Republic of the Philippines

PARTIDO STATE UNIVERSITY

Goa, Camarines Sur

COMMON MODULE 3
Drug Education

Name of Student: Week No:

Course Code: NSTP1 Name of Faculty:
Course Title: National Service Training Program 1

I. INTRODUCTION

Drug education usually focuses on influencing students' values, attitudes, knowledge and
skills so they make healthier decisions about alcohol and other drugs.

As a youth, this society became bigger and opened many opportunities and activities that
will either improve or destroy your holistic personality. The youth must be aware of the positive
norm being practiced in society. This includes the awareness of proper treatment of Drugs and
other substances. By this, they will become a good example to the next generations.

This module will provide knowledge about drugs, harmful drugs, inhalants and other
substances, drug abuse and its effects, the reason why people turn to drugs and penalties on illegal
drugs involvement.

II. OBJECTIVES

• Identify the importance of drug and when it is harmful.

• Determine reasons why people turn into drugs, drugs which are commonly used,
description of a person takes drugs; ill-effects of drugs, and what a student can do
to prevent drugs.
• Reflect on the role of the youth in drug detection and prevention.

III. LESSON

A drug is a chemical substance that brings about physical, emotional, or behavioral

changes in a person taking it.

When are drugs harmful?

Any drug may be harmful when taken in excess. Some drugs can also be harmful if
taken in dangerous combinations or by a hypersensitive (allergic) person in ordinary or even
small amounts.

Are products other than drugs ever abused?

Yes. Substances like glue, paint, thinner, gasoline and other volatile (breathable)
solvents contain a variety of dangerous chemicals. They should be sold and used with caution.

What is drug abuse?

Drug abuse is the excessive use of any chemical substance, licit or illicit, which results
in an individual's physical, mental or social impairment.

It may refer to any of the following practices:

1. Using without benefit or prescription, use of drugs which have the capacity to alter the mood
or behavior.
2. Using drugs and substances for a purpose different from the one for which the drug has been
prescribed.
3. Using drugs and substances having no legitimate medical application for purposes other than
research.
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COMMON MODULE 3: Drug Education
Republic of the Philippines PARTIDO STATE UNIVERSITY
Goa, Camarines Sur

Why do people turn to drugs?

These are reasons ranging from the following:

1. “Medicines” can solve problems.

2. Widespread access to various drugs.
3. “Peer pressure”
4. The notion that drugs give enjoyment to users and in the context that it is used as an alcohol
substimte.

What drugs are commonly used?

1. Stimulants — drugs that increase alertness and physical disposition. Examples: amphetamine,
cocaine, caffeine and nicotine.

2. Hallucinogens (also called psvchedelics)— drugs that affect sensation, thinking, self-awareness,
and emotion. Changes in time and space perception, delusions (false beliefs) and hallucinations
may be mild or overwhelming, depending on the dose and quality of the drug. Examples: LSD,
Mescaline and Marijuana

3. Sedatives — drugs which may reduce anxiety and excitement. Examples: Barbiturates, Non-
barbiturates, Tranquilizers and alcohol.

4. Narcotics — drugs that relieve pain and often induce sleep. Examples: Opium and its derivatives
such as Morphine, Codeine and Heroin.

How can you tell when one is abusing drugs?

A person who is abusing drugs has a lot of changes in behavior, appearance and mood. The
changes may be pleasant or unpleasant. Thus he:

1. is irritable, discourteous, defiant and aggressive;

2. is untrustworthy and lack self-confidence;
3. is unhealthy and unconcerned with good grooming;
4. has low frustration tolerance;
5. lacks interest in his studies/work;
6. blames everybody for his problems; and
7. prefers his “barkada” where he feels accepted.

What are the ill effects of drug abuse?

Drug abuse leads to medical and health problems. The physical complications depend on
the extent of the specific drug, its source and the way it is used. Among the physical and mental
complications are:

1. Malnutrition— The lives of drug dependents revolve around drug abuse. They miss their regular
meals because they lose their appetite.

2. Panic Reaction — The loss of thought processes can cause panic reactions or feelings of
invulnerability. Both of these states can lead to injury and death. The prolonged harmful
reactions include anxiety and depressive states, or breaks with reality, which may last from a few
days to months.

3. Physical Damage — In addition to those diseases, which accompany the use of unsterile syringes
and contaminated drugs these may cause certain medical problems. Liver and kidney damage
may result when large quantities are taken. Many who abuse drugs also neglect personal hygiene,
which can lead to multiple health problems. Kidney failure, hepatitis, drastic weight loss and
vitamin deficiencies are some of the adverse physical complications.

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COMMON MODULE 3: Drug Education
 Republic of the Philippines
PARTIDO STATE UNIVERSITY
Goa, Camarines Sur

“The life of drug abusers is a dreadful one. To support the habit, they resort to committing
crimes like stealing, prostitution and gambling, wherein they hamper their emotional
maturation.”

What can a person do to prevent drug abuse?

