SUBSTANCE

ABUSE
AWARENESS
 Contents
Brain

Substance Abuse

Illegal Drugs

Addiction

Facilitated Rape

Mental Health Disorders

SUBSTANCE ABUSE
refers to the harmful or hazardous use
of psychoactive substances

stands as a significant public health

challenge, affecting millions of
individuals globally

widespread issue that affects

individuals, families and communities on
multiple levels
Substance abuse involves the overindulgence in
substances to the point where it endangers the:
person's health
well-being
relationships with others

ADDICTION
MENTAL DISORDER
FACILITATED RAPE
 BRAIN
“Control Center”
made up of neurons that
work together to control or
perform certain tasks
 HOW DOES BRAIN WORK?
Neural Communication:
through electrical impulses within
neurons

chemical signals transmitted between

neurons via neurotransmitters
 BRAIN CHEMICALS
Dopamine: helps you feel pleasure and reward.
"feel-good" messenger.
Serotonin: helps regulate your mood, appetite, and sleep.
"happy" chemical
Norepinephrine: helps you stay alert and focused.
“wake-up” call
 HOW DRUGS PRODUCE PLEASURE
change how the brain works, making
people feel very happy or excited,
often called a "high."
by affecting brain chemicals like
dopamine
make the brain release more
dopamine than usual, creating feelings
of intense pleasure that are stronger
than those from everyday activities
like eating or exercising.
 HOW DRUGS AFFECT BRAIN

Drugs affect the brain's way of sending messages. They do this by:
1. Acting like natural chemicals in the brain, which sends
confusing messages.
2. Changing how the brain releases, reabsorbs, or breaks down
these chemicals, which disrupts normal communication.
WHAT IS A SUBSTANCE ?

can be a drug or chemical that,

when taken into the human body,
INGESTED, INJECTED or INHALED,
alters physiological processes.
 ABUSED SUBSTANCES
Illicit Drugs

Prescription drugs

Marijuana

Alcohol
 ILLEGAL DRUGS
are highly addictive substances that are illegal
to sell, make, and use
have severe side effects that can lead to
long-term health consequences
may lead to death (overdose)
 ILLEGAL DRUGS
Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) : the government
agency mandated to formulate policies on illegal
drugs in the Philippines

As of 2019 data,

4.8 Million Filipinos 1.8 Million Filipinos

reported having used current drug users
illegal drugs at least once
in their lives
 ILLEGAL DRUGS
1. METHAMPETAMINE
a.k.a. Shabu, Crack
meth, Ice, Crystal meth,
Tik, and Yaba.
92% users
belongs to a group of drugs called
amphetamine-type stimulants.
manufactured in illegal
laboratories and sold in powder,
tablet or crystal form.
It could be swallowed, sniffed,
smoked or injected.
 COMMON SIGNS OF USE
Hyperactivity: Excessive talking, moving,
and refusal to eat or sleep.
Paranoia: Extreme suspicion and mistrust
to others.
Dilated Pupils: Enlarged pupils, also known
as “meth pupils.”
Noticeable Weight Loss: Rapid weight
loss due to suppressed appetite.
Skin Sores: Open sores from scratching
at imaginary "meth bugs."
Rapid Eye Movement: Frequent and
erratic eye movements.
 METHAMPETAMINE
COMMON EFFECTS:
1. SHORT TERM USE: appetite loss, start to
breathe faster, and sweat due to increased
heart rate, blood pressure, and body
temperature.
2. LONG TERM USE: could also lead to malnutrition,
weight loss, and psychological dependence.
3. LARGE DOSE EFFECT: restless and irritable and
could induce panic attacks.
4. EXCESSIVE DOSE EFFECT: result in convulsions,
seizures, and death from respiratory failure,
stroke or heart failure.
 ILLEGAL DRUGS
2. CANNABIS aka Marijuana, or Mary Jane, Bongo, Ganja, Grass, Pot

27% users
Cannabis, a tobacco-like
greenish or brownish substance
made of dried flowering tops
and leaves of the cannabis
plant, is usually smoked.
 CANNABIS

Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
the primary psychoactive component, binds to cannabinoid
receptors (CB1) primarily located in the central nervous
system (Brain and Spinal cord)
 COMMON SIGNS OF USE
Bloodshot Eyes:
Increased Appetite:
Dry Mouth: aka "cottonmouth,"
Mood Changes: Fluctuations from
relaxation and euphoria to anxiety or
paranoia.
Odor: Strong, distinctive smell of marijuana
on clothes, hair, or breath.
Lethargy: Increased fatigue and reduced
motivation.
Increased Heart Rate: Elevated heart rate
shortly after using marijuana.
 CANNABIS
UN Office of Drugs and Crime:
Cannabis smoke contains 50 percent more tar than high-tar cigarettes (an
increased risk of lung cancer and other respiratory diseases.)

SHORT TERM USE: increased appetite and pulse rate, and an impaired
ability to perform physical and mental tasks, such as driving a car and
thinking logically.

LARGE DOSES: users’ thinking slows down and they become confused and
have bouts of anxiety, panic, and psychotic episodes.

The UNODC said that regular users of cannabis run the risk of developing
psychological dependence to the point that they lose interest in all other
activities, such as work and personal relationships.
 ILLEGAL DRUGS
3. METHYLENEDIOXYMETHAMPHETAMINE AKA
MDMA, ECSTASY, MOLLY, E, AND SNACKIES

1% users
usually made in illegal laboratories
consists of a range of substances that
make it dangerous to consume.
comes in the form of tablet, powder or
capsule
is usually swallowed but could also be
snorted or injected.
 COMMON SIGNS OF USE
Heightened Sensory Perception: Enhanced sensitivity
to touch, sound, and light.
Increased Positive Sensations: Feeling pleasure and
joy more intensely than usual.
Dilated Pupils: Larger than normal pupils due to
increased serotonin levels.
Unnatural, Long-lasting Energy: Sustained energy
and alertness for extended periods.
Teeth Clenching: Jaw clenching and grinding due to
heightened muscle tension.
Dry Mouth: Feeling of dehydration and frequent thirst.
 METHYLENEDIOXYMETHAMPHETAMINE
UNODC:
Ecstasy increases users’ empathy levels and induces a feeling of
closeness to people around them.
It makes them feel more sociable and energetic.

SHORT TERM USE: prompts the body to ignore distress signals such
as dehydration, dizziness, and exhaustion, and interferes with the
body's ability to regulate temperature. It could also severely damage
the liver and kidneys and could cause convulsions and heart failure.

LONG TERM USE: damages certain parts of the brain, bringing about
serious depression and memory loss.

LARGE DOSES: cause restlessness, anxiety and severe hallucinations.

defined as a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive
drug seeking, continued use despite harmful consequences, and long-
lasting changes in the brain. It is considered both a complex brain
disorder and a mental illness
National Institute on Drug Abuse
 TYPES OF ADDICTION
Non-substance addictions Substance addictions
(behavioral addictions)
Behavioral addictions can occur with any Substances are drugs that have addiction
activity that’s capable of stimulating your potential. They can be prescription
brain’s reward system. medications or non-medical drugs and
Examples of potentially addictive activities include:
include:
Gambling. Alcohol
Shopping Caffeine
Having sex Cannabis (marijuana)
Viewing pornography Hallucinogens (Lysergic acid diethylamide)
Online or Video games Hypnotics, sedatives and anxiolytics
(benzodiazepines and barbiturates)
Inhalants (paint thinners, aerosol sprays)
0pioids (codeine, oxycodone and heroin)
Stimulants (Adderall®, cocaine and
methamphetamine)
Tobacco/nicotine (cigarettes and vape)
 ADDICTION

considered a brain disorder.

involves functional changes to brain circuits
involved in reward, stress, and self-control.
changes may last a long time after a person
has stopped taking drugs.
National Institute on Drug Abuse
 ADDICTION
Note:
These PET scans compare the brain of an
individual with a history of cocaine use
disorder (middle and right) to the brain of
an individual without a history of cocaine
use (left).
The person who has had a cocaine use
disorder has lower levels of the D2
dopamine receptor (depicted in red) in
the striatum one month (middle) and four
months (right) after stopping cocaine use
compared to the non-user.
The level of dopamine receptors in the
brain of the cocaine user are higher at the
4-month mark (right), but have not
returned to the levels observed in the non-
user (left).

