Ways To Prevent Drug Abuse

1) Avoid addicting substances.

The only way to keep away from the scary, uncontrollable drug cravings is to never experiment with substances in the first place. Without that first feeling of euphoria, we don’t really know what we’re missing. Or, maybe we do know what we are missing: the pain, the struggle and the feeling of hopelessness once a drug takes over our lives.

2) Spend time with your family and friends.

Those with parents, families and good friends who are involved in their lives are more likely to avoid drugs and alcohol. Families that spend time together, hang out and eat meals together have more opportunities for insightful and/or continued conversation.

3) Get involved with a team or organization.

Find a healthy activity, group or sport your enjoy. Art, choir, 4H, animal tech, theater, music, sport and spiritual or neighborhood-based groups can keep you busy, interacting with positive peers and more likely to stay away from drugs and alcohol. Most sports teams apply strict sobriety rules, creating an incentive to stay clean.

4) Use medications only as prescribed.

Trouble starts when people start increasing their dosage, taking medicine when they don’t really need it or self-medicating for their emotions more than their physical pain. Countless individuals are prescribed medication for legitimate pain, only to wind up addicted to the medication that was supposed to help, not hurt.

5) Effectively deal with peer pressure.

Whether you’re a teen or not, no one likes to be left out. Everyone finds himself or herself doing things they normally wouldn’t do, just to fit in. In these cases, you need to either find a better group of friends that won’t pressure you into doing harmful things, or you need to find a good way to say no. Prepare a good excuse or plan ahead of time to keep from giving into tempting situations.

6) Learn about the drugs and the risks

Many people are unaware of the side effects of the drugs they take, or how addicting they can truly be. All patients that are put on prescription drugs should be warned about misusing the pills, and be taught how to avoid addiction. Special care should be taken for people at a higher risk for addiction.

7) Develop a healthy mindset.

Society has a way of making us think we’re too rushed, too pressured, too burdened, and that we need to do something to reward ourselves or make ourselves feel better. Drugs may help us feel in control at first, along with addicting behaviors like shopping, binge eating and purging, but these are, ultimately, unhealthy and ineffective ways to escape.

8) Take time for you.

Sometimes a little alone time to think, take a walk or rejuvenate helps keep drug abuse away.

9) Seek help for mental illness.

Mental illness and substance abuse often go hand-in-hand. Those with a mental illness may turn to drugs as a way to ease the pain. Those suffering from some form of mental illness, such as anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder should seek the help of a trained professional for treatment, before it leads to substance abuse.

10) Talk to someone.

For those who see the dangers and potential for drug abuse looming ahead, speaking with a counselor can be very beneficial.

Agencies Responsible for Drug Abuse

Drug Abuse Rehabilitation Network (DARN).• It provides a comprehensive rehabilitation and educational program for drug victims in order to prevent and control drug abuse in the country. DARN provides integrated medical, psychological, occupational, and spiritual services.

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).• This law-enforcement agency was the first to establish a treatment and rehabilitation center for drug dependents in the Philippines. Established in 1965, the NBI Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers (TRC) in Tagaytay, Cagayan de Oro, and Cebu provide a safe haven for drug dependents.

Dangerous Drug Board (DBB).• This agency was created under the office of the President through R.A. No. 9165 known as the “Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002”. It establishes policies and programs on drug prevention and control throughout the country.

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).• The PDEA is the implementing arm of DDB. It is responsible for the efficient and effective enforcement of the provisions on any dangerous drug and/or other known harmful substances that were mentioned in R.A. No. 9165.

Department of Health (DOH).• R.A. No.9165 commissioned the Department of Health to monitor the coordination and supervision of all drug rehabilitation programs, interventions, projects, and activities, as well as the establishment, accreditation, maintenance, and management of privately-owned drug rehabilitation centers. It functions in coordination with other concerned agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the Philippines National

Non-Governmental Organizations Involved in Drug Rehabilitation LOGO

SHALOM House, Inc.• The Shalom House is a non-government organization located in Baguio City. Not only does it provide rehabilitation, but it also supports researchers, training, and seminars in order to educate the public about drug dependence.

Drug Abuse Research Foundation Inc. (DARFI)• This NGO was organized in the 1970s to rehabilitate drug abusers, alcoholics, and people with behavioral disorders. They provide discussions and activities that will help the drug victims change their maladaptive behaviors and prepare them to re-enter society as productive members.

Narcotic Foundation of the Philippines (NFPI).• This Foundation serves as a halfway house (a house and rehabilitation center) for drug addicts. The residents in this foundation go through a three-stage program to overcome drug dependence: physical cure, emotional therapy, and occupational therapy.

ANG TAHANAN• This semi-government rehabilitation center in Quezon City provides comprehensive and adequate treatment and rehabilitation for drug dependents.