DRUG EDUCATION

P R E S E N T E D B Y: G R O U P 1
 WHAT IS A DRUG?

• A drug is a chemical
substance that brings
about physical, emotional
or a behavioral change in
a person taking it.
 WHEN ARE DRUGS HARMFUL?

• Any drug may be harmful when taken in

excess. Some drugs can also be harmful if
taken in dangerous combinations or by
hypersensitive (allergic) persons in ordinary or
even small amounts.
 WHAT IS DRUG ABUSE?

• Drug abuse is the use of any chemical substance, licit

or illicit, which results in an individual’s physical,
mental or social impairment.

It may refer to any of the following practices:

• Using without benefit or prescription, useful drugs which have
the capacity to alter the mood or behavior.

• Using drugs and substances for a purpose different from the

one for which the drug has been prescribed.

• Using drugs and substances having no legitimate medical

application for purposes other than research.
WHY DO PEOPLE TURN TO DRUGS?

There are reasons ranging from the following:

1. “Medicines” can solve problems

2. Widespread access to various drugs
3. “Peer Pressure”
4. The notion that drugs give enjoyment to users and in the
context that it is used as an alcohol substitute.
WHAT DRUGS ARE COMMONLY USED?

• Stimulants – drugs
which increase alertness
and physical disposition.

Examples:
Amphetamine, Cocaine,
Caffeine, and Nicotine.
• Hallucinogens (also called
psychedelics) – drugs which
effect sensation, thinking, self-
awareness, and emotion. Changes
in time and space perception,
delusions (false beliefs) and
hallucinations may be mild or
overwhelming, depending on dose
and quality of the drug.

Examples: LSD, Mescaline,

Marijuana
• Sedatives – drugs which
may reduce anxiety and
excitement.

Examples: Non-
barbiturates,
Tranquilizers, and
Alcohol.
• Narcotics – drugs the
relieve pain and often
induce sleep.

Examples: Opium, and

its derivatives such as
Morphine, Codeine, and
Heroin.
 HOW CAN YOU TELL WHEN ONE IS
ABUSING DRUGS?
• A person who is abusing drugs has a lot of changes behavior,
appearance and mood. The changes may be pleasant or
unpleasant. Thus he-6

1. Is irritable, discourteous, defiant, and aggressive;

2. Is untrustworthy and lacks self – confidence;
3. Is unhealthy and unconcerned with good grooming;
4. Has a low frustration tolerance;
5. Lacks interest in his studies/works;
6. Blames everybody for his problems; and
7. Prefers his “barkada” where he feels accepted.
WHAT ARE THE ILL – EFFECTS OF DRUG
ABUSE?

• Drug abuse leads to medical and health

problems. The physical complications depend
to an extent on the specific drug, its source and
the way it is used. Among the physical and
mental complications are:
• Malnutrition. The
lives of drug
dependents revolve
around drug abuse.
They miss their
regular meals because
they lose their
appetite.
• Panic Reaction. The loss of
thought processes can cause
panic reactions or feelings of
invulnerability. Both of these
states can lead to injury and
death. The prolonged harmful
reactions include anxiety and
depressive states, or breaks
with reality, which may last
from a few days to months.
• Physical Damage. In addition to those diseases, which accompany
the use of unsterile syringes and contaminated drugs these may cause
certain medical problems. Liver and kidney damage may result when
large quantities are taken. Many who abuse drugs also neglect
personal hygiene, which can lead to multiple health problems.
Kidney failure, hepatitis, drastic weight loss, and vitamin
deficiencies are some of the adverse physical complications.

• The life of a drug abusers is dreadful one. To support the habit,

they resort to committing crimes like stealing, prostitution and
gambling, wherein they hamper their emotional maturation.
WHAT CAN A PERSON DO TO PREVENT
DRUG USE?
1. Maintain good physical and mental health.
2. Use drugs properly. Most drugs are beneficial when used under medical
advice.
3. Understand your own self. Accept and respect yourself for what you are.
4. Develop your potentials. Engage in wholesome, productive, and fulfilling
activities.
5. Learn to relate effectively to whom you can communicate your problems
freely.
6. Learn to cope with your problems and other stresses without the use of
drugs.
7. Seek professional help if you feel you cannot cope with your problems.
8. Develop strong moral and spiritual foundations.
WHAT ARE THE GENERAL FACTS ABOUT
ECSTASY (MDMA)?
• Ecstasy is a synthetic amphetamine – related substance. It
gained popularity as a recreational drug, first in the United
States and then later in Europe and now is increasingly known
in other parts of the world. It has the following street names :
X, Rave, Love Drug, Flying Saucer, LBD “Libido”, Jagged
little Pill, Artist Drug, Hug Drug, MDA, MDEA, Eckie and
Love Doves. It scientific name is 3,4
methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA).
 WHAT ARE THE PHYSIOLOGICAL
EFFECTS?
1. Muscle tension
2. Involuntary teeth clenching
3. Nausea
4. Appetite Loss
5. Blurred vision
6. Rapid eye movement
7. Hallucinations
8. Irritably
9. Faintness
10. Chills
11. Sweating
12. Sleeping problems
13. Increase in heart rate, body temperature and blood pressure
14. Liver and heart damage and
15. Brain hemorrhage
 PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS

