MODULAR UNIT 3

Drug and Substance Abuse Prevention and Control

Anyway, no drug, not even alcohol, causes the fundamental ills society.

If we’re looking for the source of our troubles, we shouldn’t test people for drugs, we should test them for
stupidity, ignorance, greed, and love of power.

P.J. O’Rourke
Learning Objectives

At the end of this modular unit, students are expected to:

1. Explore the nature and effects of drugs of abuse and substances such as alcohol, tobacco, and others
on personal health and social relationships.
2. Synthesize accurate information on the health, legal, and social consequences of drug and substance
abuse and examine how this negatively impacts the person who uses the drug, and his or her family,
friends, and community; and
3. Make a personal commitment to remain drug free and develop a plan to address drug and substance
abuse.

Overview
Drug education program for the youth is a significant undertaking 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 user 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. It is believed that young people with
problematic backgrounds are more vulnerable and are more likely to continue abusing drugs, once they have
started, and to develop other aggravating problems, if not processed. These young people in difficult
circumstances are associated with poverty, family disintegration, relocation, discrimination, and lack of
suitable alternative activities.
Drug abuse prevention, done through problem awareness, education, and strategy
implementation, is very vital to the success in controlling and stopping drug abuse. Positive behavior,
including the constructive handling of feelings and responsibilities, should be installed, and encouraged in
our own families during the early life of young family members and carried on up to the large stage of life.
These should be nurtured by a caring and understanding community.
It has been known that the foremost reason why our youth is dragged into the abyss of drug
abuse is the lack of guidance from the family itself. There are aspects of this reason. First, maybe the parents
are too busy with their jobs, giving less time to their children. Second, parents have not finished schooling,
making them less informed and less aware of the effect of drugs. Third, the type of discipline of the parents
includes physical violence, thus, in most cases in the Philippines, drives away the kid from home.

The second predominant reason.

Adolescence is the period where wants exceed necessities. A teenager spends more time with
friends or peers rather than at home. It is the stage where a youngster continues to search for identity and
place in society. The influence of peers, either friends or activity partners, has been proven as a strong force
of initiation into drug addiction among the youth.
The drug addict is generally an emotionally unstable individual before he or she acquires the
habit. The person cannot face painful situations without help. He has little or no self-control. He or she hates
physical, mental, or moral sufferings. Every individual cannot stand alone, as we say it.
A person will try to use drugs if a friend insists, for the sake of friendship. This weakness is a
predator and hard to dismantle for most teenagers.

Truly, drug abuse is a predator, a monster that preys on innocent, curious minds like those of
teenagers. Hence, this module zeroes in on uncovering the problem of drug abuse among the youngsters and
on finding ways and means by which this societal menace could be lessened, if not totally annihilated.
Learning Exercise

Name: _____________________ Course: _____________________ Time: ____________

Instructor: __________________ Date: __________________ Rating: ____________

Drug and Substance Abuse Prevention and Control

1. The trainees will play the song Anak. As the trainees listen to the music, they are expected to
internalize the message of the song. After which, they are asked to proceed to accomplishing the
ensuing tasks described on the next page.

Anak
By Freddie Aguilar

Noong isilang ka sa mundong ito

Laking tuwa ng magulang mo
At ang kamy nila ang ‘yong ilaw

At ang nanay at tatay mo;y

‘Di malaman ang gagawin
Minamasdan pati pag tulog mo

At sa gabi’y napupuyat ang iyong nanay sa pagtimpla ng gatas mo

At sa umaga nama’y kalong kalong ka iyong amang tuwang-tuwa sa’yo

Ngayon nga ay malaki ka na

Nais mo’y maging Malaya
‘Di man sila payag, walang magagawa

Ikaw nga ay biglang nagbago

Naging matugas ang iyong ulo
At ang payo nila’y sinuway mo

‘Di mo man lang inisip na ang kanilang ginagawa’y para sa’yo

‘Pagkat ang nais mo’y masunod ang layaw mo.’di mo sila pinapansin

Nagdaan pa ang mga araw

At ang landas mo’y naligaw
Ikaw ay nalulong sa masamang bisyo

At ang un among nilapitan

Ang ‘yong inang lumuluha
At ang tanong, “Anak, ba’t ka nagkaganyan?”

