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HEALTH
Quarter 2 – Module 2b:
Prevention of Substance Use and
Abuse

LEARNING COMPETENCY
▪ Discusses the harmful short- and long-term effects of substance use and
abuse on the individual, family, school, and community
H9S-IId-20, H9S-IIe-f-21
▪ Explains the health, socio-cultural, psychological, legal, and economic
dimensions of substance use and abuse H9S-IIe-f-22
▪ Discusses strategies in the prevention and control of substance use and
abuse H9S-IIe-f-23
▪ Applies decision-making and resistance skills to prevent substance use and
abuse 8 H9S-IIg-h-24
▪ Suggests healthy alternatives to substance use and abuse H9S-IIg-h-25.

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 What’s New

Each classification of drug has different short-term and long-term effects. Short-
term effects last for a couple of days, hours or even shorter periods while long-term
effects can be felt for weeks, months and even for a lifetime. The following is an
overview of the short-term and long-term effects of substance use and abuse.

What Is It

A. GATEWAY DRUGS

Gateway drugs are accepted and

legal with restrictions. In the Philippines,
people below 18 years of age are not
allowed to buy and use gateway drugs.
The use of gateway drugs puts a person
at risk of using more dangerous and illicit
drugs. Tobacco of any form and alcohol
are gateway drugs.

https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/t
een-addiction/drug/gateway-drugs/

Gateway Drug Short-Term Effects Long-Term Effects

A. Alcohol - Headache and light - Damage of organs like

headedness liver, heart, colon and
- Slurred speech brain
- Slow body reflex, - Cancer
senses and - Cardiovascular diseases
coordination - Cirrhosis of the liver
- Overconfident - Poor study and work
- Mood swings performance
(depression, high spirit, - Paralysis and/ or loss of
aggressiveness) limb due to road
- Nausea (headache with accidents and other
vomiting) tragic events
- Experience of blackout - Alcohol poisoning which
(loss of consciousness) leads to coma and
eventual death
B. Tobacco - Stress - Development of asthma
Disease - Rapid heart rate and - Atherosclerosis
pulse rate - Thrombosis

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 - Persistent cough -Cardiovascular diseases
- Difficulty in breathing -Chronic Obstructive
- Halitosis or bad breath Pulmonary Cancer of the
- Sinusitis and otitis media mouth, throat, skin,
-Increased phlegm lungs, and other body
production parts
- Stomach problems -Hypertension or
-Weak physical increased blood pressure
performance -Heart attack and stroke
which leads to coma and
death

B. DEPRESSANTS

Depressants, also known as

“downers”, suppress or slow down the
central nervous system. In the medical
field, depressants are also called
sedatives which are used to treat anxiety,
mental disorders and sleep disorders like
insomnia. Types of depressants are
tranquilizers, barbiturates, and hypnotics.
Tranquilizers are mild depressants which
are used to treat anxiety. Barbiturates are
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/314790 stronger than tranquilizers and are used

to treat insomnia and other sleep disorders and control. Hypnotics are the most
powerful depressants. Alcohol is also a depressant. The table below shows the
effects of depressants on the body.

Short-Term Effects Long-Term Effects

- Slow brain function which leads to - Agitation and aggressive behaviors
temporary memory loss - Depression leading to mental
- Slow pulse rate and heart rate disorders
- Below normal breathing pattern - Hypertension or high blood pressure
- Low blood pressure - Cardiovascular diseases
- Inability to concentrate and poor - Paralysis of the muscles and nerves
judgment - Brain stroke
- Confusion and irritability - Chronic liver disease
- Dizziness and lightheadedness - Renal or kidney failure
- Slurred speech - Cancer of the colon and other form
- Loss of body balance and of cancer
sluggishness - Diabetes
- Depression - Coma and death

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C. STIMULANTS

Stimulants are also known as

“uppers” or “speeders”. They stimulate or
activate the central nervous system. A
person can stay awake for longer periods
under the influence of stimulant drugs.
Some stimulants are legal while some are
illicit and dangerous. Caffeine is a stimulant
which is found in soft drinks, energy drinks,
coffee, tea and chocolate. Illicit stimulants
https://tinyurl.com/y2rkbuxu include cocaine and methamphetamine or
shabu. The table on the next page shows the effects of stimulants on the body.

Short-Term Effects of Stimulants Long-Term Effects of Stimulants

- Increased heart rate and pulse rate - Paranoia
- Increased respiration (breathing) - Heart attack
rate - Brain stroke
- Increased digestive processes - Brain damage
- Increased blood pressure - Kidney damage
- Increased body temperature - Liver damage
- Decreased appetite - Coma which leads to death
- Alert body responses
- Inability to sleep
- Euphoria
- Depression (the “down” that follows
the “up” sensation)

D. NARCOTICS

Narcotics are known as “painkillers”.

