What These Module Is About

Have you studied Part 1 of

this module? Can you still
remember the different
types of addictive and
dangerous drugs? What
about their effects? If you
have finished Part 1, Im
sure that you know all these
very well.

You are now going to study Part 2 of

the module Addictive and Dangerous
Drugs. This is on preventing drug
abuse. It will help you identify the
factors which contribute to the use
and abuse of addictive and dangerous
drugs. It will also teach you how you
can respond to the problem of drug
abuse.

This module is divided into two lessons:

Lesson 1 Why People Use Addictive and Dangerous Drugs

Lesson 2 How You Can Respond to the Problem on Drugs

What You Will Learn from These Module

After studying this module, you should be able to

explain the reasons that people use addictive and dangerous drugs;

identify the factors or conditions which lead to drug abuse;

discuss methods of preventing drug abuse; and

identify ways of helping people who use addictive and dangerous drugs.

What You May Already Know

Before you start with the module, try and answer the following questions. This
will determine how much you already know about the topics that we will discuss.
A. Indicate whether the statements below are correct or incorrect. Put a
check mark (
) under the appropriate column for each statement.
Statement

Correct

1. Most people use addictive and dangerous

drugs because they want to experiment.
2. Most often, young people use addictive and
dangerous drugs due to peer pressure.
3. Growing up in a chaotic home
environment or in a broken family
can lead to drug abuse.
4. Family problems such as violence at
home cannot lead a person to use addictive
and dangerous drugs.
5. Drug dependency is a condition that cannot
be cured.

Incorrect

B. Indicate with a check (
) the phrases that describe the factors contributing
to drug abuse.
______ 1.

Having friends who use drugs

______ 2.

Knowing how to cope with problems and stress

______ 3.

Lacking adequate family support

______ 4.

Engaging in wholesome, productive, and fulfilling activities

______ 5.

Being curious or interested in experimenting with drugs

C. Indicate whether the statements in the table are preventive or

rehabilitative solutions to drug abuse. Put a check mark (
) under the
appropriate column (preventive or rehabilitative) for each statement.
Solution

Preventive

Rehabilitative

1. Educating people about the

effects of addictive and
dangerous drugs
2. Counseling
3. Medical care for health
problems caused by drug abuse
4. Holding forums and seminars
about addictive drugs
5. Psychiatric care

Well, how was it? Do you think you fared well? Compare your answers with those
in the answer key on pages 3839 to find out.
If your answers are all correct, very good! This shows that you already know
much about the topic. You may still study the module to review what you already
know. Who knows, you might learn a few more new things as well.
If you got a low score, dont feel bad. This only means that this module is for
you. It will help you understand important concepts that you can apply in your daily
life. If you study this module carefully, you will learn the answers to all the items in
the test and a lot more! Are you ready?
You may now go to the next page to begin Lesson 1.

LESSON 1

Why People Use Addictive

and Dangerous Drugs
In Part 1 of this module, you learned about the effects of addictive and dangerous
drugs on our body and mind. You learned that drug abuse weakens a person physically,
mentally, emotionally, and socially. Despite this, many people still use addictive drugs.
What may be their reasons? Can these reasons justify drug abuse? This lesson will
help you answer such questions.
After studying this lesson, you should be able to

explain the reasons that people use addictive and dangerous

drugs; and

identify the circumstances or factors which contribute to

drug use and abuse.

Lets Try This

Are you ready to have fun solving a puzzle? Look at the box below. It contains
some of the major reasons that people use addictive and dangerous drugs. Find these
keywords in the puzzle on the next page. They may be found horizontally, diagonally,
vertically, or in reverse. An example has been given to guide you.

PROBLEMS

STRESS

PEER PRESSURE

EXPERIMENT

ENVIRONMENT

CURIOSITY

TO CALM DOWN

ENJOYMENT

PARENTS

FAMILY

Did you find all the keywords? If yes, good! If not, look at the answer key on
page 40 to help you out.

Lets Learn
The use of addictive and dangerous drugs has become a widespread phenomenon
in the Philippines. As a matter of fact, it is one of our countrys worst problems. In
finding a solution to the problem, we must know what factors put a person who is at
risk of drug abuse. Study the pictures that follow to know some of the reasons that
people use addictive and dangerous drugs.
This is Richard Olaguer. He is 15 years old
and he comes from a poor family. He has
been using addictive and dangerous drugs
since he was a child.

He learned to use drugs from his

mother. Everyone in his family uses drugs.
They use solvent, sometimes cough syrup
or rugby, and even marijuana. Richard was
often beaten up by his Uncle Leo, so he
ran away.

Richard now roams the streets. He has no home. His problems seem to disappear when
he uses drugs. His favorite is the 40 ml or 60 ml cough syrup called Phydol because it
is cheaper than siopao. Richard says that the cough syrup is better if he drinks beer or
brandy afterward.

She buys solvent from her earnings. This

helps her forget about her miserable life.
She was brought to a Rehabilitation
Center and her treatment had already
started. However, she ran away and went
back to using drugs. Once she is under
the influence of drugs, she hurts herself
by burning different parts of her body
with a cigarette. She now uses cocaine.

This is 21-year-old Amalia Conde from

Anibong, Tacloban City. She went to Manila
because she was promised a job. However,
because she had no money, she became
a prostitute. She earns P300500 from
customers who take her to cheap motels.

What did you feel after reading the stories of Richard and Amalia? Do you want to
be like them? Explain your answer.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

Lets Review
Answer the following questions.
1.

When did Richard start using drugs?

2.

Why did he use drugs?

3.

What kind of drugs did he use?

