IV. Learning Assessment Directions: 1. Summarize in your own words and note the sequence of events in the history of drugs from the past to present. (20 points) Drug use has been common since ancient times and has been common in almost every society. plant of joy, opium, for instance, was used 4,000 years ago by the Mesopotamian. the use of opium was extremely common. Beyond making people feel good, opium is an effective painkiller and cough suppressant. Alcohol also remained a very popular drug, and use of this drug during the 7th century. Drug laws have been a regular feature of human culture throughout history. In 1484 Pope Innocent VIII banned the use of cannabis or maijuana in a move constructed to support the efforts of the Spanish Inquisition against the Arabs. The 1516 Reinheitsgebot, which stipulates that beer may only contain water, barley and hops was a manifestation of Protestant intolerance about drugs and the Catholic Church. Not like the commonly stimulating herbal blends widely used at the time, hops cause sedation and reduce libido which means sex drive or the desire for sex. In 1937 saw the passage of the Marijuana Tax Act. The American Medical Association protested the law soon after. In response to rising-drug use amongst young people, efforts to enforce prohibition were strengthened. Major milestones in the campaign against drugs include the introduction of the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs in 1961. The singing of Dangerous Drugs Act of 1972 by President Ferdinand E. Marcos marked the Government's assurance to a strict policy against drug abuse. The Act was subsequently amended through Presidential Decree No. 44. Dangerous Drugs Board was created to implement the provisions of the Dangerous Drugs Acts as the National policy-making body. In 1974, the Inter-Agency Committee on Drug Abuse Prevention Education was created and played a vital role in the integration of drug-abuse prevention concepts in social-action programs. Through an Integrated Plan of Action, member agencies bring together their efforts in close collaboration to devise and execute drug abuse prevention programs. In 1979, the first international non-governmental organization conference was held at Jakarta, Indonesia. After the second conference, the Philippine Council of Non-Governmental Organizations was organized. These talks paved the way for further initiatives and resourcefulness in the search for more flexible and effective programs. The Philippines passed the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002 which provided additional resources for substance abuse treatment and mandatory and random drug testing. It also created the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency under the office of the President. Drug abuse is a “public health challenge”, and he has publicly eschewed the notion of a “war on drugs”. The passage of a more stringent law increasing the penalty for drug related cases by war of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002 which provided additional resources for substance abuse treatment and mandatory and random drug testing as an effective prevention strategy. It also created the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency under the office of the President as primary law enforcement agency tasked to handle drug related cases in the Philippines. 2. Describe and compare briefly but clearly the nature of drugs, its uses, application and effects. (20 points) Opium An opium “high” is very similar to a heroin “high”; users experience a euphoric rush, followed by relaxation and the relief of physical pain. The opium poppy from which opium is derived is one of the earliest plants of which there is recorded medicinal use. Its uses, opium finds a great use in the treatment of diarrhea of many etiologies, minor infections, such as colds, grippe, muscular rheumatism. It helps to decrease how often you have bowel movements. It works by slowing the movement of the intestines. Opium belongs to a class of drugs known as opined pain relievers, but this medication acts mainly to slow the gut. Opium may be smoked, eaten raw or as a pill, or made into a tincture for drinking. The effects of Opium inhibit muscle movement in the bowels leading to constipation. It also can dry out the mouth and mucous membranes in the nose, very slow breathing, loss of consciousness, tiny pupils. MARIJUANA (Cannabis) Cannabis is an annual, dioecious, flowering herb. The leaves are palmately compound or digitate, with serrate leaflets. The first pair of leaves usually have a single leaflet, the number gradually increasing up to a maximum of about thirteen leaflets per leaf usually seven or nine. Its uses, Marijuana acts on the cannabinoid receptors in the brain. Natural cannabinoid chemicals in the body regulate feelings of pleasure, thinking, concentration, appetite, pain, and memory. Medical uses it can help with sleep problems relating to sleep apnea, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, Ways of using it include smoking or vaping it, brewing it as a tea, consuming it in the form of edibles, such as brownies or candies, eating it raw, applying it as a topical treatment, taking it as capsules or supplements. The effects may include: irritability, mood changes, insomnia, cravings, restlessness, decreased appetite, general discomfort. Also Long term effects due to chronic use are as chest pain, irregular menstrual cycle for female user, temporary loss of fertility for both male and female, low birth rates and premature babies, some studies reveal that it may also cause cancer Cocaine Cocaine, white crystalline alkaloid that is obtained from the leaves of the coca plant (Erythroxylum coca), a bush commonly found growing wild in Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador and cultivated in many other countries. More importantly, cocaine when ingested in small amounts produces feelings of well-being and euphoria, along with a decreased appetite, relief from fatigue, and increased mental alertness. Cocaine is still used by some physicians to stop nosebleeds, and for pain control before minor nose surgery. Dentists or oral surgeons can also use cocaine