Despite the seemingly tamed and glamorized idea of drug use, it must be

remembered that it can still lead to ABUSE, ADDICTION, LEGAL OFFENSES, SERIOUS HEALTH PROBLEMS, and even

DEATH.

We must understand that there is no way to predict the effect that a drug

can have on a person, especially if it is the first time they try it, and even

regardless of dose and amount. Given that each person’s brain and body

chemistry are different, each person would also have a different tolerance

for drugs.

Drugs

Drugs are chemicals that affect a person in such a way as to bring about physiological, emotional, or behavioral change.

‘Dangerous drugs’ are those that have high tendency for abuse and dependency, these substances may be organic or synthetic, and pose harm to those who use them.

Drug Abuse

Drug abuse exists when a person continually uses a drug other than its intended purpose. This continued use can lead to drug dependence, a state of physical and psychological dependence or both on a dangerous drug.

Drug Addiction

Drug addiction is a complex, and often chronic, brain disease. It is characterized by excessive drug craving, seeking, and use. Addiction is caused by brain changes caused by constant drug use.

Dependency

This is the state of physical and psychological dependence, or both, on a dangerous drug, or drugs, experienced by a person following the use of that substance on a periodic or continuous basis. A person dependent on drugs will experience withdrawal reactions (also known as “cold turkey”, symptoms that occur after long-term use of a drug is reduced or stopped abruptly) after abstaining from drugs.

Drug Abuse: By the Numbers

Estimated Drug Users in the Philippines:

1.7 Million

Profile of Drug Users

Mean Age:  28 years oldRatio of Male is to Female Users: 10:1Civil Status: Single (58.21%)Employment Status: UnemployedEducational Attainment: High School LevelAverage Monthly Household Income: Php 16,290.80Residence: Urban Areas

Duration of Drug Use:

More than 6 years

Nature of Drug Use:

Polydrug-use

Commonly Abused Substances:

(1)Methamphetamine Hydrochloride

(Shabu)

(2) Cannabis (Marijuana)

(3) Inhalants (Contact Cement)

MOST COMMONLY ABUSED DRUGS AND THEIR ILL

EFFECTS

Methamphetamine Hydrochloride (Shabu)

Methamphetamine hydrochloride is found to have harmful effects to the brain. It changes how the brain functions. Studies have shown that methamphetamine abusers have reduced motor skills and impaired verbal learning as a result of alterations in the activity of the dopamine, a neurotransmitter involved in reward, motivation, experience of pleasure and motor function.

Street names:shabs, ice, meth, crystal, kristal, basura, tawas, bato

Other adverse effects of methamphetamine:

Severe dental problems (“meth mouth”)AnxietyConfusionInsomniaMood DisturbancesViolent behavior

Cannabis Sativa

(Marijuana)

Marijuana use impairs a person's ability to form new memories and to shift focus. Its active component, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) also disrupts coordination and balance, posture, and reaction time (experience commonly referred to as “spacing out”). Thus, chronic marijuana use significantly reduces a person’s capacity to learn, carry-out complicated tasks, participate in sports, driving and operating other machineries. Studies also show that marijuana use can lead to lung cancer and other problems in the respiratory and immune systems.

Street names: weed, jutes, pot, grass, damo, chongke

Health problems that come with the use of marijuana include:

Problems with memory and learning

Distorted perception(sights, sounds, time, touch)

Trouble with thinking and problem solving

Loss of motor coordination

Increased heart rate and palpitations

INHALANTS

The effects of inhalants are similar to that of alcohol, including slurred speech, lack of coordination, euphoria and dizziness. Inhalant abusers may also experience lightheadedness, hallucinations, and delusions.

Harmful irreversible effects of inhalants include:

Hearing loss

Limb spasms

Central nervous system or brain damage

Bone marrow damage

SIGNS OF DRUG ABUSE

The following are common signs of drug revealed by individual using drugs. While not all of these signs mean that one person is involved in drugs and there could be some other physical or emotional problem that is causing these behaviors, there is high chance that drug use may be a possibility:

declining interest in school or work

suddenly changes friends (hangs out with individuals known for their drug use)

becomes pessimistic, irritable and anxious all the time

asks to be left alone a lot

is always tired (or makes it as an excuse to be left alone)

becomes careless and often becomes involved in accidents

becomes implicated  in a lot of fights

frequent mood swings

sudden change in appearance and conduct (red or puffy eyes, weight changes, constant complaints of headaches or stomachaches, shaking, incessant cough, brown stains on fingertips, stumbling, or a constant runny nose)

loss of interest in hobbies or sports

exhibits poor judgment

finds it difficult to concentrate