomnia (excessive period
os sleep) and depression which may lead to suicide.

PENALTY: Article II Section 11, RA9165

Section 11. Possession of Dangerous Drugs – the penalty of LIFE IMPRISONMENT TO DEATH and a fine
ranging from Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (P500,000.00) to Ten Million Pesos (P10,000,000.00) shall be
imposed upon any person, who, unless authorized by law, shall possess any dangerous drug regardless of
the degree of purity thereof (50 grams or more of methamphetamine hydrochloride or “shabu”).
Source: https://www.ddb.gov.ph/images/IAC_materials/Brochure_SHABU%20preview.pdf

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT MARIJUANA

WHAT IS MARIJUANA?
It is the term used to describe all plant materials like leaves, tops, stems, flowers, and roots from a
cannabis plant (Cannabis Sativa), that is dried and prepared for smoking or taken orally as “brownies.”
This is also known as “bhang,” “pot” or “weed.”

WHAT IS THE PRINCIPAL PSYCHOACTIVE COMPONENT OF MARIJUANA?

Marijuana contains the mind-altering component delta-9-tetrahydro-cannabinol (also referred to as
delta-9-THC).

ADVERSE EFFECTS OF CHRONIC OR LONG TERM USE OF MARIJUANA

• Impairment of short-term memory and cognitive functioning particularly of mathematical, reading
comprehension and verbal skills
• Impairment of motor skills that can lead to accidents.
• Respiratory problems such as bronchitis and lung cancer
• Premature babies, low birth weight, abortion or stillbirth (neonatal death)
• Panic or state of anxiety, that is sometimes accompanied with paranoia
• Regular use of marijuana dulls the mind of smoker and blunts enthusiasm
• Burnout; the user can become dull, slow moving, inattentive and unaware of his or her surroundings.
• Infections
• Reduced sperm production, altered sperm shape and mobility
• Reduced testosterone level among pre-teenage boys which puts them at increased risk of infertility.
• Symptoms of mental illness (psychosis) is exacerbated.

DEPENDENCE
→ Regular heavy use leads to psychological dependence. Some heavy users exhibit disrupted sleep
and
nervousness.
→ Smoking cannabis induces a dreamy state of consciousness in which ideas seem disconnected,
unanticipated and free-flowing. Time, color and spatial perceptions may be altered. Panic reactions
have occured, particularly among first time users.
→ Increased heart rate, eye infections and dry-mouth occur regularly.

→ Communication and motor abilities are decreased, depth of perception and tracking are
impaired
and sense of timing is altered.
→ Marijuana smokers develop pulmonary symptoms such as excessive coughing and increased
phlegms.
→ Symptom of mental illness may be exacerbated by marijuana even in patients being treated with
antipsychotic drugs.
WHY DO YOUNG PEOPLE USE MARIJUANA?
• Peer Pressure
• Curiosity
• Desire to escape from reality
• Frustration (due to personal issues, problems in the family, in school, or at work)
• Boredom
• Poor self-image
• Low self-esteem
• Weak personality and inability to cope with stress and conflict
• Lack of parental guidance

HOW CAN YOU SAY “NO” TO MARIJUANA

Drugs can’t solve problems. Only you and a little help from friends, and people who care about you, can
solve the problem.
Give yourself the chance to be all you can be. Discover your special talents, build relationships with
people, learn other skills and develop your own personality. Anything you can get out of using drugs, you
can get from other activities. The trick is finding out which things are right for you.

WHY YOU SHOULD SAY “NO” TO MARIJUANA?

Keep your reasons simple and honest. You don’t have to explain why you don’t want to use drugs.
- Be polite but firm.
- Remember; it is your right to say “NO” to drugs
Source:https://www.ddb.gov.ph/images/IAC_materials/Brochure_marijuana%20preview.pdf

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT INHALANT ABUSE

WHAT IS INHALANT ABUSE?

Inhalant abuse is the deliberate inhalation of volatile chemical substances that contain
psychoactive (mind or mood altering) vapors to produce a state of intoxication.

WHY IS INHALANT ABUSE DANGEROUS?

♣ It can cause permanent damage to the brain and may result to “Sudden Sniffing Death.”
♣ Abusers under the influence of inhalants are prone to accidents, drowning, and falling from building
among others. Abusers can also become violent
♣ Inhalant abuse produces psychological dependence. Once the habit is formed, the dose has to
increase gradually to produce the same effect.

IMMEDIATE EFFECTS
♣ Confusion and disorientation
♣ Distorted perception of time and distance
♣ Aggresive behavior and violence
♣ Hallucinations
♣ Delusions
♣ Nausea and vomiting
♣ Drownsiness and weight loss

DELAYED EFFECTS
♣Loss of memory
♣ Inability to think
♣ Muscle cramps and weakness
♣ Numbness in limbs
♣ Abdominal pains
♣ Damage to the central nervous system, kidneys, liver and bone marrow

Why do young people abuse inhalants?