Reference: National Institute on Drug Abuse

 SIGNS OF ADDICTION
1. Unable to Stop: Trying unsuccessfully to cut down or control substance use.
2. Obsessive Thoughts: Constantly thinking about obtaining the substance and ensuring a
steady supply.
3. Intense Cravings: Strong urges to use the substance.
4. Time Consumption: Spending a lot of time acquiring, using, or recovering from the
substance.
5. Neglecting Responsibilities: Ignoring work, school, or home duties due to substance use.
6. Interpersonal Issues: Experiencing conflicts in relationships because of substance use.
7. Social Withdrawal: Pulling away from family, friends, and activities to use substances.
8. Risky Behavior: Engaging in dangerous situations to obtain or use the substance.
9. Continued Use Despite Harm: Using the substance despite knowing it causes physical
or psychological harm.
10. Tolerance and Withdrawal: Needing more of the substance to achieve the same
effect, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using (withdrawal symptoms
can vary depending on the substance).
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)
 IMPACT OF ADDICTION ON INDIVIDUALS
AND FAMILIES
Legal Issues:
Physical and Mental Health: Involvement in criminal activities to support
Individuals may experience deteriorating addiction can lead to legal consequences.
physical health due to substance abuse. DUIs, theft, and other offenses are common
among individuals struggling with addiction.
Relationship Damage:
Addiction strains relationships with family Emotional Strain:
members, friends, and partners. Families experience emotional turmoil, including guilt,
Trust issues, communication breakdowns, and shame, and anger.
conflicts become common. Constant worry and fear for the individual's safety
and well-being are prevalent.
Financial Problems:
Substance abuse can lead to financial Disrupted Dynamics:
instability and debt. Roles and responsibilities within the family may be
Money may be spent on obtaining drugs or disrupted or neglected.
alcohol rather than on necessities. Children may suffer from neglect or emotional
trauma due to a parent's addiction.
 ADDICTION
Addiction is a treatable, chronic medical
disease involving complex interactions
among brain circuits, genetics, the
environment, and an individual's life
experiences.
American Society of Addiction Medicine
 TREATMENT AND MANAGAGEMENT
Addictions are complex conditions that require comprehensive treatment approaches.
Healthcare providers may recommend a combination of the following treatment options
to help individuals overcome addiction:
Hospital Management:
Safely manage withdrawal symptoms.
Special hospital units are equipped to monitor patients and provide therapy during the
withdrawal process.
Medications:
Reduce urges, cravings, and withdrawal symptoms; treat co-occurring mental health
conditions.
Examples:
Methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone: Used to treat opioid addiction by
reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Antidepressants or mood stabilizers: Prescribed to individuals with co-occurring
mental health conditions like depression or bipolar disorder.
National Institute on Drug Abuse
 TREATMENT AND MANAGAGEMENT
Rehabilitation (Rehab):
Provide structured support and education for long-term recovery.
Focus: Managing addiction, preventing relapse, and promoting a healthier lifestyle.

Psychotherapy:
Purpose: Help individuals gain new perspectives and change their behavior.
Example: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps patients identify and change negative
thought patterns and behaviors.

Support Groups:
Provide ongoing support and encouragement from peers.
Focus: Sharing experiences, offering mutual support, and maintaining long-term sobriety

National Institute on Drug Abuse

 Department of Health: “Share Facts on Drugs, Save
Lives” – Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Week 2021
FACILITATED
RAPE
 RAPE IS A TYPE OF SEXUAL ASSAULT
INVOLVING NON-CONSENSUAL SEXUAL
INTERCOURSE OR OTHER FORMS OF
SEXUAL PENETRATION.
 FACILITATED RAPE REFERS TO SEXUAL
ASSAULT THAT OCCURS WHEN THE VICTIM
IS UNABLE TO GIVE CONSENT DUE TO THE
EFFECTS OF DRUGS OR ALCOHOL.
FACILITATED RAPE STATISTICS
Over 80% of rape cases are
considered date rape.
Women aged 18-24 are the most
targeted demographic.