4.

What does he feel when he is under the influence of drugs?

5.

Why did Amalia decide to go to Manila?

6.

Did she find a good job there?

7.

What happened to her after arriving in Manila?

8.

How does Amalia temporarily solve her problems?

9.

What kind of drugs does she use?

10. Is there a remedy for her addiction?

Do you want to know if your answers are correct? You may compare them with
those in the answer key on page 40.

Lets Learn
Addictive and dangerous drugs are often used because of many reasons.

Family problems These may include the lack of adequate parental

supervision, absentee parents, no one to talk to about problems, violence in
the family, and physical or sexual abuse.

Peer pressure This refers to the influence of friends who are using
drugs or who want to try drugs. This is the most common reason that young
people use addictive and dangerous drugs.

Curiosity or interest in trying out drugs Some young people want

to know how it would feel to use drugs.

To experience the sensations of joy and enjoyment induced

by drugs

Poor role models during ones childhoodThis means growing up in

an environment where the parents and/or other family members are drug
users.

10

To relieve stress, anxiety, and boredom People who are under stress
and tension sometimes resort to drugs for relief. Those who are bored
because they have nothing to do also sometimes experiment with drugs.

To forget or get away from problems Some people see drugs as an

escape from their problems.

11

Lack of self-importance There are those who, under the influence of

drugs, feel a false sense of self-importance, belongingness, and positive selfimage which they lack in real life.

Desire to experiment Some people, especially those who are young,

become drug addicts as a result of their desire to experiment with different
kinds of drugs.

12

Read the list below to better understand the circumstances or factors that can
lead to drug abuse.
Factors or Circumstances That Could Lead to Drug Abuse

Having parents or family members who use drugs

Having friends who use drugs

Growing up in an environment of illegal drug users

Wanting to show ones independence and willingness to take risks

Having little interest in academic and spiritual goals

Seeing oneself as being at odds with the society

Having no clear concept of what is right and wrong

Perceiving a lack of parental support

Having low self-esteem

Being unable to cope with ones problems

Having suffered trauma and emotional crisis (such as the long-term

psychological effects of physical and sexual abuse)

Having been a drug user during ones teens

Being unemployed and not having any other form of recreation or activity

Using drugs to help one adjust to his/her job schedule (This may apply to
drivers, writers, actors, and so forth, who work long hours or have very hectic
or irregular schedules.)

Using drugs to boost ones strength and energy

Wishing to relieve stress or anxiety

Wanting to experiment

13

Lets Try This

Lets see if you understood the previous discussion. Try to solve the crossword
puzzle below.

Across
1

Who can influence young people to use addictive and dangerous drugs?

Some people become drug addicts because they want to __________ with
different types of addictive drugs.

People who have suffered _________ or emotional crisis such as physical

and sexual abuse may resort to the use of illegal drugs.

This is one factor that can lead to drug abuse. It refers to the surooundings
or situation that a person grew up in.

In our earlier story, Richard Olaguers ________ taught him how to use
addictive and dangerous drugs.

Down
1

Most people who have strong and positive bonding with their ________
do not resort to drugs. This is because they are open and they communicate
with each other.

Some people use addictive drugs to relieve ______ or anxiety.

One reason that people use addictive drugs is because they are _______.
They want to find out the effects of addictive drugs.

Most drug users have ________. They use addictive and dangerous drugs to
solve them.

In Richard Olaguers story, who beat him up?

Were you able to complete the puzzle? You may compare your answers with
those in the answer key on page 40.
14

Lets Test What You Have Learned

Pepitos Life
Pepito was an only child. His parents were both working. His mother was the
vice president of a bank, while his father was the director of a government agency.
Most of the time, they were not home due to business engagements. They seldom saw
each other because of their busy schedules.
Pepito started using drugs at the age of 14. He tried drugs because he wanted to
know its effects. He acquired drugs from friends in the neighborhood. From
experimenting with drugs, he became a regular drug user. He started having drug
sessions with friends. They were the ones who made him feel secure and accepted. He
went to them when he had problems.
Pepitos parents did not know that their child had been using drugs. Pepito had
tried different drugs. He often used shabu, a stimulant which can boost a persons
energy.
One day, a police officer called Pepitos parents. He had terrible news for them.
He informed them about Pepitos tragic death. Pepito died from a drug overdose. It
was learned that during a drug session, Pepito took different kinds of drugs at the
same time. His parents were shocked at the news. They never suspected that their only
son was a drug addict.
Based on the story, cite five (5) reasons that Pepito used addictive and dangerous
drugs.
1.

_________________________________________________________

2.

_________________________________________________________

3.

_________________________________________________________

4.

_________________________________________________________

5.

_________________________________________________________

Compare your answers with those in the answer key on page 41.

15

Lets Remember

People use addictive and dangerous drugs for many reasons.

Common factors which contribute to drug abuse include the following:

Family Drug use is common among individuals who have family problems
such as communication problems, the lack of love and security, and domestic
violence.
Friends One of the common reasons that people learn using addictive
and dangerous drugs is through the influence of friends.
Environment If a person grew up in an environment where drug use is
common and accepted, he / she may also use drugs.

16

LESSON 2

How You Can Respond

to the Problem on Drugs
After knowing the effects of drug abuse and the reasons behind its occurrence,
what do you think can you do? Do you know of a solution to the drug problem? Do
you know of any program or activity which could reduce the incidence of drug abuse
in your community? What are the possible treatments for drug users and addicts? In
this lesson, you will learn that everyone can make a contribution to fight the drug
problem.
After studying this lesson, you should be able to

discuss methods of preventing drug abuse; and

identify ways of helping people who use addictive and dangerous drugs.

