HEALTH Grade 9 - DRUGS OF ABUSE - (2nd Quarter HEALTH - MAPEH)

Summary

This lesson provides a comprehensive overview of the prevention of substance use and abuse, focusing on six classifications of drugs: gateway drugs, depressants, stimulants, narcotics, hallucinogens, and inhalants. The script covers their effects on the body, signs of abuse, and the associated risks. It also emphasizes the importance of resistance and decision-making skills to avoid drug use, outlining protective and risk factors. The lesson highlights the impact of drugs on individuals, families, schools, and communities, and provides actionable advice for making responsible choices and seeking support to prevent substance abuse.

Takeaways

• 😀 Drugs are substances that alter a person's psychological, emotional, and behavioral state when taken into the body in various forms like oral, nasal, transdermal, or intravenous.
• 😀 Drugs of abuse are substances that are commonly misused and can lead to addiction or health issues. In the Philippines, these include shabu (methamphetamine), marijuana, and inhalants.
• 😀 Drug dependence refers to the physiological, behavioral, and cognitive phenomena where a person becomes strongly motivated to continue using a substance, often to the exclusion of other activities.
• 😀 Drug abuse is the non-medical use of drugs, which can lead to harmful effects such as brain damage, liver damage, addiction, and altered behaviors.
• 😀 Drug tolerance develops when the body adapts to the effects of a substance, requiring larger amounts for the same effect, which increases the risk of addiction and overdose.
• 😀 Gateway drugs, such as alcohol and cigarettes, are often the first substances people experiment with, potentially leading to the use of more dangerous drugs.
• 😀 Depressants (downers) like alcohol, barbiturates, and tranquilizers slow down the central nervous system, causing relaxation, sleepiness, and impaired cognitive function, but can lead to severe organ damage with prolonged use.
• 😀 Stimulants (uppers) like caffeine, cocaine, and methamphetamine speed up the central nervous system, increasing alertness and energy levels, but can cause addiction and physical harm in the long term.
• 😀 Narcotics (painkillers) like heroin and prescription opiates relieve pain but can be highly addictive, leading to overdose and death when misused.
• 😀 Hallucinogens, such as LSD and magic mushrooms, distort reality, causing users to see or hear things that aren't there, and can lead to long-term psychological issues, including psychosis.
• 😀 Inhalants, found in common household products like paint thinners and air conditioning fluid, are dangerous substances that can cause brain damage, organ failure, and death when abused.
• 😀 Risk factors for drug abuse include family dysfunction, peer pressure, and early exposure to drugs, while protective factors such as a supportive family, positive self-image, and healthy coping skills reduce the likelihood of drug use.
• 😀 Recognizing the signs of drug use, such as sudden mood changes, declining academic performance, and physical symptoms like red eyes and weight changes, can help identify if someone is abusing drugs.
• 😀 Healthy decision-making and resistance skills are essential in preventing drug use. Strategies include recognizing the problem, considering the consequences of drug use, and choosing responsible actions.
• 😀 Drug use has negative impacts on the individual, family, school, and community, leading to emotional, financial, and social consequences for those affected.

Q & A

What are drugs of abuse, and how are they defined in the script?

Drugs of abuse are substances that are commonly misused by individuals for non-medical purposes. They have psychological, emotional, and behavioral effects on the person using them. In the Philippines, common drugs of abuse include shabu (methamphetamine), marijuana, and inhalants.

What is the difference between drug dependence and drug abuse?

Drug dependence refers to a physiological, behavioral, and cognitive phenomenon where the use of a drug takes priority, leading to a strong desire to continue using it. Drug abuse, on the other hand, is the use of substances for non-medical purposes, which can lead to health problems such as organ damage and addiction.

Why are gateway drugs considered dangerous?

Gateway drugs, such as cigarettes and alcohol, are considered dangerous because they may lead non-users to experiment with more harmful, illegal substances. These substances are often more readily available and can serve as an entry point into more serious drug use.

What are the effects of depressants on the body?

Depressants, also known as downers, slow down the central nervous system. They relax muscles and nerves, making the person feel sleepy or light-headed. Common depressants include alcohol, barbiturates, and tranquilizers. While they may be prescribed to alleviate stress or anxiety, improper use can lead to harmful consequences.

How do stimulants affect the body, and can they lead to addiction?

Stimulants, or uppers, speed up the central nervous system, increasing alertness and energy. Examples include caffeine, cocaine, nicotine, and methamphetamine (shabu). While substances like caffeine can be consumed in moderation, illegal stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine can lead to addiction and other serious health problems.

What is the role of narcotics, and how can they be misused?

Narcotics are pain-relieving drugs used to treat severe pain, but they can be misused if not taken under proper medical supervision. Overuse or wrong usage of narcotics like heroin and prescription painkillers can result in dependency, overdose, and serious physical harm, including organ failure.

How do hallucinogens distort reality, and what risks do they pose?

Hallucinogens distort reality by affecting the user's perceptions, making them see, hear, or feel things that aren't real. Drugs like LSD and magic mushrooms cause hallucinations and can lead to long-term mental health issues like psychosis, where reality is severely distorted.

What are inhalants, and what dangers do they pose to users?

Inhalants are substances that are inhaled through the nose to produce a quick high. These include common household chemicals like spray paints and cleaning fluids. Prolonged use can lead to serious health issues, including brain damage, liver damage, coma, and even death.

What are the key protective factors that can help prevent drug use?

Protective factors include having a supportive and loving family, involvement in sports or recreational activities, a positive self-image, responsible adult role models, and participation in school clubs or community events. These factors help build resilience against the temptation of drug use.

How can individuals resist peer pressure to use drugs?

Individuals can resist peer pressure by developing strong decision-making skills, understanding the consequences of drug use, and having clear strategies for saying no. It's also helpful to think about the problem, evaluate potential outcomes, and choose the most responsible course of action.