• The MDMA Psychological effects are classified into two

categories. The first of which are positive psychological
effects which include:

1. Extreme Mood Lifts

2. Increase in willingness to communicate
3. Increase in energy (stimulation)
4. Ego softening
5. Feeling of comfort, belonging and closeness to others
1. Feeling of love and empathy
2. Forgiveness
3. Increased awareness and appreciation of music
4. Increased awareness of senses
5. Profound life – changing spiritual experiences
6. Neurotically based fear dissolution
7. Experience bright and intense sensations and
8. Urge to hug and kiss people.
• The second category has negative effects

1. Inappropriate and unintended emotional bonding

2. Tendency to say things the user might feel uncomfortable
about later,
3. Depression and fatigue up to 7 days,
4. Confusion
5. Drug craving, and
6. Severe anxiety and paranoia.
WHAT ARE THE LONG TERM EFFECTS OF
MDMA?

1. Psychosis
2. Arrhythmia
3. Same effect as with Amphetamines
4. Psychological Dependence
5. Depression
 SHORT TERM EFFECTS

1. Restlessness
2. Anxiety
3. Pronounced visual and auditory hallucination at
larger doses
4. Increased blood pressure and heart rate which may
lead to cardiac arrest
5. Nausea and
6. Vomiting
 SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

• Poor Appetite
• Disturbed sleeping pattern
• Erratic behavior
• Paranoia and
• Suspicious of people
 WHAT IS THE PROFILE OF USERS?

• “Class A” People
• “Yuppies” (Young Urban Professionals)
• Spoiled Brats
• Recreational drug users (party goers, night
owls)
• Age range : 20’s to 40’s
 PENALTY

• The penalty of life imprisonment to death and a fine

ranging from Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (PhP
500, 000.00) to Ten Million Pesos (PhP
10,000,000.00) shall be imposed upon any person,
who unless authorized by law, shall possess 10 grams
of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)
regardless of purity to include illegal manufacture,
sale, administration, dispensing, distribution, delivery
and transportation.
 WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
MARIJUANA?
• Marijuana, often called grass,
pot, or weed is a crude drug
made from Cannabis sativa, a
plant that contains a mind –
altering (psychoactive)
ingredient called
tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
 IN WHAT FORM IS MARIJUANA
AVAILABLE?

• A marijuana “joint” or cigarette is made from the

dried leaves, tops and flowers of the plant. Its
strength depends on the type of plant, the weather, the
soil and the time of harvest of the plant.

• Hashish or Hash – is made from the extracted resin of

the plant. It is usually stronger than crude marijuana
and can both be smoked and eaten.
WHY IS MARIJUANA DANGEROUS?

• Marijuana slows down the user’s mental and psychomotor

activities. User’s don’t remember when they have learned
when they are high.

• The effects of Marijuana can also impair thinking, reading

comprehension and verbal mathematical skills.

• Marijuana creates other health problems related to the

reproductive system, the heart, and the lungs. It has been
found that Marijuana use may lead to cancer.
• Long – term regular use of marijuana may lead
to psychological dependence. Once started, it
may take more of the drug for the user to get
the same effect.

• Young Marijuana users are more likely to go

on experimenting with drugs.
 IMMEDIATE EFFECTS

• Faster heartbeat and pulse rate

• Bloodshot eyes
• Dry mouth and throat
• Altered sense of time/disorientation
• Forgetfulness/inability to think
• Impaired reflexes, coordination and concentration
• “Acute panic anxiety reaction” – extreme feel of
losing control
 LONG – TERM EFFECTS

• Chest pain
• Irregular menstrual cycle
• Temporary loss of fertility for both sexes
• Premature babies/low birth weights
• Cancer
• Marijuana “burn – out” (dull, slow moving,
inattentive, and unaware of surroundings)
 HOW DO YOUNG PEOPLE USE
MARIJUANA?
• Peer pressure
• Curiosity
• Boredom
• Frustration (due to personal/family/school and work problems)
• Poor self – image
• Weak personality (unable to cope with stress, conflicts, and
etc.)
• Desire to escape from reality
• Lack of parental guidance
HOW CAN I SAY “NO” TO MARIJUANA?

