The Advent of Shabu

A billboard along the highways carries the text, “If you want to live in a nightmare
for the rest of your life, take shabu.” Just as when great strides have so far been made
en route to ultimate control of drug addiction, a new threat is within our environment,
bringing with it a wave and a string of deception that can easily outwit any unsuspecting
individual. It is quite difficult to trace its origin, but it must have been brought about by
high demand for cheaper, more easily manufactured and readily available drug.

Shabu is now considered the addict’s favorite.

Shabu looks very much like alum or in our local vernacular “Tawas,” that is sold in
abundance along the sidewalks of Quiapo Church. It is crystalline in form and the active
element can be any kind of methamphetamine. It is inhaled using anything tubular in
shape like glass tube in a chemistry laboratory room. Other users dissolve it in liquid
form and take it orally.

Shabu is the latest addition to the family of “designer” drugs among which is LCD
and heroin. While marijuana and cocaine are of plants origins, designer drugs are
purposely formulated to elicit a desire effect or reaction. According to some shabu
users, the drug can give an extraordinary spurt of energy that can last for a number of
days. Many claims that it makes them smarter and in complete control of whatever
tension-building situation they find themselves in. some users claim that shabu can be a
big boost of those who want to lose weight without suffering any side effects at all.
Others recommend shabu for those who want to be always awake for a number of days.
It was found that a user who takes more than enough of it at one time might be able to
stay awake for days. While it may be true that it does work that way, it would
necessarily take a toll on one’s body once the effects wear off. People who have long
wanted to lose weight proudly claim to have shredded 335 to 45 pounds after turning to
shabu. This is directly traceable to the amphetamine content that causes to lose of
appetite and exhaustion due to lack of sleep. Complications will certainly rise, and
sometimes these same users would complain of cardiac and respiratory problems.

The frightening health effects of shabu can wreck havoc in one’s psychological
build-up and lead to serious personality disorders; and going crazy is not fat-fetched.
Shabu dependents tend to be very aggressive, antagonistic, irritable, suspicious, selfish
and paranoid. More often, the worse effect is that they are susceptible to harsh and ill
manners.

Heinous crimes, e.g., rape and bank-robbery, and kidnapping for ransom, is
perceived to be committed by persons who are high in drugs.

While shabu is referred to as a poor man’s drugs, the truth is that a gram of
shabu can cost the users from P1, 200.00 to P1, 800.00. Obviously, even the rich will
sooner or later drain their resources with this demand.

If wisdom is to prevail, it is never hard to think that shabu is only good for the
trash. SAVE YOUR LIFE. . . GET RID OF SHABU!

The Devastating Effects of Drugs

Did you know. . .

 That drugs can damage man’s most precious attributes: personality, mind, spirit?
So many of our young people taking drugs will not develop as they should, but
will become immature, unable to live without economic, social or clinical support.
 That while alcohol; is water soluble and washes out of the body in a matter of
hours, drugs accumulate in fatty sections of the cells and in fatty organs? The
brain is one-third fat.
 That it takes a year of heavy drinking to reach the same point of psychological
impairment that drugs can induce in a matter of months, especially in the case of
very young users?
 That the harmful effects of drugs on human cells include botched division, slowed
growth and abnormal-sized nuclei in cells, disturbed production of protein, and
also damage to the sperm cells and ova, nerve and connective-tissue cells?
 That marijuana, considered not so devastating as other drugs, can have terrible
effects on human cells? A study of a group of healthy young males who smoked
marijuana at least twice a week for four years showed that one third of their
white blood cells contained only 5 to 30 of the normal complement of 46
chromosomes. Chromosomes are the particles in every cell’s nucleus that pass on
genetic instructions to the next generation.
 That recent studies show a relationship between marijuana use and cancer?
 That the most obvious impairments of drugs are in the area of the organic brain
syndrome? These include increased confusion of thinking, hostility toward
 authority, impaired memory, diminished will power, shorter attention span,
inability to deal with complex problems, and the dropout syndrome, which lead
to drop out of sports, dropping out of school, dropping out of the family.
 That drug abuse is more rampant than ever, particularly among the young, with
addicts ranging from age 12 to 17, just when they need to develop and grow
psychologically, so that unless drug habits are arrested, drug abuse will have
long-term physical and psychological health effects on our young people to the
detriment of the future of our nation?

