NSTP Modules 2021
Module 4 - Drug Education
Topic Overview:
One unceasing social issue that has been plaguing our society is the use of
dangerous drugs and the menace it poses to the safety and security of the local communities.
With this threat comes the countless questions faced by the youth--what exactly is drug?
What are the types that cause drug addiction? Who are susceptible to drug addiction? How
can we curb drug addiction?
This module will attempt to cover prevalent issues related to drug and drug addition
particularly the R.A. 9165 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of
2002.
Objectives:
At the end of the module, the student will be able to:
1. Discuss dangerous drugs and its different types;
2. Classify types of dangerous drugs and its effects; and
3. Design or develop an information campaign regarding dangerous drugs
and its effects.
Topic Outline:
The following concepts will be discussed in this module:
A. Different Types of Dangerous Drugs
B. Republic Act 9165
C. Role of Youth on Drug Detection and Prevention
Brainstorming Activity:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82br_dI5dCg
Sing and reflect on the following:
Bawa’t yugto ng sandaling halos ‘di ko alam;
Naglalakbay ang diwa sa ligayang nakamtan;
…
O, kay sarap ng buhay
Kung siya ay nalalanghap
Akala ko ang mundo ay wala nang katapusan
At nang ako ay magising sa kasalanang nagawa
Kinabukasan ko ay nawala
…
Ngunit ngayon ay nasaan
Ang langit na walang hanggan
Labis ko nang pinagsisihan
Ang aking kamalian
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A. Different types of Dangerous Drugs
According to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Authority (PDEA) there are about nine (9)
identified dangerous drugs in the country today—new psychoactive substances or NPS, marijuana,
shabu, inhalants, ecstasy, opiates, Bangkok pills, cocaine, and sedatives.
1. New Psychoactive substances or NPS
New psychoactive substances (NPS) otherwise known as “designer drugs,” “legal highs,” “herbal
highs,” “bath salts,” “research chemicals,” and/or “laboratory reagents.” In order to promote clear
terminology the United nations Office on Drugs and Crime or UNODC uses the term “new
psychoactive substances (NPS)” which can be defined as “substances of abuse, either in a pure form or
a preparation, that are not controlled by the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs or the
1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, but which may pose a public health threat”. Although not
necessarily referring to new inventions since several NPS were first synthesized 40 years ago, the term
“new” are used to refer to substances that have emerged on the market which have not been scheduled
under the above mentioned Conventions.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF NPS?
Often linked to health problems, NPS users have frequently been hospitalized with severe intoxications.
With a number of unexplained suicides associated with preceding use of synthetic cannabinoids (Spice)
with substances like 4-methylmethcathinone (mephedrone), methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), 4-
methylamphetamine (4-MA) linked with fatalities.
HOW WIDESPREAD ARE NPS?
The UNODC report states that “The challenge of new psychoactive substances”, NPS have become a
global phenomenon with its emergence among 70 out of 80 countries and territories surveyed (88%) and
all regions of the world have been affected by it.
HOW MANY NPS ARE THERE?
According to the UNODC research, more than 250 substances were identified and reported by
governments and laboratories around the world, with the figure greater than the 234 scheduled
substances under that international drug conventions.
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2. Marijuana
Term used to describe all the plant material, Marijuana is another identified dangerous drug the come
from a cannabis plant (Cannabis sativa). Plant parts like the leaves, tops, stems, flowers and roots a
cannabis plant is dried and prepared for smoking or taken orally as “brownies”. It is also known as pot,
weed, nug, bud, dank, reefer, herb, Maryjane, and ganja.
Due to its mind altering component--delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol or THC for short, which is concentrated
in the resin. Smoking cannabis produces a state of consciousness characterized by a dreamy state in
which ideas seemed to be incoherent, unimagined and free-flowing. Although it may bring panicky
reactions especially among naïve users, most marijuana users shares a feeling of well-being and
relaxation wherein time, color and spatial perceptions are altered.
Common signs displayed among marijuana smokers are increased heart rate, conjuctival injection (red
eye) and dry mouth which occurs regularly. There has also been a reported decrease in communicative
and motor abilities, while impairing depth perception and tracking, and altering sense of timing which can
be dangerous in certain situations (e.g. driving, operating heavy equipment).
ADVERSE EFFECTS
Impairment of memory and short-term cognitive functioning particularly mathematical skills,
reading and verbal comprehensive skills.
