Mount Carmel College

3200 Baler, Aurora

Basic Education Department

Junior High School Level

Learning Kit in Health 9

Quarter 2 (Week 1 - 4)

Name: _________________________________________________________________________

Grade and Section: ______________________________________________________________

Mrs. Charito B. Dumandal

Subject Teacher
 Drug Scenarios in the Philippines
(Lesson 1)

I. Objectives:
A. Describe the drug scenario in the Philippines.
B. Explain the concept of substance use, misuse, abuse and dependence.
C. Discuss the risk and proactive factors in substance use and abuse.

II. Content: (Must Read!) 

Drug Scenarios in the Philippines

Basic economics tells us that demand dictates supply. In spite the government’s effort to gradually
cut off the supply line of illegal drugs in the Philippines, the number of identified illegal drug users is still
increasing. It became one of our most rampant and perennial problems. To address these issues, Republic
Act No. 9165, known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Act of 2002 was approved on January 23, 2002. It
establishes the Dangerous Drug Board (DDB) which is the policy-making and strategy-formulating body in
the planning and formulation of policies and programs on drug prevention and
control. It also created the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) which
serves as the implementing arm of the board. It is responsible for the efficient
and effective law enforcement of all the provisions on any dangerous drugs
and/or controlled precursor and essential chemical as provided in this Act.
According to the DDB, there are at least 1.7 million illegal drug dependents
across the country. Most of these users are male and are between the ages of 20 and 29. Based on the DDB
record, the youngest in the bracket of drug dependents is 9 years old and the oldest is 78 years old. Most of
these users are also unemployed, have low incomes, and reside in urban areas. Only about 10,000 of them
are housed in the drug treatment and rehabilitation centers of the government nationwide. One of these is
the DOH Treatment and Rehabilitation Center (DOH-TRC) which is located inside Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig
City and is considered to be the largest rehabilitation center that can cater up to 3,000 patients in the
Philippines.

Drugs
Drugs are chemicals other than food that are intended to
affect the structure or function of the body. They can modify one or
more of the body’s functions. A person can become physically
dependent on them, resulting in severe health and behavioral
problems. The most commonly abused addictive drugs are
psychoactive substances like marijuana (NIH 2014). Opium has also
been found addictive and has been known since ancient times as a
pain reliever.
All drugs have risks and benefits. Before they are used, their risks must be carefully considered.
Most people are first exposed to these substances during adolescence, but it is also true to people of all ages.

 Factors That Influence Substance Use and Abuse

The use and abuse of substance occur at various ages, economic status, educational background,
and culture. Our society is concerned with the use of illegal drugs for leisure because it may lead to drug
dependence and addiction. It is noted that people who begin to use drugs at an early age have a higher risk
of dependence and serious health problems.

A. Substance Use
Any substance other than food and water causing changes in the body is called drug. The use
of any substance or drug are often used or involved in the treatment or medication of illness or for
 nutritional supplement. Medications can either be a prescription drug s,
non-prescription or over-the-counter drugs, and illicit drugs.
Substance use involves food and drug interaction.
1. Some medications can alter food intake and the absorption, metabolism,
and excretion of nutrients.
2. Some foods can alter the absorption, metabolism, and excretion of
medications.

B. Substance Misuse
Substance misuse involves dependence on or abuse of drugs –
prescribed, over-the-counter, or illicit drugs. There is an increasing number of people being
dependent or addicted to drugs like nicotine (cigarette), alcohol, and caffeine. Their being dependent
may not be noticeable, but they may experience that they can hardly concentrate anymore without it
even for just a short period of time.

C. Substance Abuse
As defined by the American Psychiatric Association (APA), substance
abuse, involves one or more of the following within a year, in a constant or
intermittent basis, with or without physical dependence:
1. Recurrent drug use resulting in a failure to fulfill major responsibilities at
work, school or home.
2. Recurrent drug use in situations in which it is physically hazardous (i.e., before
or while driving a car)
3. Recurrent drug-related legal problems
4. Continued drug use despite persistent social or interpersonal problems
caused by the effects of the drugs.