Drug Abuse and Dependency

Some of the causes of drug abuse and dependency to show why persons become drug
abusers are following:

1. Socio-cultural deprivation. The influence of socio-cultural factors includes

rejection, inadequate stimulation and communication and other related
deficiencies in the family. It is observed that a young dependent feels
deprived of some social relationships with other persons to satisfy his needs.
Early deprivation includes lack of maternal and paternal care, inadequate
socializing experiences in as nobility to pursue long term-goals, confused self-
identity, and impaired capacity to offer and received love.
2. Culture as a variable. Cultural pressure often plays an important role in
inducing individuals to use drugs. Ethnic background and orientation, religious
affiliation and social class are variables and major motivating factors for drug
users.
3. Identity crisis. An identified pattern of drug abuse can be attributed to an
individual who has never his real identity. A homosexual resorts to elicit drug
use to cover up his homosexuality.
4. Peer-group association. The peer group greatly influences the individual’s
attitude towards drug use: curiosity, due to misinformation and assurance
from friends, his “barkada” who claimed to have enjoyed the euphoric
“experiences”.
5. Release of inhibition. Normally, a lot of people, especially young ones, resort
to drugs for pleasure and this can be obtained easily to drug use. It removes
some inhibitions that prevent drug, takers from following the type of behavior
 they would like to initiate. The temporary relief of anxieties and inhibitions
will in effect produce psychological dependence on drugs later on.

Authorities in drug abuse and family relations have the common view that
when children can openly talk to their parents about problems they are facing,
they are less likely to turn to drugs. Psychologist found out a much higher
proportion of drug users is common to households where there is marital discord
between husband and wife, death or paternal absence. Broken homes without a
mother and father may be the cause of failure in the socialization process and
social relationship. The growing boys in particular, need to identify with a father.

Family tensions and bickering contribute immensely to the problem of drug

abuse. Parental warmth and affection, or parents who are overly demanding and
cold and indifferent increases the possibility of their children’s usage of drugs.

6. Faulty parental modeling. It has been noted that faulty parental modeling
greatly influenced the children’s outlook in life. A father who is critical and
fault-finder, developed fear in his son and a mother who is frivolous and
pleasure-loving will, in effect, be a ground why the son will be detached.
Gluek (1970), found out that a positive atmosphere in the home is conductive
to effective modeling by the parents exert over their children.
7. Anomic and Alienation. Anomie is Durkhein’s term for the loss of direction
felt in a society when social control of individual behavior has become
ineffective. In social environment characterized by the breakdown of social
norms and regulations, disorganization, deprivation, and undesirable peer
models are primary factors in drug use. In an economic societal condition, a
climate of alienation is evidently felt and hostility and animosity toward the
bigger society gradually appears. Alienation may be psychological or social.

Psychological alienation may be characterized by an intense feeling of

segregation and virtual withdrawal from society’s established values and norms.

On the other hand, social alienation is the estrangement of an individual from the
dominant society. ( Ronquillo, et al., 1989). This condition is usually aggravated
by broken homes, parental rejection and inconsistent and harsh discipline.
Childhood fanatics and dependence are commonly carried to adulthood. These
usually result in sudden awakening which lead to unfulfilled expectations,
 frustrations, disappointment and hatred in the dominant social structure. This is a
great desire to achieve the desired goal, but the individual feels incapable and
hopeless, resulting in frustration and anti-social behavior. A counterculture
among the young may gradually develop, where the mode of dressing, linguistic
variations, hair styles and patterns of drug use all become part of social
belonging.