• Keep your reasons simple and honest. You don’t have to

explain why you don’t want to use drugs.

• Be polite but firm.

• Avoid drug users. Choose your friends wisely. If your peers

are real friends, they will accept you whether you take drugs
or not.

• Remember that it is your right to say “NO” to drugs.

 WHY SHOULD I SAY “NO” TO
MARIJUANA?
• Drugs can’t solve your problems. Only and a little help from
friends, and people who care about you, can solve them.

• Give yourself the chance to be all you can be. Discover your
special talents, get involve with other people, learn many skills
and develop your own personality,

• Anything you can get out of using drugs, you can get out of
other activities. The trick is finding out which things is right
for you.
 WHERE CAN I GET HELP?

• Help save your child, your brother, your student, your

friend, or anybody who uses this dangerous drug –
marijuana. Call the Dangerous Drugs Board, Champ
Building, Anda Circle Drive, Port Area, Manila, if
you need advice/information, or if you want to help
someone who you suspect has acquired this habit call
Telephone numbers : 527-30-49/ 527-15-43/ 527-30-
58, etc.
 WHAT IS INHALANT ABUSE?

• Inhalant abuse is the deliberate inhalation

of volatile chemical substances that
contain psychoactive (mind/mood –
altering) vapors to produce a state
intoxication.
 WHY IS INHALANT DANGEROUS?

• It will cause permanent damage to the brain or may result in

“Sudden Sniffing Death”.

• Abusers under the influence of inhalants are prone to accident.

Several inhalant abusers have died from road accidents,
drowning, falling from tall building etc. after sniffing glue.
Abusers can also become violent.

• Inhalant abuse produces psychological dependence. Once the

habit is formed, the dose has to be increased gradually to
produce the same effect.
 IMMEDIATE EFFECTS

• Confusion/Disorientation
• Distorted perception of time and distance
• Aggressive behavior/violene
• Hallucination
• Illusions
• Nausea and vomiting
 DELAYED EFFECTS

• Loss of memory
• Inability to think
• Muscle cramps and weakness
• Numbness in limbs
• Abdominal pains
• Damage to the central nervous system, kidneys
and liver
 WHY DO YOUNG PEOPLE ABUSE
INHALANTS?

• Curiosity (to experiment/experience)

• Boredom
• Frustration (due to personal/family/school problems)
• Poor self – image
• Weak personality (unable to cope with stress, conflict,
etc.)
• Escapism
• Lack of parental guidance
HOW TO DEAL WITH PEER PREASURE?

• We all care what other people think about us. We want to be

accepted and feel part of the crowd.

• When you are young, the influence of people of your own age is
especially powerful and effects the way you feel, dress and
behave.

• Peer pressure is one reason people are able to live in groups.

• The influence of people on one another can help them do the

useful and healthy things.
• However, the same pressures can influence people to do other
things, like using drugs.

• If your friends or someone you know pressures you to use

drugs, saying “NO” can be hard because you want them to like
you and accept you as part of the group

• But peer pressure can also be a positive thing because they can
be a powerful influence in preventing drug abuse by helping
one another to say “NO” to drugs.
• Close friends are important, but you don’t
have to do everything your friends in order to
remain friends.

• Your real friends are the ones who will accept

your right to say “NO” to drugs and want you
to be yourself.
 HOW CAN I AVOID INHALANTS?

• Learn to say “NO” and ask for help. Close friends are
important but you don’t have to do everything your
friends do to remain friends. Real friends will accept
you whether you take drugs or not.

• Learn to talk to people about your problems. Don’t

bottle things up inside – cry, shout, laugh, feel sad
about your problems.
• Learn to relax. Give yourself time for:
- Physical exercise and sports for relaxation
- Meditation
- Using music to relax
- Bodily relaxation techniques like yoga

• Learn to find new interests. Find out what you like

doing. Meet new people, go to new places, put
yourself in new situations.
 WHAT ARE OPIATES?