A person can abuse a drug without becoming addicted to it. However, addicts have the tendency to
exhibit the following:
1. Failure to fulfill home or school obligations 3. Physical harm
2. Legal problems 4. Relationship problems

D. Substance Dependence
Substance dependence is a more complex disorder and is associated with the idea of addiction. The
following are the seven (7) criteria being used by APA to diagnose substance dependence:
1. Develops tolerance to the substance
2. Experiences withdrawal symptoms
3. Takes the substance in larger amounts or over a longer period than intended
4. Expresses a persistent desire to cut down or regulate substance use
5. Spends a great deal of time obtaining the substance, using it, or recovering from its effects
6. Gives up important social, school, work, or recreational activities because of substance use
7. Continues to use the substance despite recognizing that it can cause further physical or
psychological problems.

The most serious form of dependence is caused by drugs,

which produce significant physical and mental changes in the person.
Symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, sweating, vomiting, diarrhea,
trembling, and even coma are part of the process of withdrawal. This
happens when the body becomes steadily accustomed to a certain drug.
The body’s chemical balance will be disrupted when its consumption is
suddenly interrupted.
If a drug-dependent person experiences either tolerance or
withdrawal, he/she is considered physically dependent. However, not
everyone experiences tolerance or withdrawal symptoms. Dependence
can occur without a physical component based solely on compulsive use.
Unfortunately, it still carries a greater risk of immediate general medical
problems and higher relapse rates. A person keeps using a drug even
though it may result in problems that could affect a person’s physical, mental and social health.
 Factors that Influence Substance Use and Abuse in Teens
Many drugs were manufactured and produced to help treat patients and for
medication purposes. However, many of these drugs are also used by people
who do not need them.
Many teenagers get high from abusing substances ranging from diverted
prescription drugs to street drugs to inhalants to alcohol. Some of them will go
on to a life of addiction of increasingly dangerous substances.
Teens should be told clearly that abusing a drug or other substances can be
fatal. Parents and other concerned adults should examine the factors that lead
teenagers to abuse substances in an effort to prevent this occurrence.
- Peer pressure - Family
- Genetics - Thrill-seeking Tendencies
- Family - Low Self-worth
- Stress - Desire for Performance Enhancement

ACTIVITY 1:
Cut, draw or print an editorial cartoon related to drug scenario in the Philippines. Paste it on the box
below and write an essay (can be a reflection or reaction) consisting of minimum 10 sentences about the
material that you have chosen. It will be graded according to the relevance on the topic, comprehensiveness,
organization of thoughts, and neatness for 20 points including the picture.

Note: Cut here and submit this on the given deadline to be announced by your subject teacher/adviser.

Name: ______________________________________________________________________ Date: __________________

Year and Section: ___________________________________________________________ Score: ________________
ACTIVITY 1: Reflection or Reaction (Write your essay at the back page of this sheet of paper or use another
sheet - optional).

(Paste your editorial cartoon here)

Stages of Progression to Drug Dependency

Stage 1: Trying-out Stage

A person is persuaded to try a new drug, and he or she tries it.
Stage 2: Getting the Desired Effect
A person likes the feeling that he or she gets from the drug, so he
or she continues to use it.
Stage 3: Developing Tolerance
The person needs the drug not because of the pleasure it gives
but because his or her body needs it. His or her body develops withdrawal symptoms when
he or she does not take the drug.
Stage 4: Denial Stage
The person does not admit that he or she is hooked into drug. He or she keeps saying that he
or she can quit taking it anytime.
Stage 5: Depending on Drugs Stage
The person becomes hooked and dependent on drugs. His or her body craves for the sensation
it brings.

Common Myths and Misconceptions on Drug Misuse and Abuse

Myth Number 1: Drug addiction is a character flaw.

Trying out a dangerous drug for the first time is a choice.
Abusing drugs lead to addiction. Drug addiction alters the brain, but it
can also lead to social, psychological, and behavioral defects. Each
type of drug a person abuses has a way of changing that person’s
brain functions. The abuser becomes heavily dependent on the drug, so he or she will do everything just to
get it. In many cases, this person’s drug dependence negatively affects his or her relationships with other
people.

Myth Number 2: It only takes a one-term treatment to treat drug addiction.