Lets Try This

Study the slogan below.

DRUGS!
Prevention is better than cure.
Explain what the slogan means.

_______________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
You may compare your answer with the sample in the answer key on page 41.

17

Lets Learn
In many countries around the world, governments and communities have realized
that one of the best ways of responding to the drug problem is reducing or preventing
the factors which encourage drug abuse. This means stopping the problem of drug
abuse before it actually begins or preventing more people from becoming drug
addicts. This involves educating people on issues concerning the different types of
addictive and dangerous drugs and the ill effects of drug abuse. Drug education
campaigns include putting up posters, setting up forums and seminars, educational
programs in schools, videos, brochures, and advertisements in newspapers, radio, and
television that educate people about drugs.
Other prevention programs are designed to enhance protective factors and
reverse or reduce known risk factors. Protective factors are those that decrease the
possibility of drug use. Risk factors are those that increase the possibility of drug use.
Examples of these factors are shown below.
Protective Factors
(should be encouraged or enhanced)

Strong and positive familial

bonds

Parental monitoring and

Risk Factors
(should be reduced or reversed)

Chaotic home
environment, particularly where
parents abuse drugs or
suffer from mental illness

Clear rules of conduct

that are consistently
enforced within the
family

Ineffective parenting,
especially to children with difficult
temperaments or conduct
disorders

Active involvement of
parents in the lives of their
children

Lack of social
interaction and nurturing

Poor social and coping skills

Affiliation with peers

who use addictive and
dangerous drugs

Approval of drug-using
behaviors in the family, work,
school, peer, or community
environments

18

Lets Try This

From the list on page 18, we can see that parents play an important role in preventing
drug abuse. Note that many of the factors listed have to do with parents and the family.
Given these risk and protective factors, what then might parents do to prevent
or reduce the risk of drug use?
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
Look at the sample answer in the answer key on page 41.

Lets Learn
Below are some general rules to follow in order to avoid drug abuse.
Eight Ways to Avoid Drug Abuse
1.

Avoid people who you know use addictive and dangerous

drugs.

2.

Maintain good physical and mental health.

3.

Understand your own self; accept and respect yourself for what
and who you are.

4.

Develop your potentials; engage in wholesome, productive and

fulfilling activities.

5.

Learn to relate effectively with others.

6.

Have somebody with whom you can share or relate your

problems freely.

7.

Learn to cope with your problems and other forms of stress

without using drugs.

8.

Develop a strong moral and spiritual foundation so you can say

NO to drugs if tempted by your friends.

19

Individuals, families, and groups can do much to reduce the problem of drug abuse
in their communities. They can do the following:
1.

Be informed about all kinds of drugs. Accurate information can help you
understand the drugs that you and your family are using so as to avoid abusing
such drugs. Knowing the bad effects of a drug also helps a person avoid it.

illegal drugs
prescribed drugs

2.

Think about the drugs you and the rest of your family use, as well as when
and why they are used. Think about any family problems that might lead to
drug abuseconsider also social, sexual, financial or health problems.

20

3.

Talk to each other about your problems. Family communication is

important. You can also try talking with a priest or religious leader, a
barangay official, a neighbor, friends, and other responsible individuals.

4.

Look for alternatives to drug use and encourage everyone to use other
healthier ways to relax or deal with difficulties. Many problems like stress,
anxiety, boredom, and even physical pain can be relieved without using drugs.
Alternatives to drug abuse include engaging in sports or any other worthwhile
hobbies.

21

5.

Get active in your community to help prevent drug problems. Talk to the
local school, church, community group, sports club, or parents association
about programs to increase drug awareness..

6.

Get advice and help if you or anyone in your family has a problem with
drugs. Remember, there are many people and organizations who can help.

22

7.

Push for legislation against the use of illegal drugs. This means
encouraging the enactment and enforcement of laws against drug abuse. The
providers and suppliers of illegal drugs should be punished. There should be
laws safeguarding the health of the people. If there are existing laws, they
should be implemented.

The following are critical areas for prevention:

Family relationships There should be good family communication,

discipline, and firm and consistent rule-making by parents of young children.
Parents need to take an active role in their childrens lives, including warning
them about addictive and dangerous drugs. They should monitor their
childrens activities, get to know their friends, and understand their childrens
problems and personal concerns without abusing their childrens privacy.

Peer relationships The person should be able to choose his/her friends

wisely, preferring those who have no vices such as drug abuse. He/She
should also learn to say no or refuse the offers or suggestions of his/her
peers to try drugs. It is much better to engage in sports and other wholesome
hobbies or activities with friends than experiment with drugs. The person
should be able to improve communication skills and enhance positive social
behaviors by engaging in athletic activities or joining clubs or organizations.

School environment The school should encourage academic performance

and strengthen positive values among their students. Curriculums should
support the students development in social skills. Students should also be
taught about the negative effects of addictive and dangerous drugs.

Community environment The community should be involved in the fight

against addictive and dangerous drugs. It should engage in civic, religious, law
enforcement, and government organizations. Community-based programs such
as advertising restrictions and drug-free school zones can also contribute to
the prevention of drug abuse.

23

Drug education and drug awareness This involves conducting forums,

seminars, and activities that focus on addictive and dangerous drugs
campaigns. These activities may be carried out in coordination with
organizations, private, religious, and school sectors. These activities may
also encourage rehabilitated victims of drug abuse to speak about the
dangers of using addictive and dangerous drugs.

Lets Review
A. Lets see if you have understood our previous discussion. Write T if the
sentence is true and F if it is false. Write your answer in the blank before
each sentence.
_____

1.