1 in 5 young women
may be victims of
rape

Drug-facilitated sexual assaults (DFSA) are increasing

nationwide, especially among college-age women.
National Institute of Justice
 HOW IT HAPPENS

It can happen to anyone, by anyone, whether the perpetrator is

an intimate partner, stranger, or someone you’ve known for a while.
2 main ways that Facilitated Rape occurs:
1) when the perpetrator takes advantage of a someone’s voluntary use of
drugs or alcohol
2) when the perpetrator intentionally forces a victim to consume drugs or
alcohol with or without their knowledge.
DATE RAPE DRUGS
abused drugs that can be used to facilitate
sexual assault by altering a person's self-
defense capability and decision-making. It can
make sexual assault easier by :
making a person more compliant and less
able to say NO
weakening someone so they are unable to
resist or fight back
weakening a person’s inhibitions so they
consent to sexual activity they will not
decline.
 DATE RAPE DRUGS
Drugs used in sexual assaults and facilitated rape are distributed at raves,
dance clubs, and bars.
Often slipped into someone's drink without their knowledge, making them
vulnerable to exploitation.
DATE RAPE DRUGS
 SIGNS OF BEING DRUGGED
Depending on the substance, the initial effects of a drug can either go
unnoticed or become apparent very quickly.
Difficulty breathing
Feeling drunk when you have consumed little to no alcohol
Loss of bowel or bladder control
Nausea
Sudden body temperature change that could be signaled by sweating or
chattering teeth
Sudden increase in dizziness, disorientation, or blurred vision
Waking up with no memory, or missing large portions of memories

RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)

 PREVENTION
Steps to protect yourself:
1. Don’t accept drinks from others unless you see the bartender pour it.
2. Open your own canned drinks.
3. Keep your drink in sight at all times.
4. Don’t share drinks.
5. Don’t drink from communal punch bowls.
6. Ask a sober friend to keep an eye on you.

Stay vigilant and prioritize your

personal safety!
San Francisco Women Against Rape
 MENTAL HEALTH DISORDER
Substance abuse can lead to a variety of mental health disorders,
significantly impacting an individual's overall well-being.
COMMON MENTAL
HEALTH DISORDERS
ASSOCIATED WITH
SUBSTANCE ABUSE
 MENTAL HEALTH DISORDER
Depression: a person feels persistently sad, hopeless, or
disinterested in daily activities.
Anxiety: characterized by excessive worry, fear, or unease that
can interfere with daily life.
Bipolar disorder: marked by extreme mood swings that include
emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression).
Psychosis: a person loses touch with reality, experiencing
hallucinations, delusions, or disorganized thinking.
PTSD (PTSD): triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic
event, causing flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety.
Personality disorder: characterized by long-term patterns of
behavior, thoughts, and emotions that deviate from societal
expectations, causing difficulties in relationships and daily life.
 MENTAL HEALTH DISORDER
Depression: Substance abuse can lead to or exacerbate feelings of
sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in daily activities.
Individuals may experience persistent low mood and difficulty enjoying
life.

Anxiety Disorders: Substances like alcohol and drugs can trigger or

worsen anxiety symptoms, including excessive worry, panic attacks,
and social anxiety. Withdrawal from substances can also cause
intense anxiety and nervousness.
 MENTAL HEALTH DISORDER
Bipolar Disorder: Substance abuse can exacerbate the mood
swings associated with bipolar disorder, leading to more severe
manic or depressive episodes. Individuals may use substances to self-
medicate, further complicating their condition.

Psychosis: Certain drugs, such as methamphetamine and

hallucinogens, can induce psychotic symptoms, including hallucinations,
delusions, and paranoia. Long-term use can lead to persistent
psychotic disorders.
 MENTAL HEALTH DISORDER
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):
Individuals with PTSD may turn to substances to cope with traumatic
memories, leading to substance abuse and worsening PTSD
symptoms. Substance use can interfere with the treatment and
recovery from PTSD.

