Strategies Against Gateway Drugs
Strategies Against Gateway Drugs
HEALTH 8
Quarter 4 – Module 4b Prevention
and Control of Cigarette Smoking
and Drinking Alcoholic
Beverages
Prepared by :
Mr. Cris Briones and Mr. Jendel L. Monreal
Republic of the Philippines
Ramon Teves Pastoral Memorial Dumaguete Science High School
INTRODUCTION
The term “Gateway Drug” is used to describe any drug that a non-drug user
might try out that can lead to the consumption of a more dangerous drug. Cigarettes
and alcohol are “gateway drugs”. Gateway drugs are legal drugs that are readily
accessible. People who abuse more dangerous drugs such as marijuana and shabu
often start from cigarette smoking and drinking alcohol. Since cigarettes and alcohol
are readily available and generally accepted in our society, many people use them for
various purposes. Teenagers are especially vulnerable because they are curious and
risk-takers.
According to the study done by the National Youth Commission (NYC), 2 out
of 5 Filipino teenagers aged 13 to 15 years old, smoke cigarettes (philstar.com, March
16, 2012). Furthermore, in a study conducted by an anti-tobacco group in the year
2011, ten Filipinos die every year of tobacco-related diseases (Philippine Daily
Inquirer, Sept. 19, 2011). Health experts explained that the continuous increase in
cigarette use and alcohol consumption by Filipino teenagers is due to its very cheap
price.
Many pro-health groups asked the government to increase taxes from cigarette
and alcohol companies. In response, President Duterte signed Republic Act 11467
imposing additional excise taxes on tobacco and alcohol products including
ecigarettes (Inquirer.net, Jan. 23, 2020). Prices on cigarettes increased up to 500%
while alcohol increased approximately 50 php per liter. Banning of sale of tobacco
and alcohol products is enforced for minors.
What is It
https://bit.ly/38UmywI
Do not let your parents or other adults send you to buy cigarettes. Tell them
politely that you are not of legal age to buy cigarettes from your neighbor’s sari-sari
store. The law does not allow the sale of cigarettes to a minor. Minors who smoke
cigarettes often started it as an errand.
Ask your parents or other adults at home not to smoke in front of you. Ask them
politely to smoke away from you. Explain to them the danger of second hand and third
hand smoke.
Learn to say NO. Learn to say no and mean it. Now that you learned the bad effects
of cigarette smoking, don’t start. This demands a lot of self-discipline.
Smoking is not cool. Smoking is NEVER cool. Aside from the disease you may get
from smoking in the long run, early effects of smoking include stained teeth, stained
hands, bad breath, and bad odor.
Be Empowered. Read more about smoking. There are a lot of resources available
online. Knowing the bad effects of smoking allows you to reject or quit smoking more.
Think positive. You might have tried to quit smoking before and failed, don't let that
stop you. Look back at the things your experience has taught you and think about how
you're going to do it successfully this time.
Plan to quit smoking. Make a promise, set a date and stick to it. Sticking to the "nota
drag" rule can help. Whenever you find yourself in difficulty, say to yourself, "I won't
even have a single drag", and stick with this until the cravings pass.
Republic of the Philippines
Ramon Teves Pastoral Memorial Dumaguete Science High School
Consider your diet. Some foods, like meat, make cigarettes more satisfying. Others,
like cheese, fruits, and vegetables, make cigarettes taste terrible. So, swap your usual
humba, adobo or burger for a law-oy, pinakbet or chop suey instead.
Know when you crave cigarettes. A craving can last 5 minutes and this is due to
nicotine, the addictive part of cigarette smoke. Before you give up, make a list of 5-
minute strategies. For example, you could go outside and breathe fresh air or take a 5-
minute walk to enjoy a view.
Get some support. If friends or family members want to give up, too, suggest to them
that you give up together. There's also support available from your barangay health
unit (BHU) or LGUs RHU on smoking-cessation-program by DOH. You are up to 4
times more likely to quit successfully with their expert help and advice.
Get moving or engage in sports. A review of scientific studies has proved exercise,
even a 5-minute walk or stretch, cuts cravings and may help your brain produce anti-
craving chemicals.
Make non-smoking friends. When you're at a party or group, stick with the non-
smokers. You are less likely to lit up a cigarette.
Keep your hands and mouth busy. When you're out, try putting your drink in the
hand that usually holds a cigarette, or drink from a straw, chew a piece of gum, or
have a candy to keep your mouth busy.
Make a list of reasons to quit. Keep reminding yourself why you made the decision
to give up smoking. Make a list of the reasons and read it when you need support.
Republic of the Philippines
Ramon Teves Pastoral Memorial Dumaguete Science High School
https://bit.ly/3bR9kCN
These are some measures you can put in place or do to help you avoid alcohol
consumption and the risk of developing alcohol addiction.
Don’t Keep Alcohol at Home. If you don’t have alcohol at home, you can’t drink it.