Drug education in secondary schools is an example of a preventive

solution to the problem of using addictive and dangerous drugs.

_____

2.

Having parents who are understanding and open to their children could
prevent the use of addictive drugs in the family.

_____

3.

A person who is well-informed about the harmful effects of addictive

and dangerous drugs will use these drugs.

_____

4.

The community has a role in preventing the use of addictive and

dangerous drugs.

_____

5.

Drug education can be promoted in the community through forums

and seminars against the use of addictive drugs.

_____

6.

One way that an individual could prevent drug use is by focusing on

other activities, such as sports.

_____

7.

Having friends who use addictive drugs could encourage you to use
these drugs.

_____

8.

Trying out a drug just once is a safe and effective way to find out its
effects on the human body.

_____

9.

The best resource speakers for drug education campaigns are

rehabilitated victims of addictive drugs.

_____ 10.

The best way that a family can help prevent the use of addictive and
dangerous drugs is to avoid talking about the issue of drugs at home.

B. Think of other ways or activities a person can do to avoid use and abuse of
drugs.
You may compare your answers with those in the Answer Key on pages 4243.
24

Lets Try These

Look carefully at these advertisements.

25

Answer the following questions.

1.

How will you describe the advertisements on the previous page?

_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________

2.

Where do you see advertisements like these?

_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________

3.

What message do these advertisements portray about addictive drugs such as

cigarettes and alcohol?
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________

4.

Do you think such advertisements promote the use of drugs? Why or

why not?
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________

5.

In some countries such as Thailand and Australia, advertisements about

smoking and alcohol have been banned. Do you think the Philippine
government should also ban advertisements on smoking and alcohol? Should
we prohibit our radio, television, newspaper and billboard administrators
from advertising addictive drugs? Explain the reasons for your answer.
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________

Compare your answers with those in the answer key on page 43.

26

You can discuss your answers with your Instructional Manager or Facilitator. You
can also discuss these with a member of your family, a friend, or a colearner. Do they
agree or disagree with your answers? Why or why not?

Lets Learn
Helping Victims of Drug Abuse
ven with a strong drug-prevention program in our community, there may still
be victims of drug abuse who need help. What can we do to help drug addicts and
other victims of drug abuse?
Let us study the case of Gia. She was a supermodel in the late1970s and 1980s.
Let us read her story.

Gia Marie Carangi came from a broken family. She became a model at
the age of 17. She eventually became one of the most sought-after fashion
models because of her aggressive and wild look.
When she hit stardom, she experienced a lot of pressure in her work.
She also had a love affair with her female makeup artist, which did not work
out. Even though she was very famous and popular, she felt very lonely in
private. Ever since her parents separation, she had been longing for her
mothers affection. She had difficulty coping with her situation which made her
unruly, unpredictable, and wild. She would walk away in the middle of her
pictorials and not attend her appointments.
She had a friend who introduced her to a drug user. That was the start of
her drug use, which eventually led to drug addiction. She tried using coke or
cocaine. She used drugs before and after pictorials. She became so
dependent on drugs that she was stoned even during pictorials. She also
experienced shakes (shaking of the body once the drug effect runs out)
when she was not under the influence of drugs. After using cocaine, she
moved on to using narcotics such as morphine and heroin, which she took by
injection using syringes. In 1982, she tested positive for Acquired Immune
Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). According to doctors, she got the virus from
using unsterilized syringes.
Gia died in August 1986 due to AIDS.

27

Lets Review
Answer the following questions.
1.

What kind of addictive drug did Gia start using?

__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________

2.

Why did she start using addictive drugs?

__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________

3.

What other factors contributed to her drug dependency?

__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________

4.

Did Gias drug dependency affect her work? How?

__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________

5.

What did Gia experience when she was not under the influence of drugs?
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________

6.

What were the addictive drugs that she tried afterward?

__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________

7.

What kind of treatment should Gia have undertaken to avoid being sick with
AIDS?
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________

28

8.

Do you think Gia would still be alive today if she had been treated
earlier? Why?
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________

9.

Who do you think could have encouraged Gia to undergo treatment? Why?
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________

10.

Do you agree or disagree that drug abusers can still be treated? How?
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________

Do you want to know if your answers are correct? Go to the Answer Key on page 44.
You can also discuss your answers with your Instructional Manager or Facilitator,
with members of your family, friends, or colearners. Do they agree or disagree with
your answers? Why or why not?
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

29

Lets Learn
If there are drug abusers, there are also medical services and rehabilitation
centers that will help cure them of their addiction and prevent them from becoming
drug dependents. These centers provide the following services:

Preventive services such as forums and seminars on the different types of

addictive drugs, their harmful effects, and possible measures that the family
and community can take to prevent drug abuse.

Early intervention such as drug education campaigns, drug testings, and

health screening programs (for example, chest x-rays to detect early signs of
health damage) which can detect drug abusers. Early identification of drug
abusers can help their families, schools, and communities provide necessary
measures to address the problems and needs of the drug abusers and/or to
adopt appropriate treatments for drug dependency.

30

Rehabilitative services such as medical care and psychiatric care for drug
abusers. Medical care includes hospital confinement until the drug user has
recovered from the harmful effects of addictive drugs. Psychiatric care
involves looking into the mental condition of a drug dependent. It includes
consulting with psychologists and psychiatrists, and even taking medications
as treatment for the damaging effects of addictive drugs on the persons
mental health. Some addictive drugs such as cocaine, shabu, and marijuana
may severely affect the mental condition of a person and may even result in
brain damage or severe mental disorders. Long-term treatment includes
counseling, regular checkups, home visitations, and family group therapies.
Family group therapy is a counseling method that requires the participation
of a drug users family as support for the treatment of the drug dependent.

