Drug Abuse and Prevention: A Reflective Essay on Prevention Methods

This essay reflects on the critical issue of drug abuse and its prevention, particularly within the context of the Philippines and the global community. It highlights the adverse health effects, encompassing physical, mental, behavioral, and psychological aspects, associated with drug use, including alcohol, marijuana, tobacco, and other chemicals. The essay underscores the importance of responsible citizenship and identifies drug abuse as a significant social problem. The author advocates for prevention methods such as early education and awareness programs initiated by parents and schools, coupled with rehabilitation and support systems for those already affected. The essay concludes by emphasizing the effectiveness of sensitivity and support over legal action in addressing drug abuse.

Running Head: DRUG ABUSE AND PREVENTION
DRUG ABUSE AND PREVENTION
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1DRUG ABUSE AND PREVENTION
Slogan
The first Slogan for prevention of Drugs:
1. Make LIFE your only DRUG.
2. COCAINE kills, HOPE heals.
Reflective Essay
Drug Abuse is an emerging issue in the world and is also a significant issue in
Philippines. Drugs including alcohol, marijuana, tobacco and other chemicals cause adverse
health effects in the individuals who resort to them (El-Bassel, Shaw, Dasgupta & Strathdee,
2014). Usage of drugs displays a person’s lack of responsibility not only towards his or her
own self, their and dear ones but also the society. As a responsible citizen of Philippines I can
identify the issue of Drug Abuse and its ill effect on the global community. Such detriments
not only pertain to the physical health but also the mental, behavioral and psychological
aspects of the drug abusers (Krasikova, Lester & Harms, 2015). Therefore, prevention of
such a social evil is necessary through the provision of motivation and encouragement so that
these individuals can return to a healthy and happy lifestyle. According to me, the various
methods of prevention of drug abuse may include the training and awareness of children by
their parents from a very young age (Kuntsche & Kuntsche, 2016). This can be ensured by
proper communication with the child as well as awareness programs and guidance from the
schools in Philippines (Medeiros et al., 2016). Moreover, those individuals who have already
fallen in the trap of regular usage of drugs can be guided out of it through rehabilitation and
constant support from various non-profit organizations as well as their family members and
friends. Therefore, I can say that prevention of drug abuse is more effective through
sensitivity rather than legal action.

2DRUG ABUSE AND PREVENTION
References
El-Bassel, N., Shaw, S. A., Dasgupta, A., & Strathdee, S. A. (2014). Drug use as a driver of
HIV risks: re-emerging and emerging issues. Current Opinion in HIV and AIDS, 9(2),
150.
Krasikova, D. V., Lester, P. B., & Harms, P. D. (2015). Effects of psychological capital on
mental health and substance abuse. Journal of Leadership & Organizational Studies,
22(3), 280-291.
Kuntsche, S., & Kuntsche, E. (2016). Parent-based interventions for preventing or reducing
adolescent substance use—A systematic literature review. Clinical Psychology
Review, 45, 89-101.
Medeiros, P. F., Cruz, J. I., Schneider, D. R., Sanudo, A., & Sanchez, Z. M. (2016). Process
evaluation of the implementation of the Unplugged Program for drug use prevention
in Brazilian schools. Substance abuse treatment, prevention, and policy, 11(1), 2.