At ang iyong mga mata’y biglang lumuha nang di mo napapansin

Pagsisisi ang sa isip mo’t nalaman mong ika’y nagkamali

Pagsisisi ang sa isip mo’t nalaman mong ika’y nagkamali

Pagsisisi ang sa isip mo’t nalaman mong ika’y nagkamali

Based on the song Anak, write at least five positive and negative traits as observed in
its lyrics that relate to the young generation of today. Should you have identified negative traits, think of
ways by which these can be rectified or corrected .
 Positive Traits Negative Traits How to Correct
Negative Traits

2. Write a prayer that will manifest your intention to improve the negative traits that you have
identified.
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3. Having Drug Education as a program, what specific topics do you want to learn? Please check the
space provided.

____ Adverse effects of the abuse and misuse of dangerous drugs on the person, the family, the
school, and the community

____ Preventive measures against drug abuse

____ Health, socio-cultural, psychological, legal, and economic dimensions, and implications of the
drug problem

____ Steps to take when intervention on behalf of a drug dependent is needed.

____ Services available for the treatment and rehabilitation of drug dependent that can
solve problems, help to gain better friends, give enjoyment, etc.

____ Misconceptions about the use of dangerous drugs such as, but not limited to, the
importance and safety of dangerous drugs of medical and therapeutic use.

____ Differentiation between medical patients and drug dependents to avoid confusion and
accidental stigmatization in the consciousness of the students.
Input No. 1: 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 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.

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 it is used as an alcoholic substitute.

What is drug abuse?

Drug abuse is the use of chemical substances, licit or illicit, which results in an individual’s physical,
mental, or social impairment. It may refer to any of the following practices:

1. Using, without benefit or prescription, useful drugs which have the capacity to alter mood or
behavior.
2. Using drugs and substances for purpose different from the one for which the drugs 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 are the types of drugs?

Drugs that 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 pain and often induce sleep.
Examples: Opium and its derivatives such as Morphine, Heroin, Codeine
What is a drug abuser?
Anyone can be a drug abuser. Drug abuse is no respecter of age, sex and social status. It is very
difficult to come up with an accurate profile of a drug abuser that can be applied to all because people are
different in many ways.

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:
1. is often associated with known drug abusers.
2. is irritable, discourteous, defiant, and aggressive.
3. is untrustworthy and lacks self-confidence.
4. is unhealthy and unconcerned with good grooming.
5. has low frustration tolerance.
6. lacks interest in his studies/work.
7. blames everybody but not himself for his problems.
8. develops changes in normal capabilities in school/work; and
9. borrows money and at times steals various items unusually.

Common Signs of Drug Abuse

1. Injection marks of an addict

2. An unusual effort is made to cover arms to hide needle marks.
3. Stealing items which can be readily sold for cash to support a drug habit.
4. Changes in mood—depending on the drug taken.
Examples: depressed or becoming elated and euphoric
5. Association with known drug abusers
6. Change from normal capabilities (work habits, efficiency etc.)
7. Change in attendance at work or school.
8. Wearing sunglasses constantly at inappropriate times (for instance, indoors or at night) or only to
hide dilated or constricted pupils but also to compensate for the eye’s inability to adjust to
sunlight. Marijuana causes bloodshot eyes.
9. Poor physical appearance including inattention to dress and personal hygiene.

Input No.2: The National Drug Situation

National Drug Situation

All of us are very much aware of the nature of the drug problem. It has been condemned by
governments all over the world and billions in resources have been spent to contain it, yet drug trafficking
and/ or drug abuse is still here.

In fact, it is today’s most profitable underground business which has spawned yet considered as
another crime and source of money laundering on a goal scale. The Vienna-based International Narcotics
Control Board (INCB) points out that “No country, rich and poor, large or small, equipped with
sophisticated machinery to fight money-laundering or not, can consider itself safe from money-laundering
activities”.

The Philippine situation is not any different from another countries of the world that are affected by
drug problem and is in fact following the trends in other countries. In 1978, there were only about 20,000
drug users in the country. Almost all of them were from Metro Manila. Today, the Dangerous Drugs Board
(DDB) estimates that the approximate 6.7 M drug users are now down to 1.7 million.