♣Curiosity
♣ Boredom
♣ Frustration (from personal issues and problems in the family, in school or at work)
♣ Poor self-image
♣ Weak personality (inability to cope with stress and conflict)
♣ Lack of parental guidance

HOW TO DEAL WITH “PEER PRESSURE”

We all care what other people will think about us. We want to be accepted and be part of the crowd.
When you are young, the influence of the people your own age is especially powerful and affects the
way you feel, dress and behave.
However, the same pressures can influence people to do the other things, like using drugs. If your friends
or someone you know
pressures you to use drugs, saying “no” can be hard because you want them to like you and accept you
as part of the group.
But peer pressure can also be a positive thing. Peers can be a powerful influence in preventing drug
abuse by helping one another to say
“no” to drugs.
The influence of people on others can help them to do useful and healthy things

HOW CAN I AVOID INHALANT ABUSE

Learn to say “NO” and ask for help. Close friends are important but you don’t have to do everything your
friends do to remain friends. Real friends will accept you whether you take drugs or not.
Learn to talk to people about your problems. Don’t bottle things up inside. It’s okay to cry, shout, laugh,
feel sad about your problem.
Learn to relax. Give time for:
♣ Physical exercise and sports for relaxation
♣ Meditation
♣ Using music to relax
♣ Bodily relaxation techniques like yoga
♣ Learn to find a new interest.
♣ Find out what you like doing, what other people like doing. Meet new people. Go to new
places, put yourself in new situations.
Source: https://www.ddb.gov.ph/images/IAC_materials/Brochure_INHALANT%20preview.pdf

Self Directed Learning: Watch I-Witness: “Laya sa Droga”, Dokumentaryo ni Howie Severino
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxmNOwlQZZI
Write your reflections and insights after watching the documentary.
The Two-Component Anti-Illegal Drugs Strategy:

The Philippine Anti-Illegal Drugs Strategy (PADS) is a cohesive, comprehensive, and balanced strategy
aligned with international and regional frameworks on drug prevention and control. Within the
two-component strategy are the different priorities and programs that will be implemented by the
government and the private sector. Under this framework, program targeting will be strengthened so
that customized drug prevention and control interventions will address the different needs of the public
and program beneficiaries.

As Figure 1. depicts, the PADS framework is a bow and arrow representing the two components of the
antidrug strategy: drug supply and drug demand reduction aimed at a target board representing the
national goal of 100% drug-free communities by 2022. This means that the country will be able to
achieve drug-free communities through supply reduction efforts involving law enforcement with strong
adherence to and observance of human rights, coupled with comprehensive demand reduction
initiatives and supported by strong international ties. It also means that effective drug laws, regulations,
policies and programs are implemented, thereby contributing to peace and order. Thus, by 2022, the
Philippines is envisioned to have attained drug-free communities with institutionalized anti-drug policies,
systems and processes. This national goal encapsulates the current administration’s firm determination
to curb the drug menace.

Preventive Education and Capacity-building

The Philippines is adopting the International Standards on Drug Use Prevention which stipulates that
prevention initiatives should target the various developmental stages and settings. Figure 14 displays the
activities being provided from middle childhood to late adolescence:
 The DDB has a range of educational programs and services designed to cater to the needs of
every sector of society. It has programs that engage the youth, address the needs of parents, and provide
employers, educators, health professionals, policymakers, and other sectors with information on the
prevention and control of drug use. Figure 2 depicts the alignment of DDB activities with the
International Standards on Drug Use Prevention which delineates three target populations: universal
(general), selective (vulnerable group), and indicated (users but not yet dependent).

In addition, the DDB conducts several prevention interventions that include Orientation
Seminars on Barkada Kontra Droga (BKD) for National Drug Education Program (NDEP) Coordinators,
Orientation Workshops on Community-Based Intervention Programs for Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse
Campaigns Focusing on Oplan Sagip, Drug Abuse Prevention Seminars in the Workplace, Training of
Trainers on Life Skills Enhancement in Drug Abuse Prevention Education, National Training of Trainers on
UNODC Community-Based Treatment and Care Services, Seminar Workshops on the Dangerous Drugs
Law for Judges, Prosecutors and Law Enforcers, Seminar Workshop on Systematic Training for Effective
Parenting, Continuing Seminars on Anti-Illegal Drug Operations and Investigation, and Workshops on the
Community-Based Treatment Program.
Currently, the DDB, through the Colombo Plan International Center for Credentialing and
Education of Addiction Professionals (ICCE), is also cascading the Universal Prevention Curriculum on
Substance Use to various regions and provinces in the country.
Within work environments, feasible drug prevention programs are spearheaded by the
Department of Labor and Employment through the Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC). It
includes
(1) Advocacy, Education and Training,
(2) Drug Testing for Officers and Employees,
(3) Treatment, Rehabilitation and Referral, and
(4) Monitoring and Evaluation.
Stress management courses were embedded in the program while Appreciation Course for
Drug-free Workplace is given on-line. Considering that the conduct of random drug testing as a
stand-alone activity was linked to negative outcomes based on the International standards on drug use
prevention, it was ensured that random drug testing among high school students and workers is just one
of the components of a comprehensive wellness program in both settings.
Source : https://www.ddb.gov.ph/images/downloads/Revised_PADS_as_of_Nov_9_2018.pdf
CASE ANALYSIS

My Name is Aidan and I am a drug addict. This is my story.