Personality Disorders: Substance abuse can exacerbate symptoms

of personality disorders, such as borderline personality disorder or
antisocial personality disorder. Impulsive behaviors and unstable
relationships are common in individuals with both substance abuse and
personality disorders.
 PSYCHOTHERAPY
Each of these approaches plays a vital role in the mental health field, offering tailored interventions to
meet the unique needs of individuals seeking support and recovery.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy aimed at helping people learn how to
cope with difficult situations by challenging irrational thoughts and changing behaviors.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) uses concepts of mindfulness and acceptance or being aware
of and attentive to the current situation and emotional state. DBT also teaches skills that can help
control intense emotions, reduce self-destructive behaviors (such as suicide attempts, thoughts, or
urges; self-harm; and drug use), and improve relationships.
Assertive community treatment (ACT) is a form of community-based mental health care that
emphasizes outreach to the community and an individualized treatment approach.
Therapeutic communities (TC) is a common form of long-term residential treatment that focuses
on helping people develop new and healthier values, attitudes, and behaviors.
Contingency management (CM) principles encourage healthy behaviors by offering vouchers or
rewards for desired behaviors.

National Institute of Mental Health

 PHARMACOTHERAPY
a. Antidepressants - medications used to treat depression such as
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs); Serotonin-norepinephrine
reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
b. Anxiolytics- help reduce symptoms of anxiety, such as panic attacks
and extreme fear and worry. ex: Benzodiazepines and beta-blockers, SSRIs
and SNRIs
Stimulants- used to enhance alertness, attention, and focus in individuals.
These medications can significantly improve daily functioning, particularly
for those with attention-related issues.
Antipsychotic medications are used to treat psychosis, a condition where
individuals lose contact with reality, often experiencing delusions (false
beliefs) or hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't there).

National Institute of Mental Health

THE 12 STRATEGIES TO
PREVENT DRUG ABUSE
ACCORDING TO
DR. MICHAEL OLLA
1. Abstain from Drug Use: Make a conscious choice to stay away from
drugs.
2. Seek Professional Help: Consult healthcare providers for advice and
treatment options.
3. Foster Strong Family Relationships: A supportive family can strongly
discourage or prevent someone from engaging in substance abuse.
4. Live a Healthy, Balanced Lifestyle: Exercise regularly, eat well, and
get enough sleep.
5. Obtain Education on the Dangers of Substance Abuse: Knowledge is
power; the more you know, the better you can protect yourself.
6. Take Only Prescribed Medication: Always follow medical advice
when taking prescription drugs.
Valley Spring Recovery Center
7. Learn Healthy Coping Skills: Develop strategies to manage stress
and emotional challenges.
8. Practice Mindfulness Activities: Techniques like meditation can
help in focusing the mind and reducing the urge to use substances.
9. Engage in Community Support: Participate in community
programs or support groups that aim to educate and prevent
substance abuse.
10. Set Personal Goals: Having clear objectives for your life can serve
as a motivating factor to steer clear of substance abuse.
11. Resist Peer Pressure: Learn to say no when confronted with the
temptation to use
12. Take Time For Self-Care: Engage in activities that nurture personal
happiness, relaxation, and fulfillment.
Valley Spring Recovery Center
 REFERENCES
NIDA. Drug Misuse and Addiction. National Institute on Drug Abuse website.
https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/drug-misuse-addiction. January 5,
2024 Accessed July 1, 2024.
https://www.rainn.org/articles/drug-facilitated-sexual-assault#How%20It%20Happens
National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Mental health medications.
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/mental-health-medications ​
Valley Spring Recovery Center. https://valleyspringrecovery.com/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/hcp/trainings/training-
treatment-of-substance-use-disorders-an-overview-of-addiction-medicine.html
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) . https://www.rainn.org/articles/drug-facilitated-sexual-
assault#How%20It%20Happens
National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/mental-health-medications
https://www.cosmo.ph/health/health-report/the-cosmo-girl-s-guide-to-date-rape-drugs
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320409
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/prevention
81.6% approves of gov’t’s anti-drug drive: 2019 drug poll | Philippine News Agency (pna.gov.ph)
Illegal drugs and their ill-effects | Philippine News Agency (pna.gov.ph)