for anesthesia before procedures. Different methods of taking cocaine can produce different adverse effects. Regular intranasal use (snorting) of cocaine, for example, can lead to loss of the sense of smell; nosebleeds; problems with swallowing; hoarseness; and a chronically runny nose. Ingesting cocaine can cause severe bowel gangrene as a result of reduced blood flow. Injecting cocaine can bring about severe allergic reactions and increased risk for contracting HIV/AIDS and other blood-borne diseases. Prolonged cocaine intake causes brain cells to adapt functionally to strong imbalances of transmitter levels in order to compensate extremes, promoting depressed mood states. Side effects include twitching, paranoia, and impotence, which usually increase with frequent usage. MORPHINE Its chemical makeup is similar to Heroin, as they are both extracted from the same plant. Morphine is extracted from the dried milky exudate of the unripe seed capsule of the opium poppy. It occurs as colourless crystals or a white crystalline powder. It may also be used as an antitussive for severe cough, an antidiarrheal in chrome conditions such as diarrhea associated with aids. This medication is used to treat severe pain. Morphine belongs to a class of drugs known as opioid analgesics. It works in the brain to change how your body feels and responds to pain. this medication is given by injection into a vein, into a muscle, or under the skin. The effects of morphine can be countered with opioid antagonists such as naloxone, naltrexone and antagonists such as ketamine Morphine may cause side effects drowsiness, stomach pain and cramps, dry mouth, headache, nervousness, mood changes, small pupils (black circles in the middle of the eyes, difficulty urinating or pain when urinating. HEROIN Heroin is an opioid drug made from morphine, Heroin is a white or brown powder or a black, sticky goo. It's an opioid drug made from morphine, a natural substance in the seedpod of the Asian poppy plant. Heroin is Used Heroin is mixed with water and injected with a needle. It can also be sniffed, smoked, or snorted. People who use heroin sometimes combine it with other drugs, such as alcohol or cocaine (a “speedball”), which can be particularly dangerous and raise the risk of overdose. Short-Term Effects. People who use heroin report feeling a "rush" (a surge of pleasure, or euphoria). However, there are other common effects, including: dry mouth, warm flushing of the skin, heavy feeling in the arms and legs, nausea and vomiting, severe itching, clouded mental functioning, going "on the nod," a back-and-forth state of being conscious and semiconscious. Long-Term Effects People who use heroin over the long term may develop, insomnia, collapsed veins for people who inject the drug, damaged tissue inside the nose for people who sniff or snort it infection of the heart lining and valves, abscesses (swollen tissue filled with pus) constipation and stomach cramping, liver and kidney disease, lung complications, including pneumonia, mental disorders such as depression and antisocial personality disorder, sexual dysfunction for men, irregular menstrual cycles for women CODEINE Codeine is very similar chemically to drugs such as Morphine and Hydrocodone. Though less potent, Codeine provides effects similar to Morphine. Codeine has a reputation of being a “weak” painkiller, which is wildly inaccurate. Codeine metabolizes into morphine in the body. The conversion to morphine can cause depressed breathing, resulting in accidental deaths. Cocaine use is common among young people. Codeine is an oral prescription opioid (narcotic) drug most commonly used to treat mild-to-moderate pain, as a cough suppressant, and to help relieve pain from tension headaches. It belongs to the group of medicines called narcotic analgesics (pain medicines). Codeine in pill form is usually swallowed or crushed and snorted. Regardless of the method of ingestion, codeine use can increase feelings of relaxation and euphoria and cause a rush of dopamine in the brain. Each of these factors plays a role in developing an addiction. effects of codeine use include: constipation, stomach cramps, nausea, dry mouth, dizziness, drowsiness, blood pressure drops, blurry vision, seizures. SHABU (Methamphetamine Hydrochloride) Methamphetamine is a powerful, highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. Also known as meth, blue, ice, and crystal, among many other terms, it takes the form of a white, odorless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder that easily dissolves in water or alcohol. This medication is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder - ADHD. It works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain. Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice daily. It also has longer-lasting and more harmful effects on the central nervous system. These characteristics make it a drug with high potential for widespread misuse. ECSTACY Methylene-dioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a synthetic drug that alters mood and perception (awareness of surrounding objects and conditions). It is chemically similar to both stimulants and hallucinogens, producing feelings of increased energy, pleasure, emotional warmth, and distorted sensory and time perception. MDMA increases the activity of three brain chemicals: Dopamine—produces increased energy/activity and acts in the reward system to reinforce behaviors. Norepinephrine—increases heart rate and blood pressure, which are particularly risky for people with heart and blood vessel problems. Serotonin—affects mood, appetite, sleep, and other functions. It also triggers hormones that affect sexual arousal and trust Ecstasy may be take orally pill or capsule, oral wrap in cigarette paper bomb, oral dab powder crystal and lick, it may snort, and also oral dissolve in drinks. 