Lesson 7:

DRUG EDUCATION
Learning Objectives
1. be familiar of the terms: drug education,
drug abuse, drug dependence, drug user,
etc.
2. give the classifications of drug and their
effects.
3. enumerate the roles of schools, community
and parents in preventing drug abuse.
4. participate in the government campaign
against prohibited drugs.
Legal Bases for Drug Education
• Republic Act (R.A.) 9165 is an act instituting
the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of
2002, repealing RA No. 6425 known as the
Dangerous Drug Act of 1972.
• This Act serves as guide in the implementation
of dangerous drug prevention and control in the
country. It guides in the right approach towards
issues geared against drug activities.
RA 9165, Article IV mandates the
following:
1. Provide continuing in service training for
teachers on the effective utilization and
support to instructional materials and on teaching
strategies on drug education
2. Continuously monitor and evaluate the
effectiveness and overall impact of drug
education
3. Secure funds from local and foreign donors for
the implementation of drug
Drug Education
DRUG
 It is a substance that affects the function
of living cells, used in medicine to
diagnose, cure, prevent the occurrence of
diseases and disorders and prolong the
life of patients with incurable conditions.
DRUG
DRUG

Since 1990, the availability of new and

more effective drugs such as antibiotics,
which fight bacterial infections and
vaccines, which prevent diseases caused by
bacteria and viruses, has increased the
average of Filipino’s life span from about
60 years to about 75 years.
DRUG

Drugs have vastly improved the quality of

life. Today, drugs have contributed
to the eradication of once widespread and
sometimes fatal diseases such as
poliomyelitis and smallpox.
Drug abuse is the overuse of a drug
without due regard to accepted medical
practice resulting in the individual’s
physical, mental, emotional or behavioral
impairment.
Drug dependence is a
compulsive behavior brought
about by drug abuse.

Drug user is another term

for “drug addict” which
refers to an individual who is
dependent on a certain drug
or drugs.
Common signs of drug abuse
1. Change in attendance at work or school
2. Change from normal capabilities
3. Poor physical appearance, including in attention to
dress and personal hygiene
4. Constant wearing of sunglasses at inappropriate
times (Marijuana causes bloodshot eyes)
5. Unusual effort made to cover arms in order to hide
needle marks
6. Association with known drug abusers
7. Stealing items that can be readily sold for cash
8. Change in mood, depending on the drug taken
Classifications of drugs and their Effects
1. Alcohol liquor, which is extracted from chemical
compound as ethyl and hydrocarbon, is a dangerous
chemical substance that triggers the central nervous
system and may damage vital human organs.
Classifications of drugs and their Effects
 Effects of Alcohol Use
• Give a feeling of relaxation and loss of inhibition
• A sense of excitement due to the release of inhibitions
• Disrupted motor activity, motor skills and coordination
• Deep intoxication that causes disturbance in bodily
processes
• Dilated superficial blood vessels causing warm feeling
• Deep intoxication that can lead to “coma” and “death”
• Warning consciousness, causing mental dullness
• Loss of self-control resulting in violent behavior
Classifications of drugs and their Effects
2. Marijuana (Cannabis Sativa), is annual
plant that grows wild in many temperate parts
of the world.
Classifications of drugs and their Effects
 Effects of Marijuana
• Throat intoxication and coughing
• Increased heartbeat and pulse rate
• Reddening of the eyes, dizziness, bodily incoordination
• Sleepiness and decreased physical activity
• Possible chronic bronchitis and asthma
• Feeling of excitement and friendliness
• Distortion of time and space perception
• Disturbance of brainwave activity, causing of impairment
of skills leading to abnormal behavior
Classifications of drugs and their Effects
3. Stimulants are drugs used to increase mental
activity, relieve fatigue, increase alertness and
offset drowsiness.
a) Amphetamines, b) Cocaine
c) Shabu (methamphetamine, HCL)
Classifications of drugs and their Effects
 Effects of Stimulants

• Feeling of being stronger, more decisive and self-

possessed
• Extended wakefulness and increased mental
alertness
• May include irritability, anxiety and fear
• Loss of appetite resulting in decreased body
weight
Classifications of drugs and their Effects
 Effects of Stimulants