• Opiates, are sometime

called narcotics, are a
group of drugs that are
used medically to relieve
pain, but have a high
potential for abuse. Some
opiates come from a resin
taken from seedpod of the
Asian poppy.
 WHICH OPIATES ARE ABUSED?

• Opium – dark
brown chunks or
powder that are
usually smoked
or eaten.
• Morphine – white
or brownish powder
that is usually
dissolved in water
and then injected.
 WHAT ARE THE DANGERS OF OPIATES
ABUSE?

• Opiates may cause dependence and Tolerance. An

opiate – dependent person makes finding and using
the drug is main focus in life. An opiate – tolerant
person needs more and more of the drug to get the
same effects.

• Over time, opiate users may develop infections of the

heart lining and valves, skin abscesses, and congested
lungs.
• Infections from unsterile solutions, syringes and
needles can cause illnesses such as liver disease,
tetanus and serum hepatitis, and AIDS.

• The opiate – dependent women suffer from health

problems like anemia and may give birth to babies
with defects or who are dead.
 IMMEDIATE EFFECTS

• Restlessness
• Nausea and vomiting
• “On the nod” effect (going back and fort alert to drowsy)
• For very large doses: person cannot be awakened anymore
• Smaller pupils
• Cold, moist and bluish skin
• Slowed down breathing
• Death
 DELAYED EFFECTS

• Uneasiness
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal cramps
• Chills
• Sweating
• Nausea
• Runny nose and eyes

The symptoms begin 4-6 hours after last dose of the drug, are
stronger 24-27 hours after and subside with 7-10 says. Sometimes
symptoms such as sleeplessness and drug craving can last for months.
WHAT TREATMENT IS AVAILABLE FOR
OPIATES ADDICTS?

• Detoxification (supervised withdrawal from drugs,

either with or without medication) hospital or as
outpatient.

• Rehabilitation in therapeutic communities – patients

live in highly structured drug – free environment and
are encouraged to help themselves.
• Outpatient drug-free programs – emphasize
various forms of counseling as main treatment.

• Methadone maintenance – using methadone, a

substitute for heroin, on a daily basis to help
people lead productive lives while in
treatment.
 WHY DO PEOPLE USE OPIATES?

• Peer pressure
• Curiosity
• Boredom
• Frustrations (caused by personal/family/school problems)
• Stress
• Escapism
• Lack of parental guidance
• Lack of focus in life
HOW DO I AVOID OPIATE ADDICTION?

• Talk to someone you trust – your parents, a favorite relative, a

teacher, a family doctor, a friend who doesn’t use drugs. They
can help you understand and solve your problem.

• Learn how to deal with bad feelings. Remember, you are

responsible for what you feel – no one else. If you change the
way you think about something, you also change the way you
feel about it.
• Solve your problems the P.R.O.B.L.E.M. way
P = problem what is it?
R = results, what do you intend to happen?
O = open a file, what info do you need to collect?
B = brainstorm, what options are there?
L = look at the consequences: what would happen by following
each of the options?
E = evaluate and execute, which is the best choice? Make it.
M = make sure it works, have you got what you wanted?
 WHAT IS COCAINE?

• Cocaine is a drug extracted

from the leaves of coca, a
South American shrub,
which has the same effect
as amphetamine – a central
nervous system stimulant.
IN WHAT FORM IS COCAINE AVAILABLE?

• Cocaine Hydrochloride – is the most available form.

It is a fine white crystal-like powder that is medically
known as a local anesthetic. Users sniff or snort it
into the nose.

• “Street” Cocaine Hydrochloride or “Rocks” – These

are the larger pieces of Cocaine Hydrochloride.
• Freebase – is the purified substance of
“rocks”. It is usually injected or smoked.

• Coca Paste – is the crude product smoked in

South America. It is more dangerous because it
has contaminants such as kerosene.
 WHY IS COCAINE DANGEROUS?

• In some people, even low doses of cocaine create

psychological problems.

• An overdose may cause delirium, convulsions, respiratory

failure or death.

• Regular intake of high doses of cocaine can cause paranoia or

may lend to “cocaine psychosis” (hallucinations of touch,
sight, taste or smell).
WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF COCAINE USE?

• Injecting cocaine with unsterile equipment can

cause hepatitis or other infections.

• Preparation of freebase exposes the user of

death and serious injuries from fire or
explosion that can occur.
 WHY IS COCAINE ADDICTING?

• Repeated use of cocaine leads to addiction.