Some of the personality traits of a drug addict:

An addict has distinguishing personality traits:

1. He has low frustration tolerance. He cannot stand problems-personal, family,

school or job, and immediately craves for qualification or relief.
2. He loves pleasure. He is easily discouraged and turns his back to anything he
considers difficult.
3. He is always dependent. The evident dependency is often displaced by drugs.
4. He lacks trust and confidence and refuses to communicate with his family but
communicate with his peers who have similar problems.
5. He always blames everybody around him for his inability to face difficulties and
refuses to accept himself.
6. He is loyal to his “barkada” where he feels accepted and feels most at home.

Common Signs of Drug Abuse

Drug abuse entails both psychological reaction to chemical substances consumed

or to produce pleasurable effects or to avoid pain or discomfort. Drug abuse is not
widespread in comparison with alcoholism or crimes against persons and property.

There are several manifestations of how we may able to identify individuals who
became victims of this social menace and these are:

1. Changes in behavioral patterns. Persons who before are cooperative, kind,

and courteous become assertive and defiant.
2. Changes in appearance. Persons who are neat, tidy, and well-groomed
become careless or unconcerned with the importance of grooming, and
consequently, they dress sloppily. Whereas, before they were healthy-looking,
they are now thin haggard and look pale.
 In some instances, they wear dark glasses to conceal their glassy-eyed and
sleepy dexpression.

3. Changes in mood. While the drug has the effect, dependents may be euphoric
or exhilarated. In some cases, their uncomfortable laughter goes out of
proportion.

Detrimental Effects of Drugs Abuse

The drug problem is a complex which involves – those who use drugs and those
who do not. Drug abuse and dependence occur at any age; but inferentially, it seems to
occur most frequently during adolescence. In some cases, psychoactive drugs may serve
as useful as tranquilizers. There always remains the danger that, in turning to drugs to
escape from unpleasant reality, tension or anxiety, a person will be entering a false
paradise.

The Dangerous Drug Board confirms that drug abuse leads us to some serious
medical and other problems and these are:

1. Malnutrition. Since it may inferred that the lives of the addicts revolve
around drug use, it is possible that they usually miss their regular meals on
time. Consequently, they often lose appetite and eventually, suffer from
malnutrition. Another manifestation of malnutrition is poor denture and foul
breath. It has been observed that the drug dependent who tried in his own
initiative to withdraw from the syndrome, may suffer from severe
gastrointestinal problems that may cause dehydration.
2. Skin rashes and other infections. Most often, the drug abuser neglects his
personal hygiene, uses unsterilized syringes. Often the result is skin infections
and related skin disease.
3. Chronic asthma and bronchitis. Excessive marijuana smoking can cause lung
diseases, resulting to tuberculosis.
4. Prostitution, stealing and other criminal activities. Drug abusers, in order to
sustain their dependence on drugs, become obsessed.

Other bad effects of drug abuse include:

a. Taking drugs without proper prescription: this can be very risky, and in some
cases, might be fatal.
 b. Insomnia. This is the inability to sleep.
c. Chronic fatigue, oversensitivity and deprivation.
d. Restlessness, uneasiness, apprehension and profuse sweating.
e. Decrease of male hormones.
f. The possibility of brain damage.
g. Impaired reasoning and judgment.
h. Neglect of responsibilities and inability to cope with new demands that may arise
in relation to his job.
i. Weakened body’s immune mechanism.
j. Impaired activity of white blood cells in fighting diseases associated with a greatly
increased risk of cancer.