1. Maintain good physical and mental health.

2. Use drugs properly. Most drugs are beneficial when used under medical advice.
3. Understand your own self. Accept and respect yourself for what you are.
4. Develop your potentials. Engage in wholesome, productive and fulfilling activities.
5. Learn to relate effectively to whom you can communicate your problems freely.
6. Learn to cope with your problems and other stresses without the use of drugs.
7. Seek professional help if you feel cannot cope with your problems.
8. Develop strong moral and spiritual foundations.

What are the general facts about Ecstasy (MDMA)?

Ecstasy is a synthetic amphetamine-related substance. It gained popularity as a recreational

drug, first in the United States and then later in Europe and now is increasingly known in other
parts of the world. It has the following street names: X, Rave, Lovedrug, Flying Saucer, LBD
“Libido”, Jagged little pill, Artist drug, hug drug, MDA, MDEA, XTC, E, Eckie and love doves.
Its scientific name is 3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA).

What are the methods of administration?

A user generally takes the drug through oral ingestion, but some resort to snorting for its
faster effect, but this is usually painful and irritating to the nostrils. Its dosage varies, whole tablet
1 “hit” last for about 3 t 5 hours. A typical dose is between 75 mg. and 150 mg.; one-half tablet
— half a hit.

What are the physiological effects of MDMA?

1. muscle tension
2. involuntary teeth clenching
3. nausea
4. appetite loss
5. blurred vision
6. rapid eye movement
7. hallucinations
8. irritability
9. faintness
10. chills
11. sweating
12. sleeping problems
13. increase in heart rate, body temperature and blood pressure
14. liver and heart damage
15. brain hemorrhage

Psychological effects

The MDMA psychological effects are classified into two categories. The first of which are
positive psychological effects which include:

1. extreme mood lifts

2. increase in willingness to communicate
3. increase energy
4. ego softening
5. feeling of comfort, belonging and closeness to others
6. the feeling of love and empathy
7. forgiveness

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COMMON MODULE 3: Drug Education
 Republic of the Philippines
PARTIDO STATE UNIVERSITY
Goa, Camarines Sur

8. increased awareness and appreciation of music

9. increased awareness of senses
10. profound life-changing spiritual exercise
11. neurotically based after the fear dissolution
12. experience bright and intense sensations and
13. urge to hug and kiss people

The second category has negative effects which include:

1. inappropriate and unintended emotional bonding

2. tendency to say things the user might feel uncomfortable about later
3. depression and fatigue up to about 7 days
4. confusion
5. drug craving
6. severe anxiety and paranoia

What are the long-term effects of MDMA?

1. psychosis
2. arrhythmia
3. same effect as with amphetamines
4. psychological dependence
5. depression

What are the signs and symptoms of an MDMA user?

1. poor appetite
2. disturbed sleeping pattern
3. erratic behavior
4. paranoia and
5. suspicious of people

What is the profile of the MDMA users?

1. “Class A: people
2. “Yuppies” (young urban professionals)
3. Spoiled brats
4. Recreational drug users (partygoers, night owls)
5. Age range: 20’s-40’s

Penalty

The penalty of life imprisonment to death and a fine ranging from Five Hundred Thousand
Pesos (Php 500,00.00) to Ten Million Pesos (Php 10, 000,000.00) shall be imposed upon any
person, who unless authorized by law shall possess 10 grams of methylenedioxymethamphetamine
(MDMA) regardless of purity to include illegal manufacture, sale, administration, dispensing,
distribution, delivery and transportation.

What you should know about Marijuana

Marijuana, often called grass, pot or weed, is a crude drug made from Cannabis sativa, a
plant that contains a mind-altering (psychoactive) ingredient called tetrahydrocannabinol).

In what form is Marijuana available?

A marijuana “joint” or cigarette is made from the dried leaves, tops and flowers of the
plant. Its strength depends on the type of plant, the weather, the soil and the time of harvest of
the plant.

Hashish or hash — is made from the extracted resin of the plant. It is usually stronger
than crude marijuana and can both be smoked and eaten.

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COMMON MODULE 3: Drug Education
 Republic of the Philippines
PARTIDO STATE UNIVERSITY
Goa, Camarines Sur

Why is Marijuana dangerous?

Marijuana slows down the user's mental and psychomotor activities. Users don't remember
what they have learned when they are high. The effects of marijuana can also impair thinking,
reading comprehension and verbal and mathematical skills.
Marijuana creates other health problems related to the reproductive system, the heart, and the lungs.
It has been found that Marijuana use may lead to cancer. Long-term regular use of marijuana
may lead to psychological dependence. Once started, it may take more of the drug for the user to get
the same effect.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT INHALANT ABUSE

What is inhalant abuse?

Inhalant abuse is the deliberate inhalation of volatile chemical substances that contain
psychoactive (mind/mood-altering) vapors to produce a state of intoxication.

Why is inhalant abuse dangerous?

1. It will cause permanent damage to the brain or may result in “sudden sniffing death”.

2. Abusers under the influence of inhalants are people to an accident. Several

inhalant abusers have died from road accidents, drowning, falling from tall buildings
etc. after sniffing glue. Abusers can also become violent.