Users can get to the point of centering their
lives on seeking and using the drug.
Sometimes, they may continue to use it to
avoid the depression and fatigue they would
feel if they stopped using the drug.
 IMMEDIATE EFFECTS

• Dilated pupils
• Increase in blood pressure/heart rate/ breathing rate/body
temperature
• A sense of well-being
• Feels energetic/alert
• Less hungry
• Slurred speech

Effects begin within a few minutes, peak within 15-20 minutes

and disappear within an hour.
 DELAYED EFFECTS

• Psychosis
• Restlessness
• Irritability/anxiety
• Sleeplessness
• Stuffy or runny nose/ulcerated mucous membrance of
nose
• Confusion
• Slurred speech
 WHY DO PEOPLE USE COCAINE?

• Peer pressure
• Curiosity
• Boredom
• Frustration
• Unable to cope with stress/conflicts
• Escapism
• Lack of parental guidance
 HOW CAN I AVOID COCAINE?

• Learn to say “NO” and ask for help. Close friends are
important but you don’t have to do everything your
friends do to remain friends.

• Learn to talk to people about your problems. Don’t

bottle things up inside – cry, shout, laugh, feel sad
about your problems.
• Learn to relax. Give yourself time for:
- Physical exercise and sports for relaxation
- Meditation
- Using music to relax
- Bodily relaxation techniques like yoga
- Reading to expand your world view
- Taking nature trips like walking through a wooded park
- Engaging in a hobby like collecting stamps
- Playing a musical instrument like a guitar
- Learning a craft like paper mache
- Gardening

• Learn to find new interests, find out what you like

doing, what other people like doing. Meet new
people, go to new places, and put yourself in a
situations.
WHY SHOULD I SAY “NO” TO COCAINE?

• If you choose to use drugs, you may be choosing a

whole style of life. Drugs may lead to your losing
some friends and limiting your opportunities in
school work.

• There are many alternatives to drug use that can make

life more interesting. The trick is finding out which
things are right for you.
 RANDOM DRUG TESTING FOR
SECONDARY AND TERTIARY STUDENTS

• What is the legal basis for the conduct of the

random drug testing for secondary and tertiary
students?
- Article III Section 36(c) of Republic Act 9165,
otherwise known as the “Comprehensive
Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.”
• What are the objectives of the random drug testing? The random
drug testing will be conducted for the following purposes:
- To determine the prevalence of drug users among the students,
- To assess the effectiveness of school-based and community-based
prevention programs,
- To deter the use of illegal drugs,
- To facilitate the rehabilitation of drug users and dependents, and
- To strengthen the collaboration efforts of identified agencies
against the use of illegal drugs and in the rehabilitation of drug
uses and dependents.
 WHO ARE GOING TO BE TESTED?

• Based on the implementing guidelines, the

random drug testing shall be applicable to
students in public and private secondary,
tertiary/higher education institutions and post
secondary, technical and vocational schools.
WHAT AGENCIES ARE PARTICIPATING IN
THIS ENDEAVOR?

• There are three (3) major government agencies

participating in the drug testing program and they are
called “supervising agencies” in the guidelines since
they exercise supervision of the schools. These
agencies are the Department of Education (DepEd),
Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and
Technical Education and Skills Development
Authority (TESDA).
DO THESE AGENCIES HAVE THE CAPABILITY
TO CONDUCT THE DRUG TESTING?

• The conduct of drug testing is not the responsibility

of the said three (3) agencies but they have to
coordinate closely with DOH-accredited Testing
Centers/Laboratories that will do the testing in the
schools. The school, through its respective health
personnel, shall assist the Drug Testing laboratory in
the conduct of the test.
 WHAT, THEREFORE, ARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF
DEPED, CHED AND TESDA WITH REGARD TO THE
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROGRAM?

The three (3) major participating agencies shall:

• Issue an appropriate order informing all schools under their

supervision about the government’s actions against illegal
drugs; inform randomly selected schools on their inclusion in
the random drug testing program; and

• Formulate and conduct training programs on drug counseling

for guardian counselors for the purpose of enhancing their
skills in handling drug dependency cases.
IS THERE REALLY A NEED TO IMPLEMENT
A PROGRAM OF THIS KIND?

• The program shall be implemented

primarily for prevention of drug
dependency and rehabilitation of drug
users and dependents. The entire
populace shall be made aware of the ill
effects of dangerous drugs.
WHO COMPOSE THE SELECTION BOARD?