At age 14, I was smoking marijuana and tobacco daily, multiple times a day. Smoking marijuana helped
me forget who I was, the feeling of getting out of my own skin was amazing. Since that first hit, I loved it.
I knew then, I am able to get out of myself and I can use this substance to change how I feel, or not feel
at all. That’s exactly what I wanted at that point in my life.

At age 15, I was smoking marijuana any moment I could and soon found out that everyone around me
was drinking alcohol so I thought I would try it. I thought “my parents and siblings drink so it couldn’t be
that bad.” I drank so much that first time that I got very sick. Truth is I didn’t like drinking but it was
socially acceptable so I drank as much as I could. I couldn’t seem to get enough. My drinking and using
marijuana continued for two years.

At age 17, I began to wonder, I began to realize I was not good at school or sports, so what am I going to
do with my life. I was hanging around with the wrong people who told me that I didn’t need school and
all I needed was them, and it will be alright. I believed them. I was looking for something to belong to. I
felt at home.

I said yes and used cocaine for the first time. It didn’t faze me and I began using cocaine at school and
eventually got enough so that I could make some extra cash. One of my mistakes was bringing this
substance to school to sell to my classmates. I was very “successful” but the principal caught on and long
story short, I got kicked out of school. My family was furious. I continued my schooling at home and did
quite well. My family thought it was all over there. But it did not change who I was spending my time
with. It did not change my relationship with drugs and alcohol.

From what I remember, it was to be “cool” to fit in with a certain crowd. As far as I could remember I did
not fit in with anyone and wanted to be a part of something. I just wanted people to enjoy my presence
and to like who I was, but to tell you the truth, I didn’t know who I was and I didn’t like myself. I felt
worthless from a young age and that developed into an even lower level of self-esteem as a teenager.

A few years went by, which were the most eye opening years of my life, now that I look back at them.

Brown sugar. That brown substance was heroin. Something that I had never felt before in my life. I had
never felt so lost in my mind. It was amazing. I was hooked. I loved it.

At this point I am in my 20’s, and didn’t drink, didn’t smoke marijuana, didn’t use cocaine anymore. I was
using strictly heroin, that substance I was so curious about.

What I thought was heroin, turned out to be a substance called fentanyl. Something I didn’t know about.
I loved it, I couldn’t feel worthless, I couldn’t feel in pain, I felt loved, not by people but by this substance.
This was the sickest and most toxic relationship I have ever experienced in my life. I was addicted since
day one. Since that first time I smoked a joint. But I thought this was the life. This is the way to live. This
was the connection I had longed for. Nothing stood in between myself and the relationship.

I was lonely. I lost everything. An amazing career, lifelong friends. I burnt those bridges. I didn’t mean to.

Source: https://cedarscobblehill.com/alumni/stories/aidan-t/

NAME: ______________________________________ SECTION: __________

GUIDE QUESTIONS:
1. What are the things that push Aidan to get involved with drugs?
2. What are its effects on his life?
3. Create a list of steps that may be done to hinder persons like Aidan to be lured into taking drugs.
4. Suppose that Aidan is your friend. What pieces of advice can you give to him in order for him to
take a step towards staying away from drugs and maintaining a clean, drug-free life?

REFERENCES
Drugs, Brains and Behavior: The Science of Addiction. National Institute on Drug Abuse. Retrieved from
https://www.drugabuse.gov/sites/default/files/soa.pdf

It’s your story. Aidan T.s story. Retrieved from https://cedarscobblehill.com/alumni/stories/aidan-t/

Philippine Anti-Illegal Drugs Strategy. Retrieved from

https://www.ddb.gov.ph/images/downloads/Revised_PADS_as_of_Nov_9_2018.pdf

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency. Annual Report. 2018. Retrieved from

https://pdea.gov.ph/our-accomplishments/annual-reports

Some Questions and Answers on Drug Abuse Retrieved from

https://www.ddb.gov.ph/images/IAC_materials/Brochure_DRUGS%20preview.pdf

What You Should Know about Inhalants. Retrieved from

https://www.ddb.gov.ph/images/IAC_materials/Brochure_INHALANT%20preview.pdf

What You Should Know about Marijuana. Retrieved from

https://www.ddb.gov.ph/images/IAC_materials/Brochure_marijuana%20preview.pdf

What You Should Know about Shabu. Retrieved from

https://www.ddb.gov.ph/images/IAC_materials/Brochure_SHABU%20preview.pdf