Three (3) major abused drugs dominate the drug scene in the country. The first is methamphetamine
hydrochloride commonly known as “Shabu”, which is main drug used by drug abusers. The second is
marijuana. According to some sources, the Philippines has become the world’s second biggest source of
marijuana after Mexico, producing about 1.4 billion worth each year. The third is methylene
dioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) or ecstasy, which is now sweeping the elite market.
Commonly Abused Drugs

1. Shabu (Methamphetamine Hydrochloride). Methamphetamine is the most popular abused drug in

the country today. In the 1990s stimulant abuse emerged in many ASEAN countries. This major
change in the pattern of substance abuse can perhaps be considered as the first stimulant epidemic of
the region. The Philippines is probably the first ASEAN country that faced severe stimulant abuse.
The abuse of methamphetamine was noted in 1986 among the affluent, entertaining and artist
population. The status of methamphetamine or “shabu” abuse at that time seemed well confined.
However, in 1987, the abuse spread to the general population.
Today, PROCAR 112,467,372 methamphetamine is available in
varying degrees PRO 1 51,227,234 throughout the country. This
widespread availability is PRO 1 3,818,903 illustrated by increasing
methamphetamine PRO 2 3,387,801 seizures, arrests, and cases filed in
court. Over a six-year PROARMM 3,261,374 period, the increase is almost 50.
In 1996, some 792kgs of PRO 1 2 2,889,193 shabu was seized; in 2001, the
total seizure was some 1,561kgs.
Of all the regions in the country, methamphetamine is more widely available throughout regions
1,2,3,4 CAR, ARMM, and the NCR.

2. Ecstasy or Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). Ecstasy is fast making its presence felt

in the country. There is an increase in reports about the use of “ecstasy” among young people,
particularly in nightclubs. Ecstasy, or MDMA, is a synthetic drug that acts simultaneously as a
stimulant and as a hallucinogen. It is strongly linked to music and dance culture and has a growing
user base among the elites (Class A and B). While some users confine their consumption to
occasional use at social, music and dance events, others develop regular use profiles, while the third
group uses both frequently and intensively.
There are reports stating that ecstasy is shipped directly from Amsterdam and other countries in
Europe. There are close to a thousand varieties of ecstasy tablets and capsules among them, which
are now available in Metro Manila, are Orange Grin Hornets, Aigners, Achtung, and Mitsubishi.
Studies abroad reveal that the damage caused by ecstasy to one’s health is irreversible.

3. Marijuana. Marijuana abounds in the Philippines. But since the early nineties, it has seized to be the
drug of choice. Most of what is produced locally is intended for foreign markets. In East Asia, the
Pacific, Australia, Europe and the US, the UNDCP has identified the Philippines as a major
marijuana producer and exporter.
The Cordillera Autonomous Region is the biggest producer of cannabis or marijuana in the
country as evidenced by the number of plants and seeds confiscated within a ten-year period from
1992 to 2001, with a total of 112,467,372 plants and seeds seized. Shown are the top producing
regions of the country and the total number of marijuana plants/seeds that were seized during
operations conducted from 1992-2001.

In 1972, there were only nine (9) identified sites engaged in marijuana cultivation. Today, the
number of marijuana-producing barangays has ballooned to ninety-eight (98), located in nine
different regions in the country. Marijuana-producing areas in Northern Luzon are in Cordillera
Administrative Region (CAR), Region 1 and Region 2. In the Visayas, the cultivation sites are found
in region 7, while marijuana plantations can also be found in Region 10, 11, 12, 13 and ARMM in
Mindanao.

Drug Trafficking

Methamphetamine hydrochloride continues to be smuggled into the country through four

avenues: the seaports and special economic zones, the international airports, the mail and parcel
services, and the vast expanse of Philippine coastline.
The use of the seaports was exemplified by the seizure of 158 kilograms of shabu stashed
inside two (2) container vans at the Manila International Container Port in two different occasions in
1999.
The Ninoy Aquino International Airport continues to be the preferred trafficking avenue for
small quantities from less than one kilo to multi-kilo shipments by traffickers using false
compartments in luggage or through body packing. The gravity of the problem can be gleamed from
the seizure of 116.88 million pesos worth of drugs by the NAIA Drug Interdiction Task Group in
2001. It was on September 11 and 14, 2004 respectively, when two Taiwanese nationals were
intercepted carrying five (5) kilograms of shabu each on board a flight originating from Xiamen,
China.
The mail and parcel system is preferred in foreign destinations that have large Filipino
communities like Guam, US, Australia, England and Middle East. A case in points was seizure of
39.8 kilos of shabu from a FED EX shipment from Hong Kong on September 11, 2001, by the
Bureau of Customs. The vast and relatively unpatrolled shoreline of the country is where most of
huge shipments are smuggled. Major drug shipments intercepted by law enforcement authorities
include the 420 kilograms hauled in Pangasinan in 1999, the 365 kilograms in Sariaya, Quezon, 125
kilograms in Ilocos Sur, and 33 kilograms in Zambales, all in 2000. For the year 2001, 503 kilograms
of shabu were intercepted in Real, Quezon on October 13, 2001, allegedly from the shoreline of
Panukuan, Quezon and said illegal drugs were personally escorted by the mayor of said town. Also
in 2001, 350 kg of shabu was seized on San Narciso, Zambales.