They also induce sleepiness. Narcotics are
administered to patients with mental
problems. They are also given to cancer
patients to relieve severe pain. Narcotic
drugs include cocaine, heroin and
marijuana

https://tinyurl.com/y2hsmhbn

Short-Term Effects of Narcotics Long-Term Effects of Narcotics

- Drowsiness - Development of diseases like
- Euphoria hepatitis, tetanus and HIV-AIDS
- Loss of appetite due to needle sharing
- Vomiting - Overdose leading to coma and
- Nausea death
- Muscle cramps and pain

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 - Chills and shaking
- Weight loss
- Difficulty in sleeping
- Difficulty in breathing
- Inflammation of the veins
- Panic attacks

E. HALLUCINOGENS

Hallucinogens create
hallucinations. Hallucinations distort
what is real. Everything the person
sees, hears and feels are the opposite
of reality. Lysergic acid diethylamide
(LSD), psilocybin and mescaline are
some of the common hallucinogens.

https://tinyurl.com/y4s9adyn
Short-Term Effects of Hallucinogens Long-Term Effects of Hallucinogens
- Euphoria - Flashback (effects of the drug
- Hallucinations (seeing things which comes back after a long time of
are not really there) not using it)
- Poor judgment of time and distance - Increased blood pressure
- Inability to sleep - Brain damage
- Loss of appetite which lasts up to - Psychosis (a mental disorder in
10 hours which reality is distorted or
- Nausea twisted)
- Poor body coordination - Coma and death
- Feeling of super strength
- Increased blood pressure and
heart rate
- Aggressive behavior
- Memory loss
- Slurred speech

F. INHALANTS

Inhalants are found in common

household chemical products.
Inhalants are huffed or sniffed. The
effects of inhalants are similar to the
effects of alcohol intoxication.

https://tinyurl.com/y6okjndf

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 Short-Term Effects of Inhalants Long-Term Effects of Inhalants
- Slurred speech - Loss of hearing
- Poor coordination - Uncontrolled muscle spasms
- Euphoria - Brain damage
- Dizziness and nausea - Nerve damage
- Feeling of lightheadedness - Bone marrow damage
- Foul breath
- Hallucinations
- Delusions

Drug Use vis-à-vis HIV-AIDS. According to reports, drug use and HIV-AIDS are often
not interrelated. In the Philippines, injecting drug users (IDUs) is one of the known
modes of transmission for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus or (HIV) which is the
causative agent that causes the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). HIV
is a blood-borne virus which means, it is transmitted from one person to another
through blood transfusion, sexual intercourse, exchange of body fluids and from
mother to child during pregnancy and breastfeeding. AIDS is a syndrome because it
is a complex pattern of symptoms. AIDS is a disease which attacks and weakens the
body’s immune system.
The Department of Health (DOH) reported that around 13 Filipinos are infected
with HIV-AIDS every day. From 1987 to 2013, there were more than 14,000 cases of
infection and the rate of infection is very high in highly urbanized areas like Metro
Manila. In relationship to drug use and abuse, the two most recorded means of
transmission of HIV-AIDS is through the following:
1. Risky sexual behavior
2. Sharing of needles through drug use

High risk behaviors:

A. Injecting Drug Users (IDUs). The risk of getting HIV-AIDS through
intravenous injection (IV) is very high. Drug users are particularly vulnerable
to this risky behavior. The need to inject drugs through needle sharing
during sessions with co-users puts each person at high risk of getting HIV-
AIDS.

B. Poor judgment and risky sexual practices. Drug intoxication greatly

affects the person’s way of thinking and decision-making skills. This can
lead the person to perform risky sexual practices which further aggravate
HIV-AIDS infection.

C. Prognosis of disease and drugs. Drug abuse and addiction worsen HIV-
AIDS infection. A medical study has shown that HIV damages a larger
percentage of brain cells and nerve cells among users of
methamphetamine. In animal subjects, viral presence in brain cells is more
than the other cells in the body.

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 D. Delay in drug abuse treatment. Medical study has found that the longer
drug users delay drug abuse treatment, the higher the chance of getting and
spreading HIV. Delayed drug abuse treatment means the person will
engage in more intravenous drug sharing and risky sexual behavior and
practices. The earlier a drug user seeks intervention and treatment, the
better the chance of not acquiring and spreading HIV-AIDS and other
diseases. Drug abuse treatment also educates and counsels the user and
the family about the risk of drug use and abuse.

Effects of Drug Use

Aside from oneself, drug use and abuse also affects the immediate family,
school and community where the drug user lives. Below are some of the effects of
drug use and abuse on the family, school and community.

A. Effects of Drug Use and Abuse on the Family

Broken and unhappy family ties

Ignored duties and responsibilities
Financial constraint due to drug dependence and addiction
High cost of drug treatment and rehabilitation
Family dishonor and embarrassment
Separation of family members

B. Effects of Drug Use and Abuse on the School

Poor academic performance
Increased rate of absenteeism and tardiness
Increased incidence of school fights
Low academic achievement rate
Incidence of disrespect to school authorities

C. Effects of Drug Use and Abuse on the Community

High incidence of crime which includes stealing, robbery and
snatching
High incidence of accidents, e.g. road accident, accidental falling,
etc.
Affected economy due to low manpower production
Loss of government funds due to drug-related operations, treatment
and rehabilitation.

