Introduction/Overview:
Drug abuse remains a critical issue impacting individuals and societies globally. Understanding
the nature, effects, and types of commonly abused drugs is vital for developing effective prevention and
intervention strategies. This course is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of drug abuse,
exploring definitions, commonly abused substances, symptoms of addiction, strategies for helping those
struggling with addiction, and pertinent legislation. Each unit delves into different facets of drug abuse,
providing a holistic understanding of the problem.
What are the public health and government strategies regarding the issues of drugs?
The Philippine Anti-Illegal Drugs Strategy (PADS) aims to address the country's drug problem
through a comprehensive approach. Under President Rodrigo Roa Duterte's administration, the country is
working with national government agencies, non-government organizations, faith-based groups, and the
private sector to combat the drug issue. The strategy includes law enforcement operations to suppress
illegal drug supply, drug rehabilitation and preventive education to reduce consumer demand, and is
anchored on the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 sub-goal of ensuring security, public order, and
safety.
The Anti-Drug Strategy
Eliminates drugs from the general population by preventing drug diversion from the legal to the
criminal market and by using market denial strategies. Additionally implement sustainable alternative
development initiatives to reduce the growth of illegal drug markets. Drug supply reduction efforts
involve aggressive law enforcement, human rights adherence, comprehensive demand reduction
initiatives, and strong international ties.
Components of the Anti-Drug Strategy
1. Law Enforcement: The Philippine National Police has launched the PNP Anti-Illegal Drugs
Campaign Plan: Double Barrel, a two-pronged approach focusing on Project Tokhang and Project
HVT. The plan includes buy-busts, search warrants, manhunts, raids, and checkpoints against
high-value targets involved in drug trafficking. The government also provides financial and
technical support for alternative development projects, encouraging cultivation and alternative
livelihoods. The plan also strengthens reporting mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation of
these programs.
2. Regulatory Compliance: The Board monitors drug abuse trends and updates its list of drugs
subject to regulation on a regular basis to consider adding new medications and substances.
3. Judicial and Legislative Measures: The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, also
known as RA 9165, and recent Board regulations have been the target of regular legal response.
The Board also aims to strengthen and promote collaboration between the prosecution, law
enforcement, and judiciary—three key components of the criminal justice system.
Drug Demand Reduction
Eliminates the lure of drug misuse by developing policies, doing preventive education,
conducting research, providing alternative development programs, treating patients, bringing them back
into society, and establishing partnerships with local, national, and worldwide organizations.
1. Preventive Education and Capacity-building: The Philippines is implementing the International
Standards on Drug Use Prevention, targeting various developmental stages and settings. The
Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) offers educational programs and services to engage youth,
parents, employers, educators, health professionals, and policymakers on drug prevention and
control.
2. Treatment, Rehabilitation and Reintegration: Trends in treatment and rehabilitation, together with
the issues and concerns that families and recovering drug addicts are often observed as an
important factor in reducing the demand for drugs. In order to ensure continuity of care, these are
integrated into the current social and health agencies. Services are based on community resources,
which is more important.
3. Research: The Dangerous Drugs Board DDB gathers data and conducts studies to examine
national trends in drug abuse and trafficking through its Policy Studies, Research and Statistics
Division (PSRSD).
