THE country, led by the Dangerous Drugs Board is observing the Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Week. This celebration is an annual event every third week of November of each year.
The theme is “Makinig Muna: Ang Pagkikinig sa mga Bata o Kabataan ay Daan Upang Tulungan Silang Lumaki na Malusog at Ligtas.”
It is our role as parents, teachers, and responsible citizens to protect our children. November is also Children’s Month. The theme “Bata: Iligtas sa Droga” also supports the administration in fighting the use of illegal drugs.
We should educate ourselves and our children about these dangerous drugs. Children can fight bullies and peer pressure if we are there for them to love them, to make them understand what the dangerous drugs can do.
Illegal drugs, as most of us know, are not good for our body and soul. It can hurt the body and the brain, sometimes forever. There are many types of dangerous drugs.
According to the Dangerous Drugs Board website, the common drugs used by drug abusers based in facilities are: methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu), cannabis (marijuana) and MDMA (ecstasy).
“Meth” or shabu is a powerful and addictive stimulant that can be smoked, snorted, eaten or injected. People feel over confident, high and a sense of happiness after using this drug. One can easily get addicted to this.
A meth user may also experience hallucinations, memory loss and paranoia. He or she may also become violent and may cause trouble by fighting. It can also increase heart rate, seizures, brain damage. One can develop depression, brain and lung damages, liver problems, kidney disease and even sexual transmitted diseases.
Cannabis can be smoked, drank as a “tea” or even eaten when mixed with biscuits or cakes. Marijuana can make a person feel relaxed and happy, and even some makes one feel lazy or lethargic.
However, it can also make one feel very anxious and paranoid and these can develop into a mental disorder like schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a thought disorder characterized by delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech or bizarre behavior.
Physically, your lungs will be affected and may trigger asthma. It affects both the brain and the body.
Ecstasy is a “psychedelic” stimulant drug usually sold as tablets. Sometimes, it is dabbed on gums or snorted in its powder form. Sometimes it is known as “crystal.” Ecstasy makes you feel alert, affectionate and talkative. Music and colors may seem intense. It can also cause anxiety, confusion and paranoia. One can also develop mental disorders like depression and psychosis.
It also affects balance and the body’s temperature that may cause dehydration or overheating.
All these mentioned dangerous are addictive and very harmful to a person and some even have a co-dependent. It can destroy lives. But, there is always a second chance.
If you know anyone or you experience any of these, there is HELP available. There is HOPE, always.
The first step is to acknowledge that you have a problem that needs to be “solved.”
Next step is to consult with a physician, preferably a psychiatrist. He or she will give a treatment plan or may refer you to a drug rehabilitation center.
Here in Negros Occidental, there are facilities available for those to wish to recover and be sober.
Better Days Ahead is located in Greensville 2 Subdivision. You may contact them at (034) 708-0199.
New Beginnings Foundation Inc. is in Bugnay Street. You can reach them at (034) 458-7273.
Negros Occidental Drug Rehabilitation Foundation, Inc. is in Victorias City. The number is (034) 399-3388.
The Bacolod City Mental Health Care Center in Paglaum Village is the government’s facility for those with mental conditions. They can be reached at (034) 709-9364.
The road to recovery may be difficult, but there is always HOPE. After treatment, the challenge is staying sober.