DRUGS

Drugs are chemicals that affect a person

in such a way as to bring about
physiological, emotional, or behavioral
change.
Dangerous drugs are those that have
high tendency for abuse and
dependency, these substances may be
organic or synthetic, and pose harm to
those who use them.

DRUG ABUSE
Drug abuse exists when a person
continually uses a drug other than its
intended purpose.

DRUG ADDICTION
Drug addiction is a complex, and often
chronic, brain disease. It is characterized
by excessive drug craving, seeking, and
use.
Substance Use Disorder

DRUG DEPENDENCE
Drug dependence is a state of physical
and psychological dependence or both on
a dangerous drug, or drugs, experienced
by a person following the use of that
substance on a periodic or continuous
basis.

DRUG ABUSE: FACTS &

STATS
Misuse of alcohol and illicit drugs affects society
through costs incurred secondary to crime, reduced
productivity at work, and health care expenses.
The overall costs of alcohol abuse amount to $224
billion annually, with the costs to the health care
system accounting for approximately $25 billion.
Substance abuse costs the health care system about
$11 billion, with overall costs reaching $193 billion.
Substance abuse and addiction also affects other
areas, such as broken families, destroyed careers,
death due to negligence or accident, domestic
violence, physical abuse, and child abuse.

DRUG ABUSE: FACTS &

STATS
There are 1.3 million estimated drug
users in the Philippines
Profile of Drug Users
Mean Age: 20-29 years old
Ratio of Male is to Female Users: 10:1
Civil Status: Married
Employment Status: Employed
Educational Attainment: High School Level

Nature of Drug Use: Poly drug use

* Figure estimates from the 2012 Household Survey on the Nature and Extent of
Drug Abuse in the Philippines conducted by the DDB with the Philippine Normal

DRUG ABUSE: FACTS &

STATS
Commonly Abused Substances:
(1)Methamphetamine Hydrochloride (Shabu)
(2)Cannabis (Marijuana)
(3)Inhalants (Contact Cement)
(4)Alcohol
(5)Marijuana
(6)Heroin
(7)Cocaine
(8)Opium
(9)Ecstasy (MDMA)
* Figure estimates from the 2012 Household Survey on the Nature and Extent of
Drug Abuse in the Philippines conducted by the DDB with the Philippine Normal

 Concerns for Shabu Abuse

One of the most abused drugs in the Philippines is a
local type of methamphetamine mixed with caffeine
known as Shabu. This stimulant is believed to be the
drug of choice for 90% of the Philippines illegal
substance users. This is a powerfully addictive drug
that can cause people to have intense hallucinations
and become extremely paranoid. Some users of this
drug have even jumped off high rise buildings because
they believed they could fly. Shabu didnt arrive in the
Philippines until the mid eighties, but it soon became
hugely popular among drug users. Methamphetamine
causes feelings of euphoria and the user feels full of
energy.

Statistics for Drug

Problems in the
Philippines

The drug that is most abused in the

Philippines continues to be Alcohol they
are the second highest consumers of
alcoholic drinks in South East Asia.

DRUG ABUSE IN TEENS &

YOUNG ADULTS
The earlier in ones life that drug abuse begins,
the more likely an individual will be to become
addicted. Substance use in teens and young
adults can lead to serious problems including:
Addiction
Poor judgment.
Impaired memory.
Injury due to intoxication.
Lifelong legal problems.
Development of mental health issues.
Serious, irreversible physical health problems, such
as HIV, Hepatitis C, or damage to major organs.
Overdose or death.