Our topic will dwell on drugs, one of the most critical steps towards combating

drug abuse is to raise awareness about its adverse effects on individuals and society
as a whole so basically this report will revolve around drug education. Let me present
to you the overall objectives of this discussion.
After our discussion students will be able to:
 Describe the nature and the ill effects of illegal drugs;
 Present the health, legal and social consequences of substance abuse;
 Elaborate the different programs of implemented by the government in
addressing the issue; and
 Make a personal commitment to remain drug-free.
For the information of everyone I already posted my fact sheet and a copy of my
PPT on the link provide for everyone’s consumption and feel free to browse that one.
Earlier I have presented you the overall objectives, this time the objectives that
I will presenting to you is the objectives that covers my topic which is The Nature of
drugs and drug abuse:
And the objective for this topic is:
 Explore the nature of drugs and its effects to human and society;
 Explain the effects and consequences of drugs when abused
But before we start with our lesson proper let me ask you some few questions that is
related to our topic. So, that I can assess if you have prior knowledge about the topic
specifically what drug is?
So I have here wheel of names and I know some of you already know this drill,
but for those who aren’t familiar with this one, the mechanics of this activity is if you
are the one who will be chosen by the wheel you will be the one who will answer the
questions, no worries your answers are all acceptable since this is just a drill that will
assess how much you know about the topic.
An individual under the influence of drugs is generally viewed as an emotionally
unstable individual. They usually have little to no self- control. They hate physical,
mental, or moral suffering, which explains the need for them to escape. Tungod ani na
factors they rely on drugs for the time being, which should be changed and never
tolerated. Drugs don’t simply have an effect only on their physiological condition,
meaning dili lang diha na parte ang ma apektohan sa tao, it can also affect their
mental health, finances, their relationship and social life – having them charged with
criminal offenses.
The question is What is a Drug?
Drugs are substances that affect the way our body and our mind function.
They can change how a person feels, think, and behave. Why people take
drugs depends on a variety of reasons, and they take it in different ways.
They can be used for medical purposes (e.g., pain relief, treating illnesses) or
recreationally. Drugs can be legal (prescribed by doctors or over-the-counter) or
illegal.
It wasn’t included in the module but for additional information of everyone about the
types of drugs, kasi when we hear the word drug one thing na ma isip nato is drug na
shabu na makita nato sa mga salida sa TV. For the information of everyone there are
Types of Drugs which is:
Prescription Drugs: Medications prescribed by doctors for specific health conditions.
Metformin - diabites
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Drugs: Medications available without a prescription for
general health issues.
Pain Reliever - Ibuprofen (anti-inflammatory, fever, pain)
Illegal Drugs: Substances prohibited by law due to their high potential for abuse and
harmful effects.
Moving on to the next question is, What is Drug or Substance Abuse?
Substance adbuse according to World Health Organization (WHO) refers to “the
harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and
illicit drugs”. The use of psychoactive substance can result in dependence
syndrome – “a cluster of behavioral, cognitive and physiological phenomena
that develop after repeated substance use”.
In a short sense:
Drug or substance abuse refers to the misuse of drugs or other substances for non-
medical purposes. It involves taking drugs in a manner or dose that deviates from
prescribed use, often leading to harmful consequences.
Characteristics of Drug or Substance abuse is when using drugs excessively or for the
wrong reasons. Continued use despite negative consequences. Engaging in risky
behaviors to obtain or use drugs.
Drug Addiction (Substance Use Disorder)
Drug addiction, is a chronic disease characterized by the compulsive seeking
and use of drugs despite harmful consequences. It involves physical and
psychological dependence.
The Mayo Clinic states that drug addiction, also termed ‘substance use disorder’,
is a “disease that affects a person's brain and behavior” which often leads
to one’s inability to control their use of a prescribed or illegal drug.
Symptoms:
Inability to stop using the drug despite a desire to quit. Increased tolerance, requiring
more of the drug to achieve the same effect. Withdrawal symptoms when not using
the drug.
But the question is, is Drug Abuse and Drug Addiction the Same?
(Ask anyone from the class)
Comparison:
Drug Abuse: Refers to the improper use of substances, often leading to harm but
may not involve dependence.
Drug Addiction: Involves a deeper level of dependence and compulsion, where the
person is unable to control their drug use.
Conclusion: While drug abuse can lead to addiction, not all cases of abuse result in
addiction. Addiction is a more severe form of abuse.
Why do People Turn to Drugs?
Common Reasons:
Curiosity and Experimentation: Particularly among adolescents and young adults.
In this sense, adolescents are particularly vulnerable because of the strong influence
of peer pressure. They are curious and driven by experimental exploration for
experience. Na curious sila mao gusto nila mag try ana na impluwensiyahan sd sa
mga kaila. As saying goes curiousty kills the cat the is why we need to be mindful of
the things na atoang buhaton.
Recreation: Using prescribed drugs for that was originally to target pain relief, but
has been turned into recreational, addictive use. To enhance social experiences or
feel pleasure. Common recreational drugs include caffeine, commonly found in coffee
Culture:Religious or cultural practices/ rituals that may call for the use of certain
chemicals.
Loneliness: According to (Panksepp, 2012)People who are into Substance Use
Disorder commonly lack enough positive human contacts to sustain happiness, and
they resort to drug intake partly as self-medication.
To feel good: Psychoactive substances contain chemicals that distorts reality and
make you feel better. After a while, the feeling-good in the brain will get addicted to it
thus wanting more to get the same novel feeling.
To do better: Some people may take stimulants to enhance or improve their
cognitive skills as well as physical activities such as studying or athletic performance.
What are the Categories of Drugs?
Categories:
Depressants: Drugs that slow down brain function (e.g., alcohol,
benzodiazepines). These are drugs that cause depression of the brain's
faculties by attacking the Central Nervous System (CNS) slowing down the
messages between the brain and the body.
Examples of these are barbiturates (category of sedative-hypnotic medication
used to treat seizure disorders, neonatal withdrawal, insomnia) such as sleeping pills
and non-barbiturates such as benzodiazepines, and alcohol. Helps calms and soothes
a person
Stimulants: Drugs that increase alertness and energy (e.g., cocaine,
amphetamines). Drugs which cause stimulation of the brain, giving rise to
alertness and increased bursts of activity.
Examples of these are amphetamine, cocaine, caffeine and nicotine.
Hallucinogens: Drugs that alter perception (e.g., LSD, magic mushrooms).
These results to hallucinations and an "out of this world" feeling. This drugs
affect the sensation, thinking, and emotion that may lead to distorted sensory
stimulations, delusion, paranoia and even depression.
Examples of hallucinogen drugs are ecstasy, mescaline and marijuana.