3. Inhalant abuse produces psychological dependence. Once the habit is formed, the dose
has to be increased gradually to produce the same effect.

What you should know about cocaine

Cocaine is a drug extracted from the leaves of coca, a South American shrub, which has the
same effect as amphetamines — a central nervous system stimulant.

In what forms is Cocaine available?

1. Cocaine Hydrochloride — is the most available form. It is a fine white crystal-

like powder that is medically known as a local anesthetic. User sniff or snort it into
the nose.
2. “Street” Cocaine Hydrochloride or “Rocks These are the large pieces of cocaine
—” hydrochloride.
3. Freebase — is the purified substance of “rocks”. It is usually injected or smoked.
4. Coca paste — is a crude product smoked in South America. It is more dangerous
because it has contaminants such as kerosene.

Why is cocaine dangerous?

1. In some people, even low doses of cocaine may create psychological problems.
2. An overdose may cause delirium, convulsions, respiratory failure or death.
3. Regular intake of high doses of cocaine may cause paranoia or may lead to
“cocaine psychosis” (hallucinations of touch, sight, taste or smell).

Why is cocaine addicting?

Repeated use of cocaine leads to addiction. Users can get to the point of centering their
lives on seeking and using the drug. Sometimes, they may continue to use it to avoid the
depression and fatigue they would feel if they stopped using the drug.

Random drug testing for secondary and tertiary students

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COMMON MODULE 3: Drug Education
Republic of the Philippines PARTIDO STATE UNIVERSITY
Goa, Camarines Sur

1. What is the legal basis for the conduct of random drug testing for secondary and
tertiary students?
Article III section 36 (c) of Republic Act 9165, otherwise known as the
“Comprehensive Dangerous Act of 2002”.

2. What are the objectives of random drug testing?

The random drug testing will be conducted for the following purposes:

To determine the prevalence of drug users among the students.

To assess the effectiveness of school-based and community-based prevention
programs.
To deter the use of illegal drugs.
To facilitate the rehabilitation of drug users and dependents.
To strengthen the collaboration efforts of identified agencies against the use of
illegal drugs and in the rehabilitation of drug uses and dependents.

Who are going to be tested?

Based on the implementation's guidelines, the random drug testing shall be applicable to
students in public and private secondary, tertiary/higher education institutions and post-secondary,
technical and vocational schools.

What agencies are participating in this endeavor?

There are three (3) major government agencies participating in the drug testing program
and they are called “supervising agencies” in the guidelines since they exercise supervision of
the schools. These agencies are the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher
Education (CHED) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Do these agencies have the capability to conduct the drug testing?

The conduct of drug testing is not the responsibility of the said three (3) agencies but
they have to coordinate closely with DOH-accredited testing centers/laboratories that will do the
testing in the schools. The school, through its respective health personnel, shall assist the drug
testing laboratory in the conduct of the test.

If found to be positive for drugs, the student may be a subject of discrimination among his
schoolmates. How will this concern be prevented?

A positive confirmatory drug test result shall not be a ground for expulsion or any
disciplinary action against the student. But in the event that it is determined that the student is drug
dependent, the school may impose the appropriate sanctions against the students as provided for in
the school's student handbook of regulations and the manual of regulations for private schools;
provided that in the case of public secondary schools, if the student is later on found to have
been rehabilitated, the student shall then be allowed to re-enroll.

How is the process of rehabilitation done?

It includes after-care and follow-up treatment, directed towards the physical,

emotional/psychological, vocational, social and spiritual change/enhancement of a drug, enjoy the
fullest life compatible with his/her capabilities and potential and render him/her to become a
law- abiding and productive member of the community.

If after the counseling period, the student shows no sign of improvement, what will be the
next step?

If the student fails the drug test the second time, the DOH-accredited facility or
physician may make a recommendation to the student, parent, and drug testing coordinator to have
the student referred to a DOH-accredited facility suited to the student's level of dependency.
Can it be detected if the student is using drugs for medical treatment purposes and not for
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COMMON MODULE 3: Drug Education
 illegal use of the drug?

Prior to testing, the selected students shall be asked to reveal the prescription medicines,
vitamins, food supplements that they had ingested within the past five (5) days. The drug testing
coordinator shall keep the list and utilize this in the evaluation of the confirmatory drug test.

Who pays for the drug testing?

The government shoulders the costs of random drug testing of students.

Is there a penalty imposed on schools that refuse to implement the drug-testing program?

Schools that refuse to implement the random drug testing program shall be liable under
section 32 of RA 9165 without prejudice to other administrative sanctions imposed by the
supervising agencies. The supervising agency shall report the same to the Philippine Drug
Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB).

I. SUGGESTED REFERENCES

• Dela Cruz, Sonia G., Dela Cruz, Edeliza G. and Mapue, Paulino M. (2010). National
Development via National Service Training Program: RA 9163 (CWTS 1). Mandaluyong
city: Books Atbp, Publishing Corp.
• The Role of Drug Education in School-
schools/

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COMMON MODULE 3: Drug Education