Drug addiction is a chronic disease. It depends on how long it requires for a person to be treated. There
are individuals who are fine after a one-term treatment. However, there are others who require longer
and repeated treatments, especially if they have been dependent on the drugs for a long time.

Myth Number 3: People who take drugs usually have problems.

Most people who take drugs take them not because they have problems, but simply because they like
the “pleasurable” effect of the drug.

Myth Number 4: Regular usage of drugs will lead to addiction.

Not all drug users inevitably become drug addicts. Only a small percentage of people who use illegal
drugs develop addiction to them. A study funded by the US National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
states that within 10 years of first using a drug:
(1) Only about 15% of people who used cocaine become addicted;
(2) 12% of people who took alcohol became addicted; and
(3) 8% of people who took marijuana became addicted.

Myth Number 5: Licit drugs are safer.

Alcohol and tobacco are more damaging to a person’s health in terms of developing chronic diseases,
as compared to some illegal drugs. However, it is more difficult to get illegal drugs because they are
prohibited.
Myth Number 6: People who take caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco/cigarettes are not drug users.
People who use these substances are definitely drug users. These substances are categorized as
“gateway drugs”. These substances can actually kill if they are taken in high dosages.

Myth Number 7: Once listed as a misused drug, that particular drug can be controlled.
 There is some truth to this myth. However, its production and distribution remain hidden. This makes
the drug more uncontrollable.
Myth Number 8: Cannabis leads to addiction of “hard” drugs.
Cannabis comes in different varieties. There are varieties used for health treatment, but Cannabis
sativa or marijuana is the illegal one. The majority of young adults who have used Cannabis have not
become addicted and have not advanced to using “hard” drugs.

Myth Number 9: Stimulants help one focus at school or in work.

Stimulants come in different forms – prescription stimulants such as amphetamines to illegal ones
such as methamphetamine “uppers”. People take them because they think these stimulants will help
them earn higher grades or do better in their jobs. The truth is that the excitement or the rush these
drugs provide may turn into paranoia, hostility, nervousness, or desire to harm oneself or other people.

Myth Number 10: Peddlers or pushers are the ones who mostly supply drugs to first-time users.
Most of the time, individuals who got addicted to illegal drugs got their first drug from a friend, from
someone whom they look up to, or from someone whom they owe.

ACTIVITY 2:
Choose only 1 activity. (This will be graded according to the relevance on the topic, message
conveyed, organization, presentation and neatness for 20 points including the picture). Use the
space below or provide another sheet of paper (optional).
a. Write a short story about the stages of progression of drug dependence.
b. Draw a comic about the stages of progression of drug dependence.
Note: Cut here and submit this on the given deadline to be announced by your subject teacher/adviser.

Name: ______________________________________________________________________ Date: __________________

Year and Section: ___________________________________________________________ Score: ________________
ACTIVITY 2: Choose only one: Story or Comic.
________________________________________________________________
(Title)
 Drug Substances of Abuse
(Lesson 2)

Most Commonly Abused Drugs in the Philippines

1. Alcohol 5. Metamphetamine (Shabu)
2. Marijuana 6. Inhalatants such as nitrates and gasoline
3. Heroin 7. Opium
4. Cocaine 8. Ecstasy (MDMA)
 A person reduces the risk of HIV infection and unwanted pregnancy if he or she has a drug-free
lifestyle. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a pathogen that destroys T-cells that fight infection in
the body. People who get infected with HIV may develop acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), a
condition that damages the immune system or inability of the body to fight infections. This disease can be
transferred only by means of exchange of body fluids (blood, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, semen, blood plasma,
synovial fluid, vaginal lubrication, interstitial fluid, serum and mucus) such as through sexual contact or use
of syringe or needle that was infected by another person.
The four possible reasons that people who use drugs increase their risk of HIV infections and
unwanted pregnancy are the following:

1. People who use drugs may be prone to having sex with a person who may have HIV or AIDS. A person
who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol has poor judgement and does not think clearly. A one-
night stand may lead to HIV infection and unwanted pregnancy.
2. Females who use drugs may be raped, get infected by HIV-AIDS, or get pregnant. Females who use
drugs may not think of the consequences of their actions. Some males may take sexual advances, so
rape may happen in these cases.
3. Drug dependents may trade sex for drugs. There are drug dependents who cannot support their
addiction. Therefore, they will sell their body as a way to get money, or they will trade sex for drugs.
4. People who are injecting drug users (IDUs) may share needles during their sessions may get HIV-
AIDS if their co-users have infected blood.
 The following are the warning signs revealed by drug users.
Take note that these signs do not guarantee that a person is
actually involved in drugs. There could also be some other
reasons such as emotional or physical problems that cause
these behaviors. There is a high possibility of drug use or
abuse when many of these symptoms are present in the
individual:
 Having frequent mood swings and hostility
 Always feeling tired
 Wanting to be left alone most of the time
 Exhibiting a change in behavior (becomes negative, irritable, or anxious)
 Suddenly losing interest in school or work
 Changing a set of friends, or hanging out with people who use drugs
 Joining a gang, and being involved in a lot of fights
 Losing appetite, or changing eating habits
 Losing interest in hobbies or sports
 Having lack of focus, and developing poor judgement
 Showing an unexpected change in appearance and behavior (slurred speech, sloppy
appearance, reddened and glassy eyes, blank stares, frequent runny nose and sniffing, loss
of weight, constant stomach aches and headaches, shaking, constant coughing, and brown
stains on fingernails).

ACTIVITY 3:
A. Look for 16 words in the crossword puzzle below which you have encountered in learning lesson 2 by
drawing a line on the letters. Then, write the word on the spaces below. The first one is done for you.
B. Have a research or ask your parents/guardians about non-governmental organizations (NGOs) engaged
in the various aspect of drug abuse control and prevention. Write at least five (5).

Note: Cut here and submit this on the given deadline to be announced by your subject teacher/adviser.

Name: ______________________________________________________________________ Date: __________________

Year and Section: ___________________________________________________________ Score: ________________
ACTIVITY 3:
A. Crossword puzzle.
T R A N Q U I L I Z E R S S
S F L U J V L B E H S F T A 1. TRANQUILIZERS
P H C X F D A N O T H N I M 2. ________________________________________
M F O C E Q I T N A D G M P 3. ________________________________________
J O H S E H K A S H A B U H 4. ________________________________________
P A O N P G S E T A K Y L E 5. ________________________________________
A M L R A S B O H G N A A T 6. ________________________________________
I K O I E K O M I S B A N A 7. ________________________________________
K M A R I J U A N A F E T M 8. ________________________________________
F H P I N A R C O T I C S I 9. ________________________________________
G E O F I J I A O H G W K N 10. ________________________________________
D R H E C L W O P C K X A E
11. ________________________________________
H O L W O N N F R O A Y U S
12. ________________________________________
E I P S T M E S C A L I N E
13. ________________________________________
O N Y R I H O M K I T S N P
14. ________________________________________
A P E R N H C A F F E I N E
C A P S E L O C O D E I N E 15. ________________________________________
H H A L L U C I N O G E N S 16. ________________________________________
17. ________________________________________
 B. List of NGO’s engaged in drug abuse control.

1. ______________________________________________________________________________________
2. ____________________________________________________________________________________
3. ____________________________________________________________________________________
4. ____________________________________________________________________________________
5. ____________________________________________________________________________________

ACTIVITY 4:
Come up with a jingle about types of abused drugs and its characteristics. You may adopt the tune of a
nursery rhyme or your favorite song. Write your lyrics on the space provided below.

Rubrics: This will be graded according to the relevance on the topic, cohesiveness, and message
conveyed for 20 points. Use the space below or provide another sheet of paper (optional).

Note: Cut here and submit this on the given deadline to be announced by your subject teacher/adviser.

Name: ______________________________________________________________________ Date: __________________

Year and Section: ___________________________________________________________ Score: ________________
ACTIVITY 4:
________________________________________________
(title of the song)
In the tune of __________________________________

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III. Generalization:

One must be educated with the present issues in the country, such as the issue on dangerous
drugs. This is the first step in preventing drug use and abuse.
Substance use and abuse is a choice. So, choose wisely, and be drug-free!

Good luck and God bless!

By: Ma’am Cha 