Some Treatment Approaches

The pernicious drug problem has psychological, social, economic, and legal
implications. The prevention and control of these problems, therefore, is the concern of
all people. Without total involvement and a genuine commitment by the citizens and
service agencies of the government, this problem will not be solved. Some known
treatment approaches are as follows:

1. Detoxification and Replacement Therapy. The treatment of a drug abuser is to

remove the drug and create a safe a psychological situation in which other
procedure could be used.
2. Psychodynamic Approach. Erikson focused his attention on the oral stage of the
psychosexual development of the drug user (Harmaez 1978). Initially, children
must learn a pattern of trust or distrust in their interactions with their mother.
This approach considers that a drug abuser fails to establish clearly a point of
orientation to the crucial stage of psychosexual development. As a result, he is
prone to exaggerate the development of attitude and behavior varying from
gullibility and self-deceit to immense distrust for others. It is important for a
therapist to build a relationship with the client (drug user) based on trust.
Psychodynamic theories stress that drug users must have a strong desire to free
them from depression through drug usage.
3. Behavioral approaches. There are two kinds:
a. The Respondents Approach. Aversion therapy has been used in treating drug
abusers. Sociologist and psychologist view social anxiety of the drugs will
likely be manageable.
b. The Operand Approach. It indicates reinforcement programs. In these
schemes, a patient can accumulate points toward his discharge from the
hospital by meeting several performance goals or when he demonstrates
desirable behavior such as punctuality and cleanliness. Such a patient receives
reinforcements; e.g., television privilege and extra visitation rights.
c. The therapeutic Community Approach. The first therapeutic community for
drug users started in California in 1968 and was called synanon. The Synanon
Community Approach is based on the beliefs that the drug users are
immature; and, therefore, must be encouraged to develop more desirable
behavior patterns. The method of this community challenging group
encounters is re – education and hard work.
d. The Mixed Behavior Approach to drug dependence. This approach considers
the treatment and goals to include “reinforcing thoughts and behaviors
antagonistic to the use of drugs, eliminating positive thoughts and usage for
heroin (Wosocki, 1973). This approach considers treatment by using
psychological techniques to challenge the attitude by strengthening and
reinforcing positive thinking and eliminating thoughts and urges for the
particular drug to which he is addicted. It builds up his self – concept and
encourages more adaptive attitudes towards society.
e. Psycho – social Approach. There are three factors involved in dealing with the
problem of drug abuse; e.g., drug, people and the social context in which
people use drugs. This approach recognizes that people are involved and that
the social context in which the drug related behavior occurs are important.
While drugs are also emphasized, they are only for historical reasons. This
approach subscribe to the notion that no drug will cause a problem unless the
people use it. The importance of this approach is towards people’s behavior.
Motivations, orientations, learning, development and the social context in
which the drug – related behavior occurs is important.
DRUG CONTROL AND PREVENTION

Drug abuse being the maladaptive response to personal problems should be the
concern of adults, especially parents. There are various suggestions that parents may
adopt to prevent drug abuse and these are: (1) creating a warm, personal and
harmonious relationship in the home; (2) developing the lines of effective
communication by being honest about things that matters between them and their
children; (3) understanding and accepting their children for what they are and not for
what they want them to be; (4) developing and maintaining mutual respect and trust by
showing faith and confidence in their children’s interest and abilities.

A law carries a mandatory prison term and punishment for drug offenders. The
Dangerous Drug Board, the national policy – making and coordinating agency on
matters about drug abuse prevention and control, has vigorously maximized
interagency cooperation and participation. This is done through dissemination of
information about the ill effects of drugs by way of radio and television advertisements
and programs. Community involvement through the barangay levels includes
educational approach, mental health clinic and spiritual counseling.

REHABILITATION PROGRAMS

There are various efforts that are being made by the government to provide
compulsory treatment and rehabilitation of drug dependents. The voluntary submission
of a drug dependent to confine for treatment and rehabilitation by the drug dependent
himself or through his parent or guardian will not make hi criminally liable. The
exceptions is also extended to a minor who may be committed for treatment and
rehabilitation upon a sworn petition of his parent or guardian or the Department of
Social Services and Development, filed with the Regional Trial Court where the minors
resides.

Today, there are major residential centers and out – patient centers in the
Philippines. The National Treatment program requires these centers to utilize the team
approach for effective management of drug dependents:

1. DARN (Drug Abuse Rehabilitation Network). The rehabilitation center is

under the management by the CANU (Philippine Constabulary Anti – narcotics
Unit). The activities of this institution include gardening and fowl rising. Male
and female drug dependents are admitted in this center.
2. NBI – TRAC (National Bureau of Investigation Treatment and Rehabilitation
Center). This is the only government center responsible for treating and
rehabilitating drug dependents. Admission is voluntary or referral by court. In
this center, only male drug dependents are admitted. They must be within 13
to 40 years old. The activities include household chores, gardening and
painting. Group psychiatric and monthly therapy sessions are the activities of
the institution.
3. DARE (Drug Abuse Research Foundation). The primary objectives of this
center are to help drug dependents lead free – drug lives and to help them
the negative traits, to act in a responsible way so that they can go back to the
main stream of society and become healthy and productive individuals. At
present, this center has six homes. It does not employ trained professionals;
instead, it utilizes former dependents. This institution is run and managed by
the residents themselves whose status and function are clearly defined.
4. NFL (Narcotics foundation of the Philippines). This is a private rehabilitation
center where admission of drug dependent cases is voluntary and preferably
for those without court cases. Only male drug users were admitted. The main
activities as part of their rehabilitation program include shell craft making,
ceramics, and curving religious articles like statues of saints and rosaries. The
residents have therapeutic sessions with the social worker or with the
psychiatrist twice a week. Residents are allowed to visit their families once a
week.
5. Bukang Liwayway Center. This institution is in Olongapo City and is managed
by a catholic priest, assisted by trained staff members. The PREDA (Prevent
Drug Abusers) rehabilitation center the primal therapy is to achieve a natural,
tensionless and anxiety – Free State by asking the client to concentrate on his
childhood experiences so that he can verbalize or scream to release his
unpleasant and injured feelings in the past.

There are often related rehabilitation centers for drug abuse cases
that offer out – patient services like the Shalom House in Baguio City
which provides its facilities for drug offenders involved in drugs. This
outreach center has a motto: “Build Bridge of Communication to Help Stop
Drug Abuse.” The Malaya Center is an after – care center which admits
drug dependents who are from 13 to 35 years of age. After being
recommended by experts for rehabilitation, they are released, but follow –
up in their home, school or work, environment as the case maybe, are
strictly observed. This center also provides employment placement where
a client is given a recommendation for training to enhance his knowledge
and skills on a particular job.

To alleviate the menacing problem of drugs, a number of

rehabilitation centers, both government and non – government agencies,
are joining their collective effort in the treatment of this social problem.
Realizing that drug abuse is not just a passing syndrome among
adolescents and adults, the government is vigorously adopting a
preventive approach to drug abuse education and the causative
contributory factors are targets.

From the social and psychological reasons that drive a young person
to drugs, to the greed of businessmen who would make money, anyway
they can, to the corruption of law enforcement agents, who would
tolerate this greed for a bribe, or worse who engage themselves in the
illegal traffic of dangerous drugs, there are many factors and seeming
solutions, none of which will work unless tacked all together with
determined and collective efforts by all concerned.

The difficult and long war has yet to be waged, if we are to

safeguard our youth, on whom we will depend the future of the next
generation.
 STUDY GUIDE

A. Terms/concepts to understand

Drug hallucination
Drug addict euphoria
Alcohol barbiturates
Hang – over cocaine
Psychosis marijuana

B. Questions to answer

1. Why is drug addiction a serious problem?

2. What are the causes of drug abuse? What solutions can you offer?
3. What should parents do if they discover that their son is taking drugs?
4. Identify the drugs and substance that are commonly abused.
5. What are the causes of alcoholism?
6. Why do some people turn to drugs?
7. Enumerate the ill effects of drug abuse.
8. Identify some devastating effects of shabu.
9. Is there truth in the perception that heinous crimes are committed by persons
who are high on drugs? Explain your answer.
10. What are the essential services that are available in the treatment and
rehabilitation programs of drug abuse?