• The Selection Board shall be the board constituted at the level

of the school composed of the Drug Testing Coordinator as
chairperson, one representative each from the students, faculty
and parents as members. The authorized governing body duly
recognized by their respective constituents shall choose the
representatives from these stakeholders based on a set of
selection criteria formulated for this purpose. In the absence of
a parent’s association, the School Head may appoint any
parent who shall be a member of a selection board.
 WHO SHALL BE THE DRUG TESTING
COORDINATOR?

• The Drug Testing Coordinator shall be the

principal of a secondary school, the
administrator of a technical vocational
education and training institution or the
administrator appointed by the president/chief
executive officer in tertiary institutions.
WHAT ARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE
DRUG TESTING COORDINATOR?

The Drug Testing Coordinator shall:

• Convene the Selection Board within five days from the receipt
of notice from the Supervising Agency stating that the school
is included in the program.
• Ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the random drug
testing for the students, teachers, administrators and personnel
of the school;
• Informed both the student and parent concerned that a
confirmatory test shall be conducted incase the test result is
positive;
• Relay to the parents full information on the process that shall
be undertaken for the confirmatory test;
• Inform both parents and the students of the results of the test;
• Not delegate the task of informing the student and parent to
any other person nor reveal the results of the test to any person
other that the student and parent; and
• Refer the student and his/her parent to government-owned
DOH-accredited facility or DOH-accredited government
physician to determine the student’s level of dependency.
IF FOUND TO BE POSITIVE FOR DRUGS, THE STUDENT MAY BE
A SUBJECT OF DISCRIMINATION AMONG HIS SCHOOLMATES.
HOW WILL TIS CONCERN BE PREVENTED?

• A positive confirmatory drug test result shall not be a ground

for expulsion or any disciplinary action against the student.
But in the event that it is determined that the student is drug
dependent, the school may impose the appropriate sanctions
against the student as provided for in the school’s Student
Handbook of Regulations and the Manual of Regulations for
Private Schools; provided that in the case of public secondary
schools, if the student is later on found to have been
rehabilitated, the student shall be allowed to re-enroll.
 HOW IS THE PROCESS OF
REHABILITATION DONE?

• It includes after-care and follow-up treatment,

directed towards the physical,
emotional/psychological, vocational, social and
spiritual change/enhancement of a drug dependent to
enable him/her to live without dangerous drugs, enjoy
the fullest life compatible with his/her capabilities
and potential and render him/her to become a law-
abiding and productive member of the community.
WHO SELECTS THE DRUG COUNSELOR OF THE
SCHOOL AND WHAT ARE HIS/HER TASKS?

• The Drug Testing Coordinator shall

designate a Drug Counselor, a person
trained in the techniques of guidance
and counseling particularly dealing
with cases of drug dependency.
 IF AFTER THE COUNSELING PERIOD, THE
STUDENT SHOW NO SIGN OF IMPROVEMENT,
WHAT WILL BE THE NEXT STEP?
• If the student fails the drug test the second
time, the DOH-accredited facility or physician
may make a recommendation to the student,
parent and Drug Testing Coordinator to have
the student referred to a DOH-accredited
facility suited to the student’s level of
dependency.
 CAN IT BE DETECTED IF THE STUDENT IS USING DRUGS FOR
MEDICAL TREATMENT PURPOSES AND NOT FOR ILLEGAL USE
OF THE DRUG?

• Prior to testing, the selected students shall be

asked to reveal the prescription medicines,
vitamins, food supplements that they had
ingested within the past five-(5) days. The
Drug Testing Coordinator shall keep the list
and utilizes this in the evaluation of the
confirmatory drug test.
 WHAT IF A STUDENT SELECTED FOR THE DRUG TESTING
REFUSES TO UNDERGO SUCH TEST? WILL HE BE PENALIZED
FOR SUCH AN ACT?

• Students who refuse to undergo random drug testing

shall be dealt with in accordance with rules and
regulations of the schools; provided that at no time
shall refusal to undergo testing give rise to a
presumption of drug use or dependency; provided
further that the school may impose sanctions on such
refusal other than the offense of the drug use or
dependency.
IS THERE A PENALTY IMPOSED ON SCHOOLS THAT REFUSE
TO IMPLEMENT THE DRUG-TESTING PROGRAM?

• Schools that refuse to implement the random drug-

testing program shall be liable under Section 32 of
RA 9165 without prejudice to other administrative
sanctions imposed by the Supervising Agencies. The
Supervising Agency shall report the same to the
Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and
the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB).