I.

Types of Drugs

Drugs can be classified into several categories based on their effects, uses, and legal status. Here's an
overview:
Stimulants
Effects: Increase alertness, energy, and attention.
Examples: Caffeine, nicotine, amphetamines, cocaine, methamphetamine.
Depressants
Effects: Slow down brain activity, leading to relaxation or drowsiness.
Examples: Alcohol, benzodiazepines (e.g., Valium, Xanax), barbiturates.
Opioids (Narcotics)
Effects: Pain relief, euphoria, and sedation.
Examples: Morphine, heroin, oxycodone, fentanyl, codeine.
Hallucinogens
Effects: Alter perception, thoughts, and feelings, leading to hallucinations.
Examples: LSD (acid), psilocybin (magic mushrooms), mescaline, DMT.
Cannabinoids
Effects: Euphoria, relaxation, altered sensory perception.
Examples: Cannabis (marijuana), synthetic cannabinoids (e.g., Spice, K2).
Dissociatives
Effects: Cause feelings of detachment from reality, hallucinations.
Examples: Ketamine, PCP (angel dust), DXM (found in some cough syrups).
Inhalants
Effects: Brief euphoria, dizziness, and sometimes hallucinations.
Examples: Nitrous oxide (laughing gas), solvents, aerosol sprays.
Anabolic Steroids
Effects: Promote muscle growth and enhance athletic performance.
Examples: Testosterone, stanozolol, nandrolone.
Prescription Medications
Effects: Vary depending on the drug, used for treating medical conditions.
Examples: Antibiotics, antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs like Prozac), antipsychotics, anti-anxiety drugs.
Psychoactive Drugs
Effects: Alter mood, perception, and brain function.
Examples: Antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, ADHD medications (e.g., Ritalin).
New Psychoactive Substances (NPS)
Effects: Vary widely, often designed to mimic the effects of existing illicit drugs.
Examples: Synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic cathinones (e.g., bath salts).
Legal Drugs
Effects: Vary; legal for consumption or use under certain regulations.
Examples: Alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, over-the-counter medications (e.g., painkillers like ibuprofen).
Illicit Drugs
Effects: Vary widely; illegal to manufacture, distribute, or possess.
Examples: Heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA (ecstasy).
 II. Causes of Drug Abuse

Genetic Factors
Family History: A history of substance abuse in the family can increase the likelihood of drug abuse in
other family members.

Psychological Factors
Mental Health Disorders: Conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or ADHD can lead individuals to
self-medicate with drugs.
Stress and Trauma: High levels of stress, trauma, or a history of abuse (physical, emotional, or sexual)
can contribute to drug abuse.

Social and Environmental Factors

Peer Pressure: Social pressure from friends or peers can lead to the initiation and continuation of drug
use, especially in adolescents.
Family Environment: Dysfunctional family environments, lack of parental supervision, or family conflict
can contribute to drug abuse.
Availability of Drugs: Easy access to drugs in one's environment increases the likelihood of use and
abuse.

III. Risk Factors for Drug Abuse

Age
 Adolescents and Young Adults: This age group is particularly at risk due to developmental
factors, peer pressure, and a tendency toward risk-taking behavior.
Lack of Social Support
 Isolation: Lack of strong, supportive relationships can lead to drug abuse as individuals may use
substances to cope with loneliness or emotional pain.
Peer Influence
 Association with Drug-Using Peers: Spending time with others who use drugs increases the
likelihood of starting and continuing drug use.
Chronic Pain
 Pain Management: Individuals with chronic pain may become dependent on prescription
opioids, leading to abuse.
 IV. Effect of Health
Drug abuse can have severe and wide-ranging effects on both physical and mental health. The specific
effects depend on the type of drug used, the frequency of use, the amount consumed, and the
individual's overall health.

Physical Health Effects

Cardiovascular Issues
 Heart Disease: Drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine, and certain stimulants can cause heart
attacks, arrhythmias, and hypertension.
 Blood Vessel Damage: Chronic use of stimulants can lead to hardening and narrowing of blood
vessels, increasing the risk of stroke.

Respiratory Problems
 Lung Damage: Smoking drugs (e.g., marijuana, crack cocaine) can lead to chronic bronchitis, lung
infections, and increased risk of lung cancer.
 Respiratory Depression: Opioids can slow down breathing to dangerous levels, potentially leading to
respiratory failure and death.