Involvement of Foreign Nationals Drug Trafficking

The involvement of foreign nationals is very apparent in almost all the big volume seizures of
government law enforcement authorities. Data from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in
1993 to December 31, 2001, reflected 258 foreign nationals arrested in the Philippine for violation of
Republic Act. No. 6425 (Dangerous Drugs Act 1972, as amended). Of this total, 182 or 70.54% were
Chinese nationals while other nationalities made up the remaining 76 or 29.463%. More importantly,
the volume of shabu seized from foreign nationals over the same period totaled 2,889 kilograms or
64.24% of the total volume of shabu seized in the country in over the same period. Chinese nationals
on the other hand, accounted for 2,873 kilograms for the period January 1, 1998, to December 31,
2001, or 63.888% of the aggregate national’s seizures of shabu.
The local drug scene has recently gained a new dimension. Today, supply comes not only from
importation but also from local manufacturing. Since 1997, there have been nine discoveries of
clandestine laboratories made and the most significant of which was were thought of as makeshift
and unsophisticated, until San Juan. On July 18, 2002, another clandestine laboratory was dismantled
at Loyola, Quezon City by members of the Metro manila Drug Enforcement Group Seven (7)
Chinese nationals were arrested and 44.540 kilograms of shabu, 50.67 kilograms of ephedrine and
shabu laboratory equipment and paraphernalia were seized. Another clandestine laboratory was
dismantled in Executive Heights Subdivision, Paranaque City on November 1, 2002. Just recently,
on February 2012, 90 million pesos worth of illegal drugs ingredients were seized by the Bureau of
Customs, including that of the popular ‘ecstasy’.

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. Of the 15 major interdictions since 1993, seven (7) were
shipped directly from Southern China. Five (5) shipments were from South China, but they passed
through Hong Kong first before they were rerouted to the Philippines. At least one shipment passed
through Taiwan. Lately, we learned that the shipments at Quezon and Zambales came directly from
North Korea.
Identified landing points are mainly along the shorelines of the Northern and Central Luzon
regions and Southern Tagalog, specifically Batanes, Cagayan, Ilocos Sur, Pangasinan, Zambales,
Aurora, Quezon and Mindoro provinces. Reports also indicate Palawan and Masbate as probable
landing sites for shabu smuggling.

Facts and Figures

Organized Drug Groups

As a result of Intelligence Workshop conducted by PDEA, eleven (11) Transnational Drug

Syndicates were identified to be operating in the country while, the number of local organized drug
groups is pegged at 215. NCR and Region 3 have the highest number of drug groups with 30 groups
each, followed by region 7 with 27 groups and Region 9 with 22 groups. The regions with the lowest
number of drug groups are cordillera Administrative Region and CARAGA Region with one (1)
drug group each.

Personalities in the BADAC Watch List

As of September, the nationwide total number of drug personalities perfected in the Barangay
drug Abuse Council (BADAC) Watch List is pegged at 37,076. Among the regions, NCR has the
highest number of identified drug personalities with 10,879 or 29,348 of the total number of drug
personalities nationwide followed by PRO 4 with 7,958 or 21,468 and PRO 3 with 6,443 or 17,378.

Drug Rehabilitation

The number of drug patients is increasing. Based on records of Government Residential

Centers’ Admission, from 1,466 in 1974, the number reached 5,945 in 2001.