• Pregnant women who abused “shabu” can cause

mental retardation to their unborn babies
• Loss of sexual desire and interest towards work
• “Schizophrenia” or split personality, leading to
violent behavior
• Loss of memory by chronic users
Classifications of drugs and their Effects
 Effects of Stimulants

• Chronic snorters from irritation of the nose

leading to frequent nose bleeding
• Injecting “shabu” using dirty needles can lead to
various infections such as Hepatitis B, blood
poisoning and AIDS
Classifications of drugs and their Effects
4. Cough syrups are also called over the counter
colds/cough preparations.
a) Ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine
and phenylproppanolamine for nasal
decongestion
b) Clorophenamine maleate for allergic asthma,
nocturnal cough
c) Dextromethorphan is cough suppressant;
codeine has an anti-tussive effect
Classifications of drugs and their Effects
4. Cough syrups
Classifications of drugs and their Effects
5. Depressants are usually known as “downers”.
These drugs act on the nervous system, promoting
relaxation and sleep.
a) Barbiturates
b) Mathaqualone
Classifications of drugs and their Effects
Effects of Depressants
A usual dose of barbiturates causing a
calming, relaxing effect that promotes sleep. Other
notable reactions are given.
• Relief of anxiety and excitement
• Reduce mental and physical activity
• A marked decreased in breathing
Classifications of drugs and their Effects
6. Barbiturates are used to reduce the frequency of
convulsions in epileptics. An overdose of
barbiturate produces the following reactions.
• Unconsciousness and decrease in breathing
• Deepening unconsciousness leading to “coma”
Classifications of drugs and their Effects
7. Hallucinogens (Psychedelics) are drugs that can
produce changes in mood and behavior. They can
produce delusions and hallucinations. They induce
a state of excitation of the central nervous system,
shown by changes in mood.
Hallucinogens disorient the sense of direction,
distance and time of a person. A user may speak of
“hearing” colors, “seeing” sounds.
Classifications of drugs and their Effects

a) Mescaline
b) LSD
c) Psilocybin
d) Phencyclidine
Classifications of drugs and their Effects

Effects of Hallucinogens
• Increased heartbeat and pulse rate
• Elevated or increased blood pressure
• Increase activity of the body due to the effect of
the brain
• Enlarged or dilated pupils of the eyes
• Increased body temperature
• Paleness of the face and skin of the body
Classifications of drugs and their Effects
8. Tranquilizer is a drug used to treat nervous
disorders, calm psychotic patients. They are not
habit-forming but when taken in large numbers
will produce deep unconsciousness, a drop in
blood pressure and finally respiration stops leading
to death.
While the margin of safety associated with
these drugs is considerable, overdose can occur
and continuous use can lead to dependence.
a) Meprobamate b) Diazepam
Classifications of drugs and their Effects
Effects of Tranquilizer
• Physical weakness and sleepiness
• Induced mental and psychological dullness
• It calms the nerves and relieves tension and
anxiety
• Overdose can lead to “coma”, respiratory failure
and death
Classifications of drugs and their Effects

 Narcotics, in medicine, refer to opium,

morphine, codeine, heroin and hydromorphone .
Classifications of drugs and their Effects

Effects of Narcotics
• Reduced size of the pupils of the eyes and
reduced vision
• Drowsiness and decreased physical activity
• Nausea, vomiting and difficulty in breathing
if taken in larger dosage
Classifications of drugs and their Effects

Effects of Narcotics
• “Tolerance”, which finally leads to “drug
dependence”
• Induced “come” with slow, shallow
respiration
• Convulsions, followed by the stopping of
breathing that can lead to death if
overdosed
Classifications of drugs and their Effects

9. Inhalants are volatile substances derived from

ether or chloroform. It is an inhalator through the
nose to experience intoxication. Recently,
inhalation of different substances known as “glue
sniffing” has become popular among young
people in their early teens. These substances
include the following:
Classifications of drugs and their Effects
9. These substances include the following:
a) Quick-drying glue or plastic cement, like rugby
b) Paint remover and lacquer, such as thinner and
solvent
c) Gasoline and other gasoline-based products
d) Kerosene or commonly known as gaas
e) Nail polish and cuticle remover
f) Lighter-fluid and dry-cleaning fluid
Classifications of drugs and their Effects

9. Inhalants
Classifications of drugs and their Effects
Effects of Inhalants
• Unsteadiness and restlessness
• Drunkenness with depression leading to
unconsciousness
• Irritability and highly agitated condition
• Initial excitement thereby losing emotional control
• Irritation of the throat and nasal passages.
Sometimes inhalants contain toxic elements that are
harmful to the heart and can cause sudden death
when inhaled
What are the reason behind these drugs?
The most common reason why drugs are abused
• For relief from problems – personal, family, school
or work
• To experience its effect on the mind and body
• To ease depression, boredom, pain or misery
• Giving in to pressures from “peers” or other drug
users
• For curiosity, due to misinformation from
acquaintances
• For security feelings – with drugs, they have self-
confidence
Some of the preventive measures for drug abuse
Drug abuse must be avoided from the start before
problems set in. There are several basic ways to do this,
namely:
a) Improvement in family relations. The parents and
children must communicate with each other and
strengthen their ties to combat drug addiction;
b) Direct and sincere action on the part of the
government to address the growing problems of drug
abuse;
c) Clear and noticeable reforms in the environment and
economy to provide everyone with a bright future and
good life;
Some of the preventive measures for drug abuse
Drug abuse must be avoided from the start before
problems set in. There are several basic ways to do this,
namely:
d) Strict enforcement of drug laws against violators and
traffickers;
e) Establishment of a dedicated judiciary so as to
facilitate the delivery of aid of victims of drug abuse;
f) Complete “crackdown” against drug pusher and
syndicates; and
g) Instituting heavy penalties, specifically the “death
penalty’ for drug-related crime and serious drug
violators
Roles of school, the community, youth and
parents in preventing drug abuse

 School
Every school must formulate a “drug policy “designed
to help students and all school personnel fight drug
abuse. Also, the school can initiate “drug awareness”
program and realistic prevention efforts that will
benefit the entire community. All
students must take an active part in making this
program a success.
Roles of school, the community, youth and
parents in preventing drug abuse
Community
The community, as a whole, must work toward eradicating
the drug menace by:
• conducting an anti-drug campaign, cooperating with
authorities in the arrest of the
drug pushers;
• helping drug users get treatment from drug rehabilitation
centers, dismantling the
drug-based network existing in the community through
police action;
Roles of school, the community, youth and
parents in preventing drug abuse
Community
• planning a community action program involving
young people, civic welfare, and
religious organizations in tackling the drug problem;
and
• organizing worthwhile and constructive activities
such as recreational, social, and economic projects
that will serve as a positive alternative to drug abuse.
Roles of school, the community, youth and
parents in preventing drug abuse
Youth
The role of the youth in nation building is crucial
and important. They are problem solvers, have positive
influence in other young people and the nation, and are
extremely ambitious. They have the ability to create
and identify themselves and move the nation forward
positively.
Roles of school, the community, youth and
parents in preventing drug abuse
As responsible youth of today, be strong and
always remember:
S - steadfast personality
T – trustworthy in words and actions
R – respectable in relating with others
O – open-minded in facing situation
N – noble character
G – gusty actions and ideals
Ten (10) ways to say NO to Drugs
1. be vocal, just say NO to drugs and mean it.
2. Project an image of a clean living for yourself.
3. Get into sports.
4. Choose your friend and influence them positively.
5. Get involved into community-based activities.
6. Join organizations or youth club or form your
interest group (church, school or social)
Ten (10) ways to say NO to Drugs

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
siblings.
10. Enhance your talents and skills by taking part on
workshops, trainings or seminars.
Roles of school, the community, youth and
parents in preventing drug abuse
Parents
Parents must serve as a model to their children through
the following:
• If parents use medicines improperly and in large
dosages, children will imitate this bad example. This
should be avoided.
• Parents must teach their children not to use drugs
indiscriminately so as to develop in their children the
correct drug attitude
Roles of school, the community, youth and
parents in preventing drug abuse
Parents
• Parents should advice their children on their choice
of friends and inculcate the basic knowledge about
drug abuse.
• If parents discover their son or daughter is into
drugs, they must face the problem and seek
professional help at once.
• Parents must create a happy family life and maintain
an open communication between them and their
children