The government can build rehabilitation centers and conduct drug education
programs nationwide. It should also strictly enforce laws on addictive and
dangerous drugs and punish criminals who import, produce, sell, or promote
the use of illegal drugs.

Media should act responsibly in advertising. Newspapers, magazines,

television shows, and radio programs should inform their readers and viewers
about the ill effects of addictive and dangerous drugs.

Schools can educate students about addictive and dangerous drugs. They can
also involve parents in drug education or awareness campaigns.

Nongovernment organizations (NGOs) can support government programs

and services which would cater to drug abuse victims and their families.
They can also support drug awareness and drug education campaigns.
31

Churches of different religions can strengthen the morality and spiritual

foundation of their members to help minimize the incidence of drug use and
abuse.

The family can teach its members the concept of what is right and wrong. It
should be sensitive and attentive to the needs of its members. The family
should help its members talk about and cope with the problems that they face
in their daily lives.

The problem of drugs is everybodys concern. We should all say NO to drugs.

Lets join hands in protecting everyone from the harmful effects of addictive and
dangerous drugs. Say NO to addictive and dangerous drugs.

Lets Test What You Have Learned

Answer the following questions.
1.

What medical treatment and rehabilitative services are available for drug
users in your community? (You may need to look or ask around your
community to answer this question.)
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________

2.

How can these services help fight the problem on drug abuse in your
community?
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
How can you participate in solving the problem on addictive and dangerous
drugs in your community?
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________

3.

Have you finished answering the review test? If yes, you can compare your
answers with those in the answer key on pages 4445.

32

Drug abuse is not only a problem of the individual drug user or his/her family but
also of the entire nation. Over the past 20 years, there has been an increasing
population of drug users and abusers. It is possible that all communities have drug
dependents and are therefore affected by the drug problem.
However, we should not be discouraged because the drug problem has a solution.
But, we must remember that this solution requires everybodys help. The different
sectors of society should work together to prevent drug abuse. Here is what they can
do:

Try These
This is an optional assignment that you can do in your spare time at home. Have
you ever tried making a poster? Let us see how well you can make one.
Materials needed:

Illustration board

Old newspapers and magazines

Paste

Scissors

Pencil

Pentel pen

Procedure:
1.

2.

Choose a title for your poster. You can make your own title or choose one
from the list below:

Drugs! Prevention Is Better than Cure

Say NO to Addictive and Dangerous Drugs

Let Us Help the Victims of Addictive and Dangerous Drugs

After you have selected a title for your poster, look for information, data,
illustrations, and pictures from old newspapers or magazines. You may cut
these materials and paste them on the illustration board.

33

3.

If youre good at drawing, you may draw pictures referring to the title of
your poster. You may also ask a friend who can draw to help you out with
your poster.

4.

After you have pasted the illustrations and materials from old newspapers
and magazines, or the illustrations and pictures you or your friend have
drawn, write the title of your poster in big bold letters. You may write the
title of the poster above or below the illustrations or pictures.

5.

Did you finish your poster? You may hang it in your home, school, NFE
learning center, or community. Put it in a place where many people can see it.

6.

You may give a copy of your poster to your barangay chairman. The poster
could be hung in the barangay hall. You may also share with your family,
friends, or colearners how to make a poster campaigning against addictive
and dangerous drugs.

Lets Remember
There are many solutions to the problem of addictive and dangerous drugs. These
involve or include the following:

Preventive solutions include activities such as drug education and drug

awareness seminars designed to prevent or stop drug abuse. These involve
the different sectors of society such as families, communities, government
and nongovernment organizations, schools, and religious and civic
organizations.

Protective factors such as having a strong supportive, and caring family.

These may potentially reduce an individuals use of addictive and dangerous
drugs.

Risk factors such as a chaotic home life, living in an environment of

drug users, poor social and coping skills, and the lack of social interaction and
inadequate parental nurturing may encourage people to use addictive and
dangerous drugs.

Rehabilitative solutions are solutions to the immediate and long-term

treatment of drug dependents. These include medical and psychiatric
treatment which attend to the physical and mental condition of drug
abusers.

Long-term rehabilitative solutions such as counseling, family therapy,

and home visitation which involve the process of helping drug dependents
reflect on his / her problems and see alternative solutions other than
using addictive drugs.

Well, this is the end of Part 2 of Addictive and Dangerous Drugs! Congratulations
for finishing it. Did you like the module? Did you learn something useful from it? A
summary of its main points is given on the next page to help you remember them better.
34

What You Have Learned?

A. Fill in the blanks.
1.

Many people use addictive and dangerous drugs to get away from
________________.

2.

One of the common reasons that people learn using drugs is

through the influence of ________________.

3.

Forums and seminars on drugs are examples of ________________.

services.
________________ are one way of promoting tobacco and cigarettes
through the use of mass media.

4.
5.

________________ is a counseling method wherein the members of

the drug users family participate as the support group for the treatment
of the drug user.

6.

________________ is the immediate and long-term treatment of drug

abusers.

7.

________________ is a rehabilitative solution which helps the drug

user understand his/her problems. It is a long-term solution because it
seeks to build the self-confidence of the person to find solutions to
his/her problems.

8.

________________ is conducted in communities, schools, and

workplaces in order to identify drug users.

9.

________________ involves looking into the mental condition of the

drug user. He / she may undergo psychological tests and treatment.