Impairment of motor skills which can lead to accidents
Respiratory problems such as bronchitis or lung cancer
Premature babies/low birth weight, abortion or still birth (neonatal death)
Panic or state of anxiety, sometimes accompanied with paranoia
A motivational syndrome – regular use dulls the mind of the smoker, blunts enthusiasms and
takes away drive
Burnout – the use can become dull, slow moving, inattentive and unaware of the surroundings
Regular pot smokers are more susceptible to infections
It reduces sperm production and alters sperm shape and mobility
It reduces testosterone level that may affect pre-teenage boys with increased risk as are adults
with marital fertility –temporary loss of fertility to both sexes.
Symptoms of mental illness (Psychosis) is exacerbated
3. Shabu
Chemically known as Methamphetamine HCL, a type of amphetamine also known as “poor man’s
cocaine” with other names such as Shabu, Ubas, Siopao, Sha and Ice. It is a white, odorless crystal or
crystalline powder with a bitter numbing taste.
This drug is taken by ingestion inhalation (chasing the dragon), sniffing (snorting) or by injection.
Amphetamines are regularly absorbed orally and are associated with a rapid onset of action, usually
within one hour when taken orally. 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 results in accidents
PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
Chest pain,
Irregularity of heart beat,
Elevated or lowered blood pressure
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Evidence of weight loss,
Convulsion,
Death from cardiac arrest.
LONG TERM EFFECTS
One major repercussion of chronic “shabu” abuse and dependency is its psychiatric effects. Even a single
use especially if administered intravenously can lead to a manifestation of a full blown psychosis which is
similar to that of schizophrenia. Characterized by the presence of paranoid delusions, auditory and visual
hallucinations, with paranoia leading to violent and aggressive behaviour.
Among its reported effects are difficulty in concentrating and remembering things, with diminished ability
to cope with problems and difficulties, loss of interest in sex, ambition or motivation.
Chronic snorters suffer from severe irritation of the nasal passages which may develop into tissue
perforation of the nasal septum which may cause frequent nose bleeds. Documented among chronic
users are renal damage, heart disease and stroke.
Injecting shabu from contaminated needles may lead to risk if infections resulting to inflammation of blood
vessels (Endicarditis), blood poisoning (Septicemia) and with the most dreaded disease AIDS, all which
can lead to death.
4. Inhalants
Inhalants are common household products including nail polish remover, glue, gasoline, household
cleaners, and nitrous oxide. It also includes aerosols or fluorinated hydrocarbons found in aerosols such
as hairspray, spray paint, and household cleaners. The deliberate inhalation of these volatile chemical
substance which contains psychoactive (mind/mood altering) vapors in order to produce a state of
intoxication is called inhalant abuse.
IMMEDIATE EFFECTS
Confusion
Distorted perception of time and distance
Aggressive behavior/violence
Hallucinations
Illusions
Nausea and vomiting
Drowsiness and weightless
DELAYED EFFECTS
Loss of memory
Inability to think
Muscle cramps and weakness
Numbness in limbs
Abdominal pains
Damage to the central nervous system, kidney, liver and possible bone marrow
5. Ecstasy
Chemically known as Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) or commonly known as "Ecstasy", "X-
TC", "Adam", "Eden Tablet," the yuppie drug, and the hug drug, among others. The term used is for a
group of “designer” drugs closely related in chemical forms to the amphetamine family of illicit drugs. The
demand for this drug caused its price to soar up to Php2,000.00 pesos today.
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First developed as an appetite suppressant, MDMA was developed in 1914 by the German company,
Merck. In the 1970's, U.S. therapists led by biochemist Alexander Shulgin used the drug to help patients
explore their feelings
ADVERSE EFFECTS
Fatigue and perhaps depression after the drug is stopped,
Restlessness, anxiety and pronounced visual and auditory hallucinations at large doses,
Nausea and Vomiting,
A rise in blood pressure and heart rate, death from heart failure or stroke.
Prolonged regular use can lead to the same long-term effects as with synthetic stimulants,
including a potential for neurotoxicity and brain damage as well as liver damage
6. Opiates or Opioids
Sometimes called narcotics, opiates or opioids are a group of drugs that are used medically to
relieve pain, but have a high tendency for abuse. Commonly abused opiates are Opium, Morphine,
Codeine, and other synthesized or manufactured opiates. It is referred to as Happy Pills, OC, Oxy,
Oxycotton, Percs, Vikes and are commonly derived from the resin taken from the seedpod of the
Asian poppy.