Being unable to grab a drink from home can keep you from developing a pattern of
alcohol use that can easily develop into abuse or addiction.
Do not let your parents or other adults send you to buy Alcohol. Tell them politely
that you are not of legal age to buy alcohol from your neighbor’s sari-sari store. The
law does not allow the sale of alcohol to a minor.
Surround Yourself with Non-Drinkers. There are people you can spend time with
and places you can go where alcohol is not the focal point. If you spend time with
people who don’t drink, or don’t drink often, you will be less likely to drink as well.
Socializing does not always mean playing drinking games, doing shots, or partying.
Making friends who engage in a variety of activities without drinking can help you
control or avoid drinking altogether.
Know the Consequences of Alcohol Abuse. Sometimes, knowing what excessive
drinking can do to you or your body can keep you from drinking to excess. Learn more
and be empowered.
Ways to Say No to Alcohol
“I’m Studying”. Make this is the ultimate excuse. You are in school to learn and not
to be with a group for a drinking session. Being drunk or under the influence of alcohol
may get you in trouble with the school authorities and even with your local authorities.
Remember, alcohol consumption is prohibited to minors.
“I Don't Drink”. Is the best response for you, who has not tried drinking alcohol or
for anyone who is serious about recovery from alcoholism, or anyone who wants to
put an end to the nonsense of peer pressure to drink alcohol. Let them know you mean
it.
Republic of the Philippines
Ramon Teves Pastoral Memorial Dumaguete Science High School
“I’m a Minor / I’m Underage”. Remind the adults who invited you to drink that you
are a minor or underage. Alcohol consumption is prohibited to minors. Adults can face
legal consequences when they allow minor to consume alcohol.
“No, Thank You”. A polite way to decline an offer to drink alcohol. Your response
canbe short, sweet, and direct.
“I’d Rather Get a Soda, Thanks”. Knowing the consequences of alcohol
consumption, don’t try it. You may not like the consequences later.
“Sorry, I’m allergic to alcohol”. If you are allergic to alcohol, do not ever give in to
peer pressure. An ambulance ride to the hospital is never enjoyable. And besides, it
may be potentially deadly.
Refusing someone who offers you to drink and smoke is easy. Follow the steps below
to help you handle the situations. Your refusal may be similar to the examples found
in the boxes.
Republic of the Philippines
Ramon Teves Pastoral Memorial Dumaguete Science High School
Republic Act No. 9211, otherwise known as The Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003is
the law governing tobacco production, distribution, and use. Some of its important
provisions are the following:
HEALTHFUL ENVIRONMENT
Chapter 2, Article 5, Section 24 of Republic Act No. 8749, also known as the
Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 states that:
Smoking inside a public building or an enclosed public place including public vehicles and
other means of transport or in any enclosed area outside of one’s private residence,
private place of work, or any duly designated smoking area is hereby prohibited under
this Act.
There are several laws governing alcohol and alcohol consumption. The Licensing
and Catering Act sets rules about where alcohol may be sold, and prohibits the sale of
alcohol to anyone under the age of 18.
Local authorities check compliance with the Licensing and Catering Act.
Republic of the Philippines
Ramon Teves Pastoral Memorial Dumaguete Science High School
Besides the Licensing and Catering Act, there are other rules and regulations on alcohol
use too:
They don't take a lot of effort or time, but they're enough to replace the habit of
grabbing for a cigarette and drinking alcoholic beverages.
Choosing to limit or cease your alcohol consumption can feel intimidating – especiallyif
you’re concerned about the effects on your social life. However, it’s very much possible
to lead a full life without drinking alcohol.
ACTIVITY #2:
INSTRUCTIONS : Describe the following editorial cartoon picture below. What does
the pictures depict? Write your answers on a 1 whole sheet of paper.
TASK #1:
INSTRUCTIONS: Answer the following questions in your 1 whole sheet of paper.
Republic of the Philippines
Ramon Teves Pastoral Memorial Dumaguete Science High School
Republic of the Philippines
Ramon Teves Pastoral Memorial Dumaguete Science High School
ASSESSMENT #2
INSTRUCTIONS: Read each item correctly and write your answer on a 1/4 sheet of
paper.
8. What is one of the laws under the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 concerning public
places?
A) Smoking is allowed in all public places
B) Smoking is allowed only in designated areas
C) Smoking is absolutely prohibited in centers of youth activity
D) Smoking is allowed only in schools
9. What should you do if you are offered alcohol at a social gathering?
A) Accept it to avoid being rude
B) Politely say, "No, thank you"
C) Ignore the offer and continue socializing
D) Pretend you don’t notice the offer
10. According to the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999, where is the sale of tobacco
products prohibited?
A) Within 50 meters of a hospital
B) Within 100 meters from the perimeter of a school
C) Within 500 meters of a shopping mall
D) In all public parks