Lesson 7

Drug Abuse and Social Menace

Drugs

the WHO define drugs as any substance that when taken by/into a
living organism, may modify one or more of its functions. It refers to anything
absorbed substances that, by virtue of chemical nature, alters the structure or
change/enhance any physical function of the living organism. This term
pharmacologically covers all foreign substances taken into the body from simple
pain killer (aspirin) and vitamins to more complex preparation used in the
treatment of infections and related metabolic disturbances.

Drug misuse, Abuse, Dependence (Tolerance, Habituation,

and Addiction)
Drug misuse occurs when a person uses a drug for the purpose of fulfilling a
need that the drug cannot pharmacologically fulfill. Example is when an athlete use
steroids or stimulants to boost his skills.
Drug abuse is when a person uses it excessively and indiscriminately, beyond its
real medicinal purpose, thus begin to interfere with the individuals health or social
behavior.
Drug dependence is a state of psychological and/or physical dependence on a
dangerous drug, following periodic or continuous use of that drug to achieve the
desired effect.
1. Tolerance is a form of physical drug dependence that occurs when the user
become immune thus an increase in the dosage is required in order to
achieve its pharmacological effect. However, when the use of the drug is
stopped, drug withdrawal may result which is characterized by nausea,
headache, restlessness, sweating, and difficulty in sleeping.
2. Habituation a form of psychological drug dependence that is characterized
by a continued desire for a drug, even after physical dependence is gone.
3. Addiction this follows habituation, when the person experiencing a severe
craving for the substance and interferes with a persons ability to function
normally.

Classification of Dangerous Drugs (Based on Dangerous

Drug Act of 1972)
1. Prohibited Drug includes that produce psychological effects of narcotics
or those that relieve pain and induce sleep. (ex. Cocaine, LSD, Marijuana,
opium and its derivatives)

2. Regulated Drugs includes self-inducing sedatives like barbiturates or any

similar to amphetamines or any hypnotic drugs or compound producing the
same physiological effect.

What Drugs are commonly Used?

Drugs that are commonly abused depending on their pharmacological effects may
be classified into:
a. Stimulants (Uppers, Pep pills, Speed, Bonnies) drug which increase
alertness and physical disposition. They may also suppress appetite (diet
pills), cause arousal, suppress fatigue, and has an immediate sensual effects.
Ex. Amphetamines, Methamphetamines, cocaine, caffeine, nicotine.
b. Hallucinogens (Psychedelics) drugs which affects sensation, thinking,
self-awareness and emotion. Changes in times and space perception,
delusions (false beliefs) and hallucinations may be mild or overwhelming,
depending on dose and quality of the drugs.
Ex. LSD, Mescaline and Marijuana
c. Sedatives (Depressants or Downers) drugs which may reduce anxiety
and excitement. They can sedate and induce sleep.
Ex. Barbiturates, Non-barbiturates, Tranquilizers, Alcohol, Valium
d. Narcotics drugs that relieve pain and often induce sleep. If taken in large
doses, they can produce stupor, coma and death.
Ex. Opium and its derivatives such as morphine, codeine, heroin.
e. Inhalants a volatile chemical substances that contain psycho-active
(mind/mood-altering) vapors that produce a state of intoxication. They are
usually inhaled or sniffed through the nose. Ex. Rugby or solvent
f.

Anabolic Steroids chemical substances taken orally or injected into the

body that temporarily enhance physical and mental performance and develop
muscles (body builder). However, such substances may have serious side
effects to the internal organs like the liver and kidney.
Ex. Dianabol

Stages or Pattern of Drug Abuse

Experimental
Use

Harmful Use
(Intensified and
Prolonged Use)
Occasional Use
(Seeking Mood
Swing)

DEPENDENCE

Profile of Drug Users

Mean Age:
28
Sex:
Male or Female Ratio, 11:1
Civil Status:
Single (51.65%), Married (34.44%)
Family Size:
2-4 siblings
Occupation:
Employed (30.94%), Self-employed
(12.47%),
Unemployed (38.87%),
Students (5%) and O.S.Y. (0.9%)
Educational Attainment: College Level (28.23%), High School
Level (29.41%),
High School Graduate
(16.74%)
Economic Status:
Average Monthly Income of Php.
12,358.00
Place of Residence: Urban
Duration of Drug Taking: More than 6 years
Nature of Drug Taken:
Poly Drug Use
Common Cause of Drug Abuse
1. Membership in a barkada if the members of the barkada are drug
addicts, any incoming member will eventually become drug addict too
because of the influence of the old member.
2. Overuse because of constant use, the patient become addicted to the
drug.
3. Curiosity curious about the effect of the drug and experiment by using it.
4. Frustration some people who are highly frustrated may take drugs to
lessen the impact of their disappointment and depression.
5. Victim of pusher some pushers give drinks and food as assign of
friendship but containing drugs.
6. Removal of inhibition some people takes drugs to remove inhibition to
stimulate and boost their morale.
7. Boredom this is true to most rich people. Because of idleness, they
become bored and to lessen their boredom they take drugs.

8. Ignorance ignorant about the evil effect of drugs may lead a person to
take drugs to enjoy the feeling of being high until he becomes addicted.
9. Easy access to drugs when easily available, some people are tempted to
try taking them until they become addict.
10.Influence of mass media some people blindly imitates what they see in
television or in the movies.

Effects of Drug Abuse

1. Personal Health accidents, overdose, diseases caused by or related to
use, withdrawal, death, dependence, anxiety, depression, mental influence.
2. Relationship marital conflict, tense family life, sexual difficulties,
separation, physical or verbal violence, child abuse, divorce.
3. Social Functioning dangerous behavior, financial or employment
difficulties, disrupted friendship, legal or accommodation problems.

Signs and Symptoms of person taking Drugs

1. Changes in Behavior person who are kind, courteous before become
irritable, discourteous, defiant and aggressive.
2. Changes in appearance person who are neat and well-groomed become
unconcerned with their grooming. They usually wear dark glasses and longsleeves which they did not do before. They become thin, emaciated and pale.
3. Changes in mood during the effect of the drug, they may be euphoric or
exhilarated. Sometimes they go into fits of laughter and giggling.
4. Changes in interest persons, who have been good employee become
idlers, lose interest in their work and become dependent on others. Students
who are coping well in school become disinterested, truant and their grades
deteriorate.