Statistics from rehabilitation centers show the following data:

1. Most patients are in the 15-29 age group.
2. The mean age of drug users is 27 years old.
3. Shabu and or Marijuana are their drug of choice.
4. The ratio of male users to female is 14:1.
5. Workers comprised 43.718% of the drug patient population.
6. The unemployed comprised 35,838.
7. Students comprised 5,138.
8. Out of school youth comprised 1,183.

Drug-Affected Barangays

Records show that the number of drug-affected barangays as of September this year
represents 8,508 or 3,577 of the country’s 42,061 barangays. Comparing all the regions, Region 4
has the highest number of drug affected barangays with 1,029 of its 5,463 barangays, followed by
Region 3 with 492 of its 3,175 barangays, and Region 7 with 279 of its 3,003 barangays. While
Region 12 has the lowest with 32 of its 1,192 barangays.

Data on Arrest, Cases, and Seizures

CY 2000 35,753
Total number of drug-related arrests CY 2001 32,227
As of September 2002, 22,860
CY 2000 14,258
Number of cases filed in court CY 2001 22,021
As of September 2002, 14,978
CY 2002 3.998B
Values of drugs seized CY 2001 3.9B
As of September 2002, 1.2B

Assessment

The emergence of East and Southeast Asia as the fastest growing region in terms of
manufacture, trafficking and consumption of Amphetamine Type Stimulants seriously affects the
Philippines. Being a major ATS consuming country, it is therefore important to maintain close
cooperation with the countries in the region in the common fight against illegal drugs.

The discovery and dismantling of clandestine laboratories in the country indicates a major shift
in strategy to manufacture shabu in the country as opposed to the traditional trafficking of shabu in
its processed form. Control of precursors and essential chemicals and the prevention of diversion to
illegal use are therefore more urgent than before.
Marijuana cultivation expanded despite the decline in preference of Filipino drug abusers
due to increase in trafficking to other boundaries like Japan, Australia and other countries in Europe.
While it may not affect Filipinos directly, the resulting stigma as a source country for the drug is
equally damaging to the standing of the country in the international community.
Profile of Drug Abusers in the Philippines

Age Mean age of 28 years old

Sex Male to Female ratio 9:1
Civil Status Single 51.56%
Married 34.44%
Family Size Siblings 3-4
Employed 30.94%
Self-employed 12.4%
Unemployed 38.87%
Occupation
Students 5%
OSY 0.09%
College Level 28.23%
Educational Attainment High School Level 29.41%
High School Graduate 16.74%
Economic Status Average monthly Income 15,064.00
Duration of Drug Taking More than 6 years
Nature of Drug Taking Poly Drug use
Methamphetamine
Hydrochloride (Shabu)
Abused Drugs
Cannabis (Marijuana)
Inhalants (contact cement)
Place of Residence Urban, especially in NCR
Learning Exercise

Name: _____________________ Course: _____________________ Time: ____________

Instructor: __________________ Date: __________________ Rating: ____________

The National Drug Situation

With your creative talent, how would you describe the national drug situation, if you were to be
asked to perform any of the following:

A Newspaper Correspondent (prepare a write up)

B Anti-Drug Abuse Advocate (draft a position paper)
C TV Reporter (make an annotation of a news

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Input No.3: 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. Furthermore, there are billions of innocent victims of drug abuse—
families of users, communities, employers, and societies. The problems caused by drug abuse and
illicit trafficking are among the most serious facing the world today, threatening future
generations and thus, the future of 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. Moreover, the user or potential user must consider where the
money goes that is spent on illegal drugs. The traffickers gain the largest share of the profit from
this illegal trade. They in turn use the money to destabilize governments through “buying votes”
and through corruption, intimidation and violence.

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. Extensive research has indicated that marijuana impairs short-term memory
and slows learning; has serious effects on perception and skilled performance, such as driving
and other complex tasks involving judgment or fine motor skills; and greatly-impairs lung and
respiratory functions. Marijuana cigarette contains more cancer-causing agents than the strongest
tobacco cigarette.

