PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has been very clear in his campaign against illegal drugs. It has brought mixed emotions, mostly fear and some anger.
We have been hearing reports about killings of those tagged as drug pushers or drug lords. Many are surrendering and more are already in jail.
Drugs are chemicals that affect a person in a way that bring physiological, emotional or behavioral change.
Dangerous or illegal drugs are those that have high tendency for abuse and dependency.
Substance abuse is overindulgence in or dependence on addictive substance especially alcohol or drugs. It is a mental health problem.
Taking illegal drugs and drinking too much alcohol is harmful and could lead to violence. Many crimes are being committed because of drugs. We heard stories about women and children being beaten and abused – all because the person was drunk or was into drugs. People steal so they can buy drugs. There are some who kill each because temper rises when one is drunk or “high.”
Common illegal drugs are cocaine, methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) or cannabis (marijuana). Alcohol and tobacco are also considered harmful.
Drugs can also cause a mental disorder. It causes hallucinations, delusions and addiction. It can make one lose his memory. It can also make you paranoid and lose sleep (insomnia). It can cause anxiety and depression. It destroys the brain and changes the way it functions. It can also trigger violent behaviors.
It can also be physically harmful. It can cause a heart attack, increases blood pressure, weight loss and liver problems. Some inhalants may cause hearing loss and slurred speech.
The Department of Health warns us that cigarette smoking is also dangerous. A single cigarette has 7,000 chemicals and 700 carcinogens, like acetone, ammonia, arsenic, carbon monoxide and formaldehyde (used to embalm dead bodies).
Be careful also where you smoke.
There are three kinds of smoking:
First-hand (mainstream) smoke - combination of inhaled and exhaled smoke after taking a puff on a lighted cigarette
Second-hand (sidestream) smoke - combination of smoke breathed out by smoker or environmental tobacco smoke inhaled by others
Third-hand smoke - assortment of cigarette by-products that cling to smoker’s hair, skin and clothing as well as to floors, surface carpets, appliances, fabrics and children’s toys even after tobacco smoke has cleared (Note: These carcinogens are absorbed and remains in the body for years).
People experiencing substance abuse problems should visit a mental health professional and a psychiatrist for treatment. It is never too late to change.
Say no to drugs now!