Basic Facts about Commonly Abused Substances

MARIJUANA:
Street Names: Weed, Grass, Herb, Pot, Dope
Commonly used recreational drug, now legal in some places but still associated
with cognitive impairment and potential dependence. Marijuana is usually rolled
up in a cigarette called a joint or a nail. It can also be brewed as a tea or mixed
with food, or smoked through a water pipe called a bong. According to a National
Survey on Drug Abuse, kids who frequently use marijuana are almost four times more
likely to act violently or damage property.
SHORT-TERM EFFECT
Loss of coordination and distortions in the sense of time, vision and hearing,
sleepiness, reddening of the eyes, increased appetite and relaxed muscles.
Heart rate can speed up.
LONG-TERM EFFECT
Long-term use can cause psychotic symptoms. It can also damage the lungs
and the heart, worsen the symptoms of bronchitis and cause coughing and
wheezing.

ALCOHOL:
Street Names: Booze, Sauce, Brews, Hard Stuff, Juice
Most widely used depressant, legal but highly abused. Leads to liver
damage, addiction, and impaired judgment.
You might ask, Ate why man gi consider and Alcohol as drug? It is considered drugs
because alcohols are substances that affect the way our body and our mind function.
If you can still remember on my definition about drugs.
SHORT-TERM EFFECT
Feeling of warmth, flushed skin, impaired judgement, lack of coordination,
slurred speech, memory and comprehension loss. Heavy drinking usually
results in a “hangover”, headache, nausea, anxiety, weakness, shakiness
and sometimes vomiting.
LONG-TERM EFFECT
Leads to a deteriorating physical condition that can include liver damage
and increases the risk of heart disease. If someone suddenly stops drinking,
withdrawal symptoms may set in which may result to jumpiness,
sleeplessness, poor appetite, convulsions and sometimes death.
ECSTASY
Ecstasy is usually taken orally in pill, tablet or capsule form. Taking more
than one at a time is called “bumping”. Ecstasy is a synthetic (man-made) drug
made in laboratory. Makers may add anything they choose to the drug such as
caffeine, amphetamine and even cocaine. It has similar effects to hallucinogens and
stimulants. The pills are of different colors and are sometimes marked with cartoon-
like images. Mixing ecstasy with alcohol is extremely dangerous and can be lethal.
SHORT-TERM EFFECT
Impaired judgement, false sense of affection, confusion, depression, sleep
problems, severe anxiety, paranoid, drug craving, muscle tension,
involuntary tooth clenching, nausea, blurred vision, faintness, chills or
sweating
LONG-TERM EFFECT
Prolonged use causes long-lasting and perhaps permanent damage to the
brain, affecting the person’s judgement and thinking ability.

