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What are Drugs?

Drugs are chemical substances that can change how your body and mind work. They include prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs.
The prolonged use of drugs may lead to physical and/or psychological dependence. An overdose of any drug may lead to death.

Marijuana

What is it?
The dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds of the Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica plant are known as marijuana. People use marijuana in water pipes, hand-rolled cigarettes (joints), or pipes (bongs). Additionally, they puff on it in blunts, which are empty cigars that have been partially or entirely refilled with marijuana (NIDA, 2019).Tetrahydrocannabinol, the primary ingredient in marijuana that has mind-altering properties, is found (THC). This cannabinoid causes a "high" feeling and can interfere with important duties like driving and operating machinery. However, THC is also available in the pharmacological forms, such as dronabinol, which is used to relieve nausea and vomiting by cancer treatment and on by cancer treatment and to stimulate appetite in HIV/AIDS patients (Bandiola, 2022).The Comprehensive Harmful Drugs Act of 2002, also known as Republic Act No. 9165, designates marijuana as a dangerous drug in the Philippines. Despite this, patients who are nearing the end of their lives may ask the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for special authorization for treatment purposes.What does it do?
Long-Term Effects (NIDA, 2019)
• impair thinking, memory, and learning functions
• loss of mental abilities/IQ decline
• Breathing Problems
• Higher risk of Heart Attack
• May affect child development during pregnancy
• Development of Cannabinoid • Hyperemesis Syndrome
• temporary hallucinations
• temporary paranoiaShort-Term Effects (NIDA, 2019)
•altered senses (for example, seeing brighter colors)
•altered sense of time
•changes in mood
•impaired body movement
•difficulty with thinking and problem-solving
•impaired memory
•hallucinations (when taken in high •doses)
•delusions (when taken in high doses)
•psychosis (risk is highest with •regular use of high potency marijuana)

Illegal Drug use and trade in The Philippines

Drugs are chemical substances that can change how your body and mind work. They include prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs.
The prolonged use of drugs may lead to physical and/or psychological dependence. An overdose of any drug may lead to death.Most prominent examples of illegal drugs are:
• Methamphetamine hydrochloride (Shabu)
• Marijuana

Methamphetamine hydrochloride (Shabu)

What is it?
In 1919, methamphetamine was found in Japan. The crystalline powder was an excellent choice for injection because it was soluble in water. Methamphetamine impacts the central nervous system and is a potent, highly addictive stimulant. The brain's naturally occurring chemical dopamine is produced in greater quantities by methamphetamine. Body movement, motivation, and reinforcement of pleasurable activities all include dopamine. The drug's capacity to swiftly release large levels of dopamine in the brain's reward centers promotes drug usage in a way that makes the user want to do it again (NIDA, 2019).The drug entered the Philippines' underworld of drug usage in the middle of the 1980s. It has made its way out of urban subcultures and into rural areas in less than twenty years, having a disastrous impact that still continues up to this date. Over 90% of drug users in the Philippines prefer the strongly addictive meth stimulant shabu because it is readily available and reasonably priced (Stuart, 2004).What does it do?
Long-term effects (According to Dr. Godofredo Stuart)
• Anxiety, confusion, and insomnia
• Addiction psychosis
• Paranoia
• Hallucinations, visual and auditory
• Mood disturbances
• Repetitive motor activity
• Stroke
• Weight loss
• Violent behavior, homicidal or suicidal thoughts
• 'Crank bugs' - Formication (sensation of insects creeping on the skin) causing users to pick at themselves causing ulcerations on the hand and arms.
• Disturbed sleep pattern; decreased sleep needs
• Disinterest in usual social interactions, sex, food
• Cardiovascular: Inflammation of the heart lining
• Stereotypy behavior - performing routine acts over and over again.Short-term effects (according to Dr. Godofredo Stuart)
• The effects are similar to cocaine but last longer- 4 to 16 hours.
• Heightened attention and energy
• Excessive talking
• Euphoria, decreased fatigue
• Increased activity, increased sexuality
• Decreased appetite
• Increased respiration
• Hyperthermia, occasionally leading to convulsions and lethal levels.

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How To Prevent Addiction And Substance Abuse

Learn Why People Use and Teach Teens About Dangers
Drugs and alcohol are used for a variety of reasons.Some examples might be:

•Relaxation
•Enjoyment
•To avoid psychological or physical discomfort
•to be a member of a group
•Excitement
•Curiosity-driven experimentation
•RebellionBuild Healthy Relationships and Avoid Peer PressurePeer pressure can be a major source of stress for both teenagers and adults. If you suspect that you will be forced to use a substance, it is a good idea to make a plan ahead of time. A strong support network and a collection of healthy relationships can also make it less appealing to try to fit in with another group of drug users.

Seek Help For Mental Health Conditions
When you seek treatment for mental health issues, you have the opportunity to learn valuable and healthy coping skills to deal with your symptoms. People are much less likely to rely on drugs and alcohol as unhealthy coping mechanisms as a result of this.Learn Healthy Coping SkillsPeople frequently turn to alcohol and drugs to help them cope with unpleasant emotions or feelings. People suffering from anxiety, depression, and stress may find temporary relief from using alcohol and drugs to cope with their mental health issues. This, however, is not a healthy strategy and can have a number of unintended consequences that should not be overlooked.There are numerous healthy coping skills that can be used to deal with difficult times in life or mental health conditions. These are some examples:•Deep breathing exercises
•Speaking with someone you trust
•Taking part in talk therapy
•Getting some exercise
•Spending time outside in nature
•Maintaining a journal
•Accepting creative practices
•Prayer and meditation
•Taking care of oneself

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