HEALTH4.9

• Drugs of abuse


  Produce pleasure or euphoria
• Euphoria


  The high sensation of feeling good and extremely relaxed
• Euphoria is a sensation brought about by the chemical reactions of the neurotransmitters in the brain
• Continuous and prolonged drug use causes a very bad effect on a person. It can change his mental, physical, psychological, and behavioral condition
• Drug dependence results in drug abuse, drug tolerance, problems with society and law, withdrawal symptoms, severe health problems, poor quality of life, and eventually death
• Signs and symptoms of drug abuse

  • Declining interest in studies and work
  • Identification with known drug users
  • Negative outlook in life
  • Uncontrolled irritation
  • Paranoia
  • Complains of over fatigue
  • Frequent involvement in petty fights and crimes
  • Frequent changes of mood and extreme mood swings
  • Lousy physical appearance
  • Reddish eyes
  • Sudden loss in weight
  • Frequent complaints of headache and stomach pains
  • Frequent attacks of cough and runny nose
  • Brown stains on fingertips
  • Foul body smell
  • Wearing of sunglasses even at night
  • Loss of balance
  • Loss of interest in sports and hobbies
  • Loss of concentration
• Gateway drugs


  Accepted and legal with restrictions. People below 18 years of age are not allowed to buy and use gateway drugs in the Philippines. The use of these drugs puts a person at risk of using more dangerous and illicit drugs
• Gateway drugs


  • Tobacco of any form
  • Alcohol
• Short-term effects of alcohol

  • Headache and light headedness
  • Slurred Speech
  • Slow body reflex, senses, and coordination
  • Overconfident
  • Mood swings (Depression, high spirit, aggressiveness)
  • Nausea (headache with vomiting)
  • Experience of blackout (loss of consciousness)
• Long-term effects of alcohol

  • Damage of organs like liver, heart, colon, and brain
  • Cancer
  • Cardiovascular diseases
  • Cirrhosis of liver
  • Poor study and work performance
  • Paralysis and/or loss of limb due to road accidents and other tragic events
• Short-term effects of tobacco

  • Stress
  • Rapid heart rate and pulse rate
  • Persistent cough
  • Difficulty in breathing
• Long-term effects of tobacco

  • Development of Asthma
  • Atherosclerosis
  • Cardiovascular diseases
• Depressants


  Also known as downers or sedatives in the medical field, suppress or slow down the central nervous system. It is used to treat anxiety, mental disorders, and sleeping disorders like insomnia
• Types of depressants


  • Tranquilizers
  • Barbiturates
  • Hypnotics
• Tranquilizers


  Mild depressants used to treat anxiety
• Barbiturates


  Stronger depressants used to treat insomnia and other sleeping disorders and control seizures
• Hypnotics


  The most powerful depressants
• Short-term effects of depressants

  • Slow brain function which lead to temporary memory loss
  • Slow pulse rate and heart rate
  • Below normal breathing pattern
  • Low blood pressure
  • Inability to concentrate and poor judgement
• Long-term effects of depressants

  • Agitation and aggressive behaviors
  • Depression leading to mental disorders
  • Hypertension or high blood pressure
• Stimulants


  Also known as "uppers" or "speeders". They stimulate or activate the central nervous system. It can make a person stay awake for longer periods under the influence of stimulant drugs
• Stimulant drugs


  • Caffeine
  • Cocaine
  • Methamphetamine or shabu
• Short-term effects of stimulants

  • Increased heart rate and pulse rate
  • Increased respiration (breathing) rate
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Euphoria
  • Depression
• Long-term effects of stimulants

  • Paranoia
  • Heart Attack
  • Brain Damage
  • Brain Stroke
  • Kidney Damage
  • Liver Damage
• Narcotics


  Also known as "painkillers". They also induce sleepiness. Narcotics are administered to patient with mental problems. They are also given to cancer patients to relieve severe pain
• Narcotic drugs


  • Cocaine
  • Heroin
  • Marijuana
• Short-term effects of narcotics

  • Euphoria
  • Drowsiness
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of Appetite
  • Nausea
  • Chills and shaking
  • Weight loss
  • Difficulty in breathing
• Long-term effects of narcotics

  • Development of diseases like hepatitis, tetanus and HIV-AIDS due to needle sharing
  • Overdose leading to comatose and death
• Hallucinogens


  Create hallucinations. Hallucinations distort what is real. Everything the person sees, hears, and feels are the opposite of reality
• Common hallucinogens


  • Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)
  • Psilocybin
  • Mescaline
• Short-term effects of hallucinogens

  • Euphoria
  • Hallucinations
  • Poor judgement of time and distance
  • Inability to sleep
  • Nausea
  • Poor body condition
• Inhalants


  Found in common household products. Inhalants are huffed or sniffed. The effects if inhalants are similar to the effects of alcohol intoxications
• Short-term effects of inhalants

  • Slurred Speech
  • Poor conditions
  • Dizziness and Nausea
  • Euphoria
  • Foul Breath
• Long-term effects of inhalants

  • Loss of hearing
  • Uncontrolled muscle spasms
  • Brain Damage
  • Bone Narrow Damage
  • Nerve Damage
• Strategies in the prevention and control of substance use and abuse

  • STOP USING SUBSTANCE OR DRUGS
  • STAY "DRUG-FREE"
  • BE PRODUCTIVE IN THE FAMILY, SCHOOL, AND COMMUNITY
• Types of drug dependent treatment and rehabilitation

  • VOLUNTARY
  • VOLUNTARY THROUGH REPRESENTATIONS
  • COMPULSORY CONFINEMENT
• DOH's drug treatment rehabilitation and their modalities

  • Intake and Admission
  • Diagnostic evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation proper
  • Detoxification
  • Medical and psychiatric treatment
  • Psychological and social services
  • Educational or vocational services
  • Spiritual development services
  • Sports and Recreation
  • After-care and follow-up services
  • Job placement services
• Decision-making and resistance skills

  • Identifying the right decision
  • Valuing your own opinion
  • Stating your views assertively
  • Clarifying and questioning
• Healthy alternatives to substance or drug use and abuse


  • Healthy human interactions and relationship
  • Meaningful activities
  • Talk therapy or psychotherapy
  • Exercise
  • Diet
  • Balance in life