SHABU OR METHAMPHETAMINE:
Methamphetamine are inhaled, smoked or injected. Low doses are in a pill
form. Crystal meth is a form of methamphetamine that resembles small
fragments of glass or shiny blue-white rocks.
SHORT-TERM EFFECT
Negative effects can include disturbed sleep patterns, hyperactivity,
nausea, delusions of power, increased aggressiveness and irritability. Can
decreased hunger and bring on weight loss.
LONG-TERM EFFECT
Increased heart rate and blood pressure, damage to blood vessels in the
brain, leading to strokes or irregular heart beat and cardiovascular collapse
or death. User may suffer brain damage, including memory impairment and
increasing inability to grasp abstract thoughts.

Inhalants
Inhalants include chemicals found in such household products as aerosol
sprays, cleaning fluids, glue, paint, paint thinner, nail polish remover, amyl
nitrate and lighter fuel. Inhalants affects the brain. When substances or fumes
are inhaled, they cause permanent physical and mental damage. They starve the
body of oxygen and force the heart to beat irregularly and more rapidly.
Street Name: Poppers, Whippets, Laughing Gas, Rush
SHORT-TERM EFFECT
People who use inhalants can lose their sense of smell, suffer nausea, and
nosebleeds and may develop liver, lung and kidney problems. Continued use
can lead to reduced muscle mass, tone and strength.
LONG-TERM EFFECT
Can lead to muscle wasting and reduced muscle tone and strength. Can
permanently damage the body and brain.
Most Common Signs of Drug Use and Addiction:
A resource for American Addiction Centers state that every person's drug abuse or
addiction experience is unique, but there are some ‘basic’ signs that apply to many
people who abuse substances, which include the following:
1. Intense cravings.
2. Tolerance.
3. Withdrawal symptoms.
4. Physical dependence.
5. They are engaging in increasingly risky behaviors
6. Drug-seeking behaviors.
7. Financial trouble related to drug use.
8. Neglecting responsibilities.
9. They are developing unhealthy relationships with those who support the
addiction.
10. Isolating behaviors.
How do People take Illegal Drugs?
No matter which way people prefer to take in drugs, it will always end up in our
bloodstream and create an effect on our bodies. The common methods of
administering drugs are the following:
Swallowing tablets or drinking liquids – The drugs are absorbed by the body via
the stomach lining
Breathing them into the lungs - The drugs are absorbed in the system through the
lining of the lungs
Snorting into the nose – The drugs are absorbed through the thin nasal lining
Injecting - The drug substance enters the body via the blood stream
Through the skin – The drugs are slowly absorbed into the body via a topical
application like a cream or body patch
Rectally or vaginally as a suppository - The drugs are absorbed to the bowels via
the vaginal lining or the anal lining
Effects of Drugs
Overusing certain drugs and consuming illegal ones will lead to different effects
physiologically, socially, and legally. Abusing drugs may also lead to economic and
political instability. The following are the ill effects of drugs:
Physiological - Any drugs are deemed dangerous when taken beyond the
right dosage and beyond the right intention. Drugs that can be harmful and
dangerous when taken in combinations; or it becomes harmful to a person
who has contraindications such as an allergy to the substance, even if it is
in small or typical doses.
Aside from the short and long-term effects cited in the previous discussion, using
illegal drugs can put a person at risk of transmissible diseases such as Hepatitis, and
viruses like the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which can then result in
Acquired Immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Social - Drugs’ consciousness-altering effects can severely aggravate the
mood of the person taking it.
People frequently using drugs will more often than not, engage in aggressive and
violent behaviors like fighting, stealing, riots, and other forms of criminality; and will
even develop an anti-social personality (Pozzi, 2018; and Johnson and Raine, 2013).
Legal - Dealing or just using illegal drugs can lead to imprisonment. People
who are convicted often faced social stigma from people around which in
some cases resulted in social rejection.
Another legal consequence of drug abuse can lead to difficulty in applying a job as
many employers conducts background investigation to know if their new hires are free
from legal encumbrances and liabilities.
Economic - Pozzi adds that “economic aftershock” that illegal drug use may
cause comes often from loss of potential manpower; low productivity;
money laundering (because the illegal drug trade is profitable in the black
market black market); and the lack of security and safety in the community
makes it an unfavorable environment for investors to trust that their
businesses will thrive.
Additionally, governments spend quite an amount of ta xpayer’s money to boost
security against insurgency and criminality caused by the drug menace; when instead
it could go towards providing the basic needs of its citizens.
Political - The illegal drug trade corrupts the government system as well
when drug syndicates and politicians become involved, mostly due to access
to money and power. (Kawugana & Faruna, 2018; Pozzi, 2018; and Ciocchini,
2019)