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 takes more courage and strength to stand up 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. Consider cocaine, for example. There are increasing reports of professionals in all
fields who admit to cocaine addiction. They experimented with it initially, so they say, with the
intent of providing an occasional “boost”, and though they could continue in the same manner.
The drug addict often becomes so obsessed with attaining more of the drug that he or she will
exhaust money and assets, ruin marriage and family life, and lose a career before admitting to
addiction, because of the mistaken view that only weak individuals become addicts. Addiction is
a difficult disease to accept and one from which many people never recover. No one can assume
he or she is immune from addiction. There is no “safe” way to use illegal drugs, even when done
only occasionally.
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
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. The taxpayers suffer because it is their money which is needed to
support efforts to governments, law enforcement officials, and the treatment community in
combating drug crimes and rehabilitating users. The community, society and the nation suffer
from all of the above. Added to this is the financial support the user is giving to the criminal
 organizations which profit from drugs, and criminal activity often engaged in by the user in an
effort to support the “habit”. Throughout society, there is suffering because of the self-indulgence
of drug addiction.
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 Facts is… Imprisonment of a drug addict as
such does not solve the problem. Drug users have committed a crime, but detoxification,
treatment and rehabilitation of the individual are essential if the addict is to learn to live without
drugs. This approach includes responding to immediate and acute medical treatment, and of
longer-term support in a non-drug environment. Furthermore, prison space in many countries is
usually limited and is more widely used for the detention of other criminals. Placing an addict in
prison does not cure the disease and, when the addict is released, he will usually return to a
destructive and deviant lifestyle.
9. The Cultivation of Drug Crops Gives a Poor Farmer a 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 foods crops,
often leading to increased illicit production to the exclusion of food crops. This kind of illegal
activity creates an artificially based cash economy, making the farmer completely dependent on
the influx of money from drug dealers, putting him at the mercy of criminal traffickers and in
opposition to the government.
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 can 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 but terrorizing citizens as well.
11. Drugs 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 retarted. This is true in both developing and industrialized
countries.
Learning Exercise

Name: _____________________ Course: _____________________ Time: ____________

Instructor: __________________ Date: __________________ Rating: ____________

Myth versus Fact: Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

What other misconceptions do you have in relation to drug abuse and drug prevention? Below,
identify on the first column the myths and on the second column, provide facts to correct the wrong beliefs.

Myths Facts
Input No. 4: The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002

Concretizes government’s “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, program, and projects”. R.A. 9165 is an act instituting the
Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, repealing Republic Act No. 6425, known as the Dangerous
Drugs Act of 1972.
1. PD 1619 “Volatile Solvents”
2. RA 9165 Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002

It also serves as a guide in implementation of dangerous drug prevention and control in the
country in the country. It guides everyone in the right approach towards issues geared against drug activities.

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 Skill 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 are 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 to avoid confusion and
stigmatization in the consciousness of the students.
Learning Exercise

Name: _____________________ Course: _____________________ Time: ____________

Instructor: __________________ Date: __________________ Rating: ____________

The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002

Critical Thinking

1. In your capacity as an NSTP trainee, what can you do to support implementation of RA 9165?

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2. What is the importance of Dangerous Drug Law, specifically to the NSTP students and the
community in general?

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Input No.5: 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 continues to be
worrisome. A survey by the University of the Philippines Population Institute in 1996 showed the initial age
use of nicotine, alcohol, and drugs to be age 16-17, that 40% of males surveyed were smoking and 37% of
the youth regularly used alcohol. At present, more than 1.5 million Filipinos are users of illegal drugs. The
youth are more than 350,000 identified high school students in the country. One can only speculate on the
number of young people abusing drugs not identified.

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 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.

Early in 2004, the Dangerous Drugs Board launched the program “Barkada Kontra Droga”
(or “Peers Against Drugs”). The specific thrust of this program is drug abuse prevention.

This concept tries to change the meaning of the word “barkada” or “peer” which connotes a
negative influence among peers. Each member of the “Barkada Kontra Droga” pledges keep his community
and family safe and secure from the evils of illegal drugs. Further, he is asked to commit to convince friends
and relatives to join the fight against drugs and trafficking, never to use drugs, and to report clandestine
laboratories, pushers and users.

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 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.

The soundness of the activity we do today will contribute to the success of the program we have together
with our clients in the days to come.

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!

Learning Exercise

Name: _____________________ Course: _____________________ Time: ____________

Instructor: __________________ Date: __________________ Rating: ____________

The Youth Government’s Response to the Drug Problem

As an NSTP student-trainee, prepare a letter of appeal to concerned authorities in the attempt to look
for solutions in abating the drug problem in the community/country. Below is a template that you can use for
the said purpose.

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Sincerely yours,