Health - 8 (Gateway Drugs)

Gateway Drugs - Are legal drugs that can be accessed and can be used by everyone at any age through the local store like cigarettes and consumable alcohol. It is a harmful drug that can cause addiction and health problems like cancer, brain damage, and many more.

The National Youth Commission (NYC) stated that 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, 10 Filipinos die every year of tobacco-related diseases (Philippine Daily Inquirer, Sept. 19, 2011)

Cigarette - Is a cylindrical roll wrapped in paper with shredded or ground tobacco inside. It contains nicotine and other cancer-causing chemicals.

Harmful Effects of Cigarettes:
- Bad odor
- Bad breath & tooth decay
- Develop different types of cancer
- Addiction
- Poor academic performance

Vaping - Is the act of inhaling vapor from an electronic cigarette or vape. Most vapes contain nicotine, which is addictive.

Harmful Effects of Vaping:
- Poor concentration and academic performance
- Damage to lungs and heart
- Risk of trying cigarettes, alcohol, or illegal drugs

Alcohol - Is a substance found in drinks like beer, wine, and liquor. It affects the brain and slows down body reactions.

Health experts explained that the continuous increase in cigarette use and alcohol consumption by Filipino teenagers is due to their very cheap prices. Acting on this, the Sin Tax Reform Bill was passed to Republic Act 10351. It aims to increase the taxes on all tobacco and alcohol products. It helps finance the Universal Health Care program of the government and addresses public health issues related to alcohol and tobacco consumption.

Ethanol - Intended for beverage drinks.
Isopropyl - Is used in laboratories and is poisonous and fatal if taken.
Methanol - Is also poisonous and can permanently damage the body. It can cause blindness and death.

Snuff - More powdery than chewing tobacco and can be sniffed through the nose or placed between the cheek and the gum.

Bidis - Unfiltered cigarettes which are very attractive to teenagers. It is wrapped in tobacco leaves and tied with thread. They come in different flavors that make them appealing to youngsters.

Most alcohols are produced through fermentation, a process of extracting alcohol from a plant or fruit.

Beer comes from fermented grains, barley, wheat, grapes, and other fruits.

Alcohol causes intoxication, or the physical and mental changes that happen in the body of an alcohol drinker.

Most often, a drinker experiences hangover or the uncomfortable physical effects caused by alcohol use.

Tobacco is also known as Nicotiana Tabacum.

Prevention of Gateway Drug Use:
- Saying NO confidently when offered drugs
- Choosing healthy alternatives such as sports, hobbies, and physical activities.