Health Lesson: Prevention of Substance Use and Abuse

Introduction

• Focus on the prevention of substance use and abuse.
• Discussion on the six classifications of drugs of abuse.

Key Terms

• Drugs: Substances/chemicals affecting psychological, emotional, and behavioral states when taken.
• Drugs of Abuse: Commonly abused drugs (e.g., Shabu, Marijuana, Inhalants in the Philippines).
• Drug Dependence: Strong desire to take a substance due to high priority of drug usage.
• Drug Abuse: Non-medicinal use leading to organ damage, addiction, and behavioral problems.
• Drug Tolerance: Body adaptation necessitating larger amounts for the same effect.

Classifications of Drugs of Abuse

1. Gateway Drugs

   • Lead to more dangerous drugs; e.g., cigarettes and alcohol.

2. Depressants (Downers)

   • Slows the central nervous system (CNS); e.g., alcohol, barbiturates, tranquilizers.

3. Stimulants (Uppers)

   • Speeds up CNS; e.g., caffeine, cocaine, nicotine, methamphetamine.

4. Narcotics

   • Painkillers inducing sleep; e.g., heroin, marijuana (illegal use).

5. Hallucinogens

   • Distort reality and facts; e.g., LSD, psilocybin, mescaline.

6. Inhalants

   • Inhaled substances; e.g., acetone, spray paints, freon.

Drug Use Scenario in the Philippines

• Commonly abused drugs: Shabu, Marijuana, Inhalants.
• Vulnerable population: Male individuals.
• Prescription misuse leading to addiction.
• Treatment duration: At least three months for substance use disorder.

Risk and Protective Factors

• Risk Factors: Increase the chances of drug misuse and abuse.
• Protective Factors: Decrease the chances of drug misuse and abuse.
  • Personal, familial, peer, school, and community aspects.

Signs of Drug Use

• Declining interest in responsibilities, changing social circles, mood swings, physical changes.

Effects of Drug Use

• Short-term and Long-term Effects of:
  • Gateway drugs
  • Depressants
  • Stimulants
  • Narcotics
  • Hallucinogens
  • Inhalants
• Affects oneself, family, school, community.

Resistance Skills and Decision-Making

• Steps to say no and make informed decisions:

  1. Identify the problem.
  2. Consider consequences.
  3. Explore ways to say no.

• Making a good decision:

  1. Describe the situation.
  2. List possible actions.
  3. Consult with responsible adults.
  4. Evaluate actions.
  5. Choose responsible action.
  6. Act responsibly.

Protective Measures

• Importance of supportive environments, positive outlook, involvement in activities.
• Understanding and enhancing protective factors while avoiding risk factors.

Assignments

• Activities for Modules 1 to 5:
  • Module 1: Let's Try, Let's Evaluate.
  • Module 2: Let's Try, Recall, Elaborate, Evaluate.
  • Module 3: Recall, Elaborate, Apply, Evaluate.
  • Module 4: Let's Try, Let's Evaluate.
  • Module 5: Let's Try, Let's Elaborate.
• Submission options: Online or via chat with pictures of written answers.

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Thank you for listening. See you next week.