3. Formulate and state judgment on certain alarming issues from television and newspapers related to drug abuse to keep you away from dangerous drugs. It is very alarming, as a teenager who regularly use popular social media outlets, also watch news in television. At my age I admit as a teenager were more likely to drink, use drugs, and buy drugs than adolescents who either did not use social media or used it less frequently. Young people like me experimenting with drugs and alcohol is nothing new. as this age group is highly susceptible to peer influences and pressure. But before the television or newspaper. I avoid temptation and peer pressure first, because peer pressure is a major part of life for teens and adults. If you are looking to stay drug free develop a good way to just say no, I prepare a good excuse or plan ahead of time to keep from giving into peer pressure. TV has a powerful effect on our attitudes and beliefs surrounding drug use. I once saw 15year-olds drinking in movies, and 16-year-old hobo who use drugs and steal in the news. TV really affect the views of the society, which is television seems to promote and even celebrate alcohol or drugs as a coping device in times of trouble or stress. These attitudes may have unintended effects in desensitizing the public to the dangerous effects of drugs portraying in news, crime or drama. For parents of youth and teens, equipping themselves and their child with knowledge is a powerful first step in reducing child’s risk of using a substance or developing an addiction. To talk to your teen about drugs ask them their views. Avoid lectures. Instead, listen to your teen's opinions and questions about drugs. Assure your teen that he or she can be honest with you. Discuss reasons not to use drugs to them to avoid scare tactics. Emphasize how drug use can affect the things that are important to your teen — such as sports, driving, health and appearance. And consider Social media, television programs, movies and songs can glamorize or trivialize drug use. Talk about what your teen sees and hears. (20 oints) 3. What can you conclude from available knowledge on the effect of drugs? (20 points) All drugs negatively affect the brain. That is why drugs can make your body feel high, low, slow, or fast, or make the user see things that are not truly there. Some drugs can hurt your brain and affect how you act and how your body feels. These problems might last just a little while, or for the rest of your life. Drug abuse and addiction will often change your brain chemistry. So, effective drug education is important because young people are faced with many influences to use both licit and illicit drugs. Education can play a counterbalancing role in shaping a normative culture of safety, moderation, and informed decision making. Taking drugs can affect not just your physical and mental health, but your whole life. Just one pill can kill. Drugs don’t just affect your physical body and health, they can affect your mental health, your finances, your relationships, your social life and your criminal record. Each drug causes different physical reactions, depending on the type of drug. Some will make you feel more awake, alert and energetic. Others will give you a calm, relaxed feeling. Some alter your perceptions and can cause hallucinations. Others may make you feel numb. Long-term use and larger doses have negative effects that can seriously harm your health, even cause death, including disease risks from sharing needles, and permanent damage to the brain and other organs. Mental health, is the first that affect when taking drugs, it increases your risk of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and psychosis. Also Financial issues, some drugs can be very expensive the street price of illicit drugs depends on availability and demand. Next target is relationships, they can affect your relationships with family and friends. There is an increased risk of injury and/or assault to both yourself and other people. And Alcohol and other drugs can seriously affect your driving skills. You are more likely to have an accident, injuring yourself and/or others. The crash could be fatal. There are fates worse than Death; abusing substances in the attempt to avoid issues is one of them. 5. What is your assessment of the drug problem in our country today? (20 points) Duterte ran a presidential campaign focused on illegal drugs, specifically meth (shabu), Thousands of people in the Philippines have been killed since President Rodrigo Duterte launched his “war on drugs” on June 30, 2016, the day he took office. But still in the year of 2022 with the Drug war death toll now at 6,191; arrests pass 300,000 Unending “Drug War” continues. Human Rights Watch also investigated the killings of adults in which police showed little to no regard for the safety and welfare of children, often conducting raids in the middle of the night while the entire family was at home. In many raids, children witnessed the killing of a parent, or were present while their parent was dragged away and shot. In the midst of pandemic, the killings have also worsened in other urban areas in the Philippines. As a result, families of “drug war” victims either receive no assistance from the government. Families have been wary about approaching the government for help because they consider the police and other government officials to be responsible for the loss they have suffered. The Department of Social Welfare and Development, the main government agency responsible for the welfare of children, does not have a specific program directly aimed at addressing the needs of children affected by the “drug war.” The loss of a parent who is the main breadwinner can plunge an already impoverished family into even more extreme poverty. Many children are left with no choice but to work, and some end up homeless and living in the streets, further exposing themselves to danger, violence, and criminal activity. And that is why Duterte’s drug war has been widely criticized both locally and abroad because of its bloody implementation. And proudly said the president himself he would personally take the lives of millions of drug users. Also, Mr. Duterte has encouraged Filipinos to go and kill drug addicts and reports of vigilante groups killing suspect ted drug users have been well documented. There is no such thing as a drug-free society. those using drugs not only destroy their own lives, they very often put others around them at risk as well.