10. ________________ refers to services that attend to the physical

condition of the drug abuser.
B. Encircle the correct answer.
1.

What is an example of a protective factor?

a.

poor social and coping skills

b.

strong and positive bonds within the family

c.

chaotic home environment

d.

affiliation with deviant peers

35

2.

3.

Which of the following is a treatment service for drug addicts?

a.

laboratory test

b.

drug education

c.

psychiatric care

d.

drug testing

Which of the following is a prevention program?

a.

banning the advertisements of addictive and dangerous drugs

b.

drug testing in schools and workplaces

c.

medical care

d.

psychiatric care for drug addicts who are suffering from mental
problems

C. Define the following terms and give an example for each.

1.

Protective factors (1 point)

___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________

2.

Risk factors (1 point)

___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________

After finishing the test, you may compare your answers with those in the answer
key on pages 4547.
If you got
05

You need to study the module again.

69

Reread the lessons that you did not understand.

10 12

Just go back to the wrong items and review them carefully.

13 15

Congratulations! You have learned a lot from this

module. You can now proceed to the next one.

36

What You Have Keep in Mind

In this module, you have learned the following:

There are many reasons that people use or abuse drugs. However, drug abuse
is mainly due to three major factors, which are family, friends, and
environment.

The battle against the use and abuse of addictive and dangerous drugs can be
won with everybodys help. It is important to educate or inform everyone
about the negative effects of drug abuse.

There are many things that individuals, families, and groups can do to reduce
the problem of drug abuse in their communities. They should

Be informed about the problem of drug abuse.

Think about addictive drugs and their effects.

Talk to each other about their problems.

Look for alternatives to drug use.

Get active in their community to help prevent drug problems.

Get advice and help in times of stress or problems.

Push for legislation (encourage laws) against drug use and drug
abuse.

Drug abusers can still be helped. This is done by recognizing the problem
and providing support, acceptance, understanding, rehabilitation, or medical
care.

There are facilities and centers that provide medical and psychiatric
treatment and care for drug abusers. These facilities and centers
only help not only abusers but also their families.

37

Answer Key
What You May Already Know (pages 23)
A. 1.

Correct Wanting to experiment is one of the major reasons

that people try and use addictive and dangerous drugs.

2.

Correct Many young people use addictive and dangerous drugs

because they are influenced by their friends. Peer influence is one
factor which contributes to drug abuse among young people. They
often find it difficult to refuse offers to try out addictive drugs
for fear that they would not be accepted by their peers.

3.

Correct Growing up in a chaotic home environment could lead

to drug abuse because the person might experience family
problems such as violence in the family, absentee parents, the lack of
adequate parental supervision, or sexual abuse in the family. A
person who does not have someone to talk to about his / her
problems might look for a group that is more willing to make
him / her feel secure and accepted even if they are drug users.

4.

Incorrect One of the reasons that people use and abuse

addictive drugs is due to family problems such as violence, sexual
abuse, and absentee parents.

5.

Incorrect Drug dependency can be cured. There are medical

services and rehabilitation and treatment centers which offer
immediate and long-term services to drug users.

B. 1.

(
) Having friends who use drugs Peer pressure or the influence
of friends is one of the major reasons that young people use
addictive drugs. People who use drugs often encourage their
friends to try the drug to experience its effects.

2.

Knowing how to cope with problems People who know how to

cope with problems and other forms of stress most often do not use
addictive drugs. These are the people who try to find solutions to
their problems. They may ask support from their families or close
friends. Most often, they participate in wholesome activities such
as sports, which can relieve their stress.

3.

(
) Lacking adequate family support Family problems such as the

lack of communication and absentee parents may induce a person
to use addictive drugs. A member of a family who does not feel
secure and loved has a tendency to seek acceptance from other
groups, including drug users.

4.

Engaging in wholesome, productive, and fulfilling activities

Knowing the activities which would further develop your
38

personality and tolerance to stress may keep you away from using
addictive drugs. These activities help in the development of your
self-confidence and self-reliance. Participating in civic and church
organizations are examples of wholsome and productive
activities.
You may have identified other activities which will help a person
avoid drug abuse. Show your answers to your Instructional Manager
or Facilitator for additional feedback.
5.

C. 1.

(
) Being curious or interested in experimenting with drugs.

Some people use addictive drugs to find out its effects on the
human body. This is very dangerous and can lead to drug addiction
even after using the drug only once, because of the addictive
chemicals found in it.
Preventive Education and awareness campaigns regarding the
drug problem prevent and discourage people from using drugs.

2.

Rehabilitative Counseling is a long-term program in

rehabilitation centers and private institutions catering to drug
dependents and drug users. It is a program which helps drug users
understand their problems. It seeks to build the self-confidence of
the person for him / her to find solutions to his / her problems
without using addictive drugs. It can also help drug users reflect on
the harmful effects of addictive drugs.

3.

Rehabilitative Medical care is provided to drug dependents

whose health has been severely affected by drug use. Vital signs
of the drug user are monitored until he / she has physically
recovered from the harmful effects of drug abuse.

4.

Preventive Teaching people about the drug problem will make

them more vigilant and participative in solving it.

5.

Rehabilitative Psychiatric care is given to drug users whose

minds have been severely affected. This includes medication and
treatment of drug users.

39

Lesson 1:

Why People Use Addictive and Dangerous Drugs

Lets Try This (pages 45)

Lets Review (pages 78)

1.
2.
3.
4.

Richard started using drugs when he was a child.