All opioids are chemically-related and interact with opioid receptors on nerve cells in the human body
and brain. Although it is generally safe when taken for a short time and as prescribed by a doctor,
however since they produce euphoria in addition to pain relief, they can be misused (taken in a
different way or in a larger quantity than prescribed, or taken without a doctor’s prescription). Regular
use—even as prescribed by doctor—can lead to dependence and, when misused, opioid pain
relievers can lead to addiction, overdose incidents, and deaths
7. Bangkok Pills
One of the latest drugs out in the market today is the infamous Bangkok pills. These pills are not
registered with the Bureau of Food and Drugs, which is why they are not legally allowed to be placed
on the local market, because of the unsafe combination of substances in the product. It has been
found to contain bisacodyl, ephedrine, fenfluramine, furosemide, and phentermine.
8. Cocaine
Cocaine is a drug from the leaves of the Cocao plant, a shrub that originated in South America.
Other names are Coke, Snow, Rock, Blow and Crack. This drug affects the central nervous system
as a stimulant. It is highly addictive drug that increases ones level of alertness, attention, and energy.
“The drug send high levels of dopamine, a natural chemical messenger of the body, into the parts of
the brain that controls pleasure. This buildup causes intense feelings of energy and alertness called
a high.” (Webmd.com, 2005)
It comes in different forms, however the most common is a fine, white powder. Most cocaine uses
snort the white powder into their nose, while some rub it onto their gums or dissolve it in water and
inject it with a needles. Other users heat up the rock crystal and breathe the smoke into their lungs.
SHORT TERM EFFECTS
Extreme sensivity to touch, sound, and sight
Intense happiness
Anger/irritability
Paranoid feeling
Decreased appetite
ADVERSE EFFECTS
Headaches
Convulsions and seizures
Heart disease, heart attack and stroke
Mood problems
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Sexual trouble
Lung damage
HIV or Hepatitis if injected
Bowel decay if swallowed
Loss of smell, nosebleeds, runny nose, and trouble swallowing, if snorted
PHYSICAL SIGNS (overdose)
Increased sweating, body temperature, or heart rate
Trouble breathing
Chest pain
Nausea or vomiting
Confusion, seizures, and tremors
9. Sedatives
Sedative, otherwise known as hypnotics such as tranquilizers, and sleeping pills, slows down or
depress body functions. They all cause drowsiness and sleepiness and are used to reduce
anxiety. They also reduce heart rate and breathing, and can reduce them to the point that death
occurs, if there is an overdose. When other depressant-type drugs like opiates or alcohol are
added to the mix, a dangerous effect can occur even with smaller doses of sedatives.
One of the most marked effects of sedatives is their potential for abuse and drug addiction. A
person can quickly develop a tolerance, meaning that more of the drug is needed to create the
desired effects. A person abusing sedatives may look drowsy, may slur speech, stagger, have a
weak pulse, dilated pupils, trembling hands and lack of coordination. They may be confused,
disoriented and depressed. A person abusing sedative may swing from emotional highs to lows.
SIDE EFFECTS
Depression, thoughts of self-injury or suicide
Anxiety, aggression, restlessness
Hallucinations, loss of personality
B. Republic Act 9165 - Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of
2002
Republic Act 9165 or Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002 is one of the country’s main weapon
against illegal drugs. It mandates the government to “pursue an intensive and unrelenting campaign
against the trafficking and use of dangerous drugs and other similar substances.”
Under the law, those caught importing, selling, manufacturing, and using illegal drugs and its forms may
be fined and imprisoned for at least 12 years to a lifetime, depending on the severity of the crime.
Infographics. Using the information learned in the discussion, create a pamphlet or information
campaign paraphernalia which you can use for Drug Education. You may (1) pick one (1)
dangerous drug to discuss and create an infographic about its effects, OR you may create a
general information about Dangerous Drug and R.A. 9165.
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Kindly print the pamphlet and pass it on our next meeting.
Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Website at
https://pdea.gov.ph/drug-trends/facts-about-drugs
UNODC Website
https://www.unodc.org/documents/drugs/printmaterials2013/NPS_leafle
t/WDC13_NPS_leaflet_EN_LORES.pdf
https://www.WebMD.com
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