Immune System Suppression

Increased Infection Risk: Drug abuse can weaken the immune system, making the body more
susceptible to infections like HIV, hepatitis, and other diseases.

Reproductive Health Problems

 Infertility: Drug abuse can lead to hormonal imbalances and infertility in both men and women.
 Birth Defects: Pregnant women who abuse drugs risk having babies with birth defects, developmental
issues, and low birth weight.

Skin and Vein Problems

 Infections and Abscesses: Injecting drugs can lead to skin infections, abscesses, and collapsed veins.
 Skin Damage: Chronic drug abuse can cause skin lesions, sores, and other dermatological issues.

V. Mental Health Effects

Addiction and Dependence
 Substance Use Disorder: Drug abuse can lead to addiction, where the individual becomes
physically and psychologically dependent on the substance.
 Tolerance and Withdrawal: Over time, higher doses of the drug are needed to achieve the same
effect, and stopping use can lead to withdrawal symptoms.
Cognitive Impairments
  Memory Loss: Drugs like alcohol, marijuana, and others can impair short-term and long-term
memory.
 Poor Concentration: Chronic drug use can lead to difficulties in focusing and making decisions.
Mood Disorders
 Depression and Anxiety: Drug abuse can exacerbate or cause mood disorders like depression
and anxiety.
 Increased Risk of Suicide: The psychological toll of addiction and its effects on mental health can
increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Social and Behavioral Problems
 Isolation: Drug abuse often leads to social withdrawal and isolation from friends and family.
 Aggression and Violence: Some drugs can increase aggression, leading to violent behavior or
criminal activities.

Sleep Disturbances
 Insomnia: Many drugs, particularly stimulants and certain hallucinogens, can disrupt sleep
patterns, leading to chronic insomnia.
 Nightmares: Some substances, especially during withdrawal, can cause vivid and disturbing
nightmares.

VI. Treatment and Recovery

Treatment and recovery from drug abuse involve a combination of medical, psychological, and social
interventions. The approach depends on the substance being abused, the severity of the addiction, and
the individual's unique needs.

Inpatient Rehabilitation
 Residential Treatment: Inpatient rehab involves living at a treatment facility for a set period,
typically ranging from 30 to 90 days. It provides a structured environment with 24/7 support.
 Therapeutic Community: This is a longer-term residential treatment option that focuses on re-
socializing individuals and helping them reintegrate into society.
Outpatient Rehabilitation
 Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP): IOPs provide a higher level of care than standard
outpatient programs, often involving multiple sessions per week.
 Standard Outpatient Programs: These programs involve regular visits to a treatment center for
counseling and therapy but allow individuals to continue with their daily lives.
 Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP): PHPs are more intensive than IOPs, offering a structured
treatment environment during the day while allowing individuals to return home at night.

Support Groups
 12-Step Programs: Programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) are
peer-support groups that follow a structured, spiritual approach to recovery.
 SMART Recovery: A secular alternative to 12-step programs, SMART Recovery focuses on self-
empowerment and evidence-based techniques.
  Peer Support Groups: Many communities offer peer-led support groups where individuals can
share their experiences and support each other in recovery.

Family Therapy
 Involvement of Family: Family therapy helps repair relationships damaged by drug abuse and
educates family members on how to support their loved one’s recovery.
 Improving Communication: It focuses on improving communication and resolving conflicts
within the family, which can be crucial for long-term recovery.

Community and Social Support

 Building a Support Network: Establishing connections with supportive friends, family, and
community members can provide essential emotional support during recovery.
 Volunteer Work: Engaging in volunteer activities can help individuals rebuild their self-esteem
and contribute positively to their communities.

a. Safety precautions that can help individuals avoid drug abuse

Educate Yourself and Others
Learn about the dangers of drug abuse and addiction. Understanding the risks associated with drugs can
help you make informed decisions.
Share knowledge with friends and family, especially teenagers and young adults, to create awareness
about the harmful effects of drug use.
Develop Strong Social Connections
Build relationships with positive role models and individuals who do not engage in drug use.
Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends and family that encourages healthy behaviors
and activities.

Avoid Peer Pressure

Learn to say no when offered drugs. Practice assertiveness skills to avoid situations where you might be
pressured into experimenting with substances.
Choose friends who respect your boundaries and make safe decisions.

Engage in Healthy Activities

Stay active in hobbies, sports, arts, or other constructive activities that keep you physically and mentally
engaged.
Participate in extracurricular programs or clubs that promote a healthy lifestyle and provide a sense of
belonging without the influence of drugs.
Manage Stress and Mental Health
Learn healthy coping mechanisms for stress, anxiety, and depression, such as exercise, meditation, or
talking to a counselor.

Address any mental health concerns early. Seeking help from mental health professionals can prevent
the desire to self-medicate with drugs.

Understand the Risk of Prescription Drugs

Be cautious with prescription medications. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and avoid taking
medication not prescribed to you.

Safely dispose of unused medications to prevent misuse by yourself or others.

Limit Exposure to High-Risk Environments

Avoid places or situations where drug use is prevalent, such as parties where drugs are known to be
present.

Stay away from individuals or environments that encourage or enable drug use.

VII. Stigma and consequences of a Drug abusers

Stigma around drug abusers is a widespread societal issue that negatively impacts individuals struggling
with substance use disorders. This stigma often leads to discrimination, shame, and isolation, making
recovery more difficult.

Negative Perception
Drug abusers are often labeled as criminals, morally weak, or lacking self-control. This oversimplifies
addiction, ignoring the complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors.
Many people believe that addiction is purely a choice, rather than understanding it as a chronic medical
condition that affects the brain's reward system.

Discrimination in Healthcare
Individuals with drug addiction often face discrimination from healthcare professionals, resulting in
substandard care.

They may be judged as being "unworthy" of treatment, or their medical concerns might be dismissed as
being solely related to their addiction, delaying or denying proper care.

Reluctance to Seek Help

Due to fear of being judged or shamed, many individuals with substance use disorders avoid seeking
treatment, leading to untreated addiction, worsening health, and, in some cases, legal problems.
Stigma can prevent early intervention, making it harder to recover later as addiction becomes more
severe.
Impact on Employment and Social Relationships
Drug abusers often face barriers in the workplace, where they may lose jobs or be denied employment
due to their history of substance use, even after recovery.

Social stigma can lead to isolation, with family, friends, or society distancing themselves from the
individual, further exacerbating feelings of loneliness and hopelessness.

Criminalization and Legal Consequences

In many countries, including the Philippines, drug abuse is criminalized, which further fuels the stigma.
Individuals with addiction are often seen as offenders rather than people in need of medical
intervention.

The threat of incarceration discourages people from seeking help, as they fear legal consequences.

Stigma in Families and Communities

Families of drug abusers also face stigma, being judged or blamed for the individual's behavior. This can
strain family relationships and lead to social exclusion.

Communities may isolate or ostracize individuals known to have struggled with addiction, even when
they are in recovery, limiting their ability to reintegrate and contribute positively to society.

Combatting Stigma
Education: Increasing public awareness about addiction as a mental health issue, not a moral failure, is
essential to reducing stigma.

Language: Encouraging the use of non-stigmatizing language (e.g., "person with a substance use
disorder" instead of "addict") helps humanize individuals with addiction.

Support Systems: Expanding access to compassionate healthcare and community-based support can
foster environments where recovery is prioritized over punishment.

VIII. Government and Private healthcare departments

Department of Health (DOH)

DOH manages several Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers (DATRC) across the country.
These centers offer in-patient and out-patient treatment programs for individuals dealing with substance
abuse.
Example: DOH Treatment and Rehabilitation Center - Bicutan (located in Taguig City)
DOH Hotline: 165-364 (DOH-NCR)
DOH Treatment and Rehabilitation Center - Bicutan: +63 (02) 882-04883
Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)
PDEA primarily focuses on law enforcement, they collaborate with other government agencies in
promoting drug rehabilitation efforts. They can assist in referring individuals to appropriate rehabilitation
centers.
PDEA Hotline: 117
PDEA hotline number 8920-8110 locals 197 and 198

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)

The DSWD provides social services, including referrals for individuals seeking drug rehabilitation. They
support community-based rehabilitation programs and work with local government units (LGUs).
Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA)
PMHA offers mental health and addiction services, including counseling and rehabilitation referrals.

National Center for Mental Health (NCMH)

located in Mandaluyong City, Philippines, plays a significant role in providing mental health services,
including support for individuals dealing with substance abuse and addiction.
NCMH Main Line: (02) 531-9001
ncmh.gov.ph

Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB)

The DDB creates policies and collaborates with different agencies for the treatment and rehabilitation of
drug dependents.

Tel. No.: +632 8929-45-44 and +632 8929-17-53