He learned from his mother and other family members.
Solvent, cough syrup, rugby, marijuana
He feels better because the drugs make his problems seem to
disappear.
5. To look for a job
6. No
7. She became a prostitute.
8. She uses drugs.
9. Solvent, cigarette, cocaine
10. Yes, there is a remedy for her addiction. She can have herself be
medically treated or she can go back to the rehabilitation center
Lets Try This (page 14)

40

Lets Test What You Have Learned (page 15)

1.

Absentee parents Pepitos parents were seldom home due to

their work.

2.

Curiosity Pepito wanted to know the effects of drugs so he tried

using them.

3.

To experiment After trying one kind of drug, he thought of

experimenting with others.

4.

Influence of friends Pepito had friends who used drugs. They

also provided Pepito with drugs.

5.

Problems Pepito used drugs to escape from his problems.

Lesson 2:

How You Can Respond to the Problem on Drugs

Lets Try This (page 17)

The best solution to the problem of the use and abuse of addictive and
dangerous drugs is prevention. We must prevent people from being tempted
to use drugs and avoid the damaging consequences suffered by drug users.
Prevention of drug abuse involves educating people, especially the
youth. On the other hand, cure means rehabilitating or treating drug addicts.
Although rehabilitation centers and hospitals play an important role in helping
drug addicts, it is better to prevent drug abuse first rather than trying to repair
the physical, emotional, social, economic, and spiritual damages inflicted by
drug addiction.
Lets Try This (page 19)
Given the protective and risk factors, it is important that in a family,
the parents should maintain open communication with its members. Open
communication may include family dialogues about work, school, or the
neighborhood. This keeps the parents informed of what is happening in their
childrens lives. It also makes the children feel that their parents care about
them. Furthermore, it helps develop the childrens social interaction skills.
Parents should also get to know their childrens friends. They could
invite them for lunch on a weekend or on a nonworking day. Knowing who
their children hang out with helps parents assess whether their children are
exposed to illegal drugs.

41

Lets Review (page 24)

A. 1.

(T) Schools provide an important opportunity for teaching

young people about the damages of addictive and dangerous
drugs and how they can resist the temptation of using drugs.

2.

(T) Our parents play a significant role in preventing drug abuse.

Children who are able to talk to their parents about their problems
are less likely to resort to addictive drugs.

3.

(F) One way of preventing drug abuse is by educating people

about the harmful effects of drugs. Knowing these harmful effects
would make people think twice before using addictive and
dangerous drugs.

4.

(T) The community plays an important role in the prevention of

drug abuse. Communities should make a clear stand against
addictive and dangerous drugs through legislation, law
enforcement, community-based education programs, creation of
drug-free zones, and restrictions on drug advertising.

5.

(T) Forums and seminars could properly disseminate information

about addictive drugs and their harmful effects on members of a
community.

6.

(T) Engaging in activities such as sports will help focus our

thoughts and energy on healthy alternatives, instead of putting
ourselves at risk by using addictive and dangerous drugs.

7.

(T) Peer pressure is one reason that many people use drugs.
Having friends who use and abuse addictive drugs may encourage
individuals to take drugs to be socially accepted in a group. Others
are influenced to take drugs out of curiosity.

8.

(F) Experimenting with drugs, even if it is done once, is

dangerous and may even lead to addiction.

9.

(T) Rehabilitated victims are very credible in relating the harmful

effects of addictive drugs because they have experienced these
effects.

10.

(F) A family that avoids talking about drugs at home is not

helping to fight drug abuse. Families should be informed about
drugs and they should communicate with each other about their
problems. This includes talking about drug abuse, the effects of
drug use, and what they can do to help fight the use and abuse of
addictive drugs.

42

B. Other activities that we can do to help avoid drug abuse are

1.

sports activities such as basketball, volleyball, and swimming

2.

church-related activities such as charity projects and catechism

classes

3.

attending forums and seminars on addictive and dangerous drugs

4.

any type of activity that will keep you preoccupied and fulfilled

You may have identified other activities which can help a person avoid
illegal drug use and abuse. Show your answers to your Instructional Manager
or Facilitator for additional feedback.
Lets Try These (pages 2526)
1.

The illustrations show advertisements of tobacco, cigarettes and

alcohol.

2.

These advertisements are seen in print (billboards, magazines,

newspapers, and so forth), and broadcast (television and radio) media.

3.

The advertisements present addictive drugs as products which can

relieve stress, solve problems, and make a person look good or
cool to others. Addictive drugs are also portrayed by
advertisements as products with no harmful effects to a persons
health.

4.

Yes, advertisements promote the use of addictive drugs such as

tobacco and alcohol because their harmful effects on peoples
health are not shown. They are presented as solutions to relieve
stress and cope with problems. The advertisements also mislead
consumers to think that that the drugs can make a person look and
feel good.

5.

The learner may either agree or disagree. His/Her explanation may

be similar to the following:
Yes, I agree with the advertisement ban on tobacco and
alcohol. They should be restricted from being promoted on television,
newspapers, billboards, and radio because tobacco and alcohol are
addictive drugs which are harmful to a persons health. Aside from their
harmful effects, these drugs can be an expensive habit and actually
drain a persons limited budget. Most importantly, through
advertisements, children are also encouraged to try addictive drugs.
No, I disagree with the restrictions on advertisements about
tobacco and alcohol. They are an important source of income for
advertising companies. They also help provide sponsorship for sports
and cultural events and activities. The Philippines is also a democratic
country; hence, tobacco and alcohol companies are given rights to
advertise their products.
43

Lets Review (pages 2829)

1.

coke or cocaine

2.

Gia started using drugs because she felt a lot of pressure in

her work. She also had personal problems. Her relationship with
her female makeup artist did not work out. She has also been
longing for her mothers affection ever since her parents separated.

3.

Other factors which may have contributed to Gias drug

dependency are
a.

Having friends who use addictive drugs

b.

Lack of parental support

c.

Difficulty in coping with problems in daily life

d.

To relieve stress and anxiety

4.

Yes, her work was affected. She would walk away in the middle of
her pictorials and not attend her appointments.

5.

shakes or shaking of the body once the drug effect has worn out

6.

morphine; heroin

7.

She should have been provided with medical care, psychiatric care,
and rehabilitation.

8.

Yes. If she had been treated earlier, she would have been
free from addictive drugs. She would not have reached the point of
using morphine and heroin.

9.

Anybody close to Gia could have encouraged her to seek

treatment. This could have been a close friend, a family member,
and maybe even her mother.

10. I agree that drug abusers can still be treated. It is a matter of

understanding their needs and problems. In treating a drug abuser, it
is important to involve the people who are close to him/her. His/Her
physical condition should also be evaluated in order to determine the
kind of treatment he / she requires.
Lets Test What You Have Learned (page 32)
1.

The following are possible existing treatment and rehabilitative

services present in your community:

Counseling

Drug education

Drug testing

44

Conducting chest x-rays for diagnosis of drug use and

abuse.

Hospitals with drug treatment and rehabilitation facilities,

including doctors, psychiatrists, rehabilitation clinics,
and so forth.

Family therapy

Home visitations

Drug rehabilitation self-help groups

2.

These services provide medical, psychiatric, and psychological

care and treatment to victims of drug abuse and to their
families. They could help increase the awareness of
people on the ill effects of addictive and dangerous drugs.

3.

We can help solve the drug problem in our community by

participating in community activities against addictive and
dangerous drugs. These activities may include discussing the
problem on drugs among our families and friends and conducting drug
education forums and other seminars against the use of addictive
drugs. We can also make posters illustrating the harmful effects of
addictive and dangerous drugs. These posters could be set in places
where many people will be able to see them. Finally, we can
provide moral, political, and perhaps even financial support for the
establishment of drug rehabilitation centers that will provide
medical and psychiatric care for victims of drug abuse in our
communities.

What You Have Learned (pages 3637)

A. 1.

problems

6. Rehabilitation

2.

friends

7. Counseling

3.

preventive

8. Drug testing

4.

Advertisements

9. Psychiatric care

5.

Family group therapy

B. 1.

10. Medical care

(b) is the correct answer. Having strong and positive bonds within
the family may reduce the potential of drug use and abuse for its
members. Communication keeps the family abreast with what is
happening with each member. Moreover, open community will
aloow members to seek advice and support from the family. (a), (c)
and (d) are incorrect answers because they are risk factors.
Having poor social coping skills (a) may lead to potential drug use
and abuse.
45

People who encounter difficulty in coping and relating with others

feel out of place. They may seek acceptance from other groups
who would be more willing to accept them. Growing up in a chaotic
home environment (c) prevents the family from communicating
with other members. Members may look for other groups where
they will feel more appreciated and loved. Being affiliated with
deviant peers (d) may encourage the person to conform with what
their peers do. If his / her friends use addictive drugs, he or she
is also likely to use drugs.
2.

(c) is the correct answer. Some addictive drugs have chemical

contents which gravely affect a persons mental capability.
Addictive drugs such as marijuana and shabu can lead to mental
illness or paranoia. People who use these drugs may need
psychiatric care which is also a part of treatment services.
Psychiatric care requires the patient to be psychologically
evaluated. The treatment that he / she will receive would be based on
the results of the psychological exam.
(a) is incorrect because it is used for the diagnosis of drug abuse but
not for treatment. Laboratory tests can determine the extent of
physical damage caused by drug abuse.
(b) is an incorrect answer because it is a preventive solution.
Conducting drug education or drug awareness campaigns can teach
and educate people on the different types of addictive drugs and
their harmful effects. Drug education can also encourage
participation from all sectors of the society in coming up with
programs and activities that could prevent drug abuse.
(d) is incorrect because it is used for the diagnosis and detection of
drug abuse. Drug testing can be conducted in schools, community
centers, sports events, and even at workplaces. This could
help identify people who use addictive drugs. The early detection of
drug abuse can help a person because he/she can be given the
necessary treatment he or she may need.

3.

(a) is the correct answer. Banning advertisements on addictive and

dangerous drugs such as tobacco and alcohol is a preventive
program or activity. Other countries in Asia, such as Thailand, have
restrictions on advertisements for tobacco and alcohol. This is to
prevent people from using these potentially dangerous and
addictive drugs, which are commonly promoted as a relief for
stress and a solution to problems. There are some advertisements
that insinuate that drugs can make a person look good and strong.
Advertisements on addictive drugs can disseminate false
information about drug products. It does not present the harmful
effects caused by drugs. It may also invoke curiosity and interest
46

of young people, making them want to try the drugs. (b) is

incorrect because it is used for early intervention. (c) and (d) are
incorrect because they fall under treatment services.
C. 1.

2.

Protective factors are factors which may potentially reduce an

individuals use of addictive and dangerous drugs. Examples of
these factors are strong and positive bonds in the family,
parental monitoring, clear rules of conduct that are consistently
enforced within the family, and the involvement of parents in their
childrens lives.
Risk factors are factors that may encourage people to use addictive
and dangerous drugs. Examples are chaotic home environment,
poor social coping skills, and affiliation with peers who use
addictive and dangerous drugs.

47

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Dangerous Drugs Board. Drug Abuse: Some Questions and Answers.
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48