Drug and Substance Abuse Prevention and Control

SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being: Promotes the prevention of substance abuse and supports healthier communities.

Section 1: Nature of Drug and Substance Abuse

Definition: Drug abuse is a chronic, relapsing brain disorder that involves compulsive substance seeking and use despite harmful consequences. It can shift from voluntary use to biological dependence and affects individuals regardless of social or economic status.

Biological Nature of Drug Abuse

Neural Hijacking: Drugs overstimulate the brain's reward system.

Neuroadaptation: Repeated use can lead to tolerance

Structural Changes: Long-term abuse can impair self-control and decision-making.

Core Concept: Addiction involves changes in the brain, not simply repeated voluntary behavior.

Three-Stage Cycle of Addiction

Binge / Intoxication

Withdrawal / Negative Affect

Preoccupation / Anticipation (Craving)

Risk Factors of Drug Abuse

Genetics: Inherited factors may increase vulnerability.

Environment: Stress, trauma, family, and peer exposure can increase risk.

Development: Substance use during adolescence may increase the risk of dependency.

Key Message: Understanding risk factors strengthens prevention. Drug abuse usually results from a combination of factors, not a single cause.

Legal Context: Republic Act 9165

Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002

Governs the prevention and control of dangerous drugs in the Philippines.

Covers offenses such as possession, trafficking, and manufacturing.

Combines law enforcement and rehabilitation approaches.

Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB): Formulates national anti-drug policies.

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA): Serves as the primary enforcement agency.

Core Pillars under RA 9165

Prevents: Illegal use, possession, production, and distribution of dangerous drugs.

Protects: Youth and the community from drug abuse.

Promotes: Rehabilitation, recovery, and reintegration of drug dependents.

Penalizes: Violations related to dangerous drugs and trafficking.

Balanced Approach

Supply Reduction: Stops the manufacture and entry of illegal drugs through supply interdiction.

Demand Reduction: Addresses addiction through treatment, rehabilitation, and community support.

National Drug Landscape

The Philippine approach combines law enforcement and health-centered strategies.

Shabu (Methamphetamine): Remains a major drug of concern.

Marijuana: A common locally sourced organic drug.

Emerging Risks: Imported synthetic drugs and international drug networks.

Philippine Anti-Illegal Drugs Strategy (PADS Framework):

Supply Interdiction

Community Clearing

Recovery Initiatives

Drug Abuse Prevention and Advocacy

Educational & Youth Programs

National Drug Education Program (NDEP): Promotes drug awareness and resilience through education; prevents drug abuse among students by developing desirable values, attitudes, and practices.

Barkada Kontra Droga (BKD): Encourages peer-led drug prevention.

Kids Against Drugs: Builds early drug awareness among children.

Community & Family Programs

FDAPP: Strengthens family-based prevention.

BIDA (Buhay Ingatan, Droga'y Ayawan): Promotes healthy, drug-free lifestyles.

BADAC: Leads anti-drug efforts at the barangay level.

9 Ways to Say "No to Drugs"

Say "No Thanks"

Give a Reason, Fact, or Excuse

Walk Away

Change the Subject

Use Humor

Broken Record or Repeated Refusal

Cold Shoulder or Ignore

Avoid the Situation

Strength in Numbers

Prevention at Home, Work, and Community

Family: Strengthen relationships and drug awareness at home.

Community: Support local prevention and monitoring programs.

Workplace: Implement Drug-Free Workplace policies.

Public Awareness: Use media to educate people about drug risks.

Sector-Specific Programs: Reach vulnerable and high-risk groups.

National Observance: Drug Abuse Prevention and Control (DAPC) Week is observed every third week of November.

Civic Responsibility & Public Health

Civic Responsibility

Prevention must be proactive, not merely reactive.

Government and communities share responsibility for drug prevention and control.

Civil society supports anti-drug advocacy and community programs.

Community-based rehabilitation supports recovery and reintegration.

Public Health View point

Addiction should be addressed as both a health and social concern.

Psychological counseling and evidence-based programs support recovery.

Effective drug control balances prevention, treatment, and law enforcement.

Myths vs. Facts About Drugs

Category

Myth

Fact

Brain Effects

Using shabu once causes immediate, irreversible brain death.

Dependence involves complex brain changes; professional intervention can support recovery.

Cannabis

Cannabis is harmless because it is natural.

High-THC variants may cause dependency, cognitive impairment, and respiratory damage.

Enforcement

Strict law enforcement alone can solve the drug crisis.

Education and social support are also essential.

Drug Supply

The "War on Drugs" has stopped illegal drug entry.

Traffickers continue to adapt their methods and routes.

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is ineffective because relapse may occur.

Evidence-based programs can improve chances of long-term recovery.

Social View

People with substance use disorders are criminals by choice.

Substance dependence is addressed as a public health condition, emphasizing community-based reformation.

Legal Penalty