There are various and healthy ways to get rid of drugs. These range from simple
immersion to hobbies like interactive and board games, sports, and joining clubs of
interest.

Prevention is the best way for people like you to avoid the use and abuse of drugs.
People should understand the different protective factors and risk factors. Protective
factors should be enhanced while risk factors should be avoided and dropped for good.
You should learn decision-making skills and resistance skills in order to be able to
refuse temptations and offers from known drug users.

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 The following are protective factors you need to fight drug use and abuse:
Loving and caring family
Involvement in sports
Positive outlook in life
Positive self-image
Caring and supportive friends
A sense of worthiness and achievement
Always having the right attitude
Ability to cope with stress and depression
Having responsible adult role models
Active participation in sports or recreation
Participation in school clubs and activities
Consultation with responsible adults like parents, teachers, counselors
regarding problems, concerns and queries in life
Development of talents and skills

Which of the protective factors are within your control? Beyond your control?
Decision-making Skills
The following activities will strengthen your decision-making
skills.

https://www.lifeadvancer.com/decision-making-skills/

Skills Guides
Step 1: Describe the situation you are in. Describe the situation you are in. You
can better describe by writing it on a
piece of paper. You can say it out loud
several times.
Step 2: List possible actions for the List down all possible actions. Don’t
situation. worry about listing the not-so-good ones.
You can eliminate them afterwards. You
can also say out loud all possible actions.
Think over them several times.
Step 3: Share your list with responsible Share your list of possible actions with a
adults. responsible adult. Make sure that this
person has not been associated with
known drug users. His/her decisions
should be credible.
Step 4: Carefully evaluate all possible Carefully evaluate all possible actions.
actions. Ask yourself if the actions will protect and
promote healthy results, protect safety of
self and of other people, respect and
does not violate laws and policies, follow
guidelines of home, school and

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 community Lastly, ask if the actions will
show your good image and persona.
Step 5: Choose which action is most After questioning and evaluating all
responsible and suitable. actions, choose the most responsible
and suitable action for the situation.
Step 6: Act responsibly and intelligently. Do the action responsibly and
intelligently. Don’t stop evaluating the
action.

Resistance Skills Use the following steps to practice resistance skills in saying “NO”
to drugs.
Step 1: What is the problem? Say what is wrong. Say “that is wrong,” or “drugs are bad,” or “that is
prohibited,” or “Drugs are against the law and school rules.”

Step 2: What could happen? Ask the following:

Could anyone be harmed if I do it (including you)? How?
Could it get you into trouble? What trouble?
Would it make you feel bad if you do it?

Step 3: What are the ways of saying NO?

Choose from any of the following:
Say No. “No, I’m not interested,” or simply say “No”
Change the topic. Say “I’m going to the park, you can come with me.” or “Would you like to see a
movie with me?”
Tell the truth. Say “I hate drugs, it destroys dreams,” or “Drugs make you become sad and unhappy,”
or “I’m too young to die.”
Joke about it. Say “My parents are good at smelling, I won’t get past them,” or “Are you really ready
to die? I’m not!”
Give reasons. “I don’t do drugs, it’s bad for the health,” or “I have a training today, I need clean air to
get going,” or “Let’s play basketball, beat me!”
Tell a story. Say “My friend died of drugs, he’s only 15 years old. It was painful,” or “my classmate
died from drugs. I don’t want that to happen to me or to you!”
Walk away if you can’t change your friend’s mind.

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 Assessment

TRUE/FALSE
Directions: Read each statement below. Write a T if you think a statement is
CORRECT and write an F if you think the statement is INCORRECT.
Write your answers in your Health notebook.
_____1. Drugs by nature are good. They are used to treat illnesses, help calm down
patients with mental disorders or relieve pain and suffering.
_____2. Drugs of abuse are classified according to their effect on the body: gate drugs,
depressants, stimulants, hallucinogens, narcotics and inhalants.
_____3. The effects of drugs are long-term.
_____4. One of the effects of drugs particularly drugs those injected into the blood
stream is the risk of HIV-AIDS contamination.
_____5.Drug use affect the following domains namely: self, family, school and
community.
_____6. To practice resistance skills is saying “STOP” drugs.
_____7. Step 3 to practice resistance skills…What are the ways of saying NO?
Could it get you into trouble? What trouble?
Would it make you feel bad if you do it?
_____8. After questioning and evaluating all actions, choose the most responsible and
suitable action for the situation is STEP 3 in the decision-making skills.
_____9. Decision is the best way for people like you to avoid the use and abuse of
drugs.
_____10. Affected economy due to low manpower production is the effect of drugs on
the family.

Additional Activities

Play List
List five (5) alternative ways to prevent and control drug use and abuse. Use
your Health notebook to write down five (5) specific programs and activities which
can prevent and control drug use and abuse.

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What I Know Answers may vary
What’s More Answers may vary
What I Have Learned Answers may vary
What I Can Do Answers may vary
Assessment
1. T
2. F
3. F
4. T
5. F
6. F
7. F
8